Across the Alps in Roman Footsteps: Cycling the Via Claudia Augusta
Cross the majestic Alpine divide on an unforgettable self-guided cycling holiday along the ancient Via Claudia Augusta. Built over 2,000 years ago as the first Roman highway across the Alps, this legendary trade route now forms one of Europe’s most spectacular cycle paths. Riding through Germany, Austria, and Italy, you will journey from the imperial city of Augsburg to the sunny vineyards and palm-lined promenades of Merano and Bolzano, discovering fairytale castles, dramatic mountain vistas, and rich local cultures along the way.
Effortless Point-to-Point Cycling with Complete Support
Crossing the Alps is effortless thanks to organized mountain shuttles over the Fern and Reschen passes. We handle hotel bookings, daily luggage transfers, maps, and route notes—so you can focus on the scenic downhill stretches and local gastronomy.
ROUTE
The itinerary balances peaceful waterside pedaling with rich cultural encounters. Daily highlights include Strasbourg’s gothic cathedral and “Petite France” quarter, the Vauban fortifications in Neuf-Brisach, Colmar’s historic art quarters, the open-air Alsace Ecomuseum, and iconic wine-growing villages such as Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Obernai nestled at the foot of the Vosges mountains.
This tour is available in two pace options: a Classic version (9 days / 8 nights) including transfers across both the Fern Pass and Reschen Pass, or a Sporty version (8 days / 7 nights) with 1 pass transfer (Fern Pass) for active cyclists looking to pedal the extra mountain section.
Itinerary
Individual journey to Augsburg
Visit of the Roman provincial capital Augusta Vindelicorum
Day 2: Augsburg – Landsberg am Lech
50 km / 31 miles
The place name Augsburg derives from the Roman name of the town „Augusta Vindelicorum“, which was founded in 15 B.C. under the rule of Emperor Augustus. Augsburg’s popularity however, was established with its role as a Fugger town. Therefore, a visit of the Fuggerei, which is the world’s oldest project for social housing still in use today, is almost a must. The stage to Landsberg is thought to be a comfy „run in“ on almost flat terrain.
Day 3: Landsberg am Lech – region Schongau
45 km / 28 miles
On the horizon you can already see the Alps but you get to enjoy the beauty of the region Pfaffenwinkel first. Schongau features a picturesque old town and almost completely preserved town walls.
Day 4: Region Schongau – Füssen/Schwangau
40 km / 25 miles
Having left the old town of Schongau the cycling path along River Lech takes you into the Tyrol. Before heading over the border from Germany to Austria the beautiful fairy tale-like Neuschwanstein castle awaits you.
Day 5: Füssen/Schwangau – Imst
40 km / 25 miles – without transfer 70 km / 44 miles
Today the tour takes us from Füssen to Reutte. From there our transfer brings you across Fern Pass in a comfortable way. From Fernstein castle you cycle past Nassereith and through the picturesque Gurgltal Valley to Imst. A “beery” adventure awaits you at the microbrewery at Starkenberg castle.
Day 6: Imst – Region Reschensee & Alta Venosta
55 km / 34 miles – without transfer 105 km / 66 miles
After a hearty breakfast you cycle from Imst to Landeck. From there we take the shuttle up to Nauders. Soon afterwards you cross the border to Italy at Reschen pass and with it the main Alpine ridge. You cycle downwards towards Malles past eschenstausee reservoir with the sunken church tower of Altgraun, one of the most famous photo motifs of Italy. Enjoy the first evening on South Tyrolean soil and enjoy strolling through the old alleyways of the town.
Day 7: Region Reschensee & Alta Venosta – Merano
65 km / 41 miles
Today you cross the entire Val Venosta. The route leads from an altitude of more than 1,000m down to the town of Merano that is located at an altitude of 350m. Most of the route follows the course of River Adige. From your starting place this pleasant cycling stretch leads down to the smallest town of the Alps, the town of Glorenza. Past the marble town of Laas you get to Naturns and eventually – past the impressive Kastellbell castle – to the spa town of Merano. Enjoy an evening walk through town along the “Passer” promenade surrounded by subtropical flora.
Day 8: Merano – Bolzano
40 km / 25 miles
There is plenty to see along this route: Niederlana’s famous Schnatterpeckaltar, the largest Gothic wing altar in the Alpine area, the highest church tower of the South Tyrol in Terlan and a great number of fortresses and ruins on both valley slopes. The region also offers plenty of culinary delights: asparagus in Terlan, tasty chestnuts in Nals and last but not least excellent regional wines. As you reach the pedestrian zone of Bolzano you’ll soon realise the southern flair of the city.
Day 9: Bolzano – End of bike tour
Your tour bike holiday ends. We are happy to book extra days for you.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights can be organized on request.
Getting to Augsburg (Departure Point)
By Train: Excellent direct train connections via Munich Central Station (30 min) or Stuttgart.
By Plane: Fly to Munich (MUC) or Memmingen (FMM), followed by a short train ride to Augsburg.
Departure from Bolzano
By Train: Bolzano station offers direct Eurocity trains back to Innsbruck/Munich, as well as connections to Verona, Venice, and Milan.
By Plane: Nearest regional/international airports are Innsbruck (INN), Verona (VRN), or Munich (MUC).
Return Transfer: Shuttle bus return from Bolzano to Augsburg is available on request.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- Accommodation: 8 nights in selected 3-star hotels with daily breakfast buffet.
- Luggage Transport: Daily hotel-to-hotel luggage transfers.
- Navigation & Documents: Detailed route documentation, maps, and downloadable GPS track files upon request.
- Support: Daily phone hotline support (8:30 am – 7:00 pm).
- Local Taxes: Visitor’s tax (Ortstaxe) included at all stopovers.
- Local Tips: Restaurant recommendations for dinner in each stage town.
- Pass Shuttle Transfers: Included transfers across both the Fern Pass and Reschen Pass.
NOT Included
- Dinners.
- Lunches.
- Drinks.
- Round-trip transortation.
- Tourist taxes.
- Anything not specifically listed under the Included section.
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Prices are per person in a double room.
Departures every Saturday from 1 May to 30 September 2027
Travelling on your very own? Please contact us for pricing.
Season 1
1 May – 14 May
1379€
Options & Supplements
✓
+436 Single room travelling in a group
Season 2
15 May – 14 Jul
1479€
Options & Supplements
✓
+436 Single room travelling in a group
Season 3
15 Jul – 30 Sep
1525€
Options & Supplements
✓
+436 Single room travelling in a group
Accommodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
Accommodation in carefully selected 3-star hotels
Additional nights
Prices per person, including breakfast.
Augsburg
Double Room 91€
Single room 132€
Bolzano
Double Room 112€
Single room 165€
BIKES
You can choose to rent a bicycle. Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
Classic Bike
105€
Superior Bike
185€
E-Bike
260€