Brenner Pass to Venice

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”. 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. The climate in Southern Tyrol and along the Adige River is influenced by the Mediterranean Sea, the European continent, and the North Atlantic Ocean. 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. Tour information will be provided in digital format. Cyclists can easily manage all tour information, reducing printed paper, ink, and CO2. New information material includes a link to download an app with maps, points of interest, and GPS tracks (usable offline), a link to download tour information in PDF, and digital travel documents including hotel list and vouchers.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included