Alpe Adria Cycle Path: Salzburg to Grado

Individual arrival in the festival city of Salzburg today, known worldwide as the birthplace of none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart himself! Winding alleyways and squares invite you to take a stroll and languorous cafés entice you to sample genuine Austrian café-specialities.

Check into your hotel here then set out to explore this city’s wealth of medieval and baroque buildings.

You’ll leave Salzburg this morning to set out on your first leisurely cycle through the Salzach wetlands with the river Salzach as your constant companion.

You proceed to Hallein, a formerly wealthy Celtic town due to salt mining. The main sight is without question the world-renowned Celtic Museum. Past the Gollinger waterfall you arrive at today’s destination, Golling, characterised by its pretty market square and castle dating back to the 13th-century.

From Golling this morning, you’ll cycle up to the top of Pass Lueg, enjoying the view over the marvellously distinct Tennengebirge-mountains. You cycle past the "Salzachöfen", an imposing gorge created by the river Salzach. Once past Werfen with its castle rising high, you reach St. Johann, known for its stunning Pongau Cathedral!

Hop on your bikes for another thrilling ride today! Shortly after Schwarzach you bid farewell to the river Salzach as the Gasteiner Ache leads you through the wild-romantic Gasteiner Valley.

Via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein you cycle into the renowned spa- and ski resort Bad Gastein situated at the foot of the Hohen Tauern-mountain chain, offering a variety of natural history and architectural sights. The Gasteiner waterfall is the landmark situated in the centre of town, which has been the focal point of many artists and poets.

Now it is only a short distance to Böckstein, where a train takes you in only 10 minutes through the Tauernschleuse to the other side of the Alps in Mallnitz. Back on your bike you’ll enjoy the speedy descent to your hotel in the Mölltal Valley.

Today you cycle initially along the river through impressive alpine landscapes. The Drautal Valley starts in the village of Möllbrücke and hence the sunny South of Austria. A leisurely cycle carries you through the final few kilometres to Spittal an der Drau.

Nearly effortlessly you proceed in a gentle descent along the river Drau this morning. Halfway it’s highly recommended you take a break in the little market town of Paternion with its remarkable churches and palaces.

Just a bit more pedalling and soon you have reached Villach, with its enchanting old town, Southern flair and inviting pubs and restaurants.

You bypass the ascent to Tarvis by train this morning before hopping back in the saddle for a leisurely downhill ride through the Kanaltal Valley from where you can revel in the beauty of the Friulian alpine region with its intact, unspoilt nature and extensive forests.

You finish today’s ride in one of the most picturesque villages located at the foothills of the Julian Alps.

At the Southern exit of the Kanalta Valley, you’ll discover 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, which will no-doubt blow you away.

En route to Udine you’ll come across the first vineyards and vines along the cycle route. Once you arrive in town feel and experience the dolce vita here, enjoying a coffee on the piazza or a stroll through the alleyways whilst marvelling at the late Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Feel the warm breeze of the sirocco as you cycle through vast reed scenery and along little water canals towards the Gulf of Venice. In the Roman city of Aquileia, it’s a good idea to plan a break before reaching Grado, perhaps enjoying a picnic along the way.

Back on bikes to reach Grado, you’ll arrive at your final destination -- one of the most popular Adriatic beach resorts in Italy! The historic little fishing town of Grado will not only excite you with its sandy beaches, but also its historic harbour and narrow alleyways with lovely restaurants.

It’s time to head home! Check out of your hotel and depart.