Alpe Adria Cycling Holiday
From the peaks of the Austrian Alps to the shores of the Adriatic Sea.
An unforgettable bike ride across some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery.
A Journey Through Alpine Valleys, Medieval Villages, and Sun-Drenched Coastal Shores
Experience one of the best cycle paths in Europe on an unforgettable journey from Salzburg to Grado. Ride through breathtaking alpine valleys, sparkling streams, and charming medieval villages, savoring the beauty and pace of the landscape. Along the way, enjoy the warmth of Austrian hospitality, the flavors of Italy, and the simple joy of cycling with friends through some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery.
This is more than cycling - it’s an experience full of smiles, stories, and memories made along every mile. By the time you arrive at the Adriatic Sea after 400 km together, take a deep breath, look around, and know you’ve truly lived the adventure.
Gift Bundle
Guided Rides
Wine Tasting
Mechanical Support
Transfers
Ice Cave Tour
Boat ride in Grado
Guest Reviews
We just returned from an unforgettable 5-day cycling trip with Italy Bike Tours to celebrate our 10-year anniversary—and we’re still smiling. From start to finish, everything was seamless, stunning, and truly special. We had the absolute joy of joining the legendary "Pink Pony Club"—Marco, Lorenzo, and Simone—who went above and beyond at every step. Their knowledge of the routes, the attention to detail, and the way they catered each ride to match our pace and interests was outstanding. Highly recommend!
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Just finished our eight day Alpe Adria tour from Salzburg to Grado with Fausto and Marco and we couldn’t have had better guides They were pros at navigating on the bikes as well as offering plenty of coffee breaks and van stops just in case we needed anything, and the choice of hotels and activities was so much fun I’ve done a number of activity tours in other countries and Italy Bike Tours was worth it, I was even sceptical of how many five star reviews they have, but just… A+ guys, thanks for an amazing vacation Will 100% be coming back for their other tours in the future.
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I had an amazing time cycling the Alpe-Adria with Italy Bike Tours! Roberto, Marco and Lucy were a great team - they were at all times professional, knowledgeable, very friendly and supportive, and a lot of fun to travel with. I am delighted to have found this trip; if/ when I return to Europe I would have no hesitation in choosing IBT to ride with again.
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Great team, awesome location, incredible tour! Our guides Stefano and Matteo were excellent, super fun, very flexible and made the experience all the more enjoyable! Can’t wait to return for our next tour 🫶🏻
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Savi, Anita, Simone and Lucy really made us all feel so welcome. Stunning rides, amazing views and expert knowledge of the regions made it a solid 10/10 trip. Highly recommend for those wanting to ride and experience Italy. Thanks for the memories!
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We’ve just finished two amazing tours with IBT and have loved every minute. The guides have been expert, skilled and very supportive. The additional personal touches like pick-ups and transfers made it a pleasure to travel. Thank you again IBT!
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I just finished the Luxury Lakes and Vineyards tour with IBT and am very happy with the entire experience. The team at IBT take very good care of you from the initial pick-up at the train station to dropping you off at the end - how nice is THAT. Our guides Savi and Anita were superb and knew every pathway and curve of the areas we toured and always had our safety and comfort in mind. Weather can never be certain anywhere in the world and on the one rainy day we got to ‘tough it out’ at a vineyard lunch. Our bikes were ready every morning and in perfect condition. The beauty of the area itself is just breathtaking, the food superb, the wines delicious. Lucy manages the trip and takes care of every detail with grace and efficiency. Thank you to everyone.
Read moreIn the Saddle
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD to on-bike
- Pedal Through Austria's Magical Valleys
- Follow the winding path of the Drava River
- Ride on the alpine train through the Hohe Tauern
- Glide across the stunning lagoons, leading you towards Grado
- Experience the Stunning Ride from Villach to the Italian Border
beyond the ride
What to look forward to off-bike
- Wander the charming streets of Salzburg, soaking in its romantic, Mozart-inspired atmosphere
- Explore the awe-inspiring world’s largest ice caves
- Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Predil
- Embark on a scenic vineyard tour and wine tasting
- Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through Grado
Itinerary
15 km | Flat
Welcome to Austria! Upon arrival, our friendly team will greet you at the airport and transfer you to our hotel in Salzburg.
After checking in and settling in, we’ll prepare your bikes for a relaxing afternoon ride to stretch your legs and ensure everything’s in order.
The evening wraps up with a traditional Austrian dinner, served with a side of schnitzel and the sweet sounds of Mozart
Hotel IMLAUER & Bräu | Salzburg
53 km | 470 m
The adventure kicks off with an early start as we hop on our bikes and leave Salzburg behind, winding through Austria’s enchanting valleys. Get ready for a major highlight: the Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves, the world’s largest! Explore otherworldly ice formations with a local guide - it’s like stepping into a frozen fairy tale.
After a hearty Austrian lunch, complete with homemade dishes and a refreshing Weiss beer, we continue along the riverside to Bischofshofen. You’ll have plenty of time to stop, snap photos, and soak in the awe-inspiring landscapes.
Harry's home | Bischofshofen
48 km | 770 m
After a hearty breakfast, we pedal south into the Hohe Tauern National Park, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and abundant wildlife.
We’ll stop for lunch in the fresh mountain air of Sport Gastein before continuing on a stunning ride into Bad Gastein - wind in your hair, scenery that feels straight out of a dream.
In the evening, we’ll explore Bad Gastein town, marvel at the refreshing waterfall, and enjoy a relaxed dinner together.
MONDI Hotel Bellevue | Bad Gastein
80 km | 622 m
Today we pedal a short distance to the train station, hop on a train through the tunnel, and then enjoy an incredible descent before continuing along the gorgeous Drava River, through the very heart of Carinthia.
Just a stone’s throw from the Italian and Slovenian borders, this ride feels delightfully Austrian - cowbells clanging, eagles soaring overhead, and a sense of stepping back in time.
After lunch, we continue to the enchanting city of Villach, the perfect place to stroll through charming streets, browse local shops, and pick up a few souvenirs.Voco Villach Hotel | Villach
48 km | 600 m
It’s easy to claim that the ride from Villach to the Italian border is one of the most beautiful 25 km you’ll ever cycle — and we wouldn’t argue. This is cycling paradise. Today is all about riding, celebrating the best of Europe, and crossing the Italian frontier before a coffee stop and a leisurely wander around Tarvisio.
Lunch awaits overlooking the sparkling Lake Predil, followed by a refreshing dip — the perfect way to soak in the view.
As the day winds down, we’ll gather for an authentic Italian dinner in a charming local spot.
Hotel Edelhof | Tarvisio
65 km | Flat
After a cappuccino and fresh brioche, we ride through Val Canale and take a cable car up to Santuario del Monte Lussari for stunning views. The route winds past historic train tunnels, charming villages, and the scenic River Delta - don’t forget your camera!
We’ll stay by Lake Cavazza, and after lunch, explore Venzone, one of Italy’s most picturesque villages, with its whitewashed buildings, cobbled streets, and ancient town walls - the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely ice cream.
Hotel Trilago | Venzone
43 km | 190 m
Leaving the beautiful lake behind, we continue our journey toward Udine. Nestled among mountains and overlooked by its historic castle, Udine is a must-visit. Today’s ride takes us along a mix of gravel and tarmac roads, adding a touch of adventure to the ride.
Once in Udine, there’s time to explore the charming narrow lanes and historic sites at your own pace. Lunch is served on a picturesque canal-side terrace, featuring local specialties, followed by a relaxed wine tasting and aperitivo in the late afternoon.
Hotel Suite Inn | Udine
45 km | Flat
The final push! We leave Udine and pedal south toward the sea, a ride that seems to pull you in - many say you can taste the Adriatic before you see it. Today’s route is flat, perfect for enjoying every moment with a smile.
The last kilometres take us across the scenic lagoons of Grado, finishing together at the seafront for an unmissable group photo!After exploring the charming old town and picking a lunch spot, we’ll take a scenic boat trip to a hidden island. The day ends with a memorable final dinner, a perfect way to celebrate the journey from Salzburg to the sea.
Hotel Astoria | Grado
Sadly, our adventure comes to an end. After an (optional) early morning ride and leisurely breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport.
But it’s not goodbye - just arrivederci! See you soon on your next adventure!
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Price | Availability | ||
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| Thurs 16 Apr - Fri 24 Apr | From €3799 |
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| Mon 11 May - Tues 19 May | From €3999 |
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| Sun 31 May - Mon 08 Jun | From €4199 |
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| Mon 22 Jun - Tues 30 Jun | From €4199 |
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| Mon 13 Jul - Tues 21 Jul | From €4199 |
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| Fri 21 Aug - Sat 29 Aug | From €4199 |
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| Thurs 03 Sep - Fri 11 Sep | From €4199 |
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| Thurs 17 Sep - Fri 25 Sep | From €3999 |
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| Thurs 01 Oct - Fri 09 Oct | From €3799 |
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| Mon 19 Oct - Tues 27 Oct | From €3599 |
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Ridley Bikes & Gear
Ridley ASTR GRX600 – Explore epic landscapes! Lightweight, responsive, and adventure-ready. Perfect for gravel, touring, and thrill seekers.
Ridley Kalazy – Cruise in comfort with flat handlebars, smooth ride, and stylish design. Ideal for relaxed, scenic holiday cycling.
Ridley Urbx Mixte E-Bike – Glide through your holiday with ease; upright comfort, smooth handling, and stylish design making every ride relaxing, scenic, and unforgettable.
COLNAGO V3
COMPONENTS:
- Shimano 105 12 Speed Di2 Drivetrain (50/34 Chainset and 11-34 Cassette)
- Fulcrum Racing 600 Wheelset
- Pirelli P7 Sport 28mm Tyres
- Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
- Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo Flow saddle
- (Sizes: XXS(42S), XS(45S), S(48S), M(50S), L(52S), XL(54S), XXL(56S), XXXL(58S))
3T ULTRA
COMPONENTS:
- Shimano GRX 822 1x - 40T 1x Chainset, 12 Speed 10-51T Cassette
- Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 Wheelset
- Shimano GRX Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
- Selle Italia Model X Superflow
- Sizes: 48 - 61
The nuts and Bolts
What's Included?
- 8 nights' 4* accommodation
- Transfers (from specified airport/train location)
- All breakfasts
- 5 dinners
- Bike hire & helmet
- Water and coffee are complimentary during meals that are included in the package
- Beautifully planned rides
- Experienced team of local professionals
- GPX Routes
- Visit to ice caves
- Wine tasting and vineyard tour
- Van and mechanical support with snacks and water
- Bike cleaning service
- IBT cycling jersey
- IBT water bottle
- City taxes
What's Not Included?
- Travel insurance (must be purchased before the tour)
- Flights
- Beverages
- Lunches
- Nutrition
- Tips and gratuities
At a Glance
- Level: Perfect for both fit and leisure cyclists, all with a sense of adventure.
- Total Kilometres: Almost 400 km (248 miles).
- When: April - October.
- Start: The tour begins in Salzburg, with an easy transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Finish: The tour ends in Grado, with a transfer to Venice Airport.
- Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport is the perfect option for arrivals, Venice Airport for departures.
- Top Tip: Bring your costumes and relax in the sauna and spa after your ride!
- Average Age of Guest: Mostly 45-60, but open to all ages.
- Male vs Female %: Well balanced, ideal for groups of friends, couples, and solo travelers alike.
| Where to Meet |
Please arrange to meet us at Salzburg Airport (SZG) at 2:00 pm on day 1. 24 hours before the meeting, we will contact you via WhatsApp to confirm the name of the staff member who will pick you up. |
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| Drop off Location |
Following the conclusion of the tour we will assist you with planning and booking of onward travel. We will run one transfer to Venice airport (VCE) leaving at 10.30 am from the hotel. For alternative destinations or departure times, please contact us at alberto@italybiketours.com |
| Transfer Time |
Please consider eating lunch before we collect you from Salzburg. Transfer from the airport to the first hotel on Day 1 takes about 30 minutes, and transfer from the hotel to Venice Airport on Day 9 takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. |
| Riding in Austria & Italy |
The general road conditions are very good. Roads are shared with car owners and bikers, but they are used to cyclicts and typically respectful. |
| Cuisine |
The food is excellent in both Austria and Italy. Restaurants now cater for both vegan and vegetarians. Please advise us if you have any special dietary requirements before the tour on the questionnaire. Homemade local wines and beer a must to try! |
| Hotel Facilities |
We recommend bringing swimming costumes to enjoy a well-deserved spa at the hotel after the rides! Hotels also have laundry service, good WiFi and bar service. There may be some extra charges for the use of these facilities. |
| Private Tours & Groups |
We welcome the opportunity to discuss a private tour with you should you be in a group of six or more. A private tour allows you to choose dates and personalise the itinerary according to your requirements. |
| Weather |
The weather in the region is normally fair, but of course there may be days when it isn’t quite playing ball. Our experienced guides will amend rides, routes and timings to ensure you are riding in safe and hopefully sunny conditions. |
| What Happens Next? |
Are you thinking about joining us? You probably have some questions! There are a number of ways to contact us, email is best, we will reply within 24 hours. Please check your SPAM/JUNK folder should you not have received an email in this time. You can also find a contact form at the bottom of this page. |
Hotels
HOTEL IMLAUER & Bräu ★★★★
HOTEL HARRY'S HOME ★★★★
MONDI HOTEL BELLEVUE ★★★★
HOTEL VOCO VILLACH ★★★★
HOTEL EDELHOF ★★★★
HOTEL TRILAGO ★★★★
HOTEL SUITE INN ★★★★
HOTEL ASTORIA ★★★★
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Get In Touch
If you would prefer to give us a call and talk cycling and Italy, please WhatsApp us on the number below and we will arrange a call back!
ITA: +39 320 638 4713
Or you can chat to us online by clicking the button at bottom right of page.
Drop us a direct email to: info@italybiketours.com
