Bolzano to Verona: Orchards, Mountains & Timeless Culture
6 nights from €1154
4.29Cycle the Adige River Path Through South Tyrol, Lake Garda, and Historic Northern Italy
This Bolzano to Verona cycling route takes you along the scenic Adige River bike path, through the vineyards of South Tyrol, past Lake Garda, and into some of northern Italy’s most beautiful historic cities. Beginning in Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol, you’ll ride a predominantly flat route through fertile orchards, medieval villages, and Renaissance towns, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dolomites.
Before you start pedaling, visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to meet Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy discovered high in the Alps near the Austrian-Italian border. In Trento, explore the 13th-century Cathedral of San Vigilio and its remarkable frescoes. Ride past Lake Garda before arriving in Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its Roman Arena, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and Juliet’s legendary balcony.
Fantastic Bike Routes
“Each day of the ride was beautiful. The guidance app worked great most of the time (more on that later). When I lost my saddlebag along with the charger I called the support…” Full Review
“Each day of the ride was beautiful. The guidance app worked great most of the time (more on that later). When I lost my saddlebag along with the charger I called the support company, and a new charger was waiting for me at the hotel!
Two things bothered me: On the first ride from Bolzano you stay in the town of Ora. The people at the hotel there were wonderful and had a beautiful breakfast array the next morning. But there is really nothing to see in that town. If you go another 5 km or so you end up in the town of Tramin where the wine variety Gewurztraminer was developed, with wine tastings interesting restaurants etc.
The other bothersome thing was the app was not updated for new construction. And I am not talking about very recent construction. On the ride from Lake Garda to Verona a bridge was closed down and it had been closed for weeks. That was a major problem as there was no other bridge to cross the Mincio river and I ended up back in Peschiera del Garda. Now I'm lost and google maps does a poor job of directing a bike route to Verona. Luckily I had the Cyclers app which gave me an excellent bike route along gravel paths and bike lanes to Verona.
That aside it's a fabulous way to bike the countryside from Alto Adige to Verona! And the ferry from north to south Lake Garda is long but wonderful!” Less
—Greg M
Wonderful well organized trip
“Stefano, our organizer was so helpful. When I forgot something he saved the day.. The routes were stunning. The bikes worked well. The hotels were really nice with great breakfasts”
—Janet Bychek
An Amazing Trip in Beautiful Italy!
“We loved our bike trip from Bolzano to Verona! The scenery was stunning. We were very happy with the accommodations and the breakfasts! We got lost a few times but the GPX helped…” Full Review
“We loved our bike trip from Bolzano to Verona! The scenery was stunning. We were very happy with the accommodations and the breakfasts!
We got lost a few times but the GPX helped to know where we missed a turn. Also when we asked the local bikers they said follow me and got us back on track.
We stopped in many of the small towns to some vino Rossa and lunch including Mezzocorona, Olios, and Borghetta!
We were amazed how easy it was to take the boat trip and train with the bikes.” Less
—Lizk
Daily Program
Day 1: Bolzano
Arrive in Bolzano, a meeting point of Italian and Austrian culture in the heart of the Dolomites. After your information session and bike fitting, explore the old town’s arcaded streets, Renaissance squares, and open-air markets. Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see Ötzi the Iceman, or relax in a café with a view of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight in Bolzano.
Day 2: Bolzano – Ora
19 miles/30 km
Cycle the South Tyrolean Wine Road, a historic route lined with vineyards first planted by the Romans. Pass medieval castles and fortified manors before stopping in Appiano, a village with over 20 wine estates. Continue to Lake Caldaro, known for warm waters and a microclimate that attracts rare bird species. End the day in Ora, where wine cellars and small piazzas reflect centuries of agricultural tradition.
Overnight in Ora.
Day 3: Ora – Trento
28 miles/45 km
Ride through the Adige Valley, with the river guiding you past apple orchards and into Salurn, the southern gateway of South Tyrol. Here, the German language fades and Italian culture takes over, a transition marked by the 16th-century Salurner Klause gate. Continue to Trento, once a key city of the Council of Trent, with its fresco-covered buildings, lively Piazza Duomo, and well-preserved Renaissance palaces.
Overnight in Trento.
Day 4: Trento – Lake Garda South
31 miles/50 km + boat trip
Follow the Adige River to Rovereto, known for its role in World War I and its contemporary art museum. In Mori, try the locally famous pistachio gelato or fresh juice from Gelateria Bologna. After a short climb, descend to Torbole, a historic fishing village now popular with windsurfers, and continue to Riva del Garda. From here, board a boat and cross the entire length of Lake Garda, passing steep cliffs, olive groves, and colorful harbor towns.
Overnight in Lake Garda South.
Day 5: Lake Garda South – Verona
31 miles/50 km
Our recommendation today is to take a stroll through the historic centers of Desenzano and Sirmione, after which, you'll enjoy cycling the gently rolling hills towards Verona. You'll catch your first glimpse of the festival city, the romantic setting for two plays by the world's most famous playwright, William Shakespeare, including the tragedy Romeo and Juliet and the lighter comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona. This city of lustrous legacies was also the birthplace of Isotta Nogarola, the first alleged female humanist who played one of the most significant roles in the Italian Renaissance. Sensational sightseeing spots abound, from Piazza Bra, Porta Borsari and Piazza dei Signori e Arche Scaligere, to the Bra Molinari, Duomo, and Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, with an unmissable literary moment at the Casa di Giulietta (Romeo and Juliet balcony)!
Overnight in Verona.
Day 6: Verona – Mantua – Verona
41 miles/65 km + train trip
Ride past Verona’s ancient walls and along the Mincio River to Mantua, a Renaissance jewel surrounded by three artificial lakes. Once the seat of the Gonzaga family, it boasts treasures like the Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Te. Stroll along its arcaded streets before returning to Verona by train for a final evening in the city.
Overnight in Verona.
Day 7: Departure from Verona
Depart Verona or connect with the Innsbruck to Bolzano tour for a longer cycling adventure through the Alps and northern Italy.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Bolzano: Parkhotel Laurin
Ora: Hotel Villa Groff
Trento: Hotel NH Trento
Lake Garda South: Hotel Bonotto
Verona: Hotel San Marco
Local hotel taxes are not included in the tour price. These taxes typically range from €1-5 per person/night and must be paid at hotel reception upon checkout.
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes
Standard touring bike
These quality KTM bikes are the result of years of experience and continued development, always with the wishes and requirements of our guests in mind. The result is a solid, easy to use and travel-suitable bike with reliable brakes, an aluminium frame and top tires. This bike is well-equipped for every journey.
- Unisex (step-through) bike 21/24-speed with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm (available for approx. heights between 58-75 in/148-190 cm)
- Men’s bike 21-speed with freewheel. Sizes: 63 / 60 / 56-51 "slopping" cm (available for approx. heights between 65-81 in/165-205 cm) Note: reservation is essential!
Specifications on standard touring bikes
- Modern, high-resistant aluminum frame
- V-brakes
- Aluminium-rims
- Reliable tires, which ensure high duration
- Shimano Alivio derailleur on 21-speed
- Selle Royal Saddles
*Posture for standard touring bikes will be upright for comfort
Bike rental plus, 27-speed, upgrade
The Bike Rental PLUS is designed by KTM and provides noticeable upgrades on many parts of the bike. From the saddle to the breaks and gears you will see even higher quality (for example even more precise components for braking and shifting). The Bike Rental PLUS allows for a slightly sportier riding posture and a high-quality Suntour suspension fork provides the best possible comfort across all surfaces.
Sizes: 63 / 60 / 55 / 51 / 50 / 46 cm (available for approx. heights between 61-81 in/155-205cm)
Upgraded components
- Hydraulic Magura HS 11 brakes
- Shimano Deore XT derailleur on 27-speed
- High-quality Suntour suspension fork
*Posture for Bike rental plus will be upright and forward
Electrically-assisted bike
Electric bikes allow you to have more mobility and be able to thoroughly enjoy every cycle tour. The "great equilizer" allows you to stay beside your friends or family on the road! These unisex bikes are comfortable to ride for both men and women.
Specifications on electrically-assisted bike
- Unisex bike 8-speed (Height approx. 148–195 cm)
- Bosch Active Line Plus motor
- Battery 550 Wh removable with mobile charger
- Hydraulic breaks
- Range up to 120 kilometres
Equipment included with the bike rentals:
- Saddle bag (water repellent), rear
- Handlebar bag (water repellent), with clear cover on top for map viewing
- Tools
- Pump
- Repair kit (with extra bicycle tube)
- Combination lock
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmets:
Helmets are not included with the bike rentals. We recommend, for safety and hygiene reasons, that you bring your own helmet.
Surface and terrain
You will cycle mainly on flat routes. There are some short climbs on the cycle path to Appiano and Lake Garda. You will find yourself on beautiful bike paths and country lanes. Unfortunately, moderate traffic is unavoidable on some short connecting roads.
How to get there
Tour Start
Nearest airport: Verona, Venice or Treviso airport
Nearest train station: Bolzano, Italy
To get to Bolzano, you can fly into one of these international airports and take a train to Bolzano's train station. Buses are also available into Bolzano.
Tour End
Nearest airport and train station: Verona, Italy
Other options include taking the train from Verona to Venice and flying out of Venice.
There is a return transfer by minibus to Bolzano every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning(check pricing tab for details). Must be reserved in advance at the time of booking.
Tips on getting to and from your tour.
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