Cycling
River Adige Cycle Route
- IT015 / 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.
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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
- 8 days
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- linear Bolzano - Resia Pass - Verona or Mantua
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Highlights
A bicycle journey along the Adige River Cycle Path, Italy's first bicycle path. Surrounded by an astonishing Dolomite Mountains landscape, set out to explore Trentino Alto Adige's most beautiful towns, including Bolzano, Merano, and Trento. Continue to Lake Garda and end the week's biking in romantic Verona, in the splendor of its medieval center or in Mantova, a Renaissance jewel to be discovered.
- The spa area of Merano, the elegant mountain town in South Tyrol
- The ferry excursion on Lake Garda, the biggest lake in Italy
- Verona's fascinating Arena, between Roman history and operas
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, and runs on paved bike paths and low-traffic secondary roads. Always pay attention to the entrance and exit of cities, especially in Bolzano, Trento and Verona.
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.
Shortenthe stage You can shorten the stage by taking a train to Bolzano from the Postal, Terlan-Andrian, or Ponte d’Adige/ Sigmundskron stations.
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 to ride a hilly variant, which takes you to the beautiful Lake Caldaro, 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. When you arrive in the city, 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.
6. Rovereto and Lake Garda in all its glory, from north to south
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 top, a final breathtaking descent to Lake Garda and the pretty towns of Torbole and Riva del Garda awaits you, ideal for a relaxing “beach” break. Then you’ll take a ferry to Peschiera or Desenzano del Garda, thus crossing the lake from north to south, with exceptional views of the charming lakeside villages and surrounding mountains.
Shorten the stage You can shorten the stage by taking a train from Trento to Rovereto or Mori.
7. From Lake Garda to the Arena of Verona
On today’s stage, you’ll ride to Verona, with its charming medieval center divided in two by the Adige River. Verona holds an artistic and architectural heritage of rare richness. Don’t miss visits to Juliet’s house, San Zeno Cathedral, and the famous Roman Arena, known for its summer opera festival. An after-dinner tip? The walk to Ponte Pietra, fabulous when lit up at night.
If you slept in Peschiera, this stage is 35 km to Verona.
You will sleep in 3/4* 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. Breakfast is always included.
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
On day 6, overnight stay is planned in Peschiera or Desenzano, depending on the availability of facilities on the dates requested.
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
- the voucher for the ferry from Riva to Peschiera/Desenzano del Garda
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 Passo Resia (day 2)
- Ferry from Riva to Peschiera/Desenzano del Garda (day 6, bike included)
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 (15-20 € 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.
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 Verona or Mantova 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
- disc brakes
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
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
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
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.
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
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.
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
To attach your smartphone to the handlebar you have 3 options:
- use the Girolibero handlebar bag supplied free of charge (1 per room)
- buy a mobile phone holder in sports shops or major e-commerce outlets: for € 18-25 we recommend the models that clamp your mobile phone and its case like a vise.
- order the best product on the market, SP Connect™ with a special discount. The SP Connect™ mount is attached to the handlebar and works only with a special phone case. This case, which can also be used in everyday life, is slightly thicker than normal cases and is fixed to the handlebar mount with a simple click. The main advantage is that it is easy to attach and remove your phone, so you can immediately use it to take pictures or make calls, as well as grab it quickly when you want to stop cycling and have a break. Also, there are many other available accessories, including those for your car and writing desk. We recommend the Velcro Universal Mount SPC+ which costs € 29.90, which you can buy with a special 20% discount. The compatible phone case must be purchased separately and the price varies depending on your phone model. Visit the official SP Connect™ website and use the discount code TRAVEL20, which applies to all products.
Route profile
- Level: medium-easy
- Total length: 285 km
- Shorter version total length: 270 km
- Terrain: 95% paved, 5% unpaved
- Train connections between tour cities: every day
- Possibility of shortening stops by train: every day except on day 7.
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):
- Autostradale bus 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. 1h). 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
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 at the cost of € 70/189 per week. 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
Verona is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Verona is connected with the following airports: Verona, Venice, Treviso.
To reach Verona Villafranca Catullo airport (VRN):
- Airlink shuttle bus from Verona Porta Nuova train station to the airport
To reach Venezia Marco Polo airport (VCE):
- train from Verona Porta Nuova to Venezia Mestre train station. From here ATVO shuttle bus to the airport
To reach Treviso Canova airport (TSF):
- train from Verona Porta Nuova to Treviso train station. From here taxi or bus line no. 101 to the airport
How to go back to the starting point
From Verona Porta Nuova station, Trenitalia direct train to Bolzano station (approx. 1,5 hours).
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.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
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
- a reusable water bottle
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.
- In case of strike, bad weather conditions, technical breakdowns, safety problems or any other reason preventing the regular departure of the ferry boat (from Riva del Garda to Peschiera/Desenzano), the ferry boat company can delay, cancel or deviate the navigation without notice. In case of cancellation the ferry boat service will be replaced by alternative means of transport (usually by bus). The same applies if the ferry boat service is no longer foreseen (for example at the end of the season).
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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