Adventourus Active Vacations

8 day Independent tour

No citizen in the Middle Ages have imagined that this route would become one of the most important vacation pathways of the future. Named the Via Claudio Augusta by the Romans, this old trade route has preserved its historical image and its romantic atmosphere throughout the ages. The episcopal and royal residences, and fairy tale Bavarian castles provide the surroundings for a relaxing bicycle tour.

Issue of the rental bikes and tour information at your hotel in Innsbruck in the evening. Enjoy a city stroll through the historical Old Town.

On the former Treidelweg (Treidel Path) along the Inn and through the small villages (churches worth seeing, old aristocratic houses, fortress ruins) to Stams (baroque Cistercian convent, convent museum) on through Haiming to Imst.

Day 3: Imst - Füssen (55 km)

To Hahntenjoch (2000 m) by bus, except arrival in May via “Fernpaß”. A wonderful downhill ride to Elmen and Lech follows. The splendid mountain landscape, the mountain river and the town of Reutte get you into the right mood for a dream journey. The city of Füssen, surrounded by magnificent peaks of the Alps and blue-green mountain lakes invites you for a stroll around the city (pedestrian zone, you see the outline of the Via Claudia).

Visit King Luis' fairy tale castles in Königswinkel - Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein - and at the valley station of the Tegelberg you may see the uncovered Roman thermal springs. The world famous Wieskirche (church) - the epitome of Bavarian rococo - is the next highlight. Through Steingaden and Peiting you will arrive in Schongau filled with wonderful impressions of the Bavarian countryside.

Schongau - a former Bavarian border fortress, with fortified passages on the town wall that can still be accessed, gives evidence of the past plus splendid views over the Lech Valley promises greatness. Old part of town (Romanesque basilica with vaults), Hochenfurch, Epfach (the Roman Abodiacum, Roman museum) and Vilgertshofen (baroque pilgrimage church) are places of interest before you reach Landsberg.

Along side roads you cycle via small, baroque villages to the western bank of the Lake until you reach Utting. If you like you can visit the monastery of Andechs by ship (not included). The monastery is located in the village of Herrsching (opposite the Lake). Afterwards you cycle slightly hilly back to Landsberg. You will see lots of baroque onion domes on your way to your hotel.

You may explore the medieval city centre of Landsberg/Lech, embedded in the wild-romantic river bed of the river with the same name.

Through Kaufering am Lech to Königsbrunn (with the 11 km long, best preserved part of the Via Claudia), into the old Bavarian duke city of Friedberg and on to the Fugger city of Augsburg with the famous Fuggerei (trading company of the Fugger family and an old part of Augsburg) from the year 1516.

Numerous historic monuments from all epochs give the city its distinctive tone, e.g. Elias Holls (town hall). The Roman museum is well worth visiting.

Tour ends today after breakfast.

PRICE & DETAILS

DEPARTURE DATES:

Independent tours depart every Sunday from mid-May through mid-September.

- 7 nights accommodation in a double room with private facilities. The hotels we use on this tour are family run guesthouses and hotels of 3 star standard.

- Breakfast daily.

- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel.

- Modern hybrid bicycle with 21 gears & pannier

- 7-Days Service hotline

- Detailed travel material, maps, and route descriptions of places of interest

- Tour orientation by our local rep at your hotel on Day 1

- Transfer to the Hantennjoch, arrival in May over the 'Fernpass'

- E-signposting

EASY TO MODERATE: Paved cycle paths and quiet country lanes along the River Lech with a total altitude drop of over 5000 ft!. So its mostly downhill with with a few short hilly stretches; suitable for everyone.

The nearest international airport is Innsbruck. It is a short 5 minute taxi ride into the central city. The public bus also will take you for approx. 4.00€.

Munich Airport is another option. Regular rail transfers are available from the terminal to Innsbruck, via Munich Central (3 1/2 hours). These cost $55.00 one way.