Destination: Italy

The cycle track “München-Venezia” joins pure leisure cycling with the adventure of traversing the Alps from Germany over Austria to Italy. On cycling paths, cycle routes or small side roads you will experience three countries with their various regions and lots of outstanding natural and cultural beauties. “München-Venezia” starts in the capital of Bavaria – Munich – and leads along Bavarian lakes and Tyrolean rivers through the UNESCO world natural heritage – the Dolomites – to Treviso and finally to the gates of the Serenissima – Venice – with its doges palaces and famous canals. 

The starting point of this cycle tour is “la Serenissima”, Venice the lagoon city on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Cycling past the beaches of the classical holiday resorts of Jesolo and Caorle on the Italian Adriatic, an opportunity always presents itself to take a refreshing swim in the sea. Due to this fact, you should never forget to pack your swim gear. Besides these beaches, the inland regions of the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia offer countless sites with very special charm waiting to be discovered; Mediaeval fortress towns; Roman archaeological excavations; typical Italian Piazzas and buildings embossed with Venetian influences causing the visitor to forget time and space. While on the one side, the Adriatic stretches calmly and silently, the Julian Alps rise majestically to the north. Finish with a trip down the beautiful Croatian peninsula of Istria. The return journey to Venice can be done by boat.

The starting point of this cycle tour is the medieval town of the Langobards, Cividale del Friuli/surrounding area. Cividale holds some Langobard treasures such as the famous Tempietto or the Ponte del Diavolo over the river Natisone. Carrying on your trip you will arrive at Gradisca d’Isonzo (Gradišče ob Soči in Slovenian). This little town in the east of Friuli near the border area of Slovenia has been the front between Austria and Italy in the First World War, well known for the 12 Battles of the Isonzo.

Discover the southeast end of Italy. On this bicycle tour you will not only experience the unique countryside between the Adriatic and the Ionic Sea, but also the friendliness and hospitality of the southern Italians. The countryside is rich in culture. The Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Habsburger and the Bourbons have all left their marks in the region.   

Route Technical Characteristics: Route Profile: Easy. The bicycle route through Istria runs slightly hilly. The tour is suitable for children from the age of 14. Distance:  220 – 275 km            Travel Season: Departures Wednesdays and Saturdays Read More

On the well-developed cycle paths around the lakes, leisure cyclers and families are well treated. The region in the south of Austria with its Mediterranean climate has almost 200 lakes, some of them you will explore. The special location near the border to Slovenia and Italy makes two great day trips possible. The first tour will lead you to the famous Alpe Adria cycle path with the probably most spectacular section on the old railway track from Tarvis to Venzone. The second tour starts in Kranjska Gora, the Kitzbühel of Slovenia, and leads you also along the old railway track to Italy and back to Austria. Starting point of this journey is Villach, the cycling capital of Carinthia. Starting there the day trips allow you to enjoy different lakes like Lake Wörthersee, Faaker See, Pressegger See, Ossiacher See and the provincial capital Klagenfurt and the Alpe Adria area – a wonderful cycle tour with the highlights of the region.

From the northeastern Dolomites, you will cycle through the Höhlensteintal Valley below the famous Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks) to the Olympic city of Cortina d‘Ampezzo. On the railway line of the former Dolomite Railway, you will continue to Pieve di Cadore – the birthplace of the famous Tizian. The path continues through the valley of the ice cream makers (“Gelati”) manufacturers in the Dolomite town of Belluno. Through the foothills, the route first goes to Feltre and then on to Bassano del Grappa. From here you will slowly reach the plain. After a short detour to Asolo, the “city of a hundred horizons”, the fashion city of Treviso awaits you. Along the river Sile you cycle towards the Serenissima – the lagoon city of Venice is a magnificent final destination for your exploration of northern Italy.

Starting from the northeastern Dolomites, the first part of the route runs along the river Drau through the valley of the same name and then on through the Gailtal valley on leisurely cycle paths. After a short detour to the Italian border town of Tarvisio you cycle on to Slovenia. At the fairytale Lake Bled, you will be at the foot of the Julian Alps. After a transfer to the south side of the Alps, you will return to Italy in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and in the famous wine region “Collio”. The former capital of the Lombards, Cividale del Friuli, is worth a visit. Afterwards, a spectacular end to the cycle tour on the Adriatic awaits you. On the last day you cycle along the sea to the former Habsburg port of Trieste.

The first part of the walk goes along the Chestnut Path (Keschtnweg) before presenting you a vista of the beautiful plateau south of the Dolomites above Bolzano. You pass close to the village of Renon, the “in” summer place for the rich from the capital city’s residents. Vineyards and orchards line the way on the hike through one of the most beautiful areas located in the center of the South Tyrolean wine region. Lake Kalterer See, the most famous lake in South Tyrol, is a further highlight on this route. Castles, palaces and manor houses emboss the landscape of the South Tyrolean Wine Route where numerous wineries avail a tasting of superb wines. The excellent cuisine and the amazing panorama create an unforgettable experience.

Are you yet to travel to Umbria? If so, you are missing out for sure! Just like in Tuscany, Umbria’s better known neighbor, sunflowers grow wonderfully yellow, olive groves shine a gentle silver color, the grapevines are bright green and the medieval towns reign up on the hilltops. The main difference between Umbria and Tuscany is that Umbria is much more quiet, traditional and charming. Enjoy the many cultural and scenic highlights on this bike tour based in one hotel. Even the cuisine is exquisite in this region of Italy. Top quality wine and olive oil are produced here, the chocolate from Perugia is world famous and even truffles can be found in the Umbrian hills. This tour is sure to provide you with an unforgettable cycle holiday!