Brenner Pass to Venice
Austria, Italy Bike Tours
Bike the Adige Cycle Path from the Alps to the Adriatic
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length10 days
- Prices from€1345 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This bike tour in Austria and Italy begins at the Brenner Pass, a mountain gorge through the Alps which forms the border between the two countries. This was once the main entrance from the north and, since Roman times, the principal road between the Eastern Alps in Germany and the Po River Valley of Italy.
Your route features ancient villages, fortresses, and the green meadows of South Tyrol. Riding along the Adige River you cycle through the Veneto region, with a stop at the palm-lined shores of Lake Garda and then Verona, the town of Romeo & Juliet, with its impressive Roman arena.
Further on you’ll discover Vicenza, renowned for the classical Palladio architecture, and Padua, home to one of the oldest Italian (and European) universities. Finally, the timeless fascination of Venice will invite you to explore by foot and by water along its canals and small “calli”.
Highlights
- Italy, need we say more?
- Adige Cycle Path
- Lake atmosphere
- City center of Vicenza
- Padua and its Prato Della Valle
- Venice!
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Itinerary
Day 1: Bolzano
Day 2: Brenner Pass – Bressanone, (85 km by transfer) plus, 34 mi. (55 km by bike)
Day 3: Bressanone – Bolzano, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Bolzano – Trento, 41/44 mi. (65/70 km)
Day 5: Trento – Desenzano/Peschiera, 31 mi. (50 km) + ferry
Day 6: Desenzano/Peschiera – Verona, 22/37 mi. (35/60 km)
Day 7: Verona – Vicenza, 22/44 mi. (35/70 km)
Day 8: Vicenza – Padua thermal district, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 9: Padua thermal district – Mestre/Venice, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 10: Mestre or Venice
Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Along the way, you may find temporary deviations (for example road work) which cannot be foreseen and will not be indicated on your route description or GPS tracks. Please follow the directions posted locally.Day 1: Bolzano
Welcome to Bolzano, a famous commercial and tourist center, and also a historical and cultural connection between the Italian and the German world. The historical center of Bolzano boasts an enchanting beauty. If you have time, explore this unique city.Day 2: Brenner Pass – Bressanone, (85 km by transfer) plus, 34 mi. (55 km by bike)
After a private transfer to Brennero, you start biking into the green Isarco valley. Your cycling day continues without difficulties through villages and lush green meadows to the 19th-century Fortezza fortress, one of the most striking fortresses of the Alpine area, comprising a giant labyrinth of rooms, corridors, and stairways. Before reaching your final destination of Bressanone, you will pass by Lake Varna, surrounded by woods and mountains. You may want to stop for a swim. Bressanone is an ancient city, the oldest in Tyrol.Elevation gain: 130 m
Day 3: Bressanone – Bolzano, 28 mi. (45 km)
Your route follows the same cycle path along the ancient Roman passage and passes by the huge Sabiona medieval monastery, built on a rocky hill overlooking the Isarco valley. Even though the large parts of the monastery are not accessible to tourists due to Benedictine rules (nuns are not allowed to interact with guests), visitors can still trek to see the historic churches of the monastery including the Church of the Holy Cross, whose founding was more than 1,400 years ago. Tonight you will overnight in Bolzano.Elevation gain: 30 m
Day 4: Bolzano – Trento, 41/44 mi. (65/70 km)
You cycle along the Adige River, through orchards and vineyards passing through Ora, Egna, and Salorno, the linguistic border between the German and Italian worlds, and finally arriving at Trento. It is possible to shorten the stage by taking the train several times during the itinerary.Elevation gain: 30/250 m
Day 5: Trento – Desenzano/Peschiera, 31 mi. (50 km) + ferry
As you continue following the Adige River Path, you reach Rovereto, known for its museum of modern and contemporary art. From here, the route turns westwards towards Lake Garda. After a short ascent, a refreshing descent will lead you to Torbole and to Riva. Here a ferry cruise takes you to the southern part of the lake.In case of strike, bad weather conditions, technical breakdowns, safety issues, or others, the regular departure of the ferry boat (from Riva del Garda to Peschiera/Desenzano) may be impacted. The ferry boat company can delay, cancel, or deviate the navigation without notice. In case of cancellation, the ferry boat service will be replaced by alternative means of transportation (usually by bus). The same applies if the ferry boat service is no longer available (for example at the end of the season).
Elevation gain: 140 m
Day 6: Desenzano/Peschiera – Verona, 22/37mi. (35/60 km)
Today you head to Verona, cycling along the Adige. Verona is one of the most important and beautiful cities in the Veneto region. Worth visiting are the Roman Arena, the Church of San Zeno, and Juliet’s House.Elevation gain: 140/260 m
Day 7: Verona – Vicenza, 22/44 mi. (35/70 km)
At first, the route starts out flat and then heads through the Monti Berici, a hilly region just south of Vicenza. The old city center of the city is characterized by the beautiful private palaces and public buildings of Andrea Palladio, the famous 16th-century architect known all over the world. If you feel the distance is too great, you can shorten the itinerary from several railway stations.Elevation gain: 230/440 m
Day 8: Vicenza – Padua thermal district (50 km)
Cycling out of Vicenza along the path of the river Bacchiglione, you will come across the beautiful Palladian Villa Rotonda and the frescoes of Tiepolo at Villa Valmarana (entrance included). Passing the hamlet of Montegalda, you will continue to cycle towards the Euganean Hills where you get to relax in a resort on the largest European thermal district.Elevation gain: 30 m
Day 9: Padua thermal district – Mestre/Venice, 34 mi. (55 km)
You will cycle along the Battaglia Canal where you will pass through Padua, a city known for its rich art and history and being home to one of the oldest Italian universities. You will continue along the Piovego Canal until you reach Stra and will follow the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the countryside villas of the ancient Venetian nobility (Villa Pisani, Malcontenta, Villa Widmann) until you reach Mestre, Venice’s mainland. (You can choose to stay directly in Venice with a price supplement). Please note that in Venice (apart from Piazzale Roma and the train station Santa Lucia) it is forbidden to cycle. If you opt to overnight in Venice, you will leave your bike at a designated hotel in Mestre. Your luggage will, however, be transferred on to Venice.Elevation gain: 0 m
Day 10: Mestre or Venice
Departure from Mestre or Venice.Looking for more? View all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news or look at our full list of bike tours in Europe.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
You will be accommodated in hotels of 3 and 4-star category which are chosen for their proximity to the cycling paths and relevant local sites. Some hotels located in the more mountainous regions of Italy may not have air conditioning. Overnight in the Padua thermal district will be in a 3- or 4-star wellness hotel with a swimming pool. All hotels have en suite facilities. Upon request, your last night can be on the island of Venice instead of the mainland, Mestre. However, do keep in mind that your rental bikes must be dropped off in Mestre. A sample hotel list is available on request. Your final hotel list will be based on availability.
Bicycles
Unisex touring bike
A low entry unisex or men's frame, ideal for an upright but relaxed riding position.
- Aluminum frame
- Upright handlebar
- Comfort Selle Royale Saddle: Comfort Selle Royale
- Water bottle cage
- 27-speed (Shimano Deore)
- Flat pedal
- Mechanical V brakes
- Rear rack
- Mudguards
- 28-inch wheels
- Schwalbe anti-puncture tire
Unisex electric bike
A low entry unisex frame
- Upright handlebar
- 9-speed (Shimano Deore)
- Centrally located Bosch motor Active Line Plus (250Wh, engine torque 50 Nm)
- Bosch battery Power Pack (36V, range approx 90 km average speed on flat terrain)
- Ergonomic grip
- Selle Royal saddle
- Flat pedals
- Mechanical V-brakes
- Rear rack
- Mudguards
- 28-inch wheels
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus anti-puncture tires
Accessories
Included accessories
- Trip computer
- Ortlieb pannier (12L) - The innovative QL1fixation system is easy to handle and the bags attach to the rack with one click
- Front bike map holder with removable transparent hood or Kickfix water-resistant removable rigid handlebar bag with waterproof double-sided maps envelope
- Repair kit (one kit for every two bicycles) (1 pump, 1 tube, 2 Allen keys, tyre levers, patches, and mastic sealant)
- 1 combination bike lock
Supplemental accessories
See pricing.
- Helmet
- Brand: Limar
- Size: one size (55 - 61)
- Adjustable size system and cool pads
- Weight: 260 g
- 10 vents with bug net
- Certified CE (TÜV) and CPSC-USA
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 9 nights
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfer
- Welcome briefing in English
- 27-gear unisex touring bike with accessories
- Bicycle protection
- Local tourist information, maps, & roadbook (one per room)
- Transfer from Bolzano to Brenner Pass
- 4-hour ferry cruise on Lake Garda
- Ice cream in the best ice cream parlor in Vicenza
- Hotline service
- GPS tracks (on request)
What’s Not Included
- Travel to/from tour start/finish
- Lunches and dinners
- Helmets (see pricing)
- Local taxes (approx. 15-20€) - paid on site
- Venice Municipality Access Fee (€3-10 per day) - paid on site
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Arrivals possible on Thursdays & Fridays from April 13 - October 5, 2023
*Special departure days possible for at least 6 people
Season 1: April 13 - April 19 & September 28 - October 5, 2023
Season 2: April 20 - May 10 & September 7 - September 27, 2023
Season 3: May 11 - September 6, 2023Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Twin/double $ 2250 £ 1190 $ 1,998 € 1345 ₪ 5478 ¥ 206337 NZ$ 2430 NOK 16328 kr 15907 $ 1,469 $ 2484 £ 1313 $ 2,206 € 1485 ₪ 6048 ¥ 227815 NZ$ 2683 NOK 18028 kr 17562 $ 1,622 $ 2568 £ 1358 $ 2,281 € 1535 ₪ 6252 ¥ 235485 NZ$ 2774 NOK 18635 kr 18154 $ 1,676 Single supplement $ 669 £ 354 $ 594 € 400 ₪ 1629 ¥ 61364 NZ$ 723 NOK 4856 kr 4731 $ 437 $ 669 £ 354 $ 594 € 400 ₪ 1629 ¥ 61364 NZ$ 723 NOK 4856 kr 4731 $ 437 $ 669 £ 354 $ 594 € 400 ₪ 1629 ¥ 61364 NZ$ 723 NOK 4856 kr 4731 $ 437 Extra Options
Helmet rental (head circumference from 54-61cm): $ 25 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 ₪ 61 ¥ 2301 NZ$ 27 NOK 182 kr 177 $ 16
Electric bicycle: $ 318 £ 168 $ 282 € 190 ₪ 774 ¥ 29148 NZ$ 343 NOK 2307 kr 2247 $ 207
Extra nights
Bolzano On request Single supplement On request Mestre $ 132 £ 70 $ 117 € 79 ₪ 322 ¥ 12119 NZ$ 143 NOK 959 kr 934 $ 86 Single supplement $ 79 £ 42 $ 70 € 47 ₪ 191 ¥ 7210 NZ$ 85 NOK 571 kr 556 $ 51 Venice* from On request Single supplement from On request *In Venice, pricing depends on hotel, time of year, etc. If you prefer, on the 9th night of the tour, you can overnight on the island of Venice instead of on the mainland in Mestre. Please note that you will leave your rental bikes in Mestre.
Transfers
Mestre-Bolzano (bike included, min. 2 people): $ 151 £ 80 $ 134 € 90 ₪ 367 ¥ 13807 NZ$ 163 NOK 1093 kr 1064 $ 98 Supplement own bike: $ 50 £ 27 $ 45 € 30 ₪ 122 ¥ 4602 NZ$ 54 NOK 364 kr 355 $ 33 Available on Saturday and Sunday (other days on request).
Discounts
Third person in triple room*: $ 402 £ 212 $ 357 € 240 ₪ 977 ¥ 36819 NZ$ 434 NOK 2914 kr 2838 $ 262
*Triple rooms are usually comprised of one double bed and a single bed or a rollaway
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy, self-guided, 10-day tour that traverses the most beautiful cycle path in Italy, the Adige River Cycle Route. On the stretch from Lake Garda to Venice, you ride on secondary streets with very little traffic. You encounter only a few short climbs and descents, making this route suitable for most. Only 5% of this tour takes place over unpaved roads. The total length of this tour is from 390 km to 450 km. Total vertical climbing is from 730 meters to 1,160 m. Please see the elevation gain information in each day-to-day description. There is a possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train on days 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9.
Airport Info
The closest international airport to your tour start in Innsbruck is Innsbruck Airport, also known locally as Kranebitten Airport Innsbruck (INN), located 5 km from the city center. Because of the distance between your tour start and end, you may consider flying into one airport (INN) and out of Venice (VCE). Depending on your European travel plans, you could opt to fly into and out of Venice. Other arrival airport options are Munich, at 125 km distance, Salzburg, at 134 km distance, and Verona at 210 km distance.
Local Travel
All airports are well connected by public transportation to Innsbruck and Venice.
Bolzano (BZO) Bolzano airport is located approximately 6 km from the city centre. Take a 3-minute taxi from the airport to “Bolzano Sud - Fiera” train station stop. Then catch a Trenitalia or Venosta Line from Bolzano train station to the city centre in under 5 minutes.
Verona Villafranca Catullo (VRN): Aerobus shuttle service leaves the airport for the train station of Verona Porta Nova frequently throughout the day. Then from the train station, there is a direct connection to Innsbruck every 2 hours (travel time is 3.5 hrs and costs about €30 depending on the type of train.
Venice Marco Polo (VCE): From airport to Venezia Mestre train station you can take the Fly Bus ATVO shuttle service or the bus ACTV line 15, which leaves the airport every 30 minutes leave every 30 minutes. Travel time is approx. 25 minutes and cost €8. Then from Venezia Mestre train station to Innsbruck by train you will have approx. 5.5 hours travel time with a transfer in Verona. Tickets will cost between €30-55 depending on the type of train.Climate
The climate in Southern Tyrol and along the Adige River is influenced by the Mediterranean Sea, the European continent, and the North Atlantic Ocean. Please check local conditions before your arrival. Below, you will find the average monthly temperatures and rainfall for Innsbruck.
Recommended
We recommend that you bring your own reusable water bottle and mobile phone holder (to be fixed to the handlebar). A power bank to charge your mobile phone is also recommended.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Documents
Let's go green! Tour information will be provided in digital format.
cyclists can easily manage all tour information
less printed paper, ink, and CO2 caused by shipping transportation.
Quick updates of route or service changes
New information material includes:
Link to download an app that will including maps, points of interest, and GPS tracks. This App can be used offline, too.
Link to download the tour information material in Pdf
Digital travel documents, including hotel list and vouchers.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Girolibero.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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