The second stage of the Alpe Adria cycle route starts in Villach, in sunny Carinthia. After you have started cycling in Carinthia, it will soon become "Servus Austria - Ciao Italy!" Shortly after the border, you can already feel the unmistakable flair of beautiful Italy. The cycle route leads through a varied landscape, from the mountains to the vineyards to the Italian coast. Cultural highlights are self-evident! Are you ready for a journey of discovery through the most beautiful parts of Austria and Italy?
Details about the bike tour from Villach to Trieste
The two countries have one thing in common: a love of nature and culinary delights! The mix of cultures is reflected in the traditional national cuisine. What can you look forward to? On traditional Austrian dishes and of course on the Mediterranean, and Italian delicacies. Accompanied by these culinary delights, you will leave the Alps and welcome the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, enclosed between the Veneto region, Austria, Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea.
After leaving the Kanaltal, you will cycle towards the sea. As the pedals turn, the Adriatic coast stretches out in front of you with miles of sandy beaches before arriving in Trieste!
The highlights of your cycling holiday at a glance
Cultural diversity in Tarvisio: You will be greeted in three languages ​​at the border from Austria to Italy! Because here Austrians, Italians and Slovenians say "Hello"!
Gemona del Friuli: The picturesque townscape, the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the impressive vines speak for themselves. Feel the "Dolce Vita" and enjoy pizza, pasta and coffee.
Port City of Trieste: The fantastic coastal scenery and the world-famous Miramare Castle in Trieste are the crowning points of the bike tour. The old town invites you to enjoy and stroll. Tip for indulgence: an authentic Italian coffee in Piazza Unità d'Italia in the old city of Trieste.
Important information about the cycling holiday from Villach to Trieste
In seven days you will cycle leisurely on the gently sloping cycle paths from Villach to Trieste. You cover between 40 and 70 kilometres per day. The tour is ideal for pleasure cyclists and easy to complete with an average difficulty level. The only long climb is just before Tarvisio.
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?
Route information
You will mainly cycle on well-developed cycle paths and quiet side streets. Only some parts of the stages also lead to busy roads or unpaved roads. In general, the route is gently sloping with a long climb to Tarvisio.
Luggage transfer(s) max. 1 piece of luggage 20 kg per person
Travel folder 1x per room (German, English with route and overview maps, detailed route description, places of interest, important telephone numbers, luggage labels)
GPS data available on request
Service Hotline
Not included
Tourist tax, if applicable, to be paid locally
(Optional) Return transfer from Trieste-Salzburg every Saturday morning, costs €119 per person (surcharge for bringing your own bike €29 per bike). Reservation required, pay in advance
Arrival information
Airport: Salzburg Airport, Llubljana, Klagenfurt
Train: Villach Station
Parking: Parking approximately €40 per week, to be paid on site, reservation not possible
Return: The return journey to Salzburg by public transport is possible with the Flixbus is 5.5 hours, direct. See www.omio.com
Sample hotel list
This is a sample hotel list. Hotels will be booked depending on availability.