South Tyrol Cycling Tour

Introduction
Northern Italy Italy
Whilst travelling along the well-built cycle paths, you will get to know all about this South Tyrol. The unspoilt nature with its roaring rivers, the mountains and lakes with their legends, customs, and a culture of a country influenced by history, and the South Tyrolean hospitality with its specialities and excellent wines.

This bike tour takes you along the cycle paths from eastern Pustertal and the Dolomites to the capital town of Bolzano; to lake Kalterer See, the spa town of Merano and into the Vinschgau Valley. A transfer takes you over the Jaufen Pass and from there you cycle to the town of Vipiteno where you get back and cycle to the Bishop’s town of Bressanone, official seat of the Bishop and provincial Diocese of the Catholic Church.

An easy tour for everyone! In the last few years, the bike paths in the valleys have been reconstructed and in some cases, newly built. Although South Tyrol is better known for its mountains, you can also find easy bike paths in the valleys without great differences of altitude.

Accomodation

Accommodations
During this trip, nights are spent in different locations.

Description
You can choose your preferred accommodation category:
- standard: 3 and 4 star hotels 
- charm: 4 star hotels
All accommodations offer private bedrooms with ensuite facilities.

Local tax
Some cities charge a tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotels.
This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and the number of days of stay. It is usually between 1 and 5 € per person per night.


Meals
All breakfasts are included.

Riding

Approx. 280-300km total.

Rental bikes:
21-gears women‘s or men‘s bicycle
TOP bike (unisex model - male mod on request)
E-bike (unisex bike, 500 W battery; range up to 100 km)

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival in Brixen/Bressanone
Individual arrival at the hotel in Bressanone.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Brixen/Bressanone

Day 2: Hochpustertal
In the morning transfer from Bressanone to Dobbiaco. Bike delivery in Dobbiaco. Today’s tour takes you along the cycle path past the well-known valley Pragsertal, which stretches to the south. Following the river Rienz, the bike path goes over the Olang dam and onto the Michael Pacher town of Brunico. Continue on through the Pustertal Valley, pass the Mühlbacher Klause ruins and enter into the Eisacktal Valley. Shortly before Bressanone, you can visit the Neustift Abbey, and the historical centre in Bressanone is well worth a visit too.
Biking approx. 65 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Brixen/Bressanone

Day 3: Brixen/Bressanone to Bozen/Bolzano
Starting in Bressanone, you follow the Eisacktal Valley bike path alongside the river Eisack and cycle through the many vineyards which mainly produce white wine, past the picturesque town of Chiusa which is worth stopping to look at, and onto the capital town of Bolzano. Bolzano itself has much to offer, the arcades, the lawns by the river, a visit to the Ice Man in the Archaeological Museum or sitting and drinking a coffee in one of the many cafes in the town.
Biking approx. 40 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Bozen/Bolzano

Day 4: Eppan/Appiano & Lake Kalterer See
Tour in the famous wine growing areas around lake Kalterer See. Passing by Castle Sigmundskron, you first cycle to Appiano, the largest wine growing area in South Tyrol. Appiano has a superb compilation of innumerable castles, manor houses, churches and farms. After Appiano you carry on towards Caldaro. Those who want can take a detour at San Michele to the idyllic Montiggler lakes and have a swim. The village of Caldaro is worth visiting, as well as the Wine Growing Museum. Just past Caldaro you arrive at the lake before turning into the Etsch cycle path back to Bolzano.
Biking approx. 45 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Bozen/Bolzano

Day 5: Bozen/Bolzano to Meran/Merano
You leave Bolzano via Sigmundskron Castle and then follow the Wine Road through the orchards. The famous South Tyrolean apples come from this area. The oldest winery in South Tyrol which is situated in Andriano lies on the way. From here you carry on to Terlano, Nalles and then to Lana, which is worth visiting, before arriving in the spa town of Merano. While in Merano, don’t forget to visit the Botanical Gardens at Schloss Trauttmansdorff.
Biking approx. 35-40 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Meran/Merano

Day 6: Mals/Malles
The train takes you from Merano to Malles in the Vinschgau Valley. From here you can cycle through the whole valley towards Merano. The first stop is in Glorenza, the smallest town in South Tyrol, and you carry on through the orchards to Prato allo Stelvio, Lasa, Silandro, Naturno and then back to Merano.
Biking approx. 60 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Meran/Merano

Day 7: Jaufenpass to Brixen/Bressanone
Transfer from Merano to the Jaufenpass (2,092 m) and then on to Vipiteno. You may cycle also downhill from the top of the Jaufenpass through the countryside and enjoy the wonderful scenery! From Vipiteno you cycle southwards along the cycle path through the Eisacktal Valley to the former customs checkpoint at Fortezza and then heading back to the bishop town of Bressanone.
Biking approx. 35-50 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Brixen/Bressanone

Day 8: Departure
Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for South Tyrol Cycling Tour

Dates Note: Custom dates possible for groups of 5+ pax

Other Info
Meeting: Brixen/Bressanone
Airport: Innsbruck (Austria)
Transfer:

Climate:
                                                Bolzano area