From Munich to Venezia

Your cycling tour from Germany to Italy

Day 1 : Arrival in Munich

The capital city of Bavaria is awaiting you and invites you to visit its many attractions (English Garden, Town Hall, Hofbräuhaus,…)

Day 2 : Munich - Lake Starnberger See | 45-60 km

From Munich through the Forstenrieder Park onto Lake Starnberger See. From Starnberg on the cycle path directly along the lakeside to Ambach or onwards to Bernried. The lake tempts you with crystal-clear waters and the views are fabulous onto the surrounding mountains.

Day 3 : Lake Starnberger See - Garmisch Partenkirchen | 65 km

Initially a cycle tour past Lake Riegsee to Murnau. Onwards through the nature reserve Murnauer Moos (Central Europe’s largest marsh area) and through unspoilt nature following the river Loisach to Garmisch Partenkirchen. Here you have the option of a ride with the Zugspitzbahn up to an altitude of 2962 m (autonomously). From up there you enjoy a stupendous view over the Alps.

Day 4 : Garmisch Partenkirchen – Mittenwald – Leutasch | 40 km

Today you proceed along the beautifully developed cycle path all the way to the river Isar. You cycle through the sunny high mountain valley with marvellous panoramic views onto the Karwendel- and Wettersteingebirge-mountains to Mittenwald. Here we highly recommend a break and to take a stroll throughh the village with its Lüftlmalerei-painted houses. You then continue in a spectacular fashion through the Leutaschklamm-ravine to Austria. You cycle along the Leutasch-stream through the stunningly beautiful valley all the way into your Day Finish.

Day 5 : Leutasch – Imst | 50 km

Today you cycle over into the Inn-river valley. You leave Leutasch on a country road leading you on gently hilly terrain before an eight-kilometre long descent takes you to Telfs. You cycle on the former towpath along the river Inn and so reach Stams with its Baroque Cistercian monastery. Then via Haiming it is not far to Imst, the so-called „North Tyrolean Merano‘.

Day 6 : Imst – St. Valentin / Burgeis / Mals | 50 km + bus transfer

Today, you will cycle along the river Inn, past the monastery Zams to Landeck. A bus will take you to Nauders from where you will cycle less than 100 metres in altitude uphill to the mountain pass Reschenpass. From there, you will cycle downhill to Lake Reschensee and continue on minor roads to Mals (many towers in the centre) or to Burgeis at the foot of the castle Marienburg.

Day 7 : St. Valentin / Burgeis / Mals – Merano | 65 km

Your day starts with a trip to Glurns (perfectly preserved medieval city walls). Then, you will cycle via the Montani ruins, through Schlanders, down to Merano. On your way, you will come across some pretty castles (mountaineer Reinhold Messner’s castle Juval) and you will get marvellous views of the impressive mountain massif Ortlermassiv and the mountain pass Stilfserjoch. Since 2004, the Venosta train (Vinschgaubahn) has been operating again between Mals and Merano. You can almost always take this train to travel a part of your journey.

Day 8 : Merano –Auer | 55 km

Today’s stage will take you via Lana (Schnatterpeck Altar) and through numerous orchards and vineyards in the area of the South Tyrolean Wine Road, past many fortresses, castles, and ruins such as Hocheppan (famous frescos), to Lake Caldaro. You will stay overnight in the cosy wine town, Auer.

Day 9 : Auer – Trento | 45 km

On the sixth day, you will cycle mostly along the river Adige, and partly through orchards to Salurn, where the German speaking South Tyrol ends. The famous Trentino vineyards are located next to the dam ways. These ways lead you to Trento with its lovely old town, cathedral and castle Buonconsiglio.

Day 10 : Trento - Lake Garda South | 50 km + boat trip

First, you will continue to cycle along the Adige, to Rovereto from here the tour leads westwards towards Lake Garda. In Mori you will taste the world famous pistachio ice-cream in the Gelateria Bologna. After a short ascent, you will descend down to the lake to Torbole and on to Riva. From here, a boat trip will take you down the entire length of the lake to Sirmione or Desenzano.

Day 11 : Lake Garda South - Verona | 50 km

Partly flat and partly hilly, the route will take you through the vineyards on to Verona, a town full of sights (the Festival Arena, Juliet’s house, the old town walls).

Day 12 : Verona – Vicenza | 70 km

Today’s route is initially flat and then you will cycle through the Monti Berici hills to the excursion area of Vicenza, with a beautiful view over the city. To make this longer stage a bit shorter, you can also travel the first part by train to San Bonifacio. In the old town of Vicenza, you can feel the spirit of Palladio, the famous architect from the Middle Ages.

Day 13 : Vicenza -Abano Terme | 35 km

On leaving Vicenza, you will see numerous Venetian villas, such as the Villa Rotonda. The route along the river Bacchiglione leads to Abano Terme, one of the famous Italian spa towns. From Abano Terme, you can easily travel by bus to Padua, the city of St Anthony and the scholars. There you will have enough time to enjoy the thermal baths. If you are culturally-minded, you can enjoy Padua overnight for an additional charge. In category charm, this extra night is included.

Day 14 : Abano Terme – Venezia / Mestre / Marghera | 50 km

With a light wind behind you most of the time, it’s an easy ride towards the sea.  The landscape is full of meadows and fields. This stage will take you to the mainland before Venice, with its excellent bus service into the city of lagoons. At the end of your tour, not far from Marcus square, you can look forward to a little Grappa tasting session!

Day 15 : Departure in the day