Merano & Bolzano Discovery by Road Bike

Arrive in Merano on your own (private transfer available on request) and check into your hotel. Located between the Ötztal Mountains in the Gruppo di Tessa and the vineyards of Val d'Adige, the city of Merano (324m / 1,063') guarantees mild Mediterranean climate and some of the most beautiful flower gardens in Europe. Each April, the town opens its doors to the internationally recognized ‘Merano Flower Festival’, attracting thousand of flower lovers and tourists from all over Europe.

A long tradition as a spa town has left its mark on Merano. Historical and contemporary architecture are in perfect harmony along the Passer River: modern design hotels stand right next to traditional buildings from the Belle Epoque. Highlights of a feel-good holiday include the new Merano Thermal Baths spa complex and the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle botanical gardens.

Dinner included in a local restaurant.

In the morning meet your local English speaking bike guide who will provide a trip briefing and orientation, and accompany you for next 4 days.

Vinschgau Valley (Val Venosta in Italian) is a true paradise for cyclists. Monuments of art history greet you from afar, but hidden gems of European class also wait for you to visit them.
The journey today takes you to Lake Resia, located in the western part of South Tyrol, in Curon Venosta near the Resia Pass. Its trademark emblem, a bell tower that seems to come out of nowhere in the middle of this lake, makes it unmistakable.
Ride along the ancient Roman road ‘Via Claudia Augusta’ along the entire lenght of Val Venosta. For the most part the route runs on flat terrain with gentle downhills, at times on unpaved road, passing through several traditional small villages of South Tyrol with a final downhill to Merano/Meran.
(Bicycle ~ 101 km / 62,6 miles, 954m / 3,129' ascent, 1,678m / 5,503' descent. Shorter and longer options available.)
Dinner included in a local restaurant.

Surrounded by vast vineyards, the Alto Adige Wine Route is home of international and autochthonous vines. Today you will cycle along the Alto Adige Wine Route.
The villages, vineyards and scenery offer a truly unique experience, with vineyards reaching all the way to warm bathing lakes, historic manors and the mountains in the vicinity. A combination of the best of the region. There is perhaps no experience quite so delightful as cycling along the Alto Adige Wine Road on a warm, sunny day.
Cyclists will have the opportunity to taste the region’s most important native grape varieties: Lagrein, Vernatsch, and the local variety Gewürztraminer. International reds and whites grown in the area are also on offer: Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet all have a long history of cultivation in Alto Adige.
(Bicycle ~ 78,7 km / 49 miles, 884m / 2,899' ascent, 936m / 3,070' descent.)

Today you will discover the Renon plateau and Val d’Isarco. The area of Renon offers an impressive variety of landscapes, fauna and flora, with spectacular views of the Dolomite Mountains in the distance. Cycle from Bolzano up to the Renon pleateau and across small villages boasting idyllic lush green hills, Tyrolean style churches and colorful buildings. Descend to Val D’Isarco and reach the charming medieval town of Chiusa/Klausen. From Chiusa/Klausen you will ride to Bolzano along the Eisack River, on a well designed cycle path.
(Bicycle ~ 68,3 km / 42,3 miles, 1,303m / 4,274' ascent and descent.)

Ride on the legendary route around Monte Mendola, crossing Passo della Mendola (1,362m / 4,468') and Passo delle Palade/Gampenjoch (1,518m / 4,980'). The Mendola Pass was included in the Giro in 1990, 1996, 1997, 2000, and 2004, while the Palade Pass has repeatedly been included, as it allows a direct connection between the Alto Adige and several passes such as Gavia and Stelvio.
(Bicycle ~ 84,3 km / 52,2 miles, 1,728m / 5,668' ascent and descent.)

Breakfast and departure on your own (private transfer available on request).