In May 2024, the five of us set out to cross Northern Italy on two wheels. Starting from the alpine air of the Isarco Valley, we followed the rivers south toward the Adriatic Sea, passing through historic cities and beautiful mountain landscapes.
Bolzano
72 Km | 270m climb
After a slow morning at our hotel, we started riding along the Isarco River. The mountains were beautiful all around us as we made our way to Bolzano. We finished the evening in the city and stayed at the historic Parkhotel Laurin.
In this area of Italy, you’ll see that almost every town has two names—one in Italian and one in German. It’s a fascinating region where the cultures are perfectly blended, and you can feel the Tyrolean influence in everything from the architecture to the local food.
The Train Way
74 Km | 360m climb
We continued along the Isarco River. As we left Bolzano, we met a local cyclist who suggested we take the old train way. It was a unique and beautiful path surrounded by mountains. We also visited Lago di Caldaro and stopped at a restaurant on the eastern bank for some great apple strudel and ice cream.
The Train Way follows old railway lines, meaning the climbs are never too steep and you are completely separated from car traffic. This allows you to focus entirely on the vineyards and alpine views.
Lake Garda
63 Km | 310m climb
After riding along the river, we started the climb toward Lake Garda. The descent toward the lake offered a panoramic view as we reached Torbole. We rode into the town of Malcesine to stay at the Caravel Bike Hotel. That evening, we decided to take the cable car up the mountain the next morning to start our ride from the top instead of taking the ferry.
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. The northern part where we arrived is world-famous for its steady winds and steep cliffs. It’s a massive natural landmark that has drawn travelers for centuries.
Verona
85 Km | 390m climb
The cable car ride up Mount Baldo gave us another incredible view of the lake. On the mountain, we started a memorable ride all the way to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. We stayed at the Pietra di Verona Residenza right in the heart of the city.
Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Roman Arena, which is still perfectly preserved and used for opera today. The city is famous for its pink marble architecture and its ancient stone bridges.
Padova
106 Km | 320m climb
This was the longest riding day on the trip. Before Padova, one of us realized his backpack was missing and that he had probably left his ID at our last stop. We had to ride back to find it before continuing to our stay at Palazzo Mantua Benavides. The hotel manager there was inspiring—he was getting ready to start a 3-month bicycle ride to Norway!
Padova is home to one of the world’s oldest universities, founded in 1222. It is a city where tradition meets a young, academic energy. It’s also famous for its arcaded streets, which make it a great place to explore by bike.
Venice
57 Km | 90m climb
An easy and very enjoyable final day. We started with a bicycle tour of Padova guided by our hotel owner. By afternoon, we reached Mestre, packed our bikes, and spent the rest of the day in lovely Venice. It was a trip to remember.
Venice is built on 118 islands, and reaching it after crossing the Alps on two wheels is a great feeling. Trading your bike shoes for walking shoes to explore the canals is the perfect way to finish a journey like this.
