Cycling Italy’s Alpine Valleys

Highlights: Medieval Glorenza, bike fitting, welcome dinner

Meet at 10 a.m. in Bolzano (Bozen in German) for our transfer to Glorenza where the cycling portion of our journey will begin. We highly recommend arriving a few days early in Bolzano to visit the archaeological museum and see its most famous resident, Otzi, a man from the Copper Age who was perfectly preserved in ice until his discovery in the early 90’s. In a few days we’ll pedal under the peaks where he was found, so take time to visit him and learn more about the area. This afternoon, we’ll fit our bikes and enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

Highlights: Lake and glacier views, bell tower in the lake, Burgusio castle, Castel Coira

This morning we’ll shuttle to the picturesque Alpine Lake Resia. We’ll bicycle around the gorgeous lake that hides the village of Curon beneath its waters. The only remnant of the village is its bell tower which rises from the midst of the lake. It’s an exciting descent from here and you’ll have a chance to visit the Burgusio Castle before returning to Glorenza. This afternoon, we’ll visit one of the best preserved castles in the entire region. Anybody with free time or an interest in whisky can visit Italy’s only distillery located just outside Glorenza’s city walls!

Highlights: Bike paths along the Adige river, the gardens of Traumannsdorf Castle, home of Forst beer

We’ll enjoy a quiet ride through apple orchards on the bike path to the small town of Lasa. Despite its small size, Lasa’s marble craftsmanship can be found worldwide. Interestingly enough Lasa’s first large order was 86,000 crosses and Star of David in the 1950’s for U.S. military cemeteries around the world. From there we’ll pedal along a pleasant bike path to Merano where you can explore its trendy streets and cafes, take one of the two well-signed walks around town, or enjoy Italy’s most famous gardens at Trautmannsdorf Castle. Rivaling Cortina d’Ampezzo as a destination for jet-setting European visitors to the Italian Alps, Merano has long been a mountain resort for heads of the Austrian Empire, European princes and princesses and modern day celebrities.

Highlights: Langrein vineyards, apple orchards, old city of Bolzano/Bozen, special dinner

We’ll leave the Venosta Valley today and head back to the large town of Bolzano – or Bozen in German. Pedal through vineyards and apple orchards as the valley widens and then narrows as you approach the city under the shadow of the Firmiano Castle. The castle is now a museum founded by one of the world’s most famous mountaineers from this region, Reinhold Messner. Enter the city along tranquil bike paths and enjoy our centrally located hotel. This evening, a special gondola ride above town brings us to a local farm where we’ll enjoy views on the Dolomite mountains and hearty homemade dishes.

Highlights: Guided walk of Trento, train ride, Borgo Valsugana, hotel spa

This morning we’ll leave Bolzano by train and head to Trento, capital of the Italy’s autonomous region of Trentino Alto Adige/ Südtirol. This compact colorful city center was the seat of the Council of Trent in the 16th century, where the Catholic Church held one of its most important councils for over 20 years to determine how to handle the Protestant Reformation. Enjoy a special visit of the city and castle before we take a short train ride to our next valley and the small town of Borgo Valsugana, a quaint village nestled between the striking cliffs of the Alps’ foothills. You’ll have time this afternoon to enjoy the hotel’s spa.

Highlights: Arte Sella

Take a leisurely spin upstream along a gentle bike path that meanders through orchards, and skirts small villages. A highlight along the way is Lake Caldonazzo where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. A special evening event in the mountains awaits!

Highlights: WWI fort, wooden bridge of Bassano, tasting visit grappa museum

Continue your journey along the Valsugana bike path enjoying stunning views, and WWI forts that overlook the valley. The route follows “Via Claudia Augusta,” an ancient Roman road which ran 550 km and crossed the Alps to link the Po valley (which is just south of us) and Germany (to the north of us). You’ll slowly emerge from the narrow valley to reach the town of Bassano, with its iconic wooden bridge across the river. Bassano is a key producer of grappa and there are several distilleries in town. We will enjoy a visit to one of them before dinner together.

Highlights: Continue exploring Italy

We hope you’ve enjoyed your bike tour through some of Italy’s most beautiful alpine valleys. Venice is nearby as is Milan or Bologna. Wherever your onward travels take you – buon viaggio!