Munich to Venice Self-Guided Bike Tour

Find your way to Munich, the metropolitan centre of Bavaria. Settle into your hotel and wander this iconic German city during the evening.

Fill up on your first German-style breakfast before getting on your bike to start the tour. Today, you’ll ride along the Isar River, past several religious sites, and through many traditional Bavarian villages. Stop for a quick snack and conversation with the locals.

When you arrive in Bad Tölz, take yourself out for a traditional beer at a local tavern.

Fuel up with breakfast to prepare for a long ride today. Start by cruising along a river until Lake Sylvenstein comes into view, then continue riding through Karwendel Nature Park.

In the afternoon, you enter Austria and pass by Lake Achen, a stunning lake nestled amid immense peaks. Later, you’ll reach Maurach, a quaint town tucked into a basin in the Alps. (Depending on availability, you might stay in Schwaz.)

You can enjoy a leisurely breakfast since you have a shorter ride today. Leaving Maurach, cycle a well-marked paved cycling path into Tyrol’s capital, Innsbruck. Feel free to cruise around to one of the many lakes, or settle into your hotel and stroll the town visiting the historical sites like the Golden Roof or Mount Isel.

Get some local Austrian food tonight—you head to Italy tomorrow.

After breakfast, you’ll hop in a transfer (train or bus) to eliminate the toughest part of today’s journey: the ascent to Brennero Pass. This pass marks the Austrian-Italian border, and from here, you’ll descend for a pleasant ride next to an old railway track. Arrive in Rio di Pusteria, a lovely village tucked into green mountains.

Wander the old town to pick a local restaurant for a tasty Italian feast.

Today marks the halfway point! Indulge in breakfast with a cup or two of Italian espresso before leaving. Cycle next to the Rienz River, enjoying the sight of its emerald waters winding through South Tyrol. When you feel like you need a break, stop at a museum to stretch your legs and learn about the area. An old castle in Brunico hosts one of the museums—a sight to see in itself.

Keep pedalling along the river until you reach Villabassa or Dobbiaco for the night (depending on availability). If you rented a bike from the tour company, you can stop in their shop in Dobbiaco for a tune-up if needed.

You have a short ride today. Take as many breaks as you want to admire the unreal surroundings on this especially scenic day! Leaving your hotel, you’ll set off to Lake Landro, where you’ll have to best view of the famous Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks). After breaking at this iconic spot, cruise downhill to the charming village of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Walk around at sunset to find some dinner and imprint the wonderful scenery into your mind.

Delete some pictures from your phone—you’ll need to make space for today’s landscapes. After breakfast, you’ll ride next to the old railway cutting through the Dolomites. Stop at the turquoise gem of Lake Sorapis and then Cinque Torri (Five Towers) for some stunning breaks from riding.

Continue downhill to Pieve di Cadore, then link up with a newer bike path that leads you to Longarone, a town that was rebuilt in 1963 after a flood washed away the village completely.

Enjoy your breakfast and get going for the day. Head south into the Prosecco region, stopping for a break at Lake Santa Croce, much larger than the alpine lakes you’ve seen over the last few days.

When you arrive in Conegliano, settle into your hotel, then go in search of a glass of prosecco!

After breakfast, you’ll ride south and leave the Alps behind. As you descend into the Italian planes, you’ll notice waterways, villas, and magnificent buildings all over. Keep pedalling closer to the Adriatic Sea, stopping in Treviso for the night.

Ease your way into the quintessential Italian experience by having a night in “little Venice” first.

Appreciate the flatter terrain as you cruise on your last full day to the iconic “floating city,” Venice. Follow the Sile River until this famous city comes into view. If you have time after you arrive, take a canal tour of this undeniably dreamy city.

Spoil yourself with a feast of Venetian food and wine to celebrate your 12-day ride from Germany to Italy. Saluti!

Your tour concludes after breakfast and check-out. You can organize your own departure transfer, or maybe you’ll want to extend your stay in Venice (who wouldn’t?).