Cycling
River Adige Cycle Route

Bolzano - Resia Pass - Lake Garda

2 variants

IT015

IT002

2 variants

IT015

IT002

CODE IT002 / Italy
Activity Cycling Cycling tours Cycling holiday with accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport, assistance. Details
Tour type Self-guided Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance.
Comfort Bronze Silver Gold Platinum Bronze Silver Gold Platinum 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.

Departures Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Duration 8 days
Level
Itinerary linear Bolzano - Resia Pass - Lake Garda
Discount for 3rd person in room

from 930€

8 days / 1 person +

To know

Highlights

A cycling vacation along the Adige River Cycle Path, Italy's first bicycle path. Set out to discover this incredible valley as you pedal through apple orchards, surrounded by a breathtaking Dolomite Mountains landscape. Explore Trentino Alto Adige's most beautiful towns, including Bolzano, Merano, and Trento, on a trip to the northern tip of Lake Garda.

Lake Resia and the unusual submerged bell tower of Curon
The apple orchards that accompany you along the way
The wonderful panoramic view from the Buonconsiglio Castle in Trento

What awaits you

A bike week suitable for everyone, perfect even for families and less experienced cyclists. You ride along paved bike paths and low-traffic roads on mostly flat terrain with short up and down sections.

Itineraryview all

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.

Accommodation hotel

2. From Lake Resia and its submerged bell tower to the Venosta Valley

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. Continuing your ride, you’ll pass 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 take a train to Silandro from the Malles or Lasa stations.

Accommodation hotel / Meals breakfast / Bike 50 km / Elevation gain (m) + 180 - 975 / Transfer minivan 2 hours 30 minutes

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 have the option of shortening the stage by taking a train from the stations of Laces, Ciardes, Naturns, Plaus, or Rabland.

Accommodation hotel / Meals breakfast / Bike 35 km / Elevation gain (m) + 105 - 511

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 have the option of shortening the stage by taking a train from the Postal, Terlan-Andrian or Ponte d’Adige/Sigmundskron stations.

Accommodation hotel / Meals breakfast / Bike 35 km / Elevation gain (m) + 125 - 165

5. Pedal along the Adige River to Trento

Start cycling along the Adige River at the foot of the Alps, always surrounded by a landscape dominated by orchards and vineyards. You can choose the hilly variant, which takes you to the beautiful Lake Kaltern, or you can stay on the completely flat bike path along the Adige River (total length: 65 km, elevation gain +295 m/-365 m). Following the green valley, pass through the villages of Ora, Egna, and Salorno until you reach Trento. Upon arrival in Trento, you can explore its charming old town center, admiring the elegant frescoed buildings, Piazza Duomo with its large fountain, the Cathedral of St. Vigilius, and the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The city is guarded by the Buonconsiglio Castle, built starting in 1200 and from where you can enjoy a unique view of Trento and the valley below.

Shorten the stage: It is possible to shorten the stage by taking the train in several train stations along the way.

Accommodation hotel / Meals breakfast / Bike 70 km / Elevation gain (m) + 410 - 475

6. Riding to Lake Garda, passing through Rovereto

Say goodbye to Trento and start cycling along the Adige River until you reach the town of Rovereto, once an important center for silkworm breeding. Rovereto is internationally known as home to the Mart, a large museum of modern and contemporary art. Continuing on, you leave the Adige River valley behind you to tackle the short ascent of St. John’s Pass. From the summit, a final breathtaking descent awaits you, providing spectacular views of Lake Garda, where you will stay overnight.

Shorten the stage: You can shorten the stage by taking the train from Trento to Rovereto or Mori.

Accommodation hotel / Meals breakfast / Bike 50 km / Elevation gain (m) + 300 - 430

7. Free day at Lake Garda

Today you have the day free to enjoy Lake Garda, a unique place where mountain traditions are intertwined with Mediterranean warmth. It is the perfect place to end your cycling trip: you can relax by swimming in the lake or strolling along the lakeside promenades of Limone or Malcesine. Don’t miss a visit to the enchanting town of Riva del Garda, which climbs the rugged cliffs, reaching the fortress of “Il Bastione” via a panoramic elevator.

Accommodation hotel / Meals breakfast

8. Lake Garda, end of tour

After the last breakfast of the tour, say goodbye to Lake Garda and its 346-meter depth! more

After the last breakfast of the tour, say goodbye to Lake Garda and its 346-meter depth!

Meals breakfast

Comfort Silver

Accommodation

You will sleep in comfortable 3* hotels carefully selected for you. In some smaller hotels and hotels located in mountain areas air conditioning is not guaranteed.

The facilities are easily accessible from the bike path and located near major points of interest. Breakfast is always included.

Departures Silver

2025

Multiple departures
go to online quote

spots available from Apr 20 to May 10, 2025

from 930 €

8 days / 1 person

spots available from May 11 to May 24, 2025

from 1110 €

8 days / 1 person

spots available from May 25 to Sep 6, 2025

from 1160 €

8 days / 1 person

spots available from Sep 7 to Sep 27, 2025

from 1110 €

8 days / 1 person

spots available Sep 28, 2025

from 930 €

8 days / 1 person

What's includedview all

Accommodation

7 nights accommodation

Meals

7 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 every day 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 from Bolzano to Resia Pass (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 (13-18 € 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.
Tips

Rental bikes and accessories

You can rent Girolibero bikes and accessories.

The rental bike has to be returned at the end of the day 6.

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 and Lake Garda before or after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights.
Everything not mentioned in the section “What’s included”

Bikes

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

Bosch unisex e-bike

28” wheel
9 speed
disc brakes
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

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

Child bike 20’'

age: 6-8 years old
body height: min 120 cm -max 135 cm
20″ wheel
7 speed

Child bike 24"

age: 8-10 years old
body height: min 135-max 148 cm
24” wheel
7 speed

Child trailer

Age: between 11 months and 4 years old
weight: max 35 kg
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

FollowMe tandem + 20" bike

age: 6-8 years old
height: min 120, max 135 cm
weight: max 30kg
includes hitch + baby bike 20″
compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike

Family tandem

1 adult + 1 child 6-8 years old
26” wheel
11 speed

Adult tandem

28” wheel
24/27 speed
anti-puncture tires
comfort gel saddle

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

Repair Kit

Kit includes:

1 pump
1 inner tube
2 allen keys
tyre levers
patch
glue

Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?

Girolibero handlebar bag
Generic phone holders
SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market

Practical information

Route profile

Level: medium-easy
Total length: 240 km
Shorter version total length: 235 km
Terrain: 95% paved, 5% unpaved
Train connections between tour cities: every day except day 6
Possibility of shortening stops by 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. 2 hours).

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. 2 hours).

From Bergamo Orio al Serio airport (BGY):

shuttle bus Autostradale from airport to Brescia train station (approx. 1 hour). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 2,5/3 hours).

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. 3/4 hours).

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. 3/4 hours).
alternatively, ATVO shuttle bus from the airport to Venezia Mestre train station (approx. 1 hour). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3/4 hours).

From Milano Malpensa airport (MXP):

train from the airport to Milano Centrale train station (approx. 1 hour). From here train to Bolzano with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 3,5/4 hours).

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

Bolzano is the closest train station. For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Trenitalia and Deutsche Bahn official websites.

By car

If you arrive by car, you can park it in Bolzano for the whole duration of the tour. 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.

How to go back

How to return home

Riva del Garda/Nago-Torbole is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.

By plane

The closest airport is Verona.

To reach VeronaVillafranca Catullo airport (VRN):

ATV bus No. 484 from bus station of Riva del Garda/Nago-Torbole to Garda (approx. 1 hour). From here ATV bus No. 163/164 to Verona Porta Nuova train station (approx. 1 hour), then Airlink suttle bus to the airport
alternatively, bus line no. B332 (Trentino Trasporti) from Riva del Garda/Nago-Torbole to Rovereto (approx. 1 hour). From here train to Verona (approx. 1/1,5 hours), then Airlink suttle bus to the airport

How to go back to the starting point

From the city of last overnight stay direct bus to Rovereto station (approx. 1 hour). From here direct train to Bolzano station (approx. 1h10).

For prices and timetables visit Trenitalia official website.

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

Cycling essentials

handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
a power bank
comfortable shoes with stiff soles
padded cycling shorts

Personal equipment

basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
sunglasses for eye protection
protective sun lotion
insect repellent

Clothes

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.

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