What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area (and at least one leader qualified in first aid) 8-day guided Via Claudia Augusta cycling tour Accommodation for 7 nights in 3-star hotels and guesthouses (in shared twin or double ensuite rooms) Meals as listed in the itinerary GPX files available on request Support vehicle and luggage transfers Airport transfers — transfers will be coordinated with the group flight schedule, exact shuttle departure times will be provided as soon as flight timetables become available Transfer on scheduled arrival day from Munich Airport (MUC) Transfer on scheduled departure day to Verona Airport (VRN) What’s not included: Transportation to Germany Bikes (rental available at an additional cost) Single supplement (available at an additional cost) Meals not listed in the itinerary Personal clothing and equipment Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities, etc.) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions enroute Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be and what’s the terrain like?

Fitness and experience This Via Claudia Augusta cycling tour is ideal for cyclists who ride frequently and who are comfortable with some moderately challenging climbs . This tour will include some longer and/or steeper climbs, while daily distances are generally between 28 miles (45 km) and 53 miles (85 km) . Day-by-day distances can be found in the itinerary, make sure you’re fit and strong enough for 6 full days of riding. Total mileage covered is around 239 miles (385 km) . Terrain and roads The route itself was designed to trace the steps of the ancient Roman route across the Alps, so most of the Via Claudia follow quiet cycle paths and country lanes. There are three important passes to cross, which will require a bit more effort than the rest of the route. You can find daily elevation gains in the itinerary. The first pass features off-road forest tracks with moderate climbs. The second pass is on the border of Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, and it’s a real challenge: 2,625 ft (800 m) over 5 miles (8 km) on a dirt road winding up. The last pass is in Italy, but you can use the chairlift to gain 1,640 ft (500 m), from where there’s just another 330 ft (100 m) to climb on tarmac, and then descend towards Lake Garda. If you’re looking for a boost up those more challenging climbs in the first few days, an e-bike would be a great option ! They also come in handy on hotter days, making the rides less strenuous.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s what you’ll need: Bike — available to rent Helmet — available to rent Comfortable, season-appropriate riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material Padded shorts Peaked helmet Sneakers or sport shoes Breathable outside layer or jacket Sunglasses Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder Daypack with snacks Biking gloves are optional but recommended Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Indeed you can! If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to skip the hassle of bringing your own bike to Italy for this Via Claudia Augusta cycling tour, your guiding company offers bike rental. Your guides will be carrying everything you’ll need for the day’s ride, including all necessary spares. Please bring a daypack or a Camelbak as panniers won’t be provided. Helmets can be provided on request , let us know upon booking. You’ve got two bike options: Mountain bikes (Giant Fathom or equivalent) E-bikes (Fathom E+ bikes or Stance E+2 or equivalent)

What’s the accommodation like?

The strong Germanic influence on the region is expressed in Tyrol-style housing and accommodation, from the murals on the facade of the building to the wooden balconies and interior design. The majority of our accommodation (shared twin, double or family rooms) will usually be ensuite in 3-star hotels or guesthouses. Please note that hotels in Austria do not have twin rooms with separate beds available. They usually provide 1 bed frame with two mattresses and separate duvets and sheets. Please bear this in mind if traveling alone and opting to share a twin room with another solo traveler. Single supplement is also available at an additional cost.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Via Claudia Augusta cycling tour, the maximum group size is generally set to 15 participants. It takes a minimum of 6 people for this guided tour to operate. Via Claudia Augusta cycling tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Children as young as 10 are able to go on trips with a legal guardian. They may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis. If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to your Via Claudia Augusta cycling tour, you first have to reach Munich Airport (MUC) . That’s where you’ll meet your guides and they’ll transfer you across the border to the Austrian village of Lermoos. The transfer will take around 1.5 hours.

Safety measures in Austria and Italy

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Cyclists riding next to a lake in the Alps

Alpine valley and cyclists going downhill

Beautiful summer day on a lake in the Alps

Cyclists going through a town in the Alps

VIA CLAUDIA AUGUSTA | AUSTRIA

Via Claudia Augusta Cycling Tour in Austria & Italy

5.00 ()

Season

April through October

Duration

8 days

Accommodation

Three-star hotels and guesthouses

Difficulty

Guide

Saddle Skedaddle

Questions, additional dates, private groups

Book a call

From $3,185 () / 8 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

Once a Roman-built commercial route, today one of Europe’s favorite long distance trail. We’re talking about the legendary Via Claudia Augusta, so let’s grab our bikes and start pedaling! The scenery that this 2,000-year-old road passes through is a real feast for the eyes, and it makes Via Claudia—among many other things—an ideal setting for our guided 8-day cycling tour. There will be plenty of time to enjoy cruising through sweet apple orchards and vineyards, but there are also three major mountain passes that will put our muscles to the test. And technically, you can check four European countries off your list: we’ll pick you up in Germany, spend most of our time in Austria and Italy, and even cross into Switzerland! And we’ll end our journey at the ridiculously gorgeous Lago di Garda. Buon viaggio, glückliche Reise!

Adventure highlights

German peaks to Italian lakes

Starting at the slopes of the mighty Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, we’ll cycle for a week and end at Lago di Garda
Food, wine, and gelato

This might as well be out motto—we’ll make sure to savor the authentic taste of this region
Historic Via Claudia Augusta

Trace the steps of ancient merchants who used this road for transportation of goods from the Mediterranean and Asia

Itinerary

Let’s step onto the historic Via Claudia Augusta, a 2,000-year-old Roman road, and we’ll explore almost 250 miles of this Alpine area! Spending most of our time between Austria and Italy (with a bit of time in Switzerland as well), this 8-day cycling tour is perfect for exploring those quintessential Alpine landscapes. We’ll spend our nights in charming hotels and guesthouses, make sure to taste delicious authentic food, and celebrate our days with wonderful wine. Ideal for riders looking for a bit of a challenge (combined with lots of relaxed riding), this tour will take us through pastoral countryside, lush vineyards, historic castles, undulating bucolic trails, and so much more.

Following your arrival into Germany’s Munich Airport (MUC), we’ll transfer across the border to the Austrian village of Lermoos. The village is situated in a lovely meadow and offers a beautiful view of Germany’s highest peak—Zugspitze at 2,692 m (8,832 ft). The transfer will take around 1.5 hours and once we get there, we’ll prepare our bikes for the week ahead. Time permitting, we may even sneak in a quick leg stretch before our welcome drinks and evening meal, which we’ll take at the hotel. During the meal, we’ll all have a casual chat about the week to come.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Three-star hotel
Today’s ride, likely the toughest of the trip, is a wonderful introduction to the area, crossing Fernpass, passing the castle of Fernstein and Lake Schanz, one of the most beautiful Alpine lakes here. This is our only real off-road section of the trip, with the remaining time spent on cycle paths and quiet roads. In the morning, we’ll ride along forest trails, undulating dirt roads, and a short but tricky descent, before an easy off road stretch as we come into Nassereith. If needed, you’ll be able to walk with your bike on certain off-road sections. Alternatively, this section may also be done entirely on road (although sometimes quite busy) and then we would all re-group at a café.

A little further on and we’ll reach Imst, an ancient little town beautifully situated on a terrace above the River Inn at the mouth of the Gurgl Valley. From here, we’ll crisscross the ice blue River Inn over its many bridges, as we continue along the Via Claudia towards Landeck, where we’ll stay for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Three-star hotel or guesthouse
Distance: 37 miles / 60 km
Elevation gain: 2,135 ft / 650 m
We’ll continue through the Inn Valley, enjoying the views of its meadows, fields of flowers, and impressive mountains. Passing typical Austrian villages along the way, we’ll arrive at the famous Kajetansbrücke bridge. At Martina, we’ll cross the Swiss border (don’t forget your passport today!), which is followed by another challenging climb.

Once at the top, we can just sit back and marvel at mountain pastures before rolling down to Nauders at 1,400m (4,593 ft). Situated in the border triangle of Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, and surrounded by the Weisskugel mountain, it’s a lovely setting. Time permitting, we’ll take a stroll through the quaint streets of this mountain town, taking in the atmosphere. It’s here that we’ll spend our final night in Austria.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Three-star hotel or guesthouse
Distance: 37 miles / 60 km
Elevation gain: 3,610 ft / 1,100 m
Following another hearty breakfast we’ll cycle up to reach the Reschenpass (1,508 m / 4,947 ft). Arriving in Italy, a breathtaking view will open up before us: white peaks of Ortler (3,905 m / 12,811 ft) and the blue Lake Reschen, an artificial lake created by the Montecatini company (now Edison Energia) in 1940. In winter, when the lake freezes, the tower of the main church is reachable by foot.

We’ll take a fast downhill into the Vinschgau Valley. Stretching from the Reschen Pass to Kastelbell/Tschars and bordering Switzerland and Austria, it’s a beautiful valley of lush meadows, gigantic glaciers, and glittering lakes. Our path heads now through apple plantations, from where we’ll see the castle Juval belonging to the famous Alpine climber Reinhold Messner. Our final destination today is usually Lagundo, a lovely place with small lanes, historic buildings, typical Tyrolean wine taverns (Buschenschanken), and cafés with sun terraces just perfect for a post-ride drink! Alternatively, depending on accommodation availability, tonight may be spent in one of the small villages nearby.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Three-star hotel or guesthouse
Distance: 53 miles / 85 km
Elevation gain: 1,970 ft / 600 m
Our first port of call is the Jewel of South Tyrol, Merano at 324m (1,062ft). Merano is situated in a beautiful setting where the three valleys of Vinschgau, Etsch and Passier come together. This unusual geographical location where the town is sheltered to the north and east by high mountain ranges is the reason for its mild Mediterranean climate and enables a wide variety of colorful Mediterranean and subtropical plants to thrive.

From Merano, we’ll continue our way through more apple plantations and vineyards—taking in superb panoramic views, small villages with market squares, and historical sites along the way. Before arriving at our destination, we’ll visit the small Roman chapel of St. Jakob in Kastelaz, in Tramin. The chapel houses the oldest Romanesque frescoes in this part of Italy and is well worth a few minutes of your time. This part of Italy is German speaking, with the famous Gewürtzraminer white and Kalterer See red wines originating here. You’ll be able to taste some of the local wines at dinner.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Three-star hotel or guesthouse
Distance: 40 miles / 65 km
Elevation gain: 2,300 ft / 700 m
You will have noticed the mountains have now become rougher on the side of the Etsch Valley as we continue towards Trento. With the terrain very easy going now and you well into your stride, we’ll cover the distance quickly and should arrive around lunchtime.

Positioned in a wide glacial valley, where the Fersina and Avisio rivers join the Adige (the second longest in Italy) and surrounded by mountains, including the Vigolana (2,150 m / 7,053 ft) and the Monte Bondone (2,181 m / 7,155ft), Trento is spectacularly located. This is a bustling city bursting with Italian flair, with gelaterias, cappuccino bars, and trendy boutiques. With this in mind, the afternoon is yours to do as you please.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Three-star hotel or guesthouse
Distance: 28 miles / 45 km
Elevation gain: 660 ft / 200 m
Our final challenge lies ahead in the form of a cheeky climb to Candriai, from where we’ll roll down into the Mediterranean Sarca Valley. From here on out, the route is relatively flat as we switch between quiet lanes and cycle paths alongside the River Sarca as we eat up the distance.

Along the way, we’ll enjoy a fantastic landscape including glimpses of Lake Garda (Lago di Garda). By mid afternoon we should get there—congratulations are in order! Over the last six days you’ll have covered around 239 miles (385 km) from Austria to Italy (plus a few minutes in Switzerland). Time to celebrate with a few bottles of the fizzy stuff and another delicious dinner at a local restaurant before heading to our hotel for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Three-star hotel
Distance: 40 miles / 65 km
Elevation gain: 3,610 ft / 1,100 m
With bikes packed the previous night, we’ll have time for breakfast before heading to Italy’s Verona Airport (VRN) for flights home (transfer approximately one hour). If you’d like to stay longer and keep on exploring the area, just ask us for some recommendations!

Meals: Breakfast

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Meet your guide

5.00

Saddle Skedaddle

Saddle Skedaddle was founded by a couple of MTB pros (Paul and Andrew) while trapped in a snowstorm during their year-long biking adventure in Chile. They believe travel should move you and that there’s no better way to see a place properly—its people, culture, and natural wonders—than by bike. Saddle Skedaddle currently runs tours in 36 destinations, offering adventure junkies incredible places to tour on two wheels.

5.00 (5 reviews)

Jane (source: Guide’s website)

Excellent cycling holiday, I loved every day! Excellent service from Skedaddle. The tour leader and other guides made the trip as wonderful as it was. Their attention to detail and kindness were felt by all on the trip.

Elizabeth (source: Guide’s website)

Beautiful mountains, excellent guides, and very enjoyable group. Lunches were a treat. We were very well supported and looked after. Thanks to all, particularly Sergio and Christina.

Richard (source: Guide’s website)

Renato was simply outstanding – he remained cheerful in poor weather, flexible when road closure forced us on an alternate route, always organized. I’d credit him with taking a group of strangers and helping us become friends – lots of good Italian wine helped! Assistant guides were outstanding – helped to keep the group together when we straggled a bit, but always did so cheerfully. Lots of humor kept the tired legs turning.The three guides were superb at turning out salads my grandmother would have loved – each with a little twist – well done for taste, creativity, and location.

Clare (source: Guide’s website)

Every day was different and enjoyable in its own way so it is difficult to highlight a particular favourite. Some of the highlights included: Cycling through the apple orchards and vineyards, our time in Merano and the lovely hotel located above the town, cycling around Trento, lunch on the final day (not sure of the name of the lake) and the final evening at Lake Garda. This is very simplistic, there was so much to enjoy!

Chris (source: Guide’s website)

My favourite day was day 3, Starting in a beautiful Austrian resort, after a splendid dinner, a comfortable room and a generous host, and after an hour and a half of steady cycling we were rewarded with a long long downhill coast into Italy – 50 miles had seemed intimidating but not when gravity was helping! The two guides were a delight – passionate about cycling, Italy and Italian coffee. Difficult to see how they could be bettered!

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area (and at least one leader qualified in first aid)
  - 8-day guided Via Claudia Augusta cycling tour
  - Accommodation for 7 nights in 3-star hotels and guesthouses (in shared twin or double ensuite rooms)
  - Meals as listed in the itinerary
  - GPX files available on request
  - Support vehicle and luggage transfers
  - Airport transfers — transfers will be coordinated with the group flight schedule, exact shuttle departure times will be provided as soon as flight timetables become available
    
    Transfer on scheduled arrival day from Munich Airport (MUC)
    
    Transfer on scheduled departure day to Verona Airport (VRN)
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Germany
  - Bikes (rental available at an additional cost)
  - Single supplement (available at an additional cost)
  - Meals not listed in the itinerary
  - Personal clothing and equipment
  - Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities, etc.)
  - Entrance fees to museums and other attractions enroute
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
Fitness and experience
This Via Claudia Augusta cycling tour is ideal for cyclists who ride frequently and who are comfortable with some moderately challenging climbs. This tour will include some longer and/or steeper climbs, while daily distances are generally between 28 miles (45 km) and 53 miles (85 km). Day-by-day distances can be found in the itinerary, make sure you’re fit and strong enough for 6 full days of riding. Total mileage covered is around 239 miles (385 km).

Terrain and roads
- - The route itself was designed to trace the steps of the ancient Roman route across the Alps, so most of the Via Claudia follow quiet cycle paths and country lanes. There are three important passes to cross, which will require a bit more effort than the rest of the route. You can find daily elevation gains in the itinerary.
  - The first pass features off-road forest tracks with moderate climbs. The second pass is on the border of Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, and it’s a real challenge: 2,625 ft (800 m) over 5 miles (8 km) on a dirt road winding up. The last pass is in Italy, but you can use the chairlift to gain 1,640 ft (500 m), from where there’s just another 330 ft (100 m) to climb on tarmac, and then descend towards Lake Garda.
  - If you’re looking for a boost up those more challenging climbs in the first few days, an e-bike would be a great option! They also come in handy on hotter days, making the rides less strenuous.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- - Bike — available to rent
  - Helmet — available to rent
  - Comfortable, season-appropriate riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material
  - Padded shorts
  - Peaked helmet
  - Sneakers or sport shoes
  - Breathable outside layer or jacket
  - Sunglasses
  - Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder
  - Daypack with snacks
  - Biking gloves are optional but recommended
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Indeed you can! If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to skip the hassle of bringing your own bike to Italy for this Via Claudia Augusta cycling tour, your guiding company offers bike rental. Your guides will be carrying everything you’ll need for the day’s ride, including all necessary spares. Please bring a daypack or a Camelbak as panniers won’t be provided. Helmets can be provided on request, let us know upon booking.

You’ve got two bike options:
- - Mountain bikes (Giant Fathom or equivalent)
  - E-bikes (Fathom E+ bikes or Stance E+2 or equivalent)
The strong Germanic influence on the region is expressed in Tyrol-style housing and accommodation, from the murals on the facade of the building to the wooden balconies and interior design.

The majority of our accommodation (shared twin, double or family rooms) will usually be ensuite in 3-star hotels or guesthouses.

Please note that hotels in Austria do not have twin rooms with separate beds available. They usually provide 1 bed frame with two mattresses and separate duvets and sheets. Please bear this in mind if traveling alone and opting to share a twin room with another solo traveler. Single supplement is also available at an additional cost.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Via Claudia Augusta cycling tour, the maximum group size is generally set to 15 participants.
  - It takes a minimum of 6 people for this guided tour to operate.
Via Claudia Augusta cycling tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Children as young as 10 are able to go on trips with a legal guardian. They may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis.
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to your Via Claudia Augusta cycling tour, you first have to reach Munich Airport (MUC). That’s where you’ll meet your guides and they’ll transfer you across the border to the Austrian village of Lermoos. The transfer will take around 1.5 hours.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.

With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!
- - Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
  - Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
  - The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
  - Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.
A non-refundable $250 deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If the Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to sixty (60) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, the Client will forfeit the deposit.
  - For cancellations thirty (30) to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the trip price.
  - If you cancel your booking less than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the departure date, Client is not entitled to any refund.
If you need to cancel the trip, please contact us in writing. If you wish to transfer a booking to another person, please write to us at least seven (7) days before your trip. Administration charges may arise.