Make your way to medieval alpine town of Bolzano and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You could take a cable car up to the upper alpine for a scenic walk in the summer meadows or you could just enjoy a stroll through the winding streets and ancient arcades of the charming old town. We also recommend a visit to a local museum to see “Ötzi“, a 5300 year old caveman who’s well preserved remains were discovered in a nearby glacier in 1998.

An early start today, as you will be picked up and transferred up the Venosta valley to the small town of Resia at the top of the pass (journey time 2hrs 30 mins). Here you mount up and begin your cycling adventure. The cycle path is well marked and you will also have good maps so just relax and enjoy the stunning alpine scenery as you wend your way gently downhill. You’ll pass mountain lakes, cool pine forests and charming fairytale villages. The babbling Adige river will be your guide and constant companion throughout the ride. Stop for a coffee or a bite to eat in one of the pretty alpine villages such as Burgusio, Malles or Glorenza, there’s no rush and the kilometers drift by seemingly without effort. You’ll stop for the night in the pleasant little village of Silandro perched on the edge of the valley. If you still have some energy there are some lovely walks on the hillside behind the village.

After breakfast you continue following the bike path beside the Adige river as it descends along the Venosta valley. Today you will be cycling through huge orchards of apple trees which grow very successfully in this fertile region, you may also see apricots and strawberries too. The valley begins to widen here and the high peaks on either side are breathtaking. The cycle path leads you through a succession of small alpine villages all of which offer good places to stop for refreshment. Your destination today is the bustling town of Merano, another medieval alpine town with a beautiful arcaded old town to explore. You may also be attracted to the town's famous thermal baths to relax and sooth those aching limbs.

Your final ride completes the journey back to Bolzano with an easy ride alongside the now-growing Adige river. The fruit orchards still hold sway and old castle ruins stand guard on bluffs overlooking the valley. The route you are cycling on was once part of the via Claudia Augusta, a pack-animal trail built by the Romans in 15BC to facilitate trade between regions north and south of the Alps. Before you know it, you are cycling back into the centre of Bolzano where you will return the bikes and spend the last night of your holiday. Surely a hearty alpine meal in one of the town’s many fine restaurants is in order to celebrate completing your cycling adventure.

After breakfast it’s time to head for home or your next adventure.