Cycling
Alpe Adria cycle path
Salzburg - Villach - Grado
- AT067 / Austria, Italy
- Cycling Cycling tours Cycling holiday with accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport, assistance. Details
- Self-guided Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance.
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Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
- 8 days
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- linear Salzburg - Villach - Grado
To know
Highlights
Cycling from Austria to Italy, crossing the Alps from Salzburg to Grado, is a unique experience. Thanks to the scenic railway line that runs alongside it, the Alpe Adria Cycle Route can be completed without too much effort. Along the way, you can admire castles, waterfalls, lakes, and forests on some of the most beautiful cycling paths in Europe, including the Tauern Cycle Path in the Salzburg region, the Drau Cycle Path in Carinthia, and the Val Canale Cycle Path in Friuli. Then, a spectacular descent along the old railway line takes you to the sea, passing bridges, tunnels, and modernized stations along the way.
- Salzburg, the city of music and museums
- The spectacular views of the Alps
- The historic towns of Udine, Gemona, and Aquileia
What awaits you
The Alpe Adria cycle route originated from an interregional project and the desire to create a cycling itinerary linking the mountains to the sea. There are some climbs, some of which are challenging, but these can be avoided by taking the train. Recently, old railway stations along the Italian section of the route have been transformed into wonderful venues that encourage visitors to stay a while.
1. Arrival and overnight stay in Salzburg, the city of Mozart
The narrow alleys and distinctive squares beckon you to explore this town, where history and culture are palpable with every step. We recommend strolling along Getreidegasse, visiting Mozart’s birthplace, and, of course, exploring the various boutiques, which are perfect for shopping. Salzburg also offers a variety of musical events, theater performances, and exhibitions throughout the year.
2. First bike stage along the Tauern Cycle Path to St. Johann in Pongau
Follow the Salzach River to reach Hallein, a historic mining town. You will be surprised by the town’s charming old town, narrow streets, arcades, and picturesque house facades. Then, back on your bike, continue to Werfen via Kuchl. Attractions along the way include the Lueg hill, which offers a breathtaking view of the Tennen Mountains, and the impressive Salzachöfen gorge, which was formed by the flowing waters of the river. St. Johann, your final destination of the day, welcomes you with its unmistakable cathedral.
3. Through the Hohe Tauern mountains to Spittal
Follow the Salzach River to Schwarzach. Take the train from there that passes through Böckstein and takes you to Mallnitz across the Tauern mountain range. Once you reach the valley floor, continue cycling through the beautiful Drau Valley to your day’s destination, passing sections alongside the picturesque Lake Millstatt along the way. In Spittal, be sure to visit Porcia Castle, which, according to legend, is still haunted by the ghost of Katharina von Salamanca.
4. The spectacular descent, Villach and the Drau Cycle Path
Cycle along the Drau River, where the route becomes easier, and arrive in the lively city of Villach. Treat yourself to a break in the historic center and along the riverbanks. Then, get back on your bike and continue toward today’s destination. Today, you will return to Italy and reach Tarvisio. We recommend walking along the “Orrido dello Slizza” trail, a circular route surrounded by nature with crystal-clear lakes and gorges carved into the rock.
5. The Friulian Alps, Valcanale, the old railway line
Today’s stage is the heart of the Alpe Adria Cycle Route. Cycle through the quiet narrow valley of the Fella River, where the old railway line, now converted into a traffic-free cycle path, takes you between rocky walls and silent woods to Pontebba, the main town in the Valcanale valley. Finally, you reach the abbey complex of San Gallo Abate in Moggio Udinese and then continue towards Venzone. Overnight stay is planned in nearby Osoppo or Gemona.
6. From the vineyards of Friuli to the Venetian city of Udine
The valley opens up to reveal the vineyard region. Continue on to Osoppo and its fortress, traveling along quiet secondary roads through the lush Friuli countryside. You will arrive in Udine, a merchant city with Venetian charm. It is rich in history and has numerous attractions, such as the cathedral, Piazza della Libertà, the castle, and the streets of the historic center, to admire.
7. Palmanova, Aquileia, and a dip in the sea!
Today, you cycle across the plains to reach the Adriatic Sea. Can you feel the warm sirocco wind blowing yet? Palmanova is a nine-pointed, star-shaped fortress city, and Aquileia is home to the splendid Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and famous early Christian mosaics. Both are worth a visit. Finally, there’s Grado, a former fishing village that’s now a famous seaside resort. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a swim!
8. End of tour in Grado
Check out after breakfast.
If you have time, take advantage of the sunny weather in Grado and enjoy some relaxation before the end of your adventure from the Alps to the sea.
Find out who we are
If you’re here, you’re probably curious about Girolibero and why booking a trip with us could be a great choice, even if we haven’t met yet. You might be asking yourself: who are we? Why choose Girolibero? And what if you need a little help along the way? Don’t worry, we’re here to provide all the answers.
Since 1998, we’ve been organizing bike tours in Italy and Europe. Every step of your itinerary is planned out precisely; we rely on trusted professionals we’ve worked with for many years to make your trip a reality. We have people selecting your accommodation, while others make the schedule, handle unforeseen circumstances, make our website run smoothly, and maintain all the bikes.
Our headquarters is in Vicenza. We are dedicated to making your vacation a carefree experience, and we are here to address your questions and provide assistance. But there’s more.
Read moreComfort Silver
The hotels on this tour are mainly three-star and have been carefully selected. All rooms have private bathrooms, and breakfast is included.
2026
Departures on Thursday, Friday, Saturday
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Accommodation
- 7 overnights in double room
Twin rooms with separate beds are not guaranteed at all accommodations. Sometimes, double rooms have two single mattresses placed side by side.
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
Luggage transfer
The service includes 1 piece of luggage per person, max 20 kg each.
Not included:
- on extra days booked as an extension to the package
- from the city of departure to the starting point
Before departure, you will receive detailed information on permitted luggage, how to fill out luggage tags, and service schedules.
Tour information
Before departure, you will receive the following by email:
- a link to download a PDF containing all the information and details about your vacation
- a copy of the insurance policy included
- the hotel list
- the voucher confirming the services booked
Upon arrival at your destination, you will find:
- an app with route descriptions and tracks
- luggage tags
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Transfer
- 1 train ticket Schwarzach-St. Veit – Böckstein, bike not included (day 3)
- 1 train ticket Böckstein – Mallnitz, bike included (day 3)
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 30 days prior to departure date
- 25% from 29 to 21 days prior to departure date
- 50% from 20 to 14 days prior to departure date
- 80% from 13 to 6 days prior to departure date
- 100% from 5 days prior to departure date and no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Tourist taxes
They must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotels. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, on the season and the number of days of stay. - Tips
Rental bikes and accessories
The bike is not included, but you can rent one from our local partner or bring your own.
Helmets are mandatory for children under 12 and recommended for adults. We recommend that you wear one and bring your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single room
- Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights Salzburg and/or Grado before or after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - Return transfer
It is possible to book a transfer back to Salzburg (available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) - Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
Bikes
You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: isn’t it easy? Rental bikes are always serviced and ready for a new cycling adventure; however, should you have any mechanical problems, you can contact our local partner.
Touring bike unisex
- 28″ wheel
- 21/24 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Touring bike unisex
- 28″ wheel
- 21/24 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- lock
Unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 7/8 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort memory-foam saddle
Unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 7/8 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort memory-foam saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- battery charger
- lock
Men's Touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 21/24 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Men's Touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 21/24 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- lock
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Practical information
Route profile
- Level: medium
- Total distance: 367 km
- Terrain: paved bike paths and low-traffic roads
How to get there
Salzburg is the starting point of the trip to be reached independently.
We will let you know the name of the hotel a few days before departure.
By plane
Salzburg (SZG) is the airport of reference.
- From Salzburg airport: bus lines no. 2 or no. 10, journey time approx. 15 min.
For an overview of prices, airlines, and flight schedules, we recommend rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also highlight train and bus options, including for the last leg of your journey. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
By train
Salzburg Hauptbahnhof is the main train station.
By car
In Austria, to drive on the motorways, you must purchase a motorway vignette, available online, at provincial ACI Clubs, and at all motorway service stations before the border.
Ask your accommodation directly if it is possible to reserve parking for the entire duration of your trip.
Alternatively, you can search for parking near your accommodation.
How to go back
How to return home
Grado is the city at the end of the trip. From here, you can return home.
By plane
Trieste (TRS) and Venice (VCE) are the nearest airports.
- Trieste airport: bus line G01, journey time approx. 1 hour.
- Venice airport: bus line G01 to Trieste airport. From there, take the Flixbus to Venice airport, journey time approx. 3 hours.
By train
Cervignano-Aquileia-Grado is the nearest railway station.
How to go back to the starting point
Transfer to Salzburg
You can book a transfer from Grado to return to Salzburg, which also transports your own bikes.
The service is available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is German.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
Emergency numbers
112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.
133 – Police Help Number
144 – Medical Emergencies
Roadside assistance: 120
122 – Fire Department
141 – Doctors (number active only in Vienna and major cities)
Electricity
The electrical net is 230 volts – 50 Hz. Type C or F power sockets.
We recommend to always carry a universal adapter for electronic devices.
Currency
The currency in Austria is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- your own reusable water bottle (the most sustainable choice)
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by roadworks, which cannot be foreseen; in this case please follow the indications you will find on site.
Health conditions
- We expect you to be in good physical shape to tackle this itinerary: carefully check the difficulty level and characteristics of the route, and ask us for help if you have any doubts.
Special diets
- If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant, allergic to some specific ingredients/substances or if you suffer from any other kind of allergies please indicate it at the moment of booking. We will pass the information on to the hotels, but we cannot guarantee that all dietary requests will be met. Sometimes it is difficult to find particular food, for example gluten-free food, so we suggest that you bring your own snacks just in case.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
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