Brenner Pass to Venice Cycling

Cycling information

Terrain: 90% tarmac, 10% unpaved Routes are in mostly flat areas, with only a few short climbs and descents, riding on secondary roads with low traffic or paved bike paths. There are some hills with short uphill sections. The longest stages, from Bolzano to Trento and from Verona to Vicenza, can be shortened by taking the train.

Day 1: Arrive in Innsbruck

Arrive in Innsbruck, a city with elegant architecture and majestic alpine views.

Day 2: Brenner Pass to Bressanone (55km/34.2mi)

A transfer takes you to the Brenner Pass, on the border with Austria from where your cycle route starts. Cycle along an old train line into the green Isarco Valley and to the medieval village of Vipiteno. Continue through pretty villages and green meadows to Fortezza, where you will see the ancient fort, built at the time of the Austrian empire. Continue to Lake Varna, a protected nature reserve before reaching Bressanone, dominated by its ornate 18th century baroque cathedral.
Breakfast included

Day 3: Bressanone to Bolzano (45km/28.0mi)

The Isarco River leads you out of Bressanone. The cycle tracks today hug the river, at times you are almost above the river, as you meander along the edge. Take time to stop in impressive Chiusa, a medieval town with narrow streets and little art and craft shops. Standing above the town on a rocky-outcrop is the impressive Castel Sabbiona, a Benedictine monastery. Criss-cross the river on cycle tracks before heading into Bolzano.
Breakfast included

Day 4: Bolzano to Trento (65km/40.4mi or 70km/43.5mi)

Today you will mainly cycle alongside the Adige River, on the Wine Route through a landscape of orchards and vineyards. Stop on route in the villages of Ora, Egna and Salorno. Scenic pathways lead onward to Trento, set in a wide glacial valley guarded by the towering peaks of the Dolomites.
Breakfast included

Day 5: Trento to Lake Garda (50km/31.1mi)

Your route continues along the Adige to reach Rovereto. Ascend to the Passo di San Giovanni to enjoy fabulous views to Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy. Descend towards the lake and take the ferry to the southern shore to stay in either Peschiera or Desenzano.
Breakfast included

Day 6: Lake Garda to Verona (35km/21.7mi)

Cycle through open countryside to reach today's destination, Verona. Visit the 1st century Roman Arena, one of the largest in Italy and which still hosts concerts and the Opera Festival. Stroll below Juliet's house with its honey coloured stone balcony and ascend the Torre dei Lamberti for views across the city.
Breakfast included

Day 7: Verona to Vicenza (35km/21.7mi or 70km/43.5mi)

Your route today takes you though vineyards and to the castle of Soave before reaching the Berici hills. Reach Vicenza where the old city centre is characterized by the beautiful private palaces and public buildings by Andrea Palladio, the famous 16th century architect. It is possible to shorten the stage by taking the train in San Bonifacio.
Breakfast included

Day 8: Vicenza to the Padua Thermal District (50km/31.1mi)

Leaving Vicenza you will come first to the Palladian Villa Rotonda and its gardens. Cycling along the Bacchiglione river, the route continues towards the scenic landscape of the Euganean hills, the biggest European thermal resort.
Breakfast included

Day 9: Padua Thermal District to Mestre/Venice (55km/34.2mi)

Pedal along the Battaglia Canal to Padua where the university dates to 1222. Follow the Piovego canal, and then the Brenta Canal past ancient villas to Mestre, Venice's mainland. Check-in to your hotel and then head out to visit the 'Floating City'.
Breakfast included

Day 10: Leave Mestre

Breakfast included