Alpe Adria Cycling from Villach to Grado

Once you have arrived in the Austrian town of Villach, you will check into your hotel and meet for a welcome briefing, before having the night to yourself to explore the town.

After breakfast, you will leave Villach along the river Gail and cross the Austria/Italy border. In the triangle of Italy, Austria, and Slovenia sprawls the canal valley, with the Italian city of Tarvis right in the centre of it. Here you will find Austrians, Slovenians, and Italians that have been living here next to each other for centuries, creating a unique blended culture unlike anywhere else. Explore the town and settle in for the night ahead of a big day of cycling!

Today you will cycle along perfectly developed paths that will lead you on a leisurely ride through the Kanaltal Valley. From your bike, you will marvel at the beauty of the Friulian alpine region with its intact, unspoilt nature and extensive forests. The day will finish in one of the picturesque villages located at the foothills of the Julian Alps.

At the southern exit of the Kanaltal Valley is one of the most beautiful historic villages of the Friulian-Julian-Veneto. The focal point of the village of Gemona del Friuli is the majestic cathedral Santa Maria Assunta, which will certainly blow you away! En route to Udine, you will come across the first vineyards along the cycle route. Once you arrive in town, you will feel and experience “la dolce vita” over a coffee enjoyed on the piazza or during a stroll through the alleyways whilst marveling at the late Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Feel the warm breeze of the sirocco! Today you will cycle through vast reed scenery and along canals towards the Gulf of Venice. In the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called “second Rome”, you can take a break from cycling before reaching the end destination of your holiday. One of the most popular Adriatic beach resorts, the historic little fishing town of Grado, will not only excite you with the extensive sandy beach, but also with its historic harbour and narrow alleyways lined with lovely restaurants.

After waking up for one final breakfast, you will check out from your hotel and say ciao to the seaside town of Grado and the beautiful Adriatic Coast.