In a week across the Alps to the Adriatic Sea – that sounds like hard work! It is not quite as exhausting, if you choose the Alpe Adria cycle route. On your journey you will cross the idyllic Salzach valley, Bad Gastein, the impressive high mountain landscape of the Hohe Tauern, the sunny Trautal and the wildly rugged canal valley.
On the well marked paths the crossing of the Alps is also feasible for pleasure cyclists, because the ascent to the main ridge of the Alps is divided into two daily stages, the last one will be done by using the train. Cycling on the Via Julia Augusta you pass Palmanova and Aquileia and get to the fishing village of Grado.
The tour runs along bike paths or very quiet side roads, through small villages and picturesque landscape. The section on the Pass Lueg can also be bypassed by train. Also the two lonfer stages can be shortened by taking the train (tisckets not included).
Included and Not Included Services
Accommodation in guesthouses and hotels - 3*** and 4**** category
Breakfast buffet or full breakfast
Videobriefing
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
Train ride Böckstein – Mallnitz bicycle included
Well planned routes
Detailed documents (maps, route description, places to visit, important telephone numbers)
Navigation APP
Telephone service hotline for the entire tour
Arrival to the starting point of the tour
Departure at the end of the tour
Drinks, tourist tax and all extras
Lunch, Dinner
Not mentioned entries
Rental bikes and travel insurance
All not expressly mentioned under the item „Included services“
Day 1: Salzburg
Individual arrival at the starting hotel in Salzburg. A bicycle trip could not start more impressively than in Salzburg, the city of Mozart. You are surrounded by so many Baroque monuments in this beautiful old town. Take some delicious Mozartkugeln (typical Austrian confectionary) on your journey to the sea.
Day 2: Salzburg - Werfenweng
(approx. 50 km)
With a view of the fortress Hohensalzburg you leave the city. In the distance the mountains are already visible. Thefirst section takes you along the Salzach. On the way you will pass the former summer residence of the Salzburger Bishops, Hellbrunn palace. For more than 400 years, the extraordinary water games have been a delight for young and old. On the Tauern cycle path, the journey continues in the direction of Hallein, known for its crooked townhouses and above all for the white gold - salt. Passing below the Tennengebirge mountains, you will cycle towards your destination Werfenweng, but first you will have to overcome a few metres in altitude. High above you will see the impressive 11th century castle of Hohenwerfen.
Day 3: Werfenweng - Bad Gastein
(approx. 60 km)
The journey continues through the tranquil Gastein valley. Until the 20th century, it was only accessible along mountain paths and narrow roads. Framed by the peaks of the Hohe Tauern, you cycle along the Gasteiner Ache (river). Passing Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein you reach the famous health resort Bad Gastein. The „Montecarlo of the Alps“, as the place is often called, is known for its many splendid hotels from the „Belle Époque“. The main attraction here is the Gastein waterfall, which has been the focal point of many artists and poets. If you are there early enough, you can still take the cable car to the summit and enjoy the alpine panorama.
Day 4: Bad Gastein - Lake Millstatt
(Train + approx. 70 km)
In Böckstein you have to board the train, which takes you in about 11 minutes comfortably under the spectacular peaks of the Hohe Tauern into the Mölltal valley. Instead of following the original Alpe Adria cycle path, we suggest an alternative through the tranquil Dösental. On the old railway track, an 8 km long descent, leads down to the Glocknerradweg and along the Möll river. The varied landscape will not let you get bored. Today‘s destination is Millstatt, situated on the lake of the same name. At around 141 m the Millstätter See is the deepest lake in Carinthia.
Day 5: Lake Millstatt - Tarvis
(approx. 78 km)
Along the lake with its crystal-clear water, you cycle around the lake for a while and then overcome a small ridge which brings you into the Drau Valley. After this detour, the Alpe-Adria route leads along the leisurely flowing Drava, where some surprises await you. Soon the direction of travel changes and you head south. First along the Gail river, which is ideal for cooling off on hot summer days, and then you cross the border to „Bella Italia“. In the border triangle Austria-Slovenia-Italy lies the small town of Tarvis.
Day 6: Tarvis - Udine
(approx. 80 km + train, ticket not incl.)
Although the fifth stage is one of the longest of this journey, there are very few ascents to overcome. Strengthened with cappuccino and brioche you start the stage through the Kanltal valley. It is framed by the majestic peaks of the Julian Alps. On the disused railway line you cycle through a total of 22 tunnels. Don‘t miss the culinary delights along the way. Shortly before reaching Venzone, you cross the Tagliamento, one of the last natural rivers in Europe, before reaching the Friulian plain. Not only the vegetation changes, but also the temperatures continue to rise. Enjoy the evening at the „Piazza della Libertà“ in Udine, with its typical Italian atmosphere.
Day 7: Udine - Grado
(approx. 55 km)
Cycling through the vineyards you will continue your journey. The first highlight of today‘s stage is Palmanova with its star-shaped fortress from the 16th century. Across the hexagonal main square, the route leads out of the Unesco World Heritage Site towards Aquileia. Built in 180 BC, it was one of the most important economic centres of the Roman Empire. Numerous excavation sites and a huge floor mosaic in the Byzantine Basilica are vivid witnesses of this time. A 5 km long straight line leads through the lagoon to Grado, the destination of your journey. After a total of 420 km you have reached the Italian Riviera.
Day 8: Grado
Individual departure from Grado or possibility to extend your stay on the Adriatic Sea.
Standard | ||
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Package | view calendar |
It is recommended to purchase an optional travel cancellation policy. Prices valid subject to changes in the offer, omissions, printing errors or arithmetic.
Price per night in double room with breakfast | Salzburg | 109 € | |
Price per night in double room with breakfast | Grado | 95 € |
It is recommended to purchase an optional travel cancellation policy. Prices valid subject to changes in the offer, omissions, printing errors or arithmetic.
Rental electric bike 8,7 | 269 € |
It is recommended to purchase an optional travel cancellation policy. Prices valid subject to changes in the offer, omissions, printing errors or arithmetic.
Return transfer per person | 175 € |
It is recommended to purchase an optional travel cancellation policy. Prices valid subject to changes in the offer, omissions, printing errors or arithmetic.
By car: Salzburg is well connected to international motorways, and this makes the city easy to reach. If you reach the City of Mozart from Austria, take the A1 or A10 Motorway, or drive in from Germany on the A8.
By train: By offering numerous domestic as well as international connections, Salzburg Main Station is the most important rail hub in Western Austria. And since it lies right on the border with Germany, the station is administered jointly by Austrian Railways (ÖBB) and the German Rail (DB). Timetables on: www.deutschebahn.de, www.oebb.at, www.trenitalia.com.
By plane: Salzburg W. A. Mozart Airport is the second-largest airport in Austria and is served by several different airlines. Furthermore, the major international airports in Vienna and Munich are only about 2 to 3 hours away using public transportation. On request we organize transfers from the airport to the starting point of the tour.
Guesthouses and hotels 3*** and 4**** category.
Attention: Tourist tax – if requested – has to be paid on the spot!
we suggest parking place either at the train station or at the airport - depending on avaibility,reservation not possible.
On request return transfer from Grado to Salzburg by shuttle bus every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, € 175.00 per person + € 39.00 per own bike, reservation and payment upon booking.
• E-bike (UNISEX bike, 500 W battery, range up tp 100 km)
It is possible to add a rental bike disclaimer to your booking. Price is € 24/ per trekking bike and € 49/ per TOP bike/ e-bike /mountain bike. For more information we recommend to rewiew our Terms and Conditions.
We suggest travel insurance.
The individual stages are slightly longer, but if you are fit enough, you are welcome to cycle on a normal touring bike.
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Tour information
- Duration 8 days
- Minimum age 16 years and older
- Difficulty Level Media
- Distance 420 - 420 km