Alpe Adria Cycling Holiday

Stages of your Tour

1. Benvenuti and Leg Loosener

   15 km leg loosener ride, FLAT

   Welcome to Austria. As is customary with Italy Bike Tours holidays, you will be met by our friendly team at the airport or designated meeting point, and will be transferred to our hotel south of Salzburg. On arrival we will assist with luggage and check-in before we ready your bikes for an afternoon ride to stretch the legs and ensure all is perfect.

   In the late afternoon we will enjoy a walking tour in the heart of romantic Salzburg, before having a sumptuous dinner with the sound of Mozart playing in the distance.
   
   Salzburg

2. SALZBURG to BISCHOFSHOFEN 

   54 km, 200m elevation

   And so the adventure begins. We hop on the bikes and leave Salzburg behind as we meander our way through the magical valleys of Austria. Be ready for the first highlight of this trip: the world’s largest ice caves ‘Eisriesenwelt’. You will explore eerie ice formations while walking in the cave with a local expert, this really is out-of-this-world. After a typical Austrian lunch with home-made food and a great Weiss beer we continue along the riverside to arrive in Bischofshofen. There will be plenty of time to stop and take photos and take in the majesty of this area of Austria. This is a journey of discovery not the Tour de France.
   
   Bischofshofen

3. BISCHOFSHOFEN to bad gastein

   52 km, 670m elevation

   After an excellent breakfast we climb south into the Hohe Tauern National park with breathtakingly picturesque mountains, synonymous with an abundance of wildlife. Here we will lunch and enjoy the fresh mountain air before taking the alpine train through to the other side of the mountain. This is an experience itself!

   The ride continues with a gorgeous descent into Bad Gastein. With wind blowing through your hair, this is the stuff dreams are made of. This evening we stay in a traditional ski hotel that offers plenty of space to enjoy local wine and beer whilst overlooking the mountains that surround you.
   
   Bad Gastein

4. bad gastein to Villach

   85km, 622m elevation

   Today we pedal our way along the gorgeous Drava River and through the very heart of the province of Carinthia. Although only a stones-throw from the Italian and Slovenian borders today’s ride could not feel more Austrian. With cow bells clanging and eagles likely to be soaring overhead this is a ride back in time. Today we will take the train from the Salzburg side to the Carinthian side.

   After lunch we will continue the ride to the enchanting city of Villach. This is a great spot to have a meander around the shops and pick up some souveniers.
   
   Villach

5. villach to tarvisio

   48km, 600m elevation

   There is a strong claim to be made that the ride from Villach to the Italian border will be the most beautiful 25km you will ever cycle. This is cycling paradise, make no mistake. It is also a day of riding and celebrating all that is good about Europe as we pedal through the Italian frontier before stopping for coffee and a muse around the market at Tarvisio. Plenty of bargains to be made on some fine Italian made products. In the afternoon, you take the cable car to admire the 13th century Sanctuary Monte Lussari. The perfect spot to relax and enjoy the a view. Dinner will be in a typical Italian setting.
   
   Tarviso

6. tarvisio to venzone

   60km, mostly flat

   After the compulsory cappuccino and freshly baked brioche we continue to spin the legs along Val Canale, whose pretty valley slopes are covered in dense greenery. There are gorgeous views enjoyed as you sweep through historic train tunnels and idyllic villages. Today’s ride is particularly beautiful as it offers wonderful views of the River Delta. Be sure to have cameras fully charged as you will want to take plenty of pictures. After lunch we will visit Venzone, one of Italy’s most picturesque villages for its idyllic whitewash architecture. You’ll have a chance to wander its cobbled streets and admire the town walls before finishing the day at the border of Lake Cavazzo.

   After a refreshing swim in the lake or relax in the hotel spa, enjoy a lakefront dinner.
   
   Venzone

7. venzone to udine

   45km, flat

   Leaving the lovely lake behind, we continue our journey in the direction of Udine.

   Surrounded by mountains and overlooked by the castle, Udine is a must visit for anybody in the area. Which is lucky because we cycle right through it!

   Whilst in Udine we will enjoy some free time to explore the narrow lanes and some historic sites. Our lunch spot offers local specialties at an idyllic terrace on the canal. We will continue the ride to our accommodation for the night, then enjoy an afternoon amidst the vineyards tasting wine . Before dinner in the local area.

   
   Udine

8. udine to Grado

   45km, flat

   The last push! We say our goodbyes to Udine and continue our journey south, right down to the sea. There is a strange sensation as you ride towards the Adriatic sea, it almost pulls you in and many people say they can taste the sea before they see it. Today’s ride is pan flat and to be enjoyed with a smile on your face.

   The final kilometers are across the lagoons, which are one of the hallmarks of Grado. Together we ride across the finish line, dipping our front wheels in the sea. A chance to take photos and also take in the accomplishment of riding all the way from Salzburg. Choice of the lunch spots in the characteristic old centre. The fun does not stop here though as we take a private boat to a little known island for a celebratory dinner.
   
   Grado

9. Departure Day

   n/A

   Sadly, we must bid you farewell and after a late breakfast and final photos of the hotel and beautiful Grado, we will transfer those that want to leave to the relevant airport.

   Private transfers can also be arranged with prior consultation.

   So, it’s arrivederci from us, see you again soon we hope!
   
   Home

The perfect cycling holiday requires pedalling on the perfect bike. So should you not wish to bring your own bike with you we have a number of beautiful bikes that you can hire at very reasonable prices. If you are not sure what is the perfect bike for you then fire as a mail and we will be delighted give you some expert advice. You can find more information about our bikes below. And yes you can buy our bikes if you fall in love with them!