The starting point of this bike tour is Villach, situated on the edge of the Klagenfurt basin, where the rivers Drau and Gail flow together. Soon, however, it is time to say goodbye to Austria, before the cycling tour continues in Italy. The Friuli-Venezia Giulia region not only offers a variety of landscapes, but also invites you on a journey through the cultural diversity of the region. This mix of cultures is also reflected in the kitchen: Alpine-Austrian, Slovenian and Venetian influences characterise the gastronomic offer of the region. Leaving the peaks of the Carnic Alps far behind, you will cycle towards the sea on the southern side of the Alps. In front of you the Adriatic coast will stretch with miles of sandy beaches. Treat yourself to a day at leisure in Grado, one of the most popular seaside resorts in Italy, before you reach the former Habsburg port of Trieste, following the sea breeze.

Characteristics of the route

The tour from Villach to Trieste is an easy tour. It goes along bike paths or very quiet side roads, through small villages and picturesque landscape. The tour is suitable for children over 14 years.

Tour programme

DAY 1: Arrival at Villach
Individual arrival at the starting-hotel in Villach. Parking place close to the hotel available.

DAY 2: Villach – Tarvisio/Camporosso (approx. 40 km)
Following the river Gail, you leave Villach behind you and also say goodbye to Austria. In the three-nation triangle of Italy-Austria-Slovenia the valley „Kanaltal" is extending, whose centre is the Italian border town of Tarvisio. Here Austrians, Slovenes, Friulians and Italians have been living together for hundreds of years, and all three major European language families – Germans, Romans and Slavs –meet here directly.

DAY 3: Tarvisio/Camporosso – Moggio Udinese/Tolmezzo/Venzone (approx. 55 km) Tarvisio, a small town surrounded by wide valleys and wood, in a modern garb, with an old soul and full of tradi- tions, is today the starting point of your cycle tour. It is not only one of the most important mountain resorts of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, but also one of the most known winter sport centre in the region. Continuing through the valley of „Kanaltal" you can admire the beauties of the Friulian Alpine from the saddle, with intanct, untouched nature and vast, intact forests.

DAY 4: Moggio Udinese/Tolmezzo/Venzone – Udine (approx. 60 km)
The little city of Gemona del Friuli which is located on the southern exit of the valley "Kanaltal" and on the foothills of the Julian Alps is one of the most beautiful historic towns of the region. The townscape is characterised by the majestic cathedral "Santa Maria Assunta" which is certainly worth a visit.
The wine determines today´s stage. Hills full of grapevines line your path and invite you to taste some good wines. The Venetian influenced Udine exudes calm and prudence. Enjoy a cup of coffee on the "Piazza" or stroll through the city centre and admire important Gothic and Renaissance buildings.

DAY 5: Udine – Grado (approx. 55 km)
Accompanied by the breeze of the Scirocco, you glide past reed inlets and canals and reach Grado, a historic fishing town and one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic.

DAY 6: Day off at sea or cultural day in Aquileia
You are spoiled for choice: either an exciting day of sightseeing in Roman built Aquileia or a relaxing day by the sea: Today you have the opportunity to discover the secrets of the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called „Second Rome"; Roman ruined cities, ancient churches and secluded landscapes on the edge of the lagoon await you.
Or would you rather enjoy the warm sunbeams in the deck chair on one of the miles of sandy beaches?

DAY 7: Grado – Trieste (approx. 40 km + train ride or 70 km)
The rough karst accompanies you through the hinterland on the way to the Adriatic Sea. Following a breathtakingly beautiful coastal area, you cycle to your destination. Miramare Palace invites you for a last visit before you enter the former Habsburg city of Trieste. The old port and commercial city is a worthy conclusion of this bike trip. If you want, you can shorten the last part of this stage from Monfalcone to Trieste by train (ticket not included in the price).

DAY 8: Departure
Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay on the Adriatic Sea.

What´s included:

• Accommodation in hotels 3***, partly 4**** category
• Breakfast buffet or full breakfast
• Bike rental
• Personal tour information
• Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
• Well planned routes
• Detailed documents (maps, route description, places to visit, important telephone numbers)
• Telephone service hotline for the entire tour

Attention: Tourist tax – where applicable – has to be paid on site.

Arrival:

By car: Villach is easily accessible on the motorways A2, A10 or A11 (depending on the point of origin).
By train: Good train connections to Villach. Timetable on: www.deutschebahn.de, www.oebb.at, www.trenitalia.com
By plane: Airport Klagenfurt, Salzburg or Ljubljana. There are good train connections from all these cities to your starting point.

Parking:
Free and unguarded parking facilities for the duration of the bicycle tour at a nearby public parking area.

Parking: Depending on the first hotel, unattended parking facilities are available, either directly at your hotel or nearby (for the first night). Public parking garage at a cost of approx. € 35.00 per week.

Reservation of the parking area/parking garage not possible; payable on the spot.

Transfers:
from Trieste: Return transfer from Trieste to Villach by shuttle bus every Wednesday and Saturday - € 95.00 per person (bicycle included – reservation and payment upon booking).

Alternative:

from Trieste: Train connections on the line Trieste-Udine and Udine-Villach. Timetables: www.oebb.at, www.trenitalia.com