Northern Italy’s Alpine Valleys Bike Tour
Cycle through some of Italy’s most bike-friendly regions! Start in the lush Venosta Valley, surrounded by alpine peaks and glaciers. Ideal for cyclists of all levels, this tour follows scenic bicycle paths past castles, vineyards, and apple orchards, leading you through charming towns and historic cities like Merano, Bolzano, Trento, and Bassano del Grappa. From the Venosta Valley, you’ll transfer by local train to the Valsugana, famous in Italy for its polenta and scenic bicycle path along the Brenta River. End the tour in Bassano del Grappa, world famous producer for – you guessed it! – grappa, Italy’s famed aquavit. Paired with northern Italian wine, the culinary specialties and world class scenic riding on this tour are not to be missed!
PEDAL HAPPY: Much of the cycling on this tour is on paved bike paths (with a total of about 10-15 miles of packed gravel surfaces on the tour). The mileage and terrain are suitable for all ages and cycling ability levels. Additional cycling miles can be added for those looking for more miles as well, making this a perfect tour for couples, families and groups with diverse interests and/or cycling experience.
Itinerary
Day 01
Transfer to the tour start for bike setup, a test ride, some sightseeing, and a welcome dinner.
Meals
– Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Greif in Malles; Hotel Gruner Baum in Glorenza (or similar).
Distance / Elevation
4-5 mile test ride. Easy.
Meet at 10am in Bolzano (Bozen) for a transfer to Malles, or Glorenza, depending on your tour itinerary. Both picturesque alpine villages are known for their rich medieval heritage and tranquil stone-paved lanes. This afternoon, we’ll get fitted for bikes, go for a test ride and enjoy a welcome dinner. Stay tonight and tomorrow at Hotel Greif in Malles, Hotel Gruner Baum in Glorenza (or similar).
Day 02
Ride around spectacular Lake Resia with its submerged bell tower.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
Lodging
Hotel Greif in Malles; Hotel Gruner Baum in Glorenza (or similar).
Distance / Elevation
19 miles · +756 ft / -2,669 ft
This morning, we shuttle to scenic alpine Lake Resia to ride. Enjoy mountain views while cycling around the lake whose waters conceal the submerged village of Curon. Nowadays, only the church bell tower is still visible rising hauntingly from the lake. Enjoy an exhilarating descent by Burgusio Castle before returning to our hotel. We will spend another night at Hotel Greif or Hotel Gruner Baum. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 03
Follow Adige River bike paths past Traumannsdorf Castle to the mountain resort town of Merano.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
City Hotel Merano
Distance / Elevation
40 miles · +887 ft / -3,373 ft
A peaceful ride on a winding bike path takes us to Lasa, renowned for its marble craftsmanship. Interestingly, Lasa’s first major commission was 86,000 crosses and Stars of David in the 1950s for U.S. military cemeteries worldwide. Finish cycling in Merano, a mountain resort town to rival the famous Cortina d’Ampezzo which has attracted Austrian royalty, European aristocrats, and modern-day celebrities alike. Explore the chic streets and cafes, follow one of two scenic town walks, or visit the famous Trautmannsdorf Castle Gardens (not included). Stay tonight at City Hotel Merano (or similar).
Day 04
Continue cycling the bike path along the river past vineyards and orchards to the old city of Bolzano.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Stadt Citta
Distance / Elevation
23 miles · +655 ft / -754 ft.
[Option for 31 additional miles · +1,859 ft / -1,865 ft if desired.]
Pedal out of the Venosta Valley today to Bolzano (Bozen). Peaceful bike paths pass by vineyards and apple orchards as the surrounding hills and mountains provide a continuous backdrop. The valley opens wide at first before narrowing beneath the impressive Firmiano Castle which now houses a museum founded by famed local mountaineer Reinhold Messner. Anthropology buffs will likely want to check out the archaeology museum hosting “Otzi the Iceman” a Copper Age mummy discovered on a nearby glacier. Otherwise, settle into Stadt Hotel Citta (or similar), and enjoy this lively mountain city!
Day 05
Two bike routes, a cable car ride, a pair of sparkling lakes, and a bike path down the Valsugana Valley.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Locanda In Borgo
Distance / Elevation
AM ride: 30 miles · +888 ft / -937 ft
PM ride: 21 miles · +641 ft / -923 ft
Cycle to Mezzocorona in the morning to ride a cable car to the top of the mountain for amazing views. From there we shuttle to Pergine Valsugana to pedal along Lake Caldonazzo and past Lake Levico – famous for their natural beauty and summer recreation. Finish the ride in the charming village of Borgo Valsugana with its picturesque riverfront set against the dramatic cliffs of the surrounding mountains. Stay tonight and tomorrow at the Locanda In Borgo.
Day 06
Layover Day. Visit the “Arte Sella” outdoor gallery and explore or relax in Borgo Valsugana.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Dinner
Lodging
Locanda In Borgo
We give our bicycles a break today and head into the nearby mountains to visit “Arte Sella”, a unique outdoor art installation where artists create sculptures and structures entirely from natural materials like wood, stone, and leaves. Set in a forested mountain area, this evolving exhibit harmonizes art with nature, allowing visitors to explore creative works that change with the seasons. Afterward we return you to town to explore more, take time to enjoy the hotel spa, or just have some good old fashioned down time. Lunch is on your own today.
Day 07
Cruise down a Roman Road route which is now a bike path to Bassano, famous for grappa.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Belvedere (or similar)
Distance / Elevation
34 miles · +747 ft / -1,584 ft
Continue your journey along the Valsugana bike path enjoying stunning views. WWI forts overlook the valley on this route which follows “Via Claudia Augusta,” an ancient Roman road which crossed the Alps to link the Po Valley (to the south) and Germany (to the north). Pedal to the town of Bassano, with its iconic wooden bridge. Bassano is also a key producer of grappa. There are several distilleries in town as well as the Grappa Poli Museum which offers tastings. You may also want to sample a local aperitif called “mezzo and mezzo.” Enjoy a farewell dinner together on our last night together at Hotel Belvedere (or similar).
Day 08
Departure Day. Breakfast included.
Meals
– Breakfast
We hope you’ve enjoyed your bike tour through some of Italy’s most beautiful alpine valleys. After breakfast we will wish you “buon viaggio! for wherever your travels take you next.
