The Alps Panoramic Cycle Tour

On this panoramic tour you will cycle along the Alps from Innsbruck to Salzburg. In Innsbruck you’ll follow the wide valley of the Inn river as you pass beautiful historic cities like Wattens, Hall, and Schwarz. Huge, impressive mountain ranges sit on either side of the river, and sometimes you’ll even see a glacier. Cycling into the Zillertal valley along the little mountain river is easy and when you reach the end of the valley you’ll see the glacier of the alps where it’s possible to ski year-round. You’ll continue with a transfer over the mountain pass where you’ll have the chance to see one of the breath-taking Krimmler Waterfalls. You will pass through an idyllic farm landscape and come to a lovely lake called Zellersee. The Saalach river will take you to the historical village of Lofer via gorges and caves. Following the river you’ll come to Bavaria where you’ll have the option to visit the city of Bad Reichenhall. The end, and a major highlight, of your tour will be the festival city of Salzburg.

Green = Open | Yellow = Limited | Red = Full

2023

Prices are per person in US Dollars – inclusive bike rental

This tour can be guided upon request

Choose your own starting date

Terms and Conditions

Day 1: Arrival in Innsbruck

You’ll arrive in Innsbruck and check into your hotel after 3 p.m. with the time to enjoy this charming city. We recommend the Ambras castle, old town, and the ski jumping station.

Day 2: Innsbruck – Zillertal valley – 28 miles (45 km)

On your first bike ride, you’ll follow the cycle path along the Inn river out of the city, passing small historic towns where you can visit the famous Swarovski crystal world in Wattens or take a rest in the old streets of the little towns. On one side you will see the Alps and on the other side the Karwendel mountain range. You’ll stay overnight at the entrance of the Zillertal valley.

Day 3: Zillertal – Mountain Pass Gerlos – Krimml – 15 or 25 miles (25 to 40 km)

You’ll begin with a gentle uphill cycle into the Zillertal valley, which is famous for year-round skiing on the Hintertux Glacier. It also offers wonderful scenery, alpine pastures, and little villages with good restaurants. It’s up to you whether you cycle deep into the valley or only to the meeting point of the taxi in Zell am Ziller. Your stay overnight will be in Krimml, where you’ll still have time to walk to the beautiful waterfalls.

Day 4: Krimml – Zell am See, 40 miles (65 km)

Today you’ll follow the Salzach river valley almost from its source. Again, impressive mountain ranges rise up on both sides of the wide valley. There will be a lot of gorgeous scenery biking into the National Park of Hohe Tauernand we highly recommend you visit the information center of the park to make the most of your visit. Today you’ll finish in Zell am See with its wonderful lake and a view to the highest mountain in Austria, the “Großglockner.”

Day 5: Rest day Zell am See – optional ride of 22 miles (35 km)

Today you have the option of relaxing next to the lake in town, or you can do a bike ride. If you choose to ride, you’ll take the train up to Hochfilzen to cycle gently down the Leogang valley to Saalfelden and Zell am See.

Day 6: Zell am See – Lofer – 28 or 37 miles (45 to 60 km)

Today you’ll start cycling around the lake, afterwards passing little hamlets with old farm houses. Today there will be some up and down in the morning and a sensational view to the “Stony Sea Mountain range.” In the afternoon you will pass some impressive gorges (open to visit) and a huge cave.

Day 7: Lofer – Salzburg – 31 miles (50 km)

You will continue following the river Saalach, which will later bring you into part of Bavaria. The mountains are not as high as the other days but they’re part of the National park of Berchtesgaden. You will cycle through the spa city of Bad Reichenhall where you can visit the old salt mine, have a break in the old town or taste the beer in the brewery. Afterwards the ride will take you towards Salzburg, with the option to visit the open air museum of Großgmain with old farm houses along the way. Finally you’ll arrive in Salzburg. Taking just the afternoon to explore may not be enough time, so we suggest that you stay at least one day extra after the tour ends to explore this wonderful walking city with its many little passageways and courtyards in the cozy medieval center. The most famous street in this part of Salzburg is, of course, the Getreidegasse, well known for its old-style hanging shop signs and Mozart’s birthplace at number 9. A few steps away is the “City of the Bishops,” a more grandiose Salzburg with the magnificent Cathedral and former residence of the Archbishop.  The Mirabell Palace and Gardens are a very beautiful and not to be missed. Also especially recommended is the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg’s landmark and the largest citadel in Central Europe to have completely survived. The panoramic view over the city from here is spectacular.

Day 8: Tour Ends

Your tour ends today, with departure after breakfast.

Included

• 7 nights of lodging in well situated, 3 and 4-star hotels with private facilities
• 7 breakfasts
• 24-speed bicycle, including helmet, lock, repair kit
• GPS files
• Luggage transfer (2 suitcases per person – maximum 55 pounds per suitcase)
• Route directions (one per room), maps and brochure

Bikes

24-speed hybrid bikes (male and unisex models) are included in the tour price. Bicycles come equipped with helmet, 2 small pannier bags, lock, GPS device, and repair kit. Electric bikes can be rented for this tour ($100 per person).We advise you only to rent an electric bike if you have first tried one at home. They’re heavier than regular bikes and therefore can be difficult to maneuver.

Meals

Not Included

• Airfare
• Alcoholic and bar beverages
• Tourist Tax (€1.50 – €2 per person will need to be paid upon arrival at each hotel)
• Dinners and lunches
• Train to Hochfilzen on optional ride (day 5)
• Transportation other than scheduled VGT transfers

The hotels listed below are examples of those usually used on the tour. Depending on availability, you may be booked in a different hotel of equal quality.

Hotel Cafe Central Innsbruck

Gasthof Post Zillertal

National Park Hotel Glocknerhaus Krimml

Hotel St. Hubertus Lofer

Goldenes Theater Hotel Salzburg

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