Self-guided cycling
9 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
15.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
Boasting 300 days of sunshine a year, bright Trentino-Alto Adige is a timeless bilingual region at the crossroads of Italy and Austria.
As its double-barrelled name suggests, the region is made up of two areas: Trentino, in the south, is 98% Italian-speaking, whilst the mountainous terrain around Bolzano - known both as the Sudtirol (South Tyrol) and Alto Adige - has a unique mix of Italian and German landscapes, languages (German is the first language) and architecture. The architecture is that of the Austrian Tyrol: onion-domed churches stand in Alpine villages, where quaint wooden houses enjoy a mountain backdrop.
Offering a stunning yet dominant backdrop to the region is the UNESCO Dolomites, their jagged rock walls overlook the deep green meadows, acres of fragrant apple orchards and, further south, the lush vineyards of Trentino below.
Pedalling on well-maintained cycle tracks from your starting point in the mountain range in Sudtirol, you'll head through the emerald Val Pusteria valley, passing three rivers (Rienza, Isarco and Adige) en route to Riva on the lemon-lined shores of Lake Garda - a lively town with a mix of sun-worshippers and activity-seekers.
Along the route you'll stay in some wonderful towns. Distinctively Germanic, Dobbiaco, Brunico and Bressanone boast wooden buildings, beautiful squares and riverside settings. Bolzano is the turning point where Italy creeps upon you, its large piazzas, linked by porticoed streets, all shadowed by the mountains. Onwards into Trentino, and to the town of Trento where Italy arrives with a bang, the volume rises, as you wander within the old walls, admiring the mix of buildings from the 13th century castle, to Renaissance and Venetian piazzas and grand buildings.
The local food is a splendid blend of the Austro-Italian cultures, where you'll easily find a traditional German beef pancake soup (Fladlesuppe) or a meat schnitzel being served alongside a sliced steak salad (tagliata), or apple strudel (apfelstrudel) next to panna cotta. Two staples of the region are pizza and cured meat, which are perfect washed down with a fruity red or fresh dry white wine or a beer. They seem to take the best food from both cultures, so large buffet breakfasts come with good fresh Italian coffee.
En route you'll stay in 4 star hotels located in the centre of the towns - offering the chance to sample the local food in a simple pizzeria or even a high-end restaurant. The accommodation styles vary from quaint Tyrolean-style hotels to a relaxing spa hotel in Riva. Four have swimming pools.
Arrive at your hotel and spend some time relaxing by the hotel's pool or spa area.
You stay at Hotel Santer.
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The Hotel Santer lies just south of the train station of Dobbiaco and just outside the new part of town. It sits just below the mountains and is an alpine style hotel offering large luxury rooms and a wellness Spa with indoor pool. The hotel’s restaurant offers Tyrolean specialities with much of the produce coming from the two farms owned by the hotel.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Take some time to explore the beautiful church in Dobbiaco before setting off along the Val Pusteria following the milky blue Rienza River, passing deep green meadows, whilst mountains loom above. You'll admire a series of quaint Austrian-style towns, where there are plenty of opportunities to stop and have refreshments. Arriving in Brunico, take the time to walk up to its castle and enjoy wonderful views of the town.
You stay at Hotel Adler.
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This award-winning, family-run hotel maintains the highest standards of South Tyrolean hospitality with a refined personal touch. The hotel itself combines the traditional with the modern and, following this ethos, the rooms and suites all have their own individual and sometimes eclectic style, and are all furnished to a very high standard. The hotel's restaurant offers tasty Tyrolean fayre, Mediterranean dishes as well as international specialities.
The hotel's wellness centre includes relaxation rooms, an indoor swimming pool and sensory showers as well as a Finnish sauna, steam bath and vitarium (similar to the Finnish sauna but a lower temperature).
Make your way to the head of the Val Pusteria today, continuing along the Rienza river, passing castles and lovely towns. You could wander around Chienes, with its Baroque church and the parish church with the best-preserved altar in the Tirol. Just before Rio Pusteria you'll see the impressive ruins of the Chiesa di Rio Pusteria, and heading onwards, the biggest fort in Alto Adige, the Forte di Fortezza. Then it's on a forested track to meet the Isarco River and into Bressanone, perhaps stopping at the Abbazia di Novacella (or return on your day off).
You stay at Hotel Corso.
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The hotel Corso is superbly located in the centre of lovely Brunico. Sitting on the main boulevard, the hotel is traditionally decorated with a lovely facade, the hotel dates back to more than 300 years. The rooms are large and airy with traditional decor. The hotel has it's own restaurant and pizzeria, and offers a turkish bath and sauna with beautiful views of Brunico castle.
You could easily spend the day exploring the stunning town of Bressanone. Visit the 10th century cathedral, rebuilt in Baroque style in the 13th century, the Renaissance Bishop's Palace, which houses several artworks, including a nativity scene with more than 5,000 figurines, and the interesting Pharmacy Museum. Or cycle back to visit the Abbazia di Novacella or take a trip on the Plose cable car from nearby Sant' Andrea.
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, the medieval town with narrow streets and little art and craft shops. Standing above the town is the impressive Castel Sabbiona. Enjoy the downhill ride as you criss-cross the river on perfect cycle tracks. At the exit of the village of Blumau, perhaps stop for lunch in their lovely beer garden before heading into Bolzano for your next two nights.
You stay at Hotel Krone.
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The Hotel Krone is located in the attractive pedestrian zone in the heart of Brixen. With wonderful views overlooking the Alpine Plose Ski and Hiking resort, the hotel also offers a rooftop wellness centre with spa for relaxation and treatment areas, sauna and a panoramic terrace. A great hotel for all sports enthusiasts, especially cyclists.
Bolzano is a treat of a city to walk round; it was in 2017 voted as having the 'best quality of life in Italy'. It is where Italy really begins, despite still being in the German-speaking region, 75% of its inhabitants now speak Italian as first language. Aside from wandering around the city's piazzas and porticoes, there are some interesting monuments and museums. The big attractions are the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, which houses a mummy of Otzi the Iceman, the Gothic cathedral, modern art museum, or the Dominican Church housing a series of 14th century gothic art. There are also three castles and a cable car that takes you out of the city to the small town of Ritten, where there are some nice walking routes. Alternatively, you can take the train to the spa town of Merano, and cycle back along the Adige River for 32km.
The longest day of the holiday is a lovely flat ride following the Adige River, and the narrow Adige valley, passing beautiful cliffs as you cross into Trentino and out of German-speaking Italy. Apples turn to vines as you cycle alongside vineyards. Maybe take time to stop in Egna, once a Roman village, you can still see one of the old Roman houses and pass the old arcades in the old town. Follow the river through a lovely relaxed nature reserve before arriving in bustling Trento with its stunning architecture.
You stay at Parkhotel Laurin.
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The Parhotel Laurin is set in the heart of Bolzano, 200 yards from the cathedral. The hotel began as a Grand Hotel in 1910, and combines informal elegance with a dash of luxury in every detail. Each room features designer furniture and original artwork by contemporary artists.
Highlights today include the Piazza del Duomo where the magnificent late Baroque fountain is framed by the 12th century Romanesque-Gothic cathedral and the frescoed Museo Diocesano Tridentino, home to one of the most important ecclesiastical collections in the country. Don't miss either the Castello del Buonconsiglio, residence of the Prince-Bishops of Trento between 13th to 18th century, and the Via Prepositura, where beautifully restored pastel buildings date back to the ancient Roman City.
You'll have a real sense of achievement today as you complete your final leg, with the option to visit Rovereto en route, down from the mountains to the shimmering waters of Lake Garda. Writers and artists, inspired by the wild beauty and vibrant Mediterranean-style colours, have been coming here for centuries, with Goethe calling it 'a marvel of nature, an enchanting place'.
You stay at Grand Hotel Trento.
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Close to Piazza Dante, the elegant and refined Grand Hotel Trento, is centrally located over the road from the public gardens and the train station beyond. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms with excellent facilities including LCD TV, Wi-Fi, minibar and ensuite facilities (shower or bath). Each different floor of the hotel has its own colour scheme.
There is a frescoed bar, a high quality restaurant offering a range of dishes using fresh, local produce and a wellness centre with a sauna and a range of treatments.
If you've booked your inbound travel with us, we'll take you to Rovereto for your train to Verona or onwards, or maybe spend a couple of extra nights relaxing on the lake.
You stay at Hotel Astoria Park Spa Resort.
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The Hotel Astoria Park provides an oasis just 1km from the old town of Riva. The hotel boasts 15,000 square metres of park, which includes a large outdoor swimming pool. There is also a large Spa with a small indoor pool. For those who don't want to venture into town for dinner, the hotel also has an a la carte restaurant.
The rooms have been decorated in a contemporary style and are light and airy, many with mountain and park views. The hotel offers a large buffet breakfast with hot and cold dishes. In summer months this can be taken outside on the veranda.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Santer, Dobbiaco; Hotel Astoria Park Spa Resort, Riva del Garda; Giulietta e Romeo, Verona; Hotel Kette, Venice.
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The Hotel Santer lies just south of the train station of Dobbiaco and just outside the new part of town. It sits just below the mountains and is an alpine style hotel offering large luxury rooms and a wellness Spa with indoor pool. The hotel’s restaurant offers Tyrolean specialities with much of the produce coming from the two farms owned by the hotel.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
MastercardAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
The Hotel Astoria Park provides an oasis just 1km from the old town of Riva. The hotel boasts 15,000 square metres of park, which includes a large outdoor swimming pool. There is also a large Spa with a small indoor pool. For those who don't want to venture into town for dinner, the hotel also has an a la carte restaurant.
The rooms have been decorated in a contemporary style and are light and airy, many with mountain and park views. The hotel offers a large buffet breakfast with hot and cold dishes. In summer months this can be taken outside on the veranda.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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The Giulietta e Romeo hotel, named after the town's most famous lovers, lies in a quiet side street just yards from the Arena. The hotel is fairly modern in style and very comfortable. There is a large lobby area, which leads onto the breakfast room, which is decorated in white with subtle lighting and art deco friezes on the windows.
The rooms are all carpeted and traditionally decorated in blue and red decor with cherry wood furniture. They are all en-suite and have double-glazing so there is little noise from the street. A couple of rooms even have the famous Juliet style balcony if you fancy a re-inaction!
Parents of under 10 year olds should be aware that some rooms at the Hotel Giulietta e Romeo have a balcony with a step up.
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The Hotel Kette is set in the heart of Venice, a short distance from Teatro La Fenice, from via XXII marzo, the elegant shopping street, 2 minutes from piazza San Marco and only 10 minutes from Ponte di Rialto. So this is an excellent base for exploring the many delights Venice has in store.
The 63 en suite rooms are immaculately furnished and are fully worthy of the four-star rating.
It is possible to reserve a non-smoking room (please contact us and we will request this for you).
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided cycling
9 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
15.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
