Cycling tour Alpe-Adria from Austria to Italy 2023/24: Salzburg – Grado in 8 days

Day 1: Arrival to Salzburg

Already on the day of arrival, an absolute highlight awaits you, the Mozart city of Salzburg. Winding alleys and squares invite you to stroll and dreamy cafés to enjoy genuine Austrian pastry specialties. Visit and tour historical buildings like the cathedral or the fortress.

The travel documents and your rental bikes – if booked – are waiting for you at the hotel.

Bike tour Salzburg – St. Johann, approx. 65 km, 500 m ↑, 400 m ↓, approx. 5 h

Out of Salzburg and off in the direction of the south. Through shady meadows along the Salzach you cycle to Hallein, a Celtic town once rich from salt mining. Hallein surprises with a romantic old town with small alleys, archways and houses with magnificent facades.

Past the rushing waterfall you cycle through Bischofshofen, pass Golling and roll along the well-maintained cycle path to St. Johann. Unmistakable – like double mountain peaks – the towers of the Pongau Cathedral rise up here.

Bike tour St. Johann, 65 km, 500 m ↑, 400 m ↓, approx. 5 h + 15 min. train ride

Shortly after Schwarzach you say goodbye to the Salzach, from today on the Gasteiner Ache accompanies you through the wild and romantic Gastein valley. Via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein you cycle to the well-known spa and winter sports resort Bad Gastein at the foot of the Hohe Tauern, which offers a variety of natural-historical and architectural sights. The landmark is the Gastein waterfall in the middle of the village, which has been the motif of many painters and poets.

Now it is only a stone’s throw to Böckstein, where a train of the Tauernschleuse will take you to the other side of the Alps, to Mallnitz, in only 10 minutes.

Back in the saddle, enjoy the exhilarating descent to your hotel in the Möll Valley.

Bike tour Mölltal – Villach, approx. 20 km & train ride

First along the river Möll you cycle today through impressive high mountain landscapes.

In the village of Möllbrücke begins the Drau Valley and with it the sunny south of Austria. Almost by itself, your bike will roll downhill along the Drava River. In Spittal, they can pay a visit to the Renaissance Porcia Castle – sometimes called the “most beautiful Renaissance building north of the Alps”.

Pedal a few more times and you’ve reached Villach. Enjoy an evening stroll through the old town with its southern flair and the cozy “Beisln” and restaurants.

Bike tour Villach – Venzone, approx. 70 km, 550 m ↑, 1,050 m ↓, approx. 6 h + train ride

You will bridge the ascent to Tarvis by train.

From Travis station you will then cycle leisurely downhill through the Canal Valley, admiring from the saddle the beauties of the Friulian Alpine region with an intact, untouched nature and vast forests. The bike paths are also very well developed in Italy.

One of the pretty villages on the foothills of the Julian Alps serves as an overnight stop.

Bike tour Venzone – Udine, approx. 50 km, 200 m ↑↓, approx. 4 h

At the southern exit of the Canal Valley lies one of the most beautiful historic towns in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The townscape of Gemona del Friuli is dominated by the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and will also inspire you.

On the way to Udine, the first vines already appear along the bike route. Once in the city, feel the “dolce vita” with a coffee in the “piazza” or during a stroll through the alleys, admiring the late Gothic and Renaissance buildings.

Bike tour Udine – Grado, approx. 55 km, 200 m ↑↓, approx. 4 h

Warm breeze of the Scirocco blows around your nose! You will drive through wide reed landscapes and along small water channels towards the Gulf of Venice. In the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called “Second Rome”, you should in any case plan a stop before you reach your destination of the trip.

One of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic, the historic fishing town of Grado, not only knows how to inspire with its extensive sandy beach, but also the historic harbor and the narrow streets with cozy restaurants exude Italian flair.

Departure or extension

Today it’s time to say goodbye to Italy’s hospitality and laid-back attitude.
Would you like to stay one day longer? Please ask when booking; we will try to find extra nights for you.