Our tour begins in Bozen-Bolzano, the historic capital of Sud-Tyrol, and widely recognized as “The Gateway to the Dolomites”. The medieval city has a long and troubled history, having belonged to both Austria and Italy in the last century alone, and is referred to as Bozen by it’s German-speaking residents, and Bolzano by the Italians.
With its mix of influences, Bozen-Bolzano blends both Germanic and Italian influences in architecture, culture and food and drink. The city offers a rich cuisine, drawing on both Italian and Austrian traditions, with a focus on hearty dishes and local specialties. Key foods include canerderli ( bread dumplings ) Schlutzkrapfen ( spinach ravioli ), and dishes featuring speck ( smoked ham ) and local mushrooms like chanterelles. The region is also known for its rye bread, sauerkraut, and apple strudel.
By happy coincidence, Bozen also sits in the middle of “Weinstraße Südtirol” (South Tyrolean Wine Route), a scenic wine route, known for its beautiful landscapes, historic villages, and high-quality wines.
https://www.italia.it/en/south-tyrol/things-to-do/south-tyrol-wine-and-wineries-summer
Possible rides
The area has a mix of dedicated cycle paths, quiet back roads through the vineyards, and famous mountain passes. All are accessible as loop rides, and can be supplemented with cable cars and local trains.
Accommodation
Terlan is a small town just outside of Bozen, with quick and easy access to the cycle paths, wineries, train station and local bars and restaurants. Sitting just above the Adige Cycle Path, Terlan is the perfect starting point for a Dolomites cycling trip.
Our first accommodation base is for 4 nights, and sits in the hills above Terlan, in a local vineyard.
https://www.airbnb.com/l/9rBSXHG9
“Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.”
H.G. Wells