Alpe Adria Cycle Path: Villach-Trieste

Individual arrival in Villach. The silence of the mountains, the soft shores of the crystal clear lakes, pure nature - in the heart of Carinthia, Villach reflects in all this diversity.

First, the road runs along the Drava for a while. But soon the cycle path will take you along the Gail towards Italy. "Servus Austria - Ciao Italy" is the motto at the border. In Tarviso you will be greeted in three languages. Because Austrians, Slovenians and Italians have lived together here for centuries, all three prominent European language families - Germanic, Romance and Slavic - meet here.

The cycle path is also well developed in Italy, so you can cycle leisurely downhill through the Kanaltal and admire the beauty of the Friulian Alpine region from the saddle with its beautiful, unspoilt nature and extensive forests. One of the pretty villages at the foot of the Julian Alps serves as an overnight stop.

One of the most beautiful historic towns of Friuli-Venezia Giulia is located at the southern exit of the Kanaltal. The cityscape of Gemona del Friuli is formed by the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and will certainly inspire you. On the way to Udine, the first vines appear along the cycle route. After arriving in the city, feel "La Dolce Vita" with a cup of coffee on the "Piazza" or walk through the alleys and admire the buildings of the late Gothic and Renaissance styles.

A warm breeze from the Scirocco is blowing your face! You drive through wide reed landscapes and along small water channels towards the Gulf of Venice. In any case, you should plan a stop in the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called "Second Rome", before reaching your destination of the journey. One of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic, the historic fishing village of Grado not only inspires with its expansive sandy beach, historic harbour and narrow streets with cosy restaurants that also radiate Italian flair.

You leave the coast and you cycle through the rugged landscape towards the Gulf of Trieste. Back by the sea, you will be joined by breathtakingly beautiful coastal scenery and the world-famous Miramare Castle is another highlight of today's cycling tour. The venerable port city of Trieste is a worthy end to your journey.

Are you enjoying Trieste a little longer with an extension or are you going home today?