Innsbruck to Lake Garda Across the Southern Slopes of the Alps

Day 1: Arrival in Innsbruck

Arrive in Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, framed by the Nordkette mountain range. Take time to explore the old town, including the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) and the City Tower, or ride the funicular to the Top of Innsbruck for sweeping views over the Alps. You may also visit the Bergisel ski jump, designed by architect Zaha Hadid. Later in the day, you’ll receive a tour briefing and be fitted with your rental bikes.

Overnight in Innsbruck.

Day 2: Innsbruck – Imst
40 mi / 65 km

Your first cycling stage follows the Inn River cycle path, once a towpath, through the Tyrolean countryside. Pass the impressive Martinswand cliffs and enjoy stops in small villages and market towns. In Stams, visit the baroque Cistercian monastery with its famous abbey church. Continue through Haiming, known for fruit orchards, before arriving in Imst, often called the “Merano of North Tyrol” thanks to its mild climate.

Overnight in Imst.

Day 3: Imst – San Valentino/Burgusio/Malles
31 mi / 50 km + bus transfer

Cycle deeper into the Inn Valley, passing the monastery at Zams before reaching Landeck. A shuttle transfer helps you bypass the steepest ascent to Nauders, where you continue by bike to the Reschen Pass. From here, enjoy a scenic ride along the shores of Lake Reschen, famous for its submerged church tower rising from the water. End the day in the Vinschgau Valley, exploring Malles (Mals) with its many medieval towers or Burgusio with the striking Marienberg Abbey.

Overnight in San Valentino/Burgusio/Malles.

Day 4: San Valentino/Burgusio/Malles – Merano
41 mi / 65 km

The route continues through the Vinschgau Valley, passing Glurns, the smallest town in South Tyrol, with its intact medieval city walls. Further along are the Montani ruins, once part of the region’s defense network. Throughout the day, enjoy views of the Ortler mountain group and the road to the Stelvio Pass. The route is lined with castles, including Juval Castle, one of Reinhold Messner’s mountain museums. Your destination is Merano, a spa town with palm-lined promenades, thermal baths, and Austrian-Habsburg history.

Overnight in Merano.

Day 5: Merano – Ora
34 mi / 55 km

Cycle south along the South Tyrolean Wine Road, surrounded by orchards and vineyards. In Lana, see the Schnatterpeck Altar, one of Tyrol’s largest Gothic altarpieces, and at Hocheppan Castle, view its Romanesque frescoes. The stage continues past Lake Caldaro (Kalterer See), known as the warmest swimming lake in the Alps, before arriving in the wine village of Ora (Auer).

Overnight in Ora.

Day 6: Ora – Trento
28 mi / 45 km

Follow the Adige River cycle path through orchards and vineyards to Salurn, marking the language border where German-speaking South Tyrol gives way to Italian Trentino. Continue through the Trentino vineyards until you reach Trento, a city with Roman origins and Renaissance character. Highlights include the Cathedral of San Vigilio and Buonconsiglio Castle, once the residence of Trento’s prince-bishops.

Overnight in Trento.

Day 7: Trento – Riva/Torbole
31 mi / 50 km

Leave Trento along the Adige cycle path, stopping in Rovereto, known for the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MART) and its lively piazzas. In Mori, taste the town’s famous pistachio gelato at Gelateria Bologna before climbing a short ascent to Passo San Giovanni. From here, enjoy the downhill ride into Torbole and Riva del Garda, two lively towns on the northern shore of Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake.

Overnight in Riva/Torbole.

Day 8: Departure from Riva/Torbole

Your tour ends at Lake Garda, a popular destination for sailing, hiking, and relaxation. Consider extending your stay to explore the southern lake towns such as Sirmione, with its Scaliger castle and Roman ruins, or continue your journey by train to Verona, Venice, or Milan.