South Tyrol: round trip with charm hotels

Bressanone (Brixen), is quickly reached! Look forward to a worth seeing old town with leafy alleys and impressive cathedral.

In the morning transfer high up into Alta Pusteria, into the heart of the Dolomites to Dobbiaco, where the tour briefing will take place and you will receive your rental bikes (if booked). Look forward to the well-maintained Pustertal cycle path. You will cycle past the famous Braies valley, along the Olang reservoir and follow the river Rienz to Brunico. Stroll through the picturesque alleys with their colorful facades and neat stores, treat yourself to a delicious Italian ice cream and marvel at the time-honored castle on the Schlossberg, which today houses a Messner Mountain Museum. Finally, drive through the lower Pustertal valley over into the Eisacktal valley. Shortly before Bressanone, it is worth visiting the Augustinian canons' monastery of Neustift, with its historic monastery garden and rustic monastery cellar for a stop. The monastery store offers South Tyrolean bacon, homemade jams, Kaminwurzen and local cheeses. You will spend the evening back in beautiful Bressanone.

Today you follow the Eisacktal cycle path from Bressanone to Bolzano. The vineyards of the famous white wine region line the path and tempt you to make many a stop. But the picturesque town of Chiusa with its alleys and narrow houses awaits you and, of course, South Tyrol's capital, Bolzano. Stroll through the arcades of Bolzano, you will not be able to stop looking and marveling: noble boutiques and pretty stores, cafes, delicatessens and nice bars are lined up next to each other. Linger at the famous fruit market, visit "Ötzi" in the archeology museum or enjoy a cappuccino in one of the cafés at Waltherplatz.

Today you start on an eventful round tour to South Tyrol's most famous wine-growing area. You cycle past Sigmundskron Castle on an old railroad line up to Eppan, the largest wine-growing community in South Tyrol. Numerous vineyards, many castles, manors, churches and farms characterize today's picture. If you wish, you can take a short detour to the idyllic Montiggler See lake near St. Michael for a refreshing swim before the small wine town of Kaltern with the South Tyrolean Wine Museum beckons you to visit. Cycle along the idyllic Lake Kaltern to the Adige Cycle Path, which will take you back to Bolzano.

Along the "Wine Road" you cycle today through the largest fruit-growing area in South Tyrol. One plantation follows the next and wonderfully fragrant apples grow everywhere. The oldest winery in South Tyrol in Andrian is on your way, as are the pretty towns of Terlan and Nals. In Lana, marvel at the multitude of churches, chapels and monasteries scattered throughout the municipal area. Look forward to Merano, because here you will be spoiled by a gentle Mediterranean climate, which even Empress Sissi appreciated. Blooming parks and promenades with exotic plants, picturesque leafy alleys and numerous Art Nouveau buildings give the city its special charm. How nice that you spend 2 nights here. So you have plenty of time also for the worth seeing gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle just above Merano. Alternatively, you can cycle along the completely flat Etschradweg along the river directly to Merano.

Today the Vinschgau Railway takes you ever so slightly uphill from Merano to Mals in the Vinschgau Valley. Since you have already climbed today's altitude, get on your bike in good spirits. On the wonderful Etsch cycle path through orchards you roll ever so slightly downhill through the Etsch valley back to Merano. Take a break in Glurns, the smallest town in South Tyrol, which is full of surprises and historical treasures, as well as in Schlanders in the midst of sun-drenched orchards.

Today a transfer will take you from Merano to the Jaufen Pass (2092 m) or on to Sterzing. Are you tempted by a fast descent? Then get on your bike already at the Jaufenpass and whiz down to Sterzing. You can also enjoy the magnificent panorama as far as Sterzing in the comfort of the transfer bus. From Sterzing you cycle along wonderful cycle paths, which today also have one or two climbs in store, from the upper Eisack Valley to the former customs station in Franzensfeste and on to Brixen, where you will end your last evening in peace.

Today your bike tour in the South Tyrolean mountains ends. You can, of course, book additional nights.