Italy is a lot more than Rome or Florence. If missing the crowds and an authentic Italian experience are your top priorities, then this self-guided cycling tour along the Via Claudia Augusta should be your top pick. Most of this 8-day journey will be along this 2,000-year-old road that was once an important Roman trade route—but today, it’s everything a cyclist could wish for. You’ll wake up to views of snow-capped Alps, explore the city of Romeo and Juliet, pedal through apple orchards and vineyards, and discover bustling Italian towns full of gelaterias and cocktail bars. With this self-guided adventure, you’ll make your week worry-free, allowing you to move at your own pace, forget about the logistics, and just enjoy the trip.
Mostly going along the Via Claudia Augusta and its quiet cycling roads, you’ll have 8 days of exploring Italy’s pristine nature and cute towns. This is a self-guided cycling journey, meaning that all your worries will be minimized—lodgings, breakfasts, bike rentals, all routes and maps, luggage transfers, everything’s taken care of. The main thing about this trip is that you enjoy the journey at your own pace and with your own people. Ready to ride under the Italin sun?
Following your arrival into Verona airport (VRN), we’ll transfer you to Verona, where you can settle into your accommodation. The afternoon is dedicated to meeting Elisa and her team, who will fit you to your rental bikes and chat to you about the week of cycling ahead. You’ll then have your evening free to enjoy Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage City.
Accommodation: Three-star hotel or guesthouse
Following an early breakfast, you’ll set off for the transfer to Lake Resia (around 3.5 hours), not far from the Austrian border. Here you will be dropped off at the piercingly blue Lake Reschen, surrounded by stunning views and peaks of Ortler at 3,905 m (12,811 ft). Now, when the lake freezes in winter, the tower of the main church is accessible by foot.
Enjoying the landscape you’ll take a fast downhill into the Vinschgau Valley—bordering Switzerland and Austria, it’s a beautiful valley of sparkling lush meadows, gigantic glaciers, and glittering lakes. Via Claudia route takes you via the charming village of Glorenza and Prato allo Stelvio, right to the foot of the famous Stelvio. Your final destination today is Silandro. A stunning location with small lanes, historic buildings, typical Tyrolean Wine Taverns (Buschenschanken), and cafes with sun terraces, just perfect for a post ride tipple.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Three-star hotel or guesthouse
Distance: 29 miles / 47 km
Elevation gain: 660 ft / 200 m
Setting off from Silandro, you will rejoin the cycle path, heading now through apple plantations which supply many European markets. The cycle path will then follow the River Adige and with a gradual downhill, it’s time to sit back and relax in the saddle! From the valley, you’ll be able to see the Juval castle, which belongs to the famous Alpine climber Reinhold Messner.
Your last port of call today is the Jewel of South Tyrol, Merano at 324 m (1,062 ft). 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Three-star hotel or guesthouse
Distance: 22 miles / 35 km
Elevation gain: 330 ft / 100 m
Get back on the cycle path and then head off onto small country roads, riding through more apple plantations and vineyards, taking in superb panoramic views, small villages with market squares, and historical sites along the way. Today you’ll tackle your first real climb, as you leave the Adige riverside near Bolzano and you gradually climb on a cycle path towards San Paolo and San Michele, small Tyrolean-style villages located on the terraced vineyard area of La Strada del Vino.
Before arriving at today’s destination, you can 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 Gewürztraminer white wine originating here. Time to relax and recharge the batteries!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Three-star hotel or guesthouse
Distance: 29 miles / 50 km
Elevation gain: 1,970 ft / 600 m
Today you’ll notice the mountains surrounding you have become rougher on the side of the Etsch Valley. With the terrain very easy going now as you continue towards Trento and follow the River Adige, and with you well in your stride, you’ll cover the distance with ease.
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 / 7,155f t), Trento is spectacularly located. This is a bustling city bursting with Italian flair, with gelaterias, cappuccino bars, and trendy boutiques. You’ll have the afternoon to explore Trento and its picturesque backstreets.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Three-star hotel or guesthouse
Distance: 37 miles / 60 km
Elevation gain: 660 ft / 200 m
You’ll continue your journey south following the Adige cycle path through the valley of plantations. Stopping in Rovereto (with plenty of time for a gelato!), you’ll continue on, heading south and following the Adige river once again. Along the way, you’ll enjoy fantastic limestone landscapes towering high towards Mount Baldo. Your destination for today is a homely agriturismo offering a warm welcome, cheering you on, on the last leg of your journey to Verona.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Three-star guesthouse
Distance: 35 miles / 60 km
Elevation gain: 820 ft / 250 m
You’ll start today’s ride cycling south along the cycle path and, as you get closer to the Valpolicella region and the southern side of Lake Garda, the valley will narrow, mountain cliffs roaring vertically above you. A cheeky climb and descent into Rivoli Veronese will be a farewell to the mountains as the route goes to the lower plains of the Veronese, leading you into Bussolengo. This is an ideal stop for a rest before the last section into Verona.
You’ll have time to enjoy a stroll through this remarkable Renaissance city (the city of Romeo and Juliet), recently named as a World Heritage Site. Verona has delighted painters, poets, and travelers for centuries, and you’ll certainly be charmed as well. The city is a work of art in itself: a fascinating crossroad of historical periods and cultures (both classical and Germanic), a blend of both Nordic and Mediterranean influences. After settling into the hotel, you’ll have the evening to explore Verona and try out one of the many quality restaurants in town.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Three-star hotel
Distance: 29 miles / 50 km
Elevation gain: 1,150 ft / 350 m
Time to say goodbye and head to Verona Airport for flights home. The transfer will take around 20 minutes. If you would like a slightly longer trip, you could consider adding a stop over in Riva Del Garda, on the shores of Lake Garda. Please note that in this case, there will be a cost of an extra day’s bike rental for both a standard or electric bike. Please let us know if you’d like to take this option! Alternatively, if you wish to extend your trip to 12 days you can extend your ride all the way to Venice and Chioggia by joining up onto the Lake Garda to Venice trip. Please contact us for further details!
Meals: Breakfast
Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as maps, guidebooks, audio guides, or digital apps.
By going on this Via Claudia Augusta self-guided cycling tour, you’ll have lots of things arranged for you, making your cycling experience a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable:
After you get transferred to Verona and once you’ve talked to a local representative, the self-guided tour starts! Keep in mind that your guides offer support along the way should you need anything.
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
*Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Fitness and experience
This Via Claudia Augusta self-guided bike tour is beginner-friendly! If you can cover daily distances between 15-30 miles (24-48 km), you’re good to go. More day-by-day information is found in the itinerary. In general, most of the riding will be along flat roads, though there will be some undulations and the odd cheeky challenge. If you’re a semi-regular rider (maybe commuting to work or doing some leisure rides on the weekends), look no further.
Terrain and roads
Here’s what you’ll need:
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.
If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own, your guides have bikes available to rent. These bikes are typically Velo de Ville hybrid/touring bikes for $245. Depending on the size needed, the bikes may have a cross bar, or have a step through frame (usually the smaller models). If a smaller frame is required, occasionally a mountain bike with semi-slick tyres adapted for road use may also be provided. E-bikes are available on request for $485 and it may take a day or two for your guides to confirm.
Rental bikes will be provided with a pannier rack and 1 bag, a tool kit, a spare inner tube, a bike lock, a bike pump, and a phone mount.
If you choose to bring your own e-bike, on any of departures, please contact us so we can discuss the bike specification and ensure it is suitable for the tour.
Helmets can be provided locally on request. If you would like us to organise this please request a helmet at the time of booking.
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 some hotels 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.
There is an upgrade option available, meaning that you would stay in a mixture of both 3 and 4-star hotels and guesthouses.
Group sizes and pricing
Via Claudia Augusta self-guided cycling tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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 Verona Airport (VRN). That’s where your guide’s representative will meet you and take you to Verona to your accommodation for the night.
Medical and travel protection are mandatory on this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
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 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.
The distances and terrain were just about right and allowed us time to explore each town at the end of the day’s cycling. Merano in particular is a beautiful town and having this at the end of a short day was a good idea as we could explore it properly. The trip from Silandro to Merano was probably our favourite day. Lovely cycle paths through apple plantation’s and forests and then beside the River Adige. At the end of the whole journey we actually became quite attached to the River, given we had ridden beside it for almost the whole trip. Overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable trip and I would highly recommended.