Italy Meets Austria: Two Distinct Cultures of South Tyrol

Published on November 11, 2024

By Molly Waldstein, Travel Writer

On this incredible cycling vacation, you’ll experience two very distinct regions of South Tyrol, also known as Trentino-Alto Adige—an autonomous region of Italy with a fascinating history, and a unique cultural perspective.

VBT trip leader Michele Rangoni has guided many guests on VBT’s Italy: The Dolomites, Bolzano and Lake Garda Guided Tour, and if there’s one thing he knows, it's that the region never stops stunning. “Every ride is more spectacular than the day before,” he says. “Often, VBT guests are astonished at how beautiful the scenery really is.” But just as astonishing is the region’s exceptional diversity. On this incredible cycling vacation, you’ll experience two very distinct regions of South Tyrol, also known as Trentino-Alto Adige—an autonomous region of Italy with a fascinating history, and a unique cultural perspective. The region of South Tyrol is distinct from the rest of Italy—in terms of its language, culture, cuisine, and scenery. Bordering Austria to the north and Switzerland to the west, this rich and scenic region has been under the aegis of several nations throughout its history. At the advent of World War I, the entire region of Tyrol was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but after the war, Italy formally annexed the southern part of Tyrol. Today, the mixed Austrian and Italian heritage of South Tyrol gives the region a delightfully unique cultural identity with two distinct regions—the provinces of Bolzano and Trento. And while many cycling vacations focus only on one of South Tyrol’s regions, this exceptional cycling adventure explores both—bringing you an authentic Tyrolean experience with fascinating cultural depth. [gallery columns="2" link="none" size="medium" ids="87264,87262"]

A Taste of Austria in the Italian Mountains

One of the most remarkable things about this cycling adventure is its diversity—in landscape, culture, languages, and cuisine. Guests traveling on the VBT Air Package will enjoy one night in Innsbruck, Austria—the perfect place to begin an exploration of this iconic region. The charming city of Bolzano may have an Italian name—but the original name, Bozen, reflects its Austrian heritage. Here, you’ll find tidy streets and gardens, well-organized shops, and restaurants serving local favorites—including Knödel dumplings, Spinatspatzlen made with fresh greens, and the simple meat and potatoes dish, Bauerngröstl. The Austrian aesthetic extends deep into the culture—with orderly interactions in every walk of life. “The Austrian people in South Tyrol have kept their culture very much alive,” observes VBT trip leader Stefano Zappetti. “The road signs are in two languages—Italian and German, and these two cultures live together very well. Alto Adige is one of the wealthiest regions in Italy—and it shows. As soon as you enter Bolzano, it looks like you are walking into a fairy tale. Everything is so precise, so well cared for, and has a distinct Austrian flavor.” As an autonomous region of Italy, the local government has made deep investments in regional infrastructure—including development and maintenance of ski lifts, cable cars, and of course, bike paths. As a result, the bike paths through South Tyrol are nothing short of splendid. “About 90% of the rides on this vacation are on dedicated cycling paths,” explains Michele. “And although most rides are rated easy, we can offer many spectacular optional rides for avid cyclists looking to put their skills to the test in the Dolomites.” The wide variety of cycling options makes this vacation perfect for people with different levels of cycling skills. With two nights in each hotel, it’s easy to opt for a day out of the saddle to relax, shop, or lounge by the pool. In addition to the wealth of great ride options, your local Italian trip leaders love nothing more than to introduce you to authentic Tyrolean culture—and the results might even surprise you. “I recall one time stopping at an alpine dairy for a cheese tasting,” says Michele. “This particular dairy farm is a place where the local people had practiced the ancient tradition of knife sharpening for many generations—they even have a little museum showcasing farm tools and other historic implements from the region which are part of their personal history. On this particular tour, we had a guest whose heritage was from the region, but he wasn’t sure exactly which village. As he walked around the museum, he began to see a connection. He pulled out a family photo to show the farmers—and they realized right then and there that he was a long-lost relative. Just amazing!” With your Italian trip leaders at your side, it’s easy to meet the local people—and perhaps even make connections that can change your life for the better.

The Italian Lakes are Ripe for Adventure

Leaving the Bolzano region of South Tyrol, our route heads towards Trento—an Italian region known for its splendid lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Here, you’ll find Italian more widely spoken than German dialects—and plenty of delicious pizza and pasta on the menu. Cut deep into the landscape by glacial moraines, here the lakes and streams are deep and clear, with fresh water that’s perfect for swimming—and many VBT guests do. “Arriving in Riva de Garda, all of a sudden it seems like you’ve reached the end of the world,” recalls Michele. “Often, people tell me how much it reminds them of the landscape from Lord of the Rings because it seems like the huge mountains literally fall into the lake. It’s so dramatic!” With plenty of lakes and streams to explore, this is the perfect destination for anyone who loves the water. The largest lake in Italy, Garda spans over 30 miles—and has many unique characteristics. “Lake Garda is famous for several reasons,” explains Stefano. “Of course, it’s surrounded by the mountains, which are very beautiful. Also, the climate at Lake Garda is always mild, making it perfect for water sports. And finally, Lake Garda has unique winds, which make it very interesting for sailing.” There are two winds that blow through Lake Garda each day—a morning wind from the north and an afternoon wind from the south. The soaring mountains at the lake’s shores, along with the funnel-like shape of the lake with its long, narrow neck, create an interesting physical effect. “As you travel north on Lake Garda, the mountains are very high and the lake is long and narrow,” explains Stefano. “This causes something called the Venturi effect, which makes the wind speed up under the right conditions. I learned how to sail when I was living here as a kid—and people come here from all over the world to sail the lake with these unique winds.” During a free day at Lake Garda, VBT guests can optionally arrange sailing excursions and windsurfing lessons. Of course, no visit to Lake Garda could be complete without an included boat ride! Fortunately, your final morning on Garda’s scenic shores finds you waving a fond farewell to your trip leaders from the deck of a local boat as you sail from Riva Del Garda to Gargnano. Here, you’ll enjoy a little flavor of the Lombardy region before departing to Milan for your final evening. With a wealth of regional diversity, VBT’s Italy: The Dolomites, Bolzano and Lake Garda Guided Tour is a cycling adventure that truly brings you a fresh, authentic experience at every turn.