The Alps to Adriatic Adventure

Tour dates: August 7th - August 12th, 2027

Duration: 6 days, 5 nights

Distance: 322km

Grading: Intermediate

Overview

This jaw-dropping ride follows the famous Alpe-Adria trail on an unforgettable route through two countries from the Austrian and Italian Alps to the Adriatic coast. With its magnificent mountain scenery, you'll be awe-struck by the dramatic surrounding landscapes along the purpose-built Alpe-Adria cycle trail in Austria and Italy - which explains why this trail was awarded the European Cycle Path Award of the year in 2015. Watch Video here

In such mountainous areas, this trip is ironically very forgiving, following the valleys that cut through the mountains. Perfect for the intermediate cyclist who enjoys manageable riding, taking in the surroundings and experiencing the diverse local culture of four different countries.

Commencing the tour in Villach and heading south, you’ll get to explore the picturesque Austrian Alps and experience Austrian culture at its best at the Villacher Kirchtag; Austria's largest traditional festival. Put simply, it's an authentically Austrian and really truly spectacular! The second half of the tour leads us into Italy and down to the Adriatic Sea to the finish in Venice, riding along disused railway lines and trails through arguably some of Europe’s best landscapes. This is truly an unforgettable trip of a lifetime!

Day 1 - Arrive in Villach

The tour starts with a bang with the spectacular Kirchtag festival. Beforehand, enjoy the amazing scenery and relax by the lake if you wish before it's time to get ready for the most authentic festival that Austria has to offer! Check it out here: https://www.villacherkirchtag.at/austrias-largest-traditional-festival/

Day 2 - Villach to Pontebba

This part of the route follows the Gail river on the southern side of the Villacher Alpe and includes parts of the Dobratsch Nature Park. After riding up the long and straight road to the Italian border crossing the route reconnects onto the traffic-free Alpe-Adria trail. Past Tarvisio, the mountain scenery is absolutely spectacular!

Day 3 - Pontebba to Gemona

Arguably the most picturesque day’s riding of the tour as it continues to follow the Alpe-Adria cycling path through Dogna and Chuisaforte along the former disused railway line. With mountains either side of you, it’s an opportunity to really soak in your surroundings, with no cars or disturbances on a paved track, cutting through the mountains with breath-taking views. After a stop for lunch at a fantastic trattoria in Tolmezzo, the riding continues along more traffic-free paths all the way to Gemona. The traditional Roman festival in the old town is well worth attending in the evening.

What’s included?

• Fully guided trip with experienced guide

• Bike supplied - fitted with rack, panniers and repair kit. Electric Bike also available.

• 5 nights accommodation

• Breakfast each day

• Local Transfers

• Detailed information pack with maps

Day 4 - Gemona to Palmanova

The morning starts out riding next to the Tagliamento river on the blissfully quiet strada bianca (white road) that takes you through meadows and woodlands. With the mountains behind us we will stop and take in the beautiful scenery and crystal-clear waters of the river. From here there’s a mixture of cycle paths, gravel tracks, bridleways and quiet roads leading us onto Udine, where we stop for lunch. It’s then a flat 20km on to the hexagonal-shaped town of Palmanova, our destination for the night.

Day 5 - Palmanova to Portogruaro

Leaving Palmanova we head west towards our destination of Portogruaro for the night. We spend a good deal of the day on the STAI Cycle Route which winds through lovely little canal systems, wetlands and follows the Stella River for parts. You will get a glimpse of local water birds as we ride alongside the waterways, as well as some old water mills.

Day 6 - Portogruaro to Venice

Leaving Portogruaro we follow the waterway directly south towards the coast. There’s an opportunity the see and experience traditional net fishing along these waterways as the nets are littered all along the canals and inlets. We have a short 250 meter canal crossing by boat and it’s from that point where we join the Casson Canal Cycle Path. This path follows the coast right to the end of this stretch of land. A peninsula that has many places to stop for a quick swim and ice cream to cool the heels. This peninsula ends directly east of Venice and it’s from here that we catch our second boat. A ferry over to our spectacularly world famous and romantic capital, Venice!

  
    Day
    Route
    Distance (Km)
  
    Day 1
    Arrive in Villach
    0

    Day 2
    Villach - Pontebba
    61

    Day 3
    Pontebba - Gemona de Fruili 
    69

    Day 4
    Gemona de Fruili - Palmanova 
    70

    Day 5
    Palmanova - Portogruaro 
    51
 
    Day 6
    Portogruaro - Venice 
    71

    Total
    322

Grading

Moderate/Challenging adventure (3/5). This tour is certainly challenging but you don’t have to be an expert to be able to do it! Day 2 is the most challenging but there is an option to get the train if you are feeling the pinch. Regular cycling, gym sessions or other cardiovascular activity is recommended prior to attending this tour.

Logistics

You can check in to the hotel from 2pm the day the tour starts (the day before the first day’s ride) but bags can be left at the hotel beforehand. We will then all meet in the afternoon at the cycle store for your bike fit out. You will be provided with two panniers (totalling 25litres) to be fitted to your bike to carry all your belongings for all days (you can bring your own panniers). The panniers provide ample space, but please pack light and make sure you bring a soft foldable bag. After getting your bike we will later head out to the Kirchtag festival in Villach.

The riding commences at a designated hotel in Villach the following morning. After meeting in the morning we ride south into the spectacular Austrian Alps towards the Italian border. We ride from Villach on the spectacular Alpe-Adria cycle trail for the next four days all the way to the Adriatic Sea at Venice. When arriving in to Venice, the tour ends and we will load the bikes into a van which will get taken back to Villach.

What to bring?

Travel light! Packing appropriately for this trip could make or break your tour. Personal luggage will need to be carried for all 5 days of riding in panniers provided (you can bring your own panniers). One of the challenges with this area is whilst the weather is mostly fine and sunny, we are riding through the alpine region of Austria and Italy and the weather can be somewhat unpredictable. Further down south it’s extremely unlikely to get unsettled weather and is often very hot. Appropriate riding gear to suit all conditions are imperative items to bring. A full list of items to bring will be provided after you book and we will be on hand to help you choose the right clothing and gear for an enjoyable trip.

What to budget for?

• FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED. You will need to arrange a flight to arrive at the latest into Villach on the day the tour starts.

The closest airports are:

- Start point: Ljubljana, Klagenfurt, Salzburg, Venice

- End point: Venice, Verona, Trieste

• Other meals are not included - Budget for around 40 euros per day

• Traveller’s Insurance (compulsory)