Cycle the Via Claudia Augusta: A Self-Guided Journey in Italy

Things to know

• What is a self-guided tour?

  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:

  • • accommodation at 3-star hotels and guesthouses (upgrade to a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels and guesthouses possible)
    • all breakfasts
    • airport transfers
    • app for information and navigation
    • luggage transfers
    • local representative for a welcome meeting

  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.

  Important note on dates & accommodations

  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!
• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • 8-day self-guided Via Claudia Augusta cycling tour
    • Accommodation for 7 nights in 3-star hotels and guesthouses (in shared twin or double ensuite rooms)
    • Breakfasts
    • Local representative (with bike delivery and welcome meeting)
    • Access to the navigation app for holiday information and navigation
    • Luggage transfers
    • Transfer on Day 2 from Verona to Lake Resia
    • Airport transfers
      • Transfer on scheduled arrival day from Verona Airport (VRN)
      • Transfer on scheduled departure day to Verona Airport (VRN)

  Add-ons:

  • • Bike rental — $245 for hybrid bike, $485 for e-bike
    • Single supplement — $435
    • Hotel upgrade (based on double occupancy) — $350
    • Single supplement for the hotel upgrade — $540

  Not included:

  • • Transportation to Italy
    • 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

  *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).

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

  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

  • • 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, mixed-use cycle paths (both cyclists and pedestrians) and country lanes.
    • The route will take you along Alpine valleys, with daily climbs averaging around 300m (990 ft), with a downward bias overall as you follow rivers towards the sea.
      Only around 15% of the route sees you sharing the road with low levels of traffic, with some busier roads as you enter the towns of Merano, Trento, and Verona.
    • A hybrid bike is recommended for this tour, but a gravel or e-bike would also be suitable. If you’re looking for a boost up some of the cheekier climbs, 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.

• What are the rental bikes like?

  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.

• 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 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 age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • For this Via Claudia Augusta self-guided cycling tour, the maximum group size is generally set to 15 participants.
  • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this self-guided tour to operate.
  • Please 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!

  Via Claudia Augusta self-guided 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 Verona Airport (VRN). That’s where your guide’s representative will meet you and take you to Verona to your accommodation for the night.

  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.

• Safety measures and insurance

  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!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  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.