South Tyrol Self-Guided Bike Tour

You’ve arrived in the oldest town in Tyrol! Depending on when you arrive, explore the narrow streets this evening in search of your first of many Italian feasts. Settle into your hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Fill up on a lovely breakfast before today’s journey. Depending on construction of the railway line, you will either transfer to Dobbiaco or to Fortezza/Franzenfeste to start the day's cycling stage.

For the Dobbiaco route, you'll start near the Austrian border and cycle back through a deep valley alongside the Rienz River, giving a memorable first impression of what the Dolomites have to offer. For the Fortezza route you will journey through picturesque alpine landscapes towards Brunico, the heart of the Puster Valley. You will then pass by the foot of Plan de Corones, one of the most famous destinations for winter sports enthusiasts and summer hikers. Along the way, you will have the chance to visit San Lorenzo, a charming village with Roman roots, where you can discover traces of ancient history and enjoy its unique atmosphere.

In both cases the route will end in Bressanone, where you can explore the historic center with its porticos adorned with merlons and the beautiful Cathedral Square.

Say ciao to Bressanone for now as you ride south through fragrant vineyards towards Bolzano. Feel free to stop along the way to sample some local grape juice, then take the recommended stop in Chiusa, a postcard-worthy town tucked in between green hills.

Continue to Bolzano to stop for the night, a larger town with sweeping views of green fields, forested hills, and the Dolomites in the background.

Today, you’ll do a 45-km loop around Lake Kalter, south of Bolzano. On the way, you’ll see the stunning Castle Signumndskron, then enter into Appiano, a well-known wine-producing area in Tyrol. The pastoral–chic scenes will impress you with farms, old churches, manors, and castles all around.

You can stop at Caldaro village to look at the Wine Growing Museum before curving around and heading back to Bolzano.

After breakfast, you’ll ride to the next destination, passing by the great castle you saw yesterday. Then, you’ll start winding through orchards and more wineries (care for another glass?) before you hit a series of villages: Terlano, Nalles, and Lana. All are worth stopping into for a quick espresso.

You’ll end the day in Merano, a spa town with magical botanical gardens that definitely need to be visited while you’re here.

Early in the morning, you’ll hop a train to Malles through the Vinschgau Valley. Stop first in Glorenza, then continue through aromatic orchards and several hamlets before reaching Merano for another night.

Today, you will cycle into the Passeier Valley along the cycle path of the same name. You can enjoy the view of South Tyrol with its rivers and magnificent mountains one last time before returning to Merano for your final night.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Merano

After breakfast, your South Tyrol cycling adventure comes to an end. An organized return transfer from Merano to Bressanone is included.