Guided
Via Claudia Bike Tour
The Via Claudia Augusta is an ancient road built by a Roman Emperor to connect Rome with the northern (German) territories. Construction began in 15 BC and was completed in 60 years. The Via Claudia winds through the gentle valleys of Bavaria, crosses Alpine passes in Austria, and enters the wealthy German enclaves of Italy. Today the Germans, Austrians and Italians have created 440 miles (700 km) of bike paths, both paved and unpaved. On this tour you cycle almost exclusively on bike paths. You roll through the dramatic Bavarian countryside passing the fairy tale Neuschwanstein Castle which inspired Walt Disney to create his Magic Kingdom. You stay in small villages in Alpine valleys. You ride past mountain lakes and streams. The tour ends at a spa town in northern Italy. Relax at the spa which features 25 pools (both indoor and outdoor) and various saunas.
​Highlights​
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Cycling almost exclusively on bike paths
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Spectacular Alpine scenery (NOTE: We shuttle over the
two mountain passes) -
Gorgeous walled Bavarian villages
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Thermal spa in Merano
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Church bell tower rising from Lake Resia
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German, Austrian, and Italian cousine
Price
US$ 2,600 per person, double occupancy
Dates
Email us your dates. We can schedule the tour when you want.
Single Supplement
+ US$ 500 for single room occupancy
Length
8 Days, 7 Nights
Meet / Finish
Augsburg, Germany / Merano, Italy
Route Rating
Moderate: 20-38 miles (32-61 km) per day over hilly terrain. Extra miles available.
Bikes and Gear >
Terms and Conditions >
Day 6: Malles, Italy
The Reschen Pass separates Austria from Italy. Leaving our hotel, we follow a river for 20 km to the train station in the town of Landeck. In Landeck we board a shuttle for a 1-hour drive over the Reschen Pass. We resume our ride in Nauders, an alpine village high on a sunny plateau. Nauders is located where Austria, Switzerland and Italy meet. For millennia this village has been a crossroads for travellers, including those following the Via Claudia. A long downhill ride takes us past a castle, ski lifts, and the old Customs offices, now abandoned, along the Austrian-Italian border. You roll through woods and past a large manmade lake called the Reschensee. Completed in 1950 the Reschensee submerged the town of Graun. One hundred and sixty three homes were lost, but the towns’ 14th Century church tower was spared. Today this church steeple rises majestically from the lake waters. It is an amazing site
​Day 7: Merano, Italy
We follow a river on a gentle downhill ride. We pass villages with high church steeples and impressive castles. We roll through wooden bridges with river water crashing below. The bike path leads to Merano, a spa town in the German speaking enclave of Italy known as Alto Adige. The main attraction in Merano is its spectacular spa. Twenty-five thermal pools, various saunas, and five hectares of gardens make for the ultimate in spa relaxation. On our last night we have a group dinner in a local ristorante.
Day 8: Merano, Italy
The bike tour ends in Merano, Italy. The guides will be happy to give you a lift to the Merano train station. Train travel times are:
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Merano to Verona: 2.5 hrs
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Merano to Milan: 4 hrs
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Merano to Venice: 4 hr
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Flixbus offers bus service from Merano to Munich. The bus ride takes 5 hours.
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If you prefer a driver that can be arranged (at your own expense).
Day 1: Augsburg, Germany
We meet in Augsburg, Germany (30 minutes by train from Munich). Our hotel is near the center of this attractive city of spires and cobbles. We explore the historic center and start things right with a Bavarian feast in the cellar beneath the 1385 City Hall. One of the delights of this tour is the mix of German, Austrian, and Italian cuisine. In Augsburg you can try sausage or bratwurst with authentic Bavarian Hefeweizen beer.
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Day 2: Landsberg am Lech, Germany
We follow a bike path through green countryside on our way to Landsberg am Lech. Landsberg is a town right out of a children’s story, with cobbled streets leading to piazzas and playful fountains. The town is encircled by a 15th Century wall with gates and towers. We stay in a small inn in the center of town.
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​Day 3, Schongau, Germany
A bike path leads us south following the Lech River. Rising in front of you in the distance you see the magnificent Alps. Today’s destination is Schongau, an ancient Bavarian fortress built on a hill above a river. Schongau has an accessible walk along the battlements of the old city wall. Our hotel is in the historic center of town surrounded by perfectly preserved 15th Century buildings. Pastel colored Rococo facades, terra cotta roofs, and porticos burst with Bavarian charm.
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Day 4: Füssen, Germany
A gorgeous rolling ride through pre-Alpine countryside leads to Füssen at the base of the Alps. Füssen was untouched by WWII bombs and has a perfectly preserved, car-free center. This is Bavaria at its finest with beautiful architecture, stunning views, and impeccable restorations. After lunch we visit Schloss Neuschwanstein, Germany’s most visited castle. Before leaving Füssen take a walk around town to marvel at the perfectly preserved medieval architecture. Pastel colored facades, frescoes, and colorful old signs give the town a whimsical, fairy-tale feel.
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Day 5: Imst, Austria
The Fernpass separates Germany and Austria. In the morning we cycle through a mountain valley to the end of the bike path at the base of the pass. A 30-minute shuttle whisks us over the pass to the Fernsteinsee, a crystal blue Alpine Lake. We are now in the Austrian Alps. We stop for snacks and refreshments before beginning a downhill run to our hotel. We are back on bike paths so you can lose yourself in the mountain beauty without worrying about traffic.
Daily Itinerary
Daily Distance
Lodging
City Hotel Ost am Kö
Augsburg, Germany (1 night)
The City Hotel Ost am Kö is located on a square on the edge of the historic center. This hotel features a sauna and relaxation area.
hotel website >
Arthotel ANA Goggl
Landsberg, Germany (1 night)
The Arthotel ANA Goggl is located in the historic center of Landsberg. The old town’s churches, towers, gates, and historic houses are right outside the front door.
hotel website >
Hotel Blaue Traube
Schongau, Germany (1 night)
The Hotel Blaue Traube is located in the historic center of Schongau, next to the market square. The rooms are clean, quiet and comfortable.
Hotel Sonne
Füssen, Germany (1 night)
This four-star hotel is in the pedestrian zone of Fussen. The hotel has stylish modern rooms, a rooftop terrace, and international cuisine.
Eggerbräu City Hotel
Imst, Austria (1 night)
The Eggerbrau has been run by the same family for four generations. The hotel has been painstakingly renovated and features a sauna and steam room.
hotel website >
Hotel Tyrol
Malles, Italy (1 night)
Set in the center of Malles, the Hotel Tyrol offers modern rooms with spectacular mountain views and a wellness center with a sauna.
Hotel Aurora Merano
Merano, Italy (1 night)
The Hotel Aurora is in the perfect location. The hotel is on the pedestrian promenade facing the river and directly in front of the town’s spa.
What's Included
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Seven nights in hotels
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All breakfasts, two group dinners, and one picnic
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One guide
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Van support
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Neuschwanstein Castle visit
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Use of bicycle (regular MTB or ebike MTB at no additional charge)
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Helmet and water bottle
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Shuttle over two passes
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Seven spectacular pre-Alpine and Alpine rides
Departure from Merano, End of Tour
The bike tour ends in Merano, Italy. Merano has a train station. Travel to Milano take about 4.5 hours.
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Trains and busses are available if you are returning to Munich. Travel time to Munich, by train or bus, is approximately 5 hours.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Want to Save?
Consider one of our self-guided bike trips. We can schedule a self-guided bike tour whenever you want March 1 to October 31.
Our Dates Dont Work?
We may be able to offer the dates you want. Email us with the dates you prefer.