Alpe-Adria bike path | Villach-Triest

The tranquillity of the mountains, the gentle shores of the crystal-clear lakes, pure nature - Villach, situated in the heart of Carinthia, reflects all this diversity.

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 Tarvisio 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 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.

A warm Scirocco breeze blows around your nose! You cycle through vast reed landscapes and along small water channels towards the Gulf of Venice. You should plan a stop in the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called ‘Second Rome’, before you reach today's destination. One of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic, the historic fishing town of Grado, not only has an extensive sandy beach, but also a historic harbour and narrow streets with cosy restaurants that exude Italian flair.

You first leave the coast and cycle through the rugged karst towards the Gulf of Trieste. Back by the sea, you are accompanied by a breathtakingly beautiful coastal landscape and the world-famous Miramare Castle is another highlight of today's cycle tour. The time-honoured harbour city of Trieste is the crowning glory of your trip.

After breakfast, individual return journey or start of your extension.