Cycling
River Adige Cycle Route for families
- IT030 / Italy
- Cycling Cycling tours Cycling holiday with accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport, assistance. Details
- Self-guided Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance.
- For families For families Travel with children and teenagers: accommodation with family rooms, discounts, itineraries designed for the little ones. Details
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Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
- 5 days
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- round tour Bolzano - Merano - Bolzano
- Family discount
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Highlights
A bicycle journey along the Adige River Cycle Path, Italy's first bicycle path. From the Austrian border through the Italian-German South Tyrol you will cycle along quiet routes, past peaceful villages and picturesque little castles and cloisters, surrounded by an astonishing Dolomite Mountains landscape.
- The largest lake in South Tyrol: Lake Resia and its iconic submerged bell
- The spa town of Merano in the Dolomites
- The architecture and museums in Bolzano city centre
What awaits you
A week on the pedals with easy stages suitable even for less experienced cyclists. The route is mostly flat, with a few short climbs. The region of South Tyrol is provided with an excellently built cycle lanes system, so you can ride almost exclusively on well planned, traffic free cycle lanes, part of which run along the river Adige. Always pay attention to the entrance and exit of cities, especially in Bolzano.
1. Arrival in Bolzano
Individual arrival in Bolzano, a bilingual city (Italian and German), the hub of the cultural, historical and linguistic link between Italy and Austria. Take the opportunity to visit the old town with its typical Tyrolean character and its Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance palaces. If you haven’t already done so, visit Ötzi, the world’s oldest mummy, at the city’s Archaeological Museum. If you are more fascinated by modern and contemporary art, don’t miss the futuristic Museion.
2. From Lake Resia and its submerged bell tower to Silandro
In the morning, a transfer takes you to the Reschen Pass, at 1,500 meters above sea level, where your biking week officially begins. On your bike, you cross Lake Resia, famous for its historic bell tower emerging from the water, the only reminder of the sunken village of Curon. Along today’s stage you can see the Abbey of Monte Maria in Malles, considered the highest Benedictine abbey in Europe, built in the 12th century at a staggering 1,340 meters above sea level. Continue your ride, passing through some charming villages of the Veneto region, including Lasa and Glorenza, Italy’s smallest walled city. Today’s destination is Silandro.
Shorten the stage You can shorten the stage by taking a regional train to Silandro from the Malles or Lasa station.
3. Cycling to the spa town of Merano
After breakfast, say goodbye to Silandro and start cycling surrounded by apple orchards, which cover the valley, passing through several small villages in the typical Tyrolean style. Take the opportunity to visit the area’s museums and churches, such as the Gothic-style Hospital Church in Laces, dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Today’s destination is the spa town of Merano, South Tyrol’s second-largest city, known and loved for its large thermal baths, open until late in the evening.
Shorten the stage You can shorten the stage by taking a train to Merano from the stations of Laces, Ciardes, Naturns, Plaus, or Rabland.
4. Cycling through apple orchards and the apple museum in Lana
After breakfast in the morning, you’ll ride along bike paths and back roads to the confluence of the Isarco and Adige rivers. Along the way, the largest apple orchard in Europe surrounds you, and in the municipality of Lana you can even visit the apple museum, where the history of the fruit from ancient times to the present is told. Also in the center of the village, don’t miss the Parish Church of St. Mary of the Assumption, with its fine Gothic wooden altar. Today’s overnight stay is in Bolzano or its surroundings.
Shorten the stage You can shorten the stage by taking a train to Bolzano from the Postal, Terlan-Andrian, or Ponte d’Adige/ Sigmundskron stations.
You will sleep in 3* hotels that have been carefully selected for you. Some smaller hotels and hotels located in mountain areas of northern Italy can be without air conditioning. The lodgings are easily accessible from the bike path and located near major points of interest, so you can easily visit each new location that you reach. Breakfast is always included to start the day on the pedals with the right fuel.
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 4 nights accommodation
Meals
- 4 breakfasts
Hotels usually serve a continental breakfast. However, in some smaller hotels you may find the typical Italian breakfast, consisting of a hot drink, such as cappuccino or coffee, with fresh pastries, such as cake, croissants or toast and jam.
Luggage transfer
Your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel starting from the first day of the standard tour until the last day of the tour.
For the luggage transportation we accept only 1 piece of luggage per person with max. 20 kg.
The service is not included in case of extra nights before or after the standard tour.
Before your departure, you will receive detailed guidance on allowable baggage, luggage labels, service hours.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
- the hotel list
- the hotel vouchers to show to the hotel reception upon arrival
- the link to download the App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks (you can use the App offline, too)
- the voucher for the transfer from Bolzano to Resia Pass
When you arrive at the first hotel you will find the luggage labels.
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Transfer
- Transfer Bolzano – Resia Pass on day 2
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 30 days prior to departure date
- 25% from 29 to 21 days prior to departure date
- 50% from 20 to 14 days prior to departure date
- 80% from 13 to 6 days prior to departure date
- 100% from 5 days prior to departure date and no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “What’s included”
- Tourist taxes (approx 10 € per person)
They must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotels. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, on the season and the number of days of stay. - Baby cot (kids 0-2 years) in triple/family rooom
- Tips
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent Girolibero bikes and accessories.
You can also cycle with your own bike, just make sure that all parts are functioning properly.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single room
- Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights in Bolzano before or after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - Everything not mentioned in the section “What’s included”
You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: easy, isn’t it? Touring bikes, electric bikes, tandems, accessories: our mechanics know them down to the last bolt, assemble them and continually overhaul them at our headquarters or at the nearest base of operations. The rental of Girolibero bikes includes insurance against theft and irreparable damage. See Girolibero bikes in detail.
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour. Furthermore, thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off your bike is easier.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Our e-bike is the right choice if you do not feel trained enough to spend more days on a saddle. You can easily adjust the assistance of the electric motor: from a mild pedaling support, to a more intense boost, which is especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. The battery charge covers an entire cycling stage, or even more if you don’t use it at full power all the time, and you can recharge it at the end of the day at the hotel .
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- frame lock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- battery charger
- battery key
- repair kit
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- lock
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Men's Hybrid Bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- suitable for individuals with a body height of 165 cm and above
Men's Hybrid Bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- suitable for individuals with a body height of 165 cm and above
A sportier, lighter model with thinner tires than the touring bike. Straight handlebars allow a comfortable stance while pedaling.
Child bike 24"
- age: 8-10 years old
- body height: min 135-max 148 cm
- 24” wheel
- 7 speed
Child bike 24"
- age: 8-10 years old
- body height: min 135-max 148 cm
- 24” wheel
- 7 speed
Equipped with anti-puncture tires and comfort gel saddle.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- repair kit
Child bike 20’'
- age: 6-8 years old
- body height: min 120 cm -max 135 cm
- 20″ wheel
- 7 speed
Child bike 20’'
- age: 6-8 years old
- body height: min 120 cm -max 135 cm
- 20″ wheel
- 7 speed
Equipped with anti-puncture tires and comfort gel saddle.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- repair kit
Adult tandem
- 28” wheel
- 24/27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Adult tandem
- 28” wheel
- 24/27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Tandem for two adults: the driver sits in the front and both of them pedal.
Recommended for body height: min 155 and max 200 cm.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- front bag (7 l)
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12.5 l)
- lock
- repair kit
Family tandem
- 1 adult + 1 child 6-8 years old
- 26” wheel
- 11 speed
Family tandem
- 1 adult + 1 child 6-8 years old
- 26” wheel
- 11 speed
Tandem to carry an adult and a 6-8 year-old child. The adult sitting in the back rides, while the child sits in the front and may not pedal.
Recommended for body height: adult min 155 cm and max 200 cm; child min 120 cm and max 135 cm.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12.5 l)
- lock
- repair kit
Child trailer
- Age: between 11 months and 4 years old
- weight: max 35 kg
- height: min 120, max 135 cm
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Child trailer
- Age: between 11 months and 4 years old
- weight: max 35 kg
- height: min 120, max 135 cm
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Appendix to be attached to the back of the adult bike. Complete with belts to secure the child, windproof semi-waterproof fabric cover, clear pvc window. Recommended for carrying a child 11 months-4 years old, max 35 kg. Upon request, the "hammock" seat can be included to carry a baby younger than 11 months old. Can only be mounted on unisex touring bikes.
Rear seat
- age: 1-5 years old
- weight: max 22kg
- reclining backrest
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Rear seat
- age: 1-5 years old
- weight: max 22kg
- reclining backrest
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Accessory to be attached above the rear rack of the adult bike. The backrest reclines, which is useful when the child falls asleep. Approved for a child 1-5 years old, maximum weight 22 kg. Can only be mounted on unisex touring bikes.
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Waterproof side bag whose compact size makes it the ideal partner for short trips or shopping. Through the QL1 mounting system, it can be quickly and easily attached to the bike.
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
A repair kit (one for every two bikes) containing what is needed to change the inner tube in case of a puncture is provided for each reservation.
Route profile
- Level: easy
- Total length: 120 km
- Terrain: 90% tarmac, 10% unpaved
- Train connection among the overnight stays: every day
- Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: every day
How to get there
Bolzano is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Bolzano is connected with the following airports:
Innsbruck: 120 km, Verona: 150 km, Bergamo: 240 km, Venice: 280 km, Treviso: 280 km, Milan Malpensa: 320 km
From Innsbruck airport (INN):
- bus line F from airport to Innsbruck HBF train station (approx. 10 min). From here train to Bolzano (possible change in Brennero, approx. 2hrs).
From Verona Villafranca Catullo airport (VRN):
- Airlink shuttle bus from the airport until Verona Porta Nuova train station (approx. 15 min). From here train to Bolzano (approx. 2hrs).
From Bergamo Orio al Serio airport (BGY):
- Autostradale bus and Terravision bus from the airport to Milano Centrale train station (approx. 1h). From here train to Bolzano (with change in Verona Porta Nuova, approx. 3h30/4h)
- Alternatively, shuttle bus from airport to Brescia train station (approx. 1h). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 2h30/3h).
From Venezia Marco Polo airport (VCE):
- ATVO shuttle service/ACTV line 15 from airport to Venezia Mestre train station (approx. 20/25 min). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3/4h).
From Treviso Canova (TSF) airport:
- Taxi or Airlink shuttle bus from airport to Treviso train station (approx. 10 min). From here train to Mestre (approx. 30 min) and then to Bolzano, with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3/4h).
- Alternatively, ATVO shuttle bus from the airport to Venezia Mestre train station (approx. 1h). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3/4 h).
From Milano Malpensa airport (MXP):
- train from the airport to Milano Centrale train station (approx. 1h). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3,5/4h).
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
By train
For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Trenitalia and Deutsche Bahn official websites.
By car
Some hotels have a private parking, while in other cases you have to use alternative car parks. No reservation is possible and you have to pay on site.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is Italian.
Italy is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time zone (GMT), and observes Daylight Saving Time.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for Italy is +39.
Emergency telephone numbers
112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.
113 – Police Help Number
115 – Fire Department
118 – Medical Emergencies
Electricity
The Italian electrical net is 220V – 50Hz.
Sockets are Schuko bipolar and comply with European regulations. In most hotels you will find adaptors for different types of plugs.
Currency
The currency in Italy is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Personal equipment
- a reusable water bottle
- a holder to fix for your mobile phone on the handlebar
- a power bank
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze and low grade disinfectant
- sun glasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- padded cycling shorts
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by roadworks, which cannot be foreseen; in this case please follow the indications you will find on site.
Special diets
- If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant, allergic to some specific ingredients/substances or if you suffer from any other kind of allergies please indicate it at the moment of booking. We will pass the information on to the hotels, but we cannot guarantee that all dietary requests will be met. Sometimes it is difficult to find particular food, for example gluten-free food, so we suggest that you bring your own snacks just in case.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Cedric Iii
Published: 04 Sep 2024
Daniel
Published: 23 Aug 2024
Magnus
Published: 09 Jul 2022
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