Cycling
From Austria to the lands of Venice
- IT032 / Italy, Austria
-
Cycling
Cycling tours Cycling holiday with accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport, assistance. Details
-
Self-guided
Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance. Details
- Gold
- Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
- 7 days
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- linear Innsbruck - Bolzano - Verona
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Highlights
A cycle tour starting from the spectacular Innsbruck in Austria, then swooping down towards Italy from the Brenner alpine pass along the bike path of the Isarco and Adige rivers, past ancient villages and green meadows. Gradually, as you proceed southward, vineyards and castles give way to olive groves, typical of the Lake Garda area. Grand finale with arrival in Verona, one of the most beautiful and important cities of art in the Veneto region: if you are passionate about history, love legends and Opera you will not be disappointed.
- The typical mountain centers of Innsbruck and Bressanone
- The spectacular view of Lake Garda from San Giovanni alpine pass
- Roman vestiges and Shakespearean memories in Verona
What awaits you
For the most part, the five-stage route follows the Isarco and Adige River bicycle path. Continuing from Lake Garda to Verona, the route is mainly on secondary roads with low traffic. Attention should be paid when entering and leaving cities, especially entering Verona. Longer stages can be shortened by taking the train.
1. Arrival in Innsbruck, Austria
Individual arrival and overnight in Innsbruck. The city of sport and culture nestled in the Austrian Alps welcomes you with its colourful houses and scenic streets. Take the opportunity to take a walk in the old town and enjoy its architectural wonders, like the Golden Roof and the Imperial Palace.
2. Cycling along the Isarco valley, among vineyards and abbeys
The day begins with a minivan transfer to the Brenner Pass, at 1,372 m above sea level, where your biking vacation officially begins. Since ancient times, the Brenner Pass has been the most important communication route between the North Sea and the Italian peninsula. Since 1919, the pass has marked the border between Italy and Austria. You’ll start pedaling along the Isarco Valley bike path, through quaint villages and lush green meadows to Vipiteno, the capital of the Isarco Valley and a town of Roman origin. Vipiteno is also famous for its social dairy, which produces milk, butter and yogurt. Just before arriving in Bressanone, today’s destination, we recommend the short detour to Neustift Abbey: founded in 1142 by Bressanone Bishop Hartmann to house Augustinian canons, it became the most important cultural and spiritual center in the Tyrol. The abbey brings together different stylistic elements, ranging from Romanesque to Baroque. The Neustift Abbey winery is counted among the oldest active wineries in the world; if you have time, stop by and take a look and, why not, taste some of the wines produced here.
3. Cycling between Bressanone and Bolzano, in perfect harmony between city and nature
Bressanone is considered the oldest city in the Tyrol and is known for its variety: the right combination of city and mountain, of culture and sports, between the picturesque alleys of its lively old town and the adjacent Plose mountain. Before setting off on your bike, visit the sumptuous Baroque-style cathedral and Romanesque cloister with medieval frescoes.
Along today’s route, we recommend a stop at the Sabiona Monastery, which towers above the town of Klausen and dominates the Isarco Valley: the spiritual cradle of the entire Tyrol, it is one of the oldest Christian monuments in the entire Alpine region.
Then remount your bike and continue on to Bolzano, which awaits you with its delightful center of cobblestoned streets overlooked by colorful houses in typical Tyrolean style. Always a crossroads of trade between the Mediterranean and Central Europe, Bolzano is now an important center of commerce and tourism and boasts a perfect balance of innovation and tradition.
Shorten the stage You can shorten the stage by taking the train to Bolzano at the stations of Chiusa/Klausen or Ponte Gardena/Waidbruck.
4. Along the "Strada del Vino" to Trento
Start cycling along the Adige River bike path, among the famous vineyards of the South Tyrolean Wine Route (Strada del vino), one of the oldest wine routes in Italy. With its 4,250 hectares of cultivation, the Route accounts for 84 percent of the vineyards in South Tyrol and is home to both internationally renowned wines and native grape varieties. Today you can choose to ride a hilly 65-km variant with an elevation gain of 250m, which takes you to beautiful Lake Kaltern, or you can follow the completely flat bike path along the Adige River. In either case, you’ll continue on to Trento, where you can explore its charming historic center, admiring the elegant frescoed buildings. The city is guarded by the Buonconsiglio Castle, built starting in 1200 and from where you can enjoy a unique view of Trento and the valley below.
Shortenthe stage You can shorten the stage by taking the train to Trento from the following stations: Ora, Egna, Salorno, Mezzocorona. You can also take the train at Grumo-San Michele all’Adige (Malè-Trento line).
5. Rovereto and Lake Garda in all its glory, from north to south
The Adige River accompanies you to Rovereto, a town famous for its MART museum of contemporary art. From here you leave the valley to tackle the short ascent of Passo di San Giovanni and then the breathtaking descent, which provides spectacular views of Lake Garda and the town of Torbole. In Riva del Garda, you embark on a ferry to reach the southern shore of the lake while enjoying a wonderful, relaxing cruise to Peschiera or Desenzano.
Shorten the stage You can shorten the stage by taking the train from Trento to Rovereto or Mori.
6. Discovering Verona, the city of a thousand faces: not just Romeo and Juliet
Passing the rolling hills that surround Lake Garda, you’ll meet the Adige River again, and together you make your way into Verona, one of the most beautiful and important cities of art in the Veneto region. You’re spoiled for choice when deciding what to visit: Piazza Bra and the Roman Arena, Castelvecchio and its museum, the Church of San Zeno, Juliet’s House… Then finish the day with an aperitif in Piazza delle Erbe and a tasty dinner in a downtown eatery.
If you slept in Desenzano, the stage is 60km with an elevation gain of 260m.
7. End of tour in Verona
For those who need to return to Bolzano, we recommend taking the train. Those who can indulge in a little more vacation time can enjoy beautiful Verona and its historic center.
You will sleep in 3*/4* hotels, carefully selected for you. In some smaller hotels and hotels located in mountain areas air conditioning is not guaranteed.
The lodgings are easily accessible from the indicated route and located near major points of interest. Breakfast is always included.
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
enter no. of people and see all departures
Accommodation
- 6 nights accommodation
On Day 5, overnight stay is planned in Peschiera or Desenzano, depending on the availability of facilities on the dates requested.
Meals
- 6 breakfasts
Hotels usually serve a continental breakfast. However, in some smaller hotels you may find the typical Italian breakfast, consisting of a hot drink, such as cappuccino or coffee, with fresh pastries, such as cake, croissants or toast and jam.
Luggage transfer
Your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel every day starting from the first day of the standard tour until the last day of the tour.
For the luggage transportation we accept only 1 piece of luggage per person with max. 20 kg.
The service is not included in case of extra nights before or after the standard tour.
Before your departure, you will receive detailed guidance on allowable baggage, luggage labels, service hours.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
- the hotel list
- the hotel vouchers to show to the hotel reception upon arrival
- the link to download the App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks (you can use the App offline, too)
- the voucher for the ferry from Riva to Peschiera/Desenzano del Garda
When you arrive at the first hotel you will find the luggage labels.
Assistance
We plan your trip carefully, but if you need assistance you can contact our helpline.
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Transfer
- Transfer from Innsbruck to Brenner Pass (Day 2)
- Ferry from Riva to Peschiera/Desenzano del Garda, bike included (Day 5)
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 30 days prior to departure date
- 25% from 29 to 21 days prior to departure date
- 50% from 20 to 14 days prior to departure date
- 80% from 13 to 6 days prior to departure date
- 100% from 5 days prior to departure date and no-show
Round trip
Round trip not included.
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Tourist taxes (10-15 € per person)
They must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotels. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, on the season and the number of days of stay. - Tips
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent Girolibero bikes and accessories.
You can also cycle with your own bike, just make sure that all parts are functioning properly.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single room
- Extra nights
You can book extra nights in Innsbruck and Verona before or after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - Everything not mentioned in the section “Included”
You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: easy, isn’t it? Touring bikes, electric bikes, tandems, accessories: our mechanics know them down to the last bolt, assemble them and continually overhaul them at our headquarters or at the nearest base of operations. The rental of Girolibero bikes includes insurance against theft and irreparable damage. See Girolibero bikes in detail.
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour. Furthermore, thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off your bike is easier.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- disc brakes
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- disc brakes
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Our e-bike is the right choice if you do not feel trained enough to spend more days on a saddle. You can easily adjust the assistance of the electric motor: from a mild pedaling support, to a more intense boost, which is especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. The battery charge covers an entire cycling stage, or even more if you don’t use it at full power all the time, and you can recharge it at the end of the day at the hotel .
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- frame lock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- battery charger
- battery key
- repair kit
- lock
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- lock
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Hybrid bike unisex
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Hybrid bike unisex
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
A sportier, lighter model with thinner tires than the touring bike. Straight handlebars allow a comfortable stance while pedaling.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- lock
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Men's Hybrid Bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Men's Hybrid Bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
A sportier, lighter model with thinner tires than the touring bike. Straight handlebars allow a comfortable stance while pedaling.
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Waterproof side bag whose compact size makes it the ideal partner for short trips or shopping. Through the QL1 mounting system, it can be quickly and easily attached to the bike.
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
A repair kit (one for every two bikes) containing what is needed to change the inner tube in case of a puncture is provided for each reservation.
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
To attach your smartphone to the handlebar you have 3 options:
- use the Girolibero handlebar bag supplied free of charge (1 per room)
- buy a mobile phone holder in sports shops or major e-commerce outlets: for € 18-25 we recommend the models that clamp your mobile phone and its case like a vise.
- order the best product on the market, SP Connect™ with a special discount. The SP Connect™ mount is attached to the handlebar and works only with a special phone case. This case, which can also be used in everyday life, is slightly thicker than normal cases and is fixed to the handlebar mount with a simple click. The main advantage is that it is easy to attach and remove your phone, so you can immediately use it to take pictures or make calls, as well as grab it quickly when you want to stop cycling and have a break. Also, there are many other available accessories, including those for your car and writing desk. We recommend the Velcro Universal Mount SPC+ which costs € 29.90, which you can buy with a special 20% discount. The compatible phone case must be purchased separately and the price varies depending on your phone model. Visit the official SP Connect™ website and use the discount code TRAVEL20, which applies to all products.
Route profile
- Level: medium-easy
- Total length: 250/280 km
- Terrain: 85% paved, 5% unpaved
- Train connections between tour cities: every day
- Possibility of shortening stages by train: day 2, 3, 4 and 5.
How to get there
Innsbruck is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Innsbruck is connected with the following airports: Innsbruck: 5 km, Verona: 270 km, Venice: 400 km
From Innsbruck airport (INN):
- bus line F from airport to Innsbruck HBF train station (approx. 20 min)
From Verona airport (VRN):
- Airlink shuttle bus from the airport to Verona Porta Nuova train station (approx. 15 min). From here direct train to Innsbruck (approx. 3,5 hours)
From Venezia Marco Polo airport (VCE):
- ATVO shuttle service or bus ACTV line 15 to Venezia Mestre train station (approx. 25 min). From here train to Innsbruck with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 5,5 hours)
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
By train
Innsbruck is the closest station. For information on timetables and prices you can consult the following websites: Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB.
How to go back
How to return home
Verona is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Verona is connected with the following airports: Verona, Venice, Treviso.
To reach Verona Villafranca Catullo airport (VRN):
- Airlink shuttle bus from Verona Porta Nuova train station to the airport (approx. 45 min)
To reach Venezia Marco Polo airport (VCE):
- train from Verona Porta Nuova to Venezia Mestre train station. From here ATVO shuttle bus to the airport (approx. 2 hours)
To reach Treviso Canova airport (TSF):
- train from Verona Porta Nuova to Treviso train station. From here taxi or Airlink shuttle bus to the airport (approx. 2,5 hours)
How to go back to the starting point
From Verona Porta Nuova train station, you can take a direct train to Innsbruck (approx. 3,5 hours). For further information on timetables and prices, visit the Trenitalia official website.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Language and time zone
The official language is Italian.
Italy is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time zone (GMT), and observes Daylight Saving Time.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for Italy is +39.
Emergency telephone numbers
112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.
113 – Police Help Number
115 – Fire Department
118 – Medical Emergencies
Electricity
The Italian electrical net is 220V – 50Hz.
Sockets are Schuko bipolar and comply with European regulations. In most hotels you will find adaptors for different types of plugs.
Currency
The currency in Italy is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
- a reusable water bottle
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by roadworks, which cannot be foreseen; in this case please follow the indications you will find on site.
- In case of strike, bad weather conditions, technical breakdowns, safety problems or any other reason preventing the regular departure of the ferry boat (from Riva del Garda to Peschiera/Desenzano), 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 transport (usually by bus). The same applies if the ferry boat service is no longer foreseen (for example at the end of the season).
Special diets
- If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant, allergic to some specific ingredients/substances or if you suffer from any other kind of allergies please indicate it at the moment of booking. We will pass the information on to the hotels, but we cannot guarantee that all dietary requests will be met. Sometimes it is difficult to find particular food, for example gluten-free food, so we suggest that you bring your own snacks just in case.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Gianbatttista
Published: 16 Aug 2023
Gary, Canada
Published: 28 Aug 2017
Bonnie and I finished our Innsbruck to Verona trip about two weeks ago, and I’m just getting around to writing you now (sorry to take so long) to tell you what a wonderful time we had. Beautiful mountain scenery, great weather, excellent food and superb wine; it doesn’t get any better than that! I can see why you said that this is one of Girolibero’s most beloved tours. We are already looking forward to next year. I will try to get myself into good cycling condition for the Piedmont tour.
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