GOETHE’S GRAND TOUR BY BICYCLE
A bikepacking adventure from Trentino to Sicily in the footsteps of Goethe’s “Italian Journey”.
How would Goethe, the celebrated German intellectual of the late 18th century, travel if he were to embark today on his “Grand Tour” to discover Italy’s archaeological, architectural, natural, and cultural treasures?
Most likely, “slow travel” would also mean for him two wheels: legs turning steadily at the right pace, the breeze on his face, scents awakening his senses, eyes widening again and again before the wonders of nature.
From the gentle “Mediterranean” landscapes of Lake Garda in Trentino to the bustling alleys of Venice; from Florence’s artistic treasures to the vibrant life in the streets of Naples; from the Roman Baths of Bacoli to the rugged climb of Vesuvius. Then on to the Greek and Roman temples of Paestum and Agrigento, the dramatic landscapes of Etna, and the raw vitality of Palermo.
A sensory journey overwhelming the five senses, leaving eternal treasures in the soul of the cycle-explorer.
This route – following bike paths, gravel roads, and quiet secondary lanes – has been designed to thrill the traveler of a “Third Millennium Grand Tour,” curious and sustainable, while sharing the depth of thought and the path of discovery of Goethe, reimagined for today.
“Here begins for me a new life. From this point a new existence starts, which, I hope, will last until my death.”
(Italian Journey, Goethe – Verona, 1786)
From Trentino to Naples
The journey begins in Trento, in the heart of the Dolomites, following the Adige Cycle Path towards Rovereto and Torbole on Lake Garda. A ferry carries travelers to Malcesine, from where the route hugs the eastern shore down to Torri del Benaco.
From here, the road crosses the Veneto cities of Verona, Vicenza, and Padua, before reaching the dreamlike Venice.
The itinerary continues across the Lido, Pellestrina, and Chioggia, then follows the banks of the River Po towards Ferrara and Bologna. From the city of the Two Towers, the trail climbs along the historic Via degli Dei, through forests and Apennine ridges, finally arriving in Florence, the capital of the Renaissance.
Riding deeper into Tuscany, cyclists experience the iconic strade bianche to Siena and Murlo, before crossing into Umbria with Bevagna and the evocative path of the former Spoleto–Norcia railway.
Entry into Rome comes along the legendary Via Appia Antica, with its Roman paving stones and millennia-old ruins. Finally, the coastal road leads to Sperlonga and to Naples, crowned by the ascent of Vesuvius – a prelude to the Sicilian volcano.
“Venice appeared to me like a dream, rising from the water, beautiful and unheard of.”
(Italian Journey, Goethe – Venice, 1786)
“At last I am in Rome! All the dreams of my youth I now see before me.”
(Italian Journey, Goethe – Rome, 1786)
“See Naples and die! For truly, nowhere else in the world can one find such life and beauty together.”
(Naples, March 1787)
Sicily and Mount Etna
From Naples, the journey continues by ferry to Palermo, the gateway to Sicily. Goethe called it the key to Italy, and still today the island enchants with its contrasting landscapes and cultural richness.
The route leads towards Alcamo and the ruins of Segesta, then across Castelvetrano to the grand archaeological park of Selinunte. The southern coast reveals the wild beauty of the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, before reaching the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento – an eternal stage of Magna Graecia.
Turning inland, the path climbs through Caltanissetta and Enna, the geographic and historic heart of the island. From there, the road descends towards Catania, at the foot of Mount Etna: a long ascent rises to the summit craters, a symbol of power and wonder.
The final stretch flows along the eastern coast, touching Taormina before closing at Messina, facing the Strait.
“Italy without Sicily leaves no image in the soul: here lies the key to everything.”
(Italian Journey, Goethe – Palermo, 1787)
“Where nature works in its greatest power, man feels truly small – yet never so happy to be so.”
(Etna, May 1787)
(Etna, maggio 1787)
A Journey to Live and Share
Goethe’s Italian Journey by bicycle is true bikepacking: it has no time limits, no competition, only an open invitation to ride in freedom.
With GPS tracks available on Komoot, every cyclist can choose how to experience it: all in one breath or divided into stages, with a tent, in a B&B, or at an agriturismo.
It is a journey that blends sport, culture, and nature, turning every pedal stroke into an encounter with beauty and poetry.
“In Italy I finally found myself again: here, nature and art walk together.”
(Italian Journey, Goethe)
Route Notes
The published track was ridden between June and August 2025, and further surveys are underway to refine it.
Suggestions and feedback are welcome to make this itinerary ever more accurate and accessible for all cyclists (info@grandtour.bike).
Raccolta Trentino Bike Trail
The Ideal Bicycle
This route can be ridden with different types of bikes, depending on your riding style and personal preferences.
In our view, the best choice is a gravel bike with 38–55 mm tires and short gearing (chainring 30–32, cassette at least 11–40), a hardtail MTB, or a touring bike.
As for e-bikes, it’s up to you. If you choose one, charging points are easy to find at many tourist facilities along the way.
Rent Your Perfect Bike
No bike? No problem!
Thanks to our selected rental partners in the main cities, you can easily find the ideal bike for your adventure – from gravel and MTB to touring and e-bikes.
Tell us what you need, and we’ll connect you with our trusted local providers.
Contact us now for details and bookings!
info@grandtour.bike
NUROAD EX
The Nuroad is built for adventure.
Inspired by our race and cyclocross bikes, with a dash of mountain bike spirit, it’s designed to take you far beyond the tarmac. Wide tire clearance gives you the freedom to ride with confidence – whether on fast gravel, smooth asphalt, or rough country tracks.
Ready for bikepacking or touring, it features smartly integrated mounts for racks, fenders, and even a kickstand, while the internally routed cables stay protected from dust and mud on long journeys. Thru-axle wheels add stability, and the lightweight full-carbon fork reduces vibrations while offering mounts for lowrider racks.
Frame Material
Aluminium Superlite
NUROAD HYBRID C:62 RACE
La forma sposa la funzione nelle forme eleganti del telaio in carbonio di Nuroad Hybrid C:62. Di certo è una gran bella bicicletta, con linee pulite e curve armoniose. Ma offre anche praticità, ad esempio con il passaggio ruota per pneumatici fino a 50 mm anche con i parafanghi montati. I punti di fissaggio per portapacchi posteriore e sulla forcella tutto carbonio assicurano la massima versatilità per il bikepacking. L’unità di comando del sistema di trazione Bosch è integrata nel tubo orizzontale, con un Mini Remote sul manubrio, e il telaio è pronto per l’installazione di un range extender PowerMore da +250 Wh. Il collarino reggisella è nascosto e abbiamo dotato questo modello anche di un guidacatena leggero Direct Mount, un attacco Flat Mount per cavalletto, un carro posteriore Boost e un forcellino del cambio UDH. In definitiva, dovremmo aver pensato a tutto. Adesso tocca a voi…
Frame Material
C:62®
Battery
400 Wh
Tire clearance
50 mm
Rental request
Services & Support
GrandTour.bike is not just a route, but a complete experience. Whether you choose to travel with your own bike or rent one locally, we are by your side to make your journey easier and safer.
Bike Rental & Delivery
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Gravel bikes, MTBs, and e-bikes equipped for bikepacking
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Delivery and collection of bikes directly at your hotel, train station, or airport
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Bike box shipping and packing available at the start and finish points
On-Route Support
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Mechanical assistance and emergency rescue service
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Online support for any need during your trip
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Updated GPS tracks and personalized advice
Guides & Custom Tours
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Expert local guides to ride safely and in good company
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Self-guided tours with detailed descriptions and practical tips
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Thematic experiences focused on culture, nature, and gastronomy
Comfort Services
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Secure luggage and bike box storage at departure and arrival points
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E-bike charging stations along the route
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Partnerships with bike-friendly accommodations, B&Bs, and campsites along the Grand Tour