ABSTRACT
Tour StartÂ
Tour End
Best start day
Tot. distance
DETAILS
DAILY PROGRAM
Individual arrival at the starting hotel in Salzburg, Austria. A FunActive representative will meet you for a bike fitting and briefing to prepare for the journey ahead.
• Accommodations: 3*/4* hotel in Salzburg
• Meals: none
Leaving the city with a stunning view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, you begin your journey, with the majestic mountains already looming in the distance. The first section takes you along the Salzach River, where you'll pass the enchanting Hellbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Salzburger bishops. For over 400 years, its remarkable water games have brought joy to visitors of all ages. Continuing on the Tauern Cycle Path, you'll head towards Hallein, a town renowned for its charming, crooked houses and, above all, its "white gold" – salt. Another highlight of the route is the picturesque waterfall in Golling, offering a refreshing pause amidst the natural beauty.
• In Tarvisio, on the top of the Lussari Mountain, is located the sanctuary if the Madonna of Lussari, where according to tradition the Virgin is said to have appeared
• Daily distance: 25 mi / 40 km
• Elevation gain: 984 ft / 300 m
• Accommodations: 3*/4* hotel in Tarvisio
• Meals: Breakfast
Tarvisio, a quaint town cloaked in modern attire yet brimming with an ancient soul and rich traditions, serves as the starting point for your bike adventure. Not only is it one of the premier mountain resorts in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, but it's also renowned as a pivotal winter sports hub in the region. As you pedal through the Kanaltal valley, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of the Friulian Alps. Experience the pristine, untouched natural landscapes and expansive, unspoiled forests all from your bike saddle.
• Daily distance: 37 mi / 60 km
• Elevation gain: 656 ft / 200 m
• Accommodations: 3*/4* hotel in Bischofshofen or St. Johann
• Meals: Breakfast
The journey continues through the serene Gastein Valley, which remained accessible only via mountain paths and narrow roads until the 20th century. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Hohe Tauern, you cycle alongside the Gasteiner Ache river, passing through the charming villages of Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein. The route culminates at the renowned health resort of Bad Gastein, often referred to as the "Monte Carlo of the Alps." This elegant destination is famed for its grand hotels from the Belle Époque era. A highlight of the area is the breathtaking Gastein waterfall, a natural marvel that has inspired countless artists and poets throughout history.
• Daily distance: 34 mi / 55 km
• Elevation gain: 1640 ft / 500 m
• Accommodations: 3*/4* hotel in Bad Gastein
• Meals: Breakfast
From Bad Gastein, you continue to Böckstein, where you board the train along the scenic Tauernschleuse railway line to Mallnitz. From there, you cycle along the Möll River, immersing yourself in the breathtaking mountain landscapes. This section of the route, also known as the Glocknerradweg, is mostly a gentle downhill ride through the stunning Hohe Tauern National Park. Continuing the Drau Cycle Path, you arrive in Spittal, renowned for its Renaissance-era Porcia Castle. The stage concludes in Villach, the second-largest city in Carinthia, famous for its vibrant Carnival and the Villacher Kirchtag folklore festival. In addition to its lively cultural scene, Villach offers a wealth of attractions to explore. If time allows, we highly recommend a refreshing swim in one of the picturesque lakes surrounding the city.
• Daily distance: 49 mi / 79 km + Train
• Elevation gain: 656 ft / 200 m
• Accommodations: 3*/4* hotel in Villach
• Meals: Breakfast
Following the Gail River, you leave Villach behind and soon cross into Italy. You enter the Kanaltal Valley, nestled at the crossroads of three countries—Italy, Austria, and Slovenia—where the town of Tarvisio serves as the heart of the region. For centuries, this area has been home to a unique blend of Austrians, Slovenes, Friulians, and Italians, as it sits at the convergence of the three major European language families: Germanic, Romance, and Slavic. Tarvisio is not only one of the most popular mountain resorts in Friuli Venezia Giulia, but it is also renowned for its winter offerings. As you continue through the Kanaltal Valley, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning Julian Alps, with pristine nature and vast, untouched forests. For those wishing to shorten the journey, there’s the option to take a train (ticket not included) to Tarvisio or Ugovizza.
• Daily distance: 25-37 or 53 mi / 40-60 km + train, ticket not included; or approx. 85 km
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Accommodations: 3*/4* hotel in Venzone or surroundings
• Meals: Breakfast
As you make your way to the Adriatic Sea, the rugged karst landscape accompanies you through the hinterland. Follow the stunningly picturesque coastline as you cycle towards your destination. Take a moment to visit the enchanting Miramare Palace before you arrive in the former Habsburg city of Trieste. This historic port and trading city serves as a grand finale to your cycling journey. If you wish, you can shorten the final leg of this stage from Monfalcone to Trieste by train (note: train ticket not included in the tour price).
Once in Trieste, make sure to admire the botanical park surrounding the Castle of Miramare or enjoy the view of the Gulf of Trieste -- the perfect conclusion to your epic biking adventure!
• Daily distance: 25 mi / 40 km + train ride OR 43 mi /70 km
• Elevation gain: 328 ft /100 m
• Accommodations: 3*/4* hotel in Trieste
• Meals: Breakfast
The charming town of Gemona del Friuli, nestled at the southern end of the Kanaltal Valley and at the base of the Julian Alps, is regarded as one of the most picturesque historic towns in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Dominated by the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, it is a must-visit landmark. Today's stage is all about wine, as rolling hills covered with vineyards line your route, offering tempting opportunities to taste local wines. You’ll then arrive in Udine, a city with strong Venetian influences, exuding a sense of peace and tranquility. Whether enjoying a coffee in Piazza San Giacomo or taking a leisurely stroll through the historic city center, you can admire impressive late Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
• Daily distance: 34 mi / 55 km
• Elevation gain: 492 ft / 150 m
• Accommodations: 3*/4* hotel in Udine
• Meals: Breakfast
Guided by the soothing breeze of the Scirocco, you cycle through serene reed beds and winding canals, eventually reaching Grado, a historic fishing town and one of the Adriatic’s most beloved beach resorts. Along the route, you'll encounter the star-shaped city of Palmanova, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its impressive 16th-century fortifications. Further along, the vast archaeological sites of the ancient city of Aquileia invite you to explore its rich Roman heritage, with its temples, basilicas, and intricate mosaics offering a glimpse into the region’s fascinating past.
• Daily distance: 37 mi / 60 km
• Elevation gain: 492 ft / 100 m
• Accommodations: 3*/4* hotel in Grado
• Meals: Breakfast
The rugged karst landscape leads you through the hinterland on your way to the Adriatic Sea. As you follow a stunningly beautiful coastal route, you cycle towards your final destination. Before reaching Trieste, you’ll have the chance to visit the magnificent Miramare Palace, perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Finally, you arrive in Trieste, a historic city once ruled by the Habsburgs, where the old port and bustling commercial center mark a perfect end to your cycling journey. For those wishing to shorten the final stretch, it’s possible to take a train from Monfalcone to Trieste (ticket not included in the price).
• Daily distance: 25 mi or 43 mi / 40 km + train ride or 70 km
• Elevation gain: 492 ft / 100 m
• Accommodations: 3*/4* hotel in Trieste
• Meals: Breakfast
Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay on the Adriatic Sea.
• Meals: Breakfast
Request information
Highlights
• Aquileia – Admire the stunning backdrop of the grand patriarchal basilica, complete with its baptistery and 73-meter tower.
• Pontebbana – Cycle along the historic railway that once connected the Italian/Austrian border to Udine. This railway been transformed into scenic, well-paved cycle path.
• Chiusaforte – Stop at a beautifully restored bistro housed in the old station building – the perfect place to take a break.
• Venzone – Known as one of Italy’s most beautiful towns (Borghi più Belli d’Italia), Venzone is also famous for its lavender processing.
Includes
• Accommodations in three and four star hotels with daily breakfast
• Baggage transfer
• Bike fitting & briefing
• GPS tracks and navigation app
• Support line / assistance (8 am – 7 pm)
• Printed detailed documents (maps, route description, places to visit, important telephone numbers)
Excludes
• Bike rentals (see “Extra Costs”)
• Transfers to start/end of tour
• Local hotel taxes (2 to 5 euro per night per person, to be paid locally by traveler)
• Cycle guide or van support
• Beverages and meals not specified as included.
• Entrance to museums/sites or other activities not specified as included.
• Insurance (medical, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage, bike rental)
• All not expressly mentioned under the “Included Services”
Pricing
Starting at €1239 per person, double occupancy:
• Mid-season supplement (Sep 6 – Sep 26): €100
• High season supplement (Jul 17 – Sep 5): €170
• Single supplement: on request
Bike Options
• Touring bike
• Electric touring/trekking bike
• Premium bike
Extra Costs
Bike Rentals:
• Touring bike: €129
• Electric touring bike: €289
• Premium bike: €195
Rentals includes lateral and handlebar bag, lock, pump, foam for tire patch.
Services:
• Medical or luggage insurance (on request)
• Rental bike insurance
• Long term parking: upon request
• Transfer to the starting point: upon request