South Tyrol… Just Like That

This self-guided hotel-to-hotel tour explores South Tyrol on its network of well-built valley cycle paths, many recently rebuilt or newly constructed. Although the region is better known for its mountains, the valley routes avoid big changes in altitude, making this an easy tour for almost everyone. Along the way riders discover South Tyrol's unspoilt nature, with roaring rivers, mountains and legendary lakes, a culture shaped by its history, and warm hospitality with regional specialities and excellent wines.

From Brixen/Bressanone, a train ride to Dobbiaco sets up a long, mostly downhill ride through the Pustertal past the Olang dam, the town of Brunico and the Mühlbacher Klause ruins, returning via Neustift Abbey and its monastery cellars. The Eisacktal cycle path then follows the river through white-wine vineyards and picturesque Chiusa to Bolzano, home of the Iceman in the Archaeological Museum. A loop through Appiano, South Tyrol's largest wine-growing area, leads past castles and manor houses to Caldaro and Lake Kaltern, with an optional swim at the Montiggl lakes.

Riders then follow the Wine Road through apple orchards to the spa town of Merano and its Trauttmansdorff Castle gardens. A train to Malles sets up a downhill ride through the Vinschgau Valley via Glurns, the smallest town in South Tyrol, and the final day explores the Passeier Valley before a return transfer to Brixen. Hotels are 3 and 4-star, or higher-category 4-star with the Charme option.

Highlights:

• Neustift Abbey and Brixen's historic centre
• Brunico Castle and the Pustertal cycle path
• Chiusa and Säben Monastery on the Eisacktal cycle path
• Bolzano's arcades and the Iceman at the Archaeological Museum
• Lake Kaltern, Appiano's castles and the South Tyrolean Wine Museum
• Merano's Trauttmansdorff Gardens and the Vinschgau Valley via Glurns

Surface and terrain:
Well-built, largely traffic-free valley cycle paths with few big changes in altitude. Train transfers set up two long, mostly downhill days. Daily ascent is 0 to 280 m, with the most climbing (approx. 390 m) on the Passeier Valley out-and-back.

**Weather: **
South Tyrol's valleys are typically sunny and warm from late spring to early autumn, with cooler mornings and occasional afternoon storms near the mountains.

Suitable for:
Beginners, leisure riders and families with children over 14 comfortable with 35 to 65 km days on cycle paths. Rated Easy by the operator.