Travel Guides: Italy Travel Guide: Overview
In Southern Europe—right in the heart of the Mediterranean—lies a boot-shaped country stuffed to the brim with culture, history and fine cuisine.
One or more kids 20+ required (siblings 17+ ok)
Family — 20s & Beyond
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 1-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,349 - $5,399 pp dbl occ
($700 for sgl occ)
A surprise awaits on Italy's rooftop: a network of quiet cycling paths for everyone's taste. From Italy to Austria, pedal amid lush valleys and limestone massifs. Connect with local people whose unique traditions enhance your family's journey. Savor exquisite meals, regional wines and cozy inns and be welcomed like family.
Start/End Bolzano
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Welcome to South Tyrol, home to a captivating mix of Italian, Austrian and Tyrolean cultures | Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Most residents speak German in this sublime region | Bike up and down the spectacular Etsch Valley as you embark on a pleasant riverside ride past orchards, vineyards and castles | Pista ciclabile in Italy, Radweg in Austria—whatever you call it, these bike paths are idyllic! | Descend through the Venosta Valley, flanked by the jagged peaks of the Ortles and Ötztal Mountains.
This unique and stylish 17th-century lodge features unrivaled views of the surrounding landscape and a Michelin-starred restaurant. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Meadows, woodland and quiet hamlets set the stage for today's ride along the Rienz River | A haven of tranquility, the Aurina Valley greets your family with gentle inclines and delights with majestic vistas of the Zillertal range's snow-covered peaks | Soak up the scene of fairy-tale forests, barns and locals hand-cutting their lawns with traditional wooden scythes | Discover wonderful regional wines, including Vernatsch, Lagrein and Gewürztraminer | Taste delectable mountain specialties—polenta, funghi, local cheese, canederli and apple strudel.
A chic mountain retreat featuring modern design with minimalist décor and phenomenal views of the peak-ensconced valley. (pool, spa)
Behold hidden valleys and storybook villages framed by magnificent limestone peaks | Following peaceful cycling routes, make your way through the countryside to Lienz, Austria, a charming cobbled town ringed by jagged spires | Spin along a picture-perfect route through a forested valley and small lakes nestled among the Alps | Savor the bounty of an alpine picnic in cozy Matrei | Back in Lienz, celebrate an unforgettable week of biking with family over a festive farewell dinner | Ride into the Drau River valley before saying auf wiedersehen to South and East Tyrol.
Framed by the Dolomites and Austria's highest peaks, this lavish new hotel epitomizes "sustainable luxury" with its utilization of solar and geothermal energy. (pool, spa)
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
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Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Click the arrow to see all bike options.
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
In order to access the most scenic biking routes and significant points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles are incorporated into several days of our itinerary. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time in the van. Please note that we have planned our itinerary to make the most of our time in this spectacular area. So sit back and relax, knowing that someone else is doing the driving, and enjoy the beauty of the journey.
The accommodations on this trip are Premiere Hotels. While they offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that some are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
In Southern Europe—right in the heart of the Mediterranean—lies a boot-shaped country stuffed to the brim with culture, history and fine cuisine.
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