Italy: Innsbruck to Venice Bike Tour
Seven nights; six days of easy riding from the Austrian Alps to the Adriatic coast, cycling on paved paths and quiet country roads. Visit historical passes, villages and monasteries.
“Your office was always available and able to answer any questions that we had” – Joanne F. and Carl O.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- The summits of Seegrube (1905m) and Hafelekar (2334m).
- Visit the historical town of Fortezza.
- Boat ride the length of Lake Garda.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions & Innsbruck
- DAY 2: ~55 km
- DAY 3: ~45 km
- DAY 4: ~68 km
- DAY 5: ~65 km
- DAY 6: ~49 km
- DAY 7: ~50 km
- DAY 8: Farewells
Italy: Innsbruck to Venice Bike – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Elevation Profile
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Innsbruck, your hotel, 16:00, day one.
Finish: Venice Mestre, 11:00, day eight.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions and Innsbruck
Start at your hotel in Innsbruck at 15:00. On guided tours, you will walk a short distance to the funicular and cable cars that whisk you into the Nordkette range. From the summits of Seegrube (1905m) and Hafelekar (2334m) you will enjoy stunning panoramas overlooking the city to the south (where you’ll be heading tomorrow) and the majestic Karwendel to the north. Return by cable car to the city center in time for dinner. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Hotel Innsbruck, or Hotel Weisse Kreuz, Innsbruck
Innsbruck to Bressanone ~55km
Begin with a transfer to the top of the Brenner Pass, where you will be fitted to your rental bikes. From here you will be making your way mostly downhill towards Lake Garda. You will pass through picturesque villages and farmscapes and visit the historical town of Fortezza, called Franzensfeste by German speakers who make up almost 60% of the population. The massive 19th Century fortress has only recently been opened to the public. At the end of your ride you will settle in to your hotel in the stunning town of Bressanone, known as Brixen to German and English speakers. BLD
Hotel Elephant, or Hotel Goldener Adler, Bressanone
Bressanone to Bolzano ~45km
Your ride today continues to follow the deep lush Isarco River valley, stopping to visit the 15th century Sabiona Monastery perched 200m above the village of Chiusa (Klausen in German). This Benedictine monastery is credited with being the hub from which Christianity spread throughout Tyrol. Your destination tonight is Bolzano in the heart of the Italian Dolomites at the confluence of the Isarco and Talvera rivers. You’ll have this evening to explore Bolzano on your own, savoring the city’s simple yet rustic alpine inspired cuisine. BLD
Stadt Hotel Cittá, or Hotel Post Gries, Bolzano
Merano Loop Ride ~68km
Head north along the pista ciclabile through Terlano, Vilpiano and Gargazzone to Merano, home to a vast expanisve of botanical gardens, and a spectacular riverfront promenade. Cool off at 2000m elevation by gondola (or bike, if you choose), before heading back to Bolzano along a winding secondary road through a sea of vineyards. BL
Same lodging
Bolzano to Trento ~65km
Shortly after leaving Bolzano you’ll come along side the larger Adige River. Ride your bike past several beautiful villages today including Ora, Egna, and Salorno. This is the heart of the Trentino Alto Adige wine region, one of Italy’s best wine districts. Finish your ride early this afternoon in Trento, home to Italy’s highest ranked university and the beautiful Buonconsiglio Castle. An early arrival will allow time to explore the sights of the city. You might also opt to ride the cable car to the village of Sardagna where there are pleasant paths to explore. BLD
Grand Hotel Trento, or NH Trento, Trento
Trento to Riva del Garda ~49km
Your ride today delivers huge vistas. You will take the gentle climb to Passo San Giovanni before the road unwinds as a long, joyous descent into the steep canyon-walled Lago di Garda. Meander through the cobble streets and the lush park waterfront of Riva, or go for an extra afternoon ride up to Arco, famous for its rock-climbers. BL
Hotel Luise, or Parc Hotel Flora, Riva del Garda
Riva del Garda to Sirmione by ferry and ride to Verona ~50km
Journey to the foot of the lake by ferryboat, a 3-hour tour. Marvel at the fortified port, a castle in the water in Sirmione. After a wander through town, jump aboard your bike again and make tracks along the bike path through Peschiera, then once again along the Adige River (and its canal partner) for Verona, the medieval city whence Romeo and Juliet fell in love. BLD
Hotel Firenze, Verona
Farewells and transfer to Venice
Enjoy a final breakfast with the group before loading up for the 90-minute drive to Venice. B
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- Apr 29-May 6
- Sep 30-Oct 7
2024 Guided:
- Apr 27-May 4
- Sep 28-Oct 5
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 5695 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, guide and vehicle support, ferry, maps and route instructions, luggage handling, taxes
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 5155 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, maps and route instructions, welcome briefing, inn to inn luggage transfers, essential transfers, taxes
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 1395
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
Upgrade to Road: 150
Upgrade to Electric: 250
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
Leave the snow capped Alps behind as you cycle towards the Italian Po plains, and the Renaissance jewel of Venice on the Adriatic. Lush green valleys, forests, vineyards and orchards will make the backdrop for your adventure, and a boat ride the length of Lake Garda is a highlight. You will start with an exhilarating descent from the top of the Brenner Pass into the Isarco River valley. You will follow the Isarco to its confluence with the Adige on riverside roads and paths through picturesque villages, near ancient forts, and beween hillsides covered in vineyards and orchards. A relaxing boat ride will carry you the whole length of the famous Lago di Garda. A final transfer will take you to Venice, known affectionately as the Queen of the Adriatic. During the evenings, you will savor the region’s finest wines and cuisines, considered even by Italians to be the best the country has to offer, and you will rest in well appointed villas and inns. This is an easy ride through beautiful country that will appeal to active travelers who enjoy a relaxing pace, the comforts of hearty food, delicious wine, and comfortable rest.
