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:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
Easy cycling on quiet roads and paved paths from the heart of the Austrian Alps through pretty villages and spectacular landscapes. The Innsbruck to Venice Bike Tour leads past one of Italy's largest lakes, Lake Garda. This is a low-traffic route with approximately 80% on traffic-free bike paths.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Introductions and Innsbruck.
- 2: Innsbruck to Bressanone ~55km.
- 3: Bressanone to Bolzano ~45km.
- 4: Merano Loop Ride ~68km.
- 5: Bolzano to Trento ~65km.
- 6: Trento to Riva del Garda ~49km.
- 7: Riva del Garda to Sirmione by ferry and ride to Verona ~50km.
- 8: Farewells and transfer to Venice.
(Click image to enlarge)
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.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Introductions and Innsbruck.
Meet this afternoon at your hotel in Innsbruck. From here, you have a short walk to the funicular and cable cars which whisk you into the Nordkette Range. From the summits of Seegrube (1905m) and Hafelekar (2334m) you will enjoy gorgeous 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 centre in time for dinner.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner.
Hotel Innsbruck, or Hotel Weisse Kreuz, Innsbruck.DAY 2:
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.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Elephant, or Hotel Goldener Adler, Bressanone.DAY 3:
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.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Stadt Hotel Cittá, or Hotel Post Gries, Bolzano.DAY 4:
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.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Same lodging.DAY 5:
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.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Grand Hotel Trento, or NH Trento, Trento.DAY 6:
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.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel Luise, or Parc Hotel Flora, Riva del Garda.DAY 7:
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.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Firenze, Verona.DAY 8:
Farewells and transfer to Venice.
Enjoy a final breakfast with the group before loading up for the 90-minute drive to Venice.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2026 DATES:
2027 DATES:
Don't see what you want?
(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
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, hybrid bicycle rental, 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, hybrid bicycle rental, 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: Add C 1395
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
Change to E-bike: C 300
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 departure, this usually involves a surcharge depending on the details. Those who prefer to travel self-guided typically need only two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and we can sometimes offer reduced rates for larger groups. Please get in touch for more information.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy this tour is May to November.
- Spring, April and May, averages high temperatures range from 10 to 19 °C (50 to 63 °F).
- Summer, June to August, can be quite hot, typically peaking around 25 °C (77 °F) but sometimes reaching over 30 °C (86 °F). Beaches and towns can be quite crowded during tourist season.
- Autumn is the driest time, and still quite mild, with temperatures similar to spring.
GET TO THE START
Fly into Innsbruck International Airport (INN), about 4km from the city centre. From there, shuttles and buses depart every 15 minutes.
Regular trains to Innsbruck depart from nearby Salzburg and Vienna, as well as nearby Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.
AFTER THE FINISH
On the morning of day eight you will be transferred to Venice Mestre, with many flight and train options.
BEFORE AND AFTER
If you have one day:
An extra day in Innsbruck before your tour or in Venice afterward. Both cities have their share of beauty and historical sites. Visit Innsbruck’s Golden Roof, its characteristic landmark, or spend a leisurely afternoon strolling Maria-Theresien-Strasse. Venice warrants an exploration of its canals; take a vaporetto to the intensely colourful island of Burano.
If you have several days:
Spend a week before or after you tour exploring other parts of Italy and Western Europe with a Freewheeling Adventure.
We recommend staying at your hotel in Innsbruck if you arrive before your tour begins; please let us know and we will coordinate the reservation for you. In Venice, past participants have enjoyed the following accommodations:
MORE READING
Innsbruck To Venice Bike Tour
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.