Adige River Cycling Break

A short cycling break along the very scenic Venosta valley on an idyllic alpine cycle path beside the Adige river. Relaxed and easy leisure cycling at its best. Great scenery, pretty alpine villages and no traffic..

This 4 night cycling break leads you from the small village of Resia, at the head of the enchanting Venosta valley, through stunning alpine scenery, down to the medieval town of Bolzano. Along the way you will pass crystal clear mountain lakes, fairy-tale alpine villages, fruit orchards, pine forests and vineyards.

Bolzano

You'll actually be following a section of the famous Via Claudia Augusta, a trans-alpine path established by the Romans in 46 AD. The daily sections shouldn't take more than around 2 - 3 hours of continuous cycling at a leisurely pace so there is plenty pf time to stop and explore the pretty little villages you'll pass along the way.

The going is very easy and you'll be on a beautiful alpine cycle path the whole way. As such, this is an excellent choice for people who are new to cycling holidays and/or families with young children. You’ll stay in comfortable hotels in charming alpine towns and villages along the route.

Adige River Cycling Break

A short cycling break along the very scenic Venosta valley on an idyllic alpine cycle path beside the Adige river. Relaxed and easy leisure cycling at its best. Great scenery, pretty alpine villages and no traffic..

This 4 night cycling break leads you from the small village of Resia, at the head of the enchanting Venosta valley, through stunning alpine scenery, down to the medieval town of Bolzano. Along the way you will pass crystal clear mountain lakes, fairy-tale alpine villages, fruit orchards, pine forests and vineyards.

Bolzano

You'll actually be following a section of the famous Via Claudia Augusta, a trans-alpine path established by the Romans in 46 AD. The daily sections shouldn't take more than around 2 - 3 hours of continuous cycling at a leisurely pace so there is plenty pf time to stop and explore the pretty little villages you'll pass along the way.

The going is very easy and you'll be on a beautiful alpine cycle path the whole way. As such, this is an excellent choice for people who are new to cycling holidays and/or families with young children. You’ll stay in comfortable hotels in charming alpine towns and villages along the route.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive Bolzano

Make your way to medieval alpine town of Bolzano and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You could take a cable car up to the upper alpine for a scenic walk in the summer meadows or you could just enjoy a stroll through the winding streets and ancient arcades of the charming old town. We also recommend a visit to a local museum to see “Ötzi“, a 5300 year old caveman who’s well preserved remains were discovered in a nearby glacier in 1998.

Day 2 : Transfer to Resia - Resia – Silandro
31 miles/50 kms

After breakfast you will be picked up and transferred up the Venosta valley to the small town of Resia at the top of the pass. Here you mount up and begin your cycling adventure. The cycle path is well marked and you will also have good maps so just relax and enjoy the stunning alpine scenery as you wend your way gently downhill. You’ll pass mountain lakes, cool pine forests and charming fairytale villages. The babbling Adige river will be your guide and constant companion throughout the ride. Stop for a coffee or a bite to eat in one of the pretty alpine villages such as Burgusio, Malles or Glorenza, there’s no rush and the kilometers drift by seemingly without effort. You’ll stop for the night in the pleasant little village of Silandro perched on the edge of the valley. If you still have some energy there are some lovely walks on the hillside behind the village.

Day 3 : Silandro – Merano
25 miles/40 kms

After breakfast you continue following the bike path beside the Adige river as it descends along the Venosta valley. Today you will be cycling through huge orchards of apple trees which grow very successfully in this fertile region, you may also see apricots and strawberries too. The valley begins to widen here and the high peaks on either side are breathtaking. The cycle path leads you through a succession of small alpine villages all of which offer good places to stop for refreshment. Your destination today is the bustling town of Merano, another medieval alpine town with a beautiful arcaded old town to explore.

Day 4 : Merano – Bolzano
22 miles/35 kms

Your final ride completes the journey back to Bolzano with an easy ride beside the now-growing Adige river. The fruit orchards still hold sway and old castle ruins stand guard on bluffs overlooking the valley. The route you are cycling on was once part of the via Claudia Augusta, a pack-animal trail built by the Romans in 15BC to facilitate trade between regions north and south of the Alps. Before you know it you are cycling back into the centre of Bolzano where you will return the bikes and spend the last night of your holiday. Surely a hearty alpine meal in one of the town’s many fine restaurants is in order to celebrate completing your cycling adventure.

Day 5 : Bolzano - end of trip

After breakfast it’s time to head for home or your next adventure.

Bikes

The regular bikes provided are comfortable, modern alloy framed models with 27 speeds and gel saddles. These bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump.

Electric bikes are available as are child bikes, child trailers and child seats.

The smallest child bike frames are suitable for children between 120 and 135cm.

Child trailers are suitable for infants up to 4 years of age (max weight 35kg) and are available to rent.

Child seats are free of charge and can accommodate children, aged 1 to 5, maximum weight 22 kg. Please request yours at the time of booking.

We suggest you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons. Alternatively, helmets are available for rent at the time of booking.

Accommodation

Below you will find examples of the accommodations typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.

Superior: Good quality hotels and guesthouses.

Bolzano: Hotel Chrys

Silandro: Pension Schweitzer

Merano: Hotel Gruberhof

Bolzano: Hotel Chrys

Local taxes

Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night

Getting there

Fly to Verona or Venice airport and then take the train to Bolzano. From Verona the train takes approximately 2 hours and from Venice approximately 3 hours. Fly back from Verona (Venice is also possible).

Research flights from the UK here.

Research trains in Italy here.

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