This cycling tour leads you from Austria’s sunniest state along the South side of the Alps all the way to the sea including impressive nature spectacles, cultural diversity and gastronomic delicacies. Sample the Carinthian dish ‚Kasnudeln‘, marvel at the peaks of the Carnic Alps, enjoy a glass of white wine from the Collio region on a piazza in Udine and finally rewards yourself with a dip in the refreshing Adriatic Sea. Lots of variation guaranteed during your route from the Alps to the sea.
You leave Villach along the river Gail and in a little while you leave Austria and welcome Italy. In the triangle of Italy, Austria and Slovenia sprawls the canal valley, the Italian city of Tarvis builds the centre of it. Austrians, Slovenians and Italians are living here next to each other since centuries, so all three big European families of languages – Germans, Romans and Slavs – are meeting up here.
In Italy too the cycle path is perfectly developed and hence allows you to leisurely cycle downhill through the Kanaltal-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 Kanaltal-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! You cycle through vast reed scenery and along little water canals towards the Gulf of Venice. In the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called ‚second Rome‘, we recommend you definitely plan a break before reaching the end destination of your holiday. One of the most popular Adriatic beach resorts, the historic little fishing town Grado, will not only excite you with the extensive sandy beach, but also the historic harbour and the narrow alleyways with lovely restaurants all ooze Italian flair.
For now you leave the coast behind and cycle across the rough Karst plateau towards the Gulf of Trieste. Back at the sea you are accompanied by breathtakingly stunning coastal scenery and the world-famous Miramare palace is yet another highlight of today’s cycling tour. The time-honoured harbour town Trieste is a worthy finale to your holiday.
Day
7
Departure or extension
Tour character
You mainly cycle on well-developed cycle paths and quiet side roads. Only a few sections lead you also along roads with heavier traffic or on dirt paths. Overall the route leads you on slightly hilly terrain, with a longer ascent after Tarvis.
Parking space at the hotel or near the hotel. Public park garage for about € 35 per week. A reservation is not possible, payable locally.
The return journey by public transport is only possible with a change of trains
Return transfer to Villach every Saturday morning, costs € 119,- per person, extra € 29,- for the transfer of your own bike, to be paid for in advance, reservation is necessary
Please note:
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!