Villach to Trieste on the Alpe Adria by Bike

Once you have arrived in the Austrian town of Villach, you will check into your hotel and meet for a welcome briefing, before having the night to yourself to explore the town.

After breakfast, you will leave Villach along the river Gail and cross the Austria/Italy border. In the triangle of Italy, Austria, and Slovenia sprawls the canal valley, with the Italian city of Tarvis right in the centre of it. Here you will find Austrians, Slovenians, and Italians that have been living here next to each other for centuries, creating a unique blended culture unlike anywhere else. Explore the town and settle in for the night ahead of a big day of cycling!

In Italy too the cycle path is also perfectly developed and hence allows you to leisurely cycle downhill through the Val Canale-valley and from your bike marvel at the beauty of the Friulian alpine region with its intact, unspoilt nature and extensive forests. Your Day Finish is one of the picturesque villages located at the foothills of the Julian Alps.

At the Southern exit of the Val Canale-valley is the location of one of the most beautiful historic villages of the Friulian-Julian-Veneto. The focus of the village of Gemona del Friuli is the majestic cathedral Santa Maria Assunta and will blow you away. En route to Udine you come across the first vineyards and vines along the cycle route. Once you arrive in town feel and experience the ‚”dolce vita”‘ over a coffee enjoyed on the ‚”Piazza”‘ or during a stroll through the alleyways whilst marvelling at the late Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Feel the warm breeze of the sirocco! Today you will cycle through vast reed scenery and along canals towards the Gulf of Venice. In the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called “second Rome”, you can take a break from cycling before reaching the end destination of your holiday. One of the most popular Adriatic beach resorts, the historic little fishing town of Grado, will not only excite you with the extensive sandy beach, but also with its historic harbour and narrow alleyways lined with lovely restaurants.

Leaving the coast behind, you will cycle across the rough Karst plateau towards the picturesque Gulf of Trieste. Back at the sea you are accompanied by breathtaking coastal scenery and will witness the splendour of the world-famous Miramare palace, yet another highlight of today’s cycling tour. The harbour city of Trieste is an exceptional finale to your holiday, so make sure you take the time to explore its historic streets.

After breakfast, you will pack up your things and say ciao to Trieste and the stunning Adriatic Sea for an individual departure from the city.