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.
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.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels*
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 | Dive into the spectacular Dolomites World Heritage site as you embark on a pleasant riverside ride past orchards, vineyards and castles | Pista ciclabile in Italy, Radweg in Austria—whatever you call it, this bike path is idyllic! | Descend through the Venosta Valley, flanked by the jagged peaks of the Ortles and Ötztal Mountains.
Admire the stunning mountain views from the expansive sun terrace of this modern chalet-style hotel. (pool, spa)
Meadows, woodland and quiet hamlets set the stage for today's ride along the Rienza River | A haven of tranquility, the Aurina Valley greets you with a few short hills 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 minimalist retreat run by three sisters and two generations, this hotel's incredible mountain setting and elegant Swiss pine accents make a stay here feel like a true escape. (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 | Ride along a picture-perfect route through a forested valley 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 | Bike into the Drava River valley before saying Auf Wiedersehen to South 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.
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.
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. Rest assured 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.
Grand Hotel Lienz is a Premiere Hotel. While it offers outstanding service and amenities, please note that it is 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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