Brenner Pass to Venice Cycling

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

You stay at Selected hotels.

hotel details

Hotels, Italy

We use a variety of 3 and 4-star hotels and inns throughout with en-suite facilities. They may be located either in the towns themselves or in the surrounding countryside. Please note that the accommodation is usually located within walking distance to the centres of the towns (i.e. 15-20 mins walk). All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs. Our hotels usually serve a continental breakfast with a varied buffet. However, in some hotels you may find the typical Italian breakfast, consisting of a hot drink (cappuccino, coffee or tea), fresh pastries such as cakes, croissants, or toast and jam.

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.

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.

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.

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 Peschiera.

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.

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.

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.

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'.