Travel Story Cycling Bolzano - Venice

Arriving in the capital of South Tyrol

As soon as we reach the gates of Bolzano, we are enveloped by the enticing aroma of coffee and the irresistible scent of freshly baked apple pie, inviting us to enjoy a leisurely afternoon coffee and a stroll through the city. In the late afternoon, we make our way to the nearby Bolzano Eurobike Station, where station manager Ricardo greets us warmly. After a brief orientation and equipped with our rental bikes, we head back to the centrally located Parkhotel Laurin, a hotel that truly deserves its four stars.

Square with church in the city center of Bolzano in South Tyrol.

Cyclist on the Etsch cycle path with meadows and mountains in the background

Vineyards along the Etsch cycle path with a housing estate and a hill in the background

The river Etsch with mountains in the background and the cycle path with cyclists in the foreground

Let’s hit the road!

Fueled by a delicious breakfast, we set off on our cycling tour in South Tyrol. The sun is shining, and the first few kilometers fly by in a blur. It isn’t long before the first highlight appears—along the Adige Cycle Path, we soak in expansive views of the stunning river landscape, framed by towering rock formations. Apple orchards, vineyards, and endless poppy fields of accompany us, mingling with fluffy cumulus clouds overhead.

By the end of this stage of our journey, we’ve covered a proud 70 kilometers, and just as we arrive, the first warm raindrops begin to fall. Nestled in the stylish NH Hotel in Trento, we get ready for our well-deserved dinner in the rainy city.

Cyclist rides along the poppy fields on the Italian river Adige.

A day like at the seaside!

Filled with excitement, we set off, fully motivated, heading south. Trento quickly falls behind us, and the flat landscape begins to rise gently ahead. We pass through the sleepy village of Mori. Upon reaching the highest point of the pass, it’s time for a photo to celebrate our achievement in conquering the ascent. As a reward, we enjoy a long, thrilling descent in the warm breeze, with our destination being the charming town of Nago.

Simply letting go and savoring one beautiful spot after another—that’s exactly what we do on our boat journey from Riva to Desenzano del Garda. As we glide toward the sunset, we take the opportunity to get to know our fellow Eurobike travelers better aboard the ship. We’re already looking forward to a shared dinner and many fantastic stories to come.

Father and daughter take a selfie on a viewing terrace near Nago overlooking Lake Garda.

Colorful flowers on an Italian piazza with a cyclist in the background.

The port of the Italian town of Riva del Garda with the lake promenade.

View of Malcesine from the water at Lake Garda.

The port of Torbole on Lake Garda with ships on the water.

The rain only adds to the adventure!

Unfortunately, the weather isn’t on our side today, so we set off in full rain gear for our third stage from Desenzano to Verona. Meanwhile, a storm rages further south, and we learn that the flooding situation in Emilia-Romagna is worsening. It’s a day filled with rain, with downpour following downpour. However, we make the most of it by hunting for the best cafés in the region and enjoying plenty of laughs with two ladies we met along the way.

By early afternoon, we arrive in the enchanting city of Verona. Hotel Indigo is conveniently located just a five-minute stroll from the historic old town. After securely locking up our bikes and taking a moment to freshen up, we eagerly set out to explore! Verona is celebrated not only for its delectable cuisine but also for its breathtaking landmarks, such as the iconic Arena, the picturesque Ponte Pietra bridge, and the legendary Casa di Giulietta, where the tale of Romeo and Juliet comes to life.

Woman by the river in front of the Ponte Pietra in Verona.

Vicenza - A pure delight of art & culture!

Discovering a new city every day is truly exhilarating. Just as the landscapes of each region vary, so do the cities themselves. From Verona, we first cycle through flat vineyards, passing by local fruit and vegetable markets, before climbing up to the hills of Monte Berici. After a brisk ascent, we reach the tree line, where we are greeted by stunning views of the beautiful city of Vicenza. On this day, our luggage arrives almost right on time at the hotel, adding to our sense of adventure.

A bicycle stands on a path in the middle of a poppy field.

A statue with children in the old town of Vicenza in Italy.

A piece of apple pie and a cappuccino in a cafe in Vicenza.

Cyclist stands on the side of the road in front of a map at Monte Berici.

My beloved city: Padua!

Pedaling straight ahead, we head toward the spa town of Abano Terme, where cafés line the streets one after another. As charming as this clean and beautiful spa resort is, we treat ourselves to coffee and cake while basking in the warm sun. Throughout our journey, we’ve gathered many wonderful impressions, but one city has captured my heart. Padua, with its majestic Basilica di Sant'Antonio and the enchanting Prato della Valle park, stands out as one of the most beautiful places on this cycling adventure.

After an exhilarating stroll through the city, our stomachs begin to rumble, prompting us to unwind for the evening at the elegant Restaurant Zairo. There, we indulge in a delightful glass of red wine paired with mouthwatering Italian pasta, savoring each bite as we reflect on the day's adventures.

The Basilica of Sant Antonio in the center of Padua.

Enchanted by Venice – The city of a thousand bridges!

The final day arrives, and with hearts brimming with anticipation, we mount our bikes for one last ride. With only 40 kilometers separating us from our destination, Venice, we relish each pedal stroke along the picturesque Brenta River, where stunning villas stand proudly along the banks. Each turn reveals a new vista, a reminder of the beauty we've encountered throughout our journey, and we embrace the moment as we draw closer to the enchanting city that awaits us.

Upon arriving at the hotel, the luggage transport pulls up right on cue. I’d say that’s perfect timing! After a brief pause to settle in, we hop on the bus heading to the Lagoon City. Both of us are buzzing with excitement, as our knowledge of Venice has come solely from stories and reports—now we’re finally about to experience its magic for ourselves.

We smoothly drop off our bikes at the hotel, and after a short respite, we board the waterbus, eagerly heading toward the iconic St. Mark's Square. The journey across the Grand Canal is truly unforgettable, adorned with countless gondolas, stunning historic facades, and landmarks like the Rialto Bridge, all weaving together a captivating tapestry. This scenic ride serves as the perfect culmination of our eventful and breathtaking cycling adventure!

Father and daughter arriving at St. Mark's Square in Venice.

Cyclist in front of a stone arch near Madonna della Rosario

St. Mark's Square in Venice with the sights around the square.

Cyclist in front of the town sign of San Pietro.

View from a waterbus in Venice overlooking the sea and the cathedral.

Conclusion

An incredible adventure is drawing to a close! We both take pride in the memorable days we spent together during our father-daughter vacation.

My favorite place

View of Lake Garda

We’ve arrived! Not at the hotel, not in the next city, but on VACATION! We can hardly believe the breathtaking view of the seemingly endless, sparkling Lake Garda before us, and we savor this unforgettable moment to the fullest.