Cycling the Dolomites to Trieste

Italy
Road Bike
Self-Guided
Cycling the Dolomites to Trieste

Cycling the Dolomites to Trieste

Prices

From $895USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotel

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Explore mountains, lakes, and vineyards on this road biking adventure from the Dolomites to Trieste.

Cycle exhilarating mountain rides as you climb Gailbergsatte, Passo del Predil, and Mount Bhinjsko Sedlo.

Swim in one of Austria’s warmest lakes when you ride to Pressegger See.

Ride through stunning vineyards as you explore the Collio Goriziano wine region.

Visit the beautiful lakes and castle during your stay in Bled, Slovenia.

The 8-day self-guided Cycling the Dolomites to Trieste tour covers the mountain regions of three countries during one epic road biking adventure. There are few better ways to experience this magical part of Europe!

Begin your journey in the amazing Dolomite mountains where you’ll enjoy thrilling rides and incredible views. As you ride south from Austria, you’ll come across charming mountain villages and serene mountain lakes. Each day will bring new spectacular views as you ride towards the Julian Alps and gorgeous Lake Bled. Your adventure finishes with some easier rides through the sprawling vineyards to the Adriatic Coast. This energetic tour is packed with amazing scenery, exciting rides, and historic towns for you to discover.

Cycling the Dolomites to Trieste Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Hochpustertal

Arrive anytime to check in to your hotel and get your bike prepared for the rides ahead. You can spend the remainder of your day enjoying the town, perhaps finding some local fare for dinner.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Hochpustertal
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 First Ride in East Tyrol

Your ride will begin with a short warm-up on your way to Abfaltersbach before amping up on the ascents. You’ll ride past green mountains towering towards the sky and charming villages as you travel to Lesach and Gailtal Valley.

Finish your day with a final big climb up Gailbergsattel and the exciting ride down into Oberdrauburg.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Oberdrauburg
Distance
85 km, 1200m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Ride to the Lake Pressegger See

Enjoy cycling along the River Gail as you journey south. You’ll want to stop for a swim in Lake Pressegger See, known as the “Bath of the Gailtal.” This lake can as warm as 28˚ Celsius!

After drying off, you can choose between two routes. If you wish to skip the first steep section up WeiBensee you can purchase a ticket to take a shortcut by boat. Both rides will conclude in Feistritz an der Gail.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Feistritz an der Gail
Distance
70 km, 390m of ascent Or 75 km, 1000m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Cycle the Passo del Predil and Triglav National Park

Today you’ll ride out of Carinthia and up the Passo del Predil, which marks the Italian and Slovenian borders. Your route will take you into Triglav National Park as you ride into the Julian Alps. You’ll be treated to incredible views today of Kranjska Gora, Jesenice, Triglav Mountain, and countless lakes and waterfalls.

End your day on the shored of beautiful Lake Bled, where Slovenia’s most iconic sight awaits- the castle in the middle of the lake.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Bled
Distance
125 km, 2200m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Explore the Julian Alps

After spending the night at the spectacular lakes in Bled, it’s time to start your ride to the Bohinj Valley. You’ll be awed by the spectacular cliffs and peaks as you cycle towards the saddle of Mount Bohinjsko Sedlo.

Race down into the Soca Valley, and then ride from Slovenia back into Italy. Enjoy the local produce during dinner in Cividale del Friuli.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Cividale del Friuli
Distance
120 km, 1700m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Ride Through Wine Country

Begin your day with a ride on the pilgrimage path to the historic Castelmonte Abbey. Then you’ll be cycling through the lush vineyards of the Collio Goriziano wine region. You’ll pass by many local wineries where you may want to stop for a visit and a sample!

End the day with a glass of wine and enjoy the local cuisine, often representing the best of all nearby countries.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Gradisca d’Isonzo
Distance
110 km, 1500m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 7 Follow the Coast to Trieste

By now you’ve left the mountains far behind and you’ll begin to smell the sea breeze as you approach the Adriatic coast. Today’s ride will be along the coastline through the unique Karst landscape, dotted with limestone cliffs and caves.

You may wish to stop to visit Castle Miramare before you finish your ride in Trieste.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Trieste
Distance
90 km, 850m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 Departure

Today your tour concludes after breakfast. If you wish to extend your stay to explore Trieste, additional nights can be booked.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Cycling the Dolomites to Trieste Price and Dates

This self-guided cycling tour of the Dolomites is run as a custom tour for your group and the price per person depends on the season and the type of the room that you choose.

Prices below are per person.
Important note: This tour is available every Friday and Saturday with additional departures on Wednesdays available between May 17th and June 28th. However, alternative departures are available on request for groups of 5 and more.

Low season (from May 13st to June 16th and from September 16th to September 29th):

  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,125USD per person
  • Price per person staying in a double room (min 2 travellers): $895USD per person

High season (from June 17th September 15th):

  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,225USD per person
  • Price per person staying in a double room (min 2 travellers): $1,025USD per person
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Accommodation on the Cycling the Dolomites to Trieste

This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3 and 4-star and offer modern conveniences and clean, comfortable rooms. Each hotel has been selected to feature an interesting city or town along your route so you can experience all the different local cultures.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $225USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.

Night 1

Hotel in Hochpustertal

Stay in this breathtaking town tucked in the Alps in the Puster Valley. Enjoy a comfortable room and wake up to the soft sounds of nature.

Night 2

Hotel in Oberdrauburg

Enjoy the atmosphere of Oberdrauburg from the comfort of your hotel.

Night 3

Hotel in Feistritz an der Gail

Relax in this tranquil and charming town. You’ll be surrounded by greenery with views of the mountains as a constant backdrop.

Night 4

Hotel in Bled

This iconic town is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Slovenia. Lake Bled has a stunning castle built on a lush island. Get your camera out!

Night 5

Hotel in Cividale del Friuli

The quaint village of Cividale del Friuli awaits. Make sure to walk around town and get the idyllic view of the Devil’s Bridge over the green Natisone River.

Night 6

Hotel in Gradisca d’Isonzo

Immerse in this 15th-century town with a few walls of its old fortress remaining. It’s charming and offers wonderful strolling opportunities.

Night 7

Hotel in Trieste

This seaport town is full of classic images of Italy with its canals, bridges, and boats lining the docks. It’s a romantic town that has inspired many famous Italian writers.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s Included in the Cycling the Dolomites to Trieste Tour?

Meals

7 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Hochpustertal and after the tour in Trieste are not included but can be added as a supplement.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour. Transfers to and from the airport are not included.

Also Included

  • Pre-planned route
  • Detailed documents, guides, route maps, and GPX tracks
  • Emergency telephone support hotline for the duration of the tour

Not included

  • Boat ticket for alternate route on Day 3
  • Admissions or entry fees
  • Flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Tourist hotel tax, payable each night at hotel (normally about 2-3 EUR per person)
  • Gratuities for drivers, servers, or other staff if desired
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas if required

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before the tour in Hochpustertal
  • Additional nights after the tour in Trieste
  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • Round trip airport transfers
  • Road bike rental (Bianchi Intenso Carbon – Veloce/Shimano 105 10 V): $295USD per person

Frequenty Asked Questions about Cycling the Dolomites to Trieste

How hard is the Cycling the Dolomites to Trieste tour?

We rate this tour as a 5/5. This tour consists of energetic road cycling in a mountainous region. You should be prepared to ride up to 130km per day. This itinerary also includes longer, more strenuous climbs. This tour is recommended for riders with road biking experience. The track is mostly side roads, but there can be significantly more traffic during July and August.

Do I need a visa to travel to Italy, Austria, or Slovenia?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.

Are meals included on the Cycling the Dolomites to Trieste tour?

7 breakfasts are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Hochpustertal to start this tour?

This tour begins in Hochpustertal, also known as Dobbiaco/Toblach, or Niederdorf/Villabassa. The nearest airports are Innsbruck Airport (INN), Antonio Canova Airport in Treviso (TSF), and Venice Marco Polo Airport(VCE). It can be accessed from all airports by train or by car. You can also book a transfer as a supplement.

Is the Cycling the Dolomites to Trieste tour guided?

No. You will be provided with all necessary information and support to complete your self-guided tour.

Where does the Cycling the Dolomites to Trieste tour end?

This tour ends in Trieste, Italy. You can fly out of Trieste Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS). There is a shuttle bus that returns to Hochpustertal every Saturday that you can book for €79. You can also book a transfer as a supplement.

Can I rent a bike?

Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are Bianchi Intenso Carbon – Veloce/Shimano 105 10V Compact or similar.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy, Austria, or Slovenia?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Italy, Austria, or Slovenia?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $895USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotel

Start Your Booking

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 5/5. This tour consists of energetic road cycling in a mountainous region. You should be prepared to ride up to 130km per day. This itinerary also includes longer, more strenuous climbs. This tour is recommended for riders with road biking experience. The track is mostly side roads, but there can be significantly more traffic during July and August.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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