From the north east of the Dolomites (Unesco Heritage) the bike path takes you through the Pustertal Valley to Brunico and then on to the bishop’s town of Bressanone. From here you cycle to the capital town of South Tyrol, Bolzano, to visit the oldest Tyrolean, the Ice Man. After a short visit to the spa town of Merano with its Mediterranean flair you cycle along the side of the River Etsch through orchards and fields to Lake Garda, the most popular lake in Italy.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Brixen
Individual arrival at the hotel in Brixen.
Day 2: Brixen – Toblach – Brixen (approx. 65 km)
In the morning transfer to Dobbiaco where you will receive your bikes (if rented). Then begins the first stage on two wheels which will take you along the Val Pusteria cycle path following the Rienza river: starting from the heart of the Dolomites, Dobbiaco, you will cross the Valle di Braies valley which extends southwards to reach Brunico. Continue on the cycle path along the river through the ruins of the Rio di Pusteria lock, the border between the Pusteria Valley and the Isarco Valley; not far from Bressanone you can visit the Novacella monastery complex. In Brixen/Bressanone, don’t miss a visit to the old town centre with its arcades with typical merlons and the cathedral square.
Day 3: Bressanone – Bolzano (approx. 40 km)
The Isarco Valley cycle path will take you to Bolzano today. Leaving the episcopal city of Bressanone, you will cycle through the famous vineyards that produce an excellent white wine. You will soon reach the picturesque town of Chiusa, whose hidden alleys invite you to take a break. At the end of the stage you will be greeted by Bolzano, which offers many ways to end the day: a walk under the famous arcades or along the river, a visit to the archaeological museum to see the mummy of the man who came from the ice, “Ötzi”, or simply a good cappuccino in Piazza Walther.
Day 4: Bolzano – Merano – Bolzano (train + approx. 45 km)
In the morning you will take the train from Bolzano to Merano, the spa town also known as “little Vienna”. It is an elegant and lively city. Take a stroll through this Mediterranean-style town or through the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, the Merano residence of Empress Sissi, before cycling along the wine route to Bolzano where you can spend the rest of the afternoon.
Day 5: Bolzano – Trento (approx. 65 km)
Leaving Bolzano you can choose between two alternatives to reach Salorno: one takes you along the old railway line to Oltradige-Bassa Atesina, continuing to Caldaro and on to Salorno; the other along the cycle path through the Adige Valley. At the Chiusa di Salorno you leave South Tyrol and start cycling towards Trento through the lush wine-growing area of Trentino.
Day 6: Trento – Riva del Garda/Torbole (approx. 50 km)
After passing the old border town of Rovereto you will say goodbye this morning to the Adige Valley, crossing Passo S. Giovanni (287 m) to reach the largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda, where you will feel as if you were suspended between land and sea!
Day 7: Riva del Garda/Torbole, departure
Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay.
