Lake Reschen - Lake Garda

This tour along the Adige, one of the longest rivers in Italy, impresses with a very special route. After the start, only a few kilometres after the Austrian border, the area becomes a bit more Mediterranean with every turn of the pedal. The unique natural scenery leads past lakes, through gorges, vineyards and enchanting cities to the largest lake in Italy – Lake Garda. Don’t just enjoy the Italian ‘Dolce Vita’, walk in the footsteps of Reinhold Messner and meet Ötzi the Ice Man.

The stage destinations of this tour read like a ‘who’s who’ of Italian cultural highlights. On day 3 you roll down to Merano with a view of the mighty Ortler massif. Day 4 takes you to Bolzano, where wine, pasta and pizza taste even more delicious in front of the imposing mountain backdrop. Be it a shopping spree or historical voyage of discovery – you should definitely explore the alleys and arcades of the old town.

Accompanied by orchard and grapevines you continue to Trento, where the beauty of the architecture will take your breath away – there’s a reason why it’s also known as the ‘painted city’.

Highlights

• Magnificent panorama of the Ortler: The Ortler summit reaches 3,905 metres and is a popular destination for alpinists. Passing castles and palaces, on the way to Merano you can also enjoy a great panoramic view of the mountain range ‘from below’.
• South Tyrolean wine and fruit in the Vinschgau: Apple orchards, apricot cultivation and grapevines characterise this climatically unusual area in South Tyrol. Whether Vernatsch, Pinot Blanco or Gewürztraminer – taste the fine wines where they grow.
• The spa town of Merano: The air is pure! Merano is considered to be a climatic health resort. A visit to the thermal baths or the botanical gardens at Trauttmansdorff Castle brings pure relaxation.
• The Lake Garda towns of Torbole and Riva: Limoncello or cappuccino? You can enjoy both at your destination! There is a lot to discover. In the past Torbole was considered a fishing and lumberjack village, that has changed – today it is a Mecca for surfers and sailors! Meanwhile, in the glamorous Riva del Garda you can stroll and soak up the Italian way of life.

You will cycle on beautiful bike paths mainly along the Adige River. The route will lead you from the Reschenpass (mountain pass) almost 1,500 metres in altitude downhill to Lake Garda. However, you will have to cycle some small climbs too. Overall, you will find yourself on beautiful bike paths and country lanes. Unfortunately, moderate traffic is unavoidable on some short connecting roads.