Alpe-Adria bike path | Villach-Triest

The tranquillity of the mountains, the gentle shores of the crystal-clear lakes, pure nature - Villach, situated in the heart of Carinthia, reflects all this diversity.

At first, you cycle along the Drau for a while. But soon the cycle path leads you along the Gail towards Italy. ‘Servus Austria - Ciao Italia’ is the motto at the border. In Tarvisio you will even be greeted in three languages. This is because Austrians, Slovenians and Italians have lived together here for centuries and all three major European language families - Germanic, Romanic and Slavic - meet here directly.

The cycle path is also well developed in Italy, so you cycle comfortably downhill through the Kanaltal valley and admire the beauty of the Friulian Alps region from the saddle, with its unspoilt, unspoilt nature and extensive forests. One of the pretty villages at the foothills of the Julian Alps serves as an overnight stop.

One of the most beautiful historical towns in Friuli Venezia Giulia lies at the southern end of the Canal Valley. The townscape of Gemona del Friuli is characterised by the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and will also inspire you. On the way to Udine, the first vines appear along the cycle route. Once in the city, savour the ‘dolce vita’ over a coffee in the piazza or while strolling through the alleyways and admiring the late Gothic and Renaissance buildings.

A warm Scirocco breeze blows around your nose! You cycle through vast reed landscapes and along small water channels towards the Gulf of Venice. You should plan a stop in the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called ‘Second Rome’, before you reach today's destination. One of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic, the historic fishing town of Grado, not only has an extensive sandy beach, but also a historic harbour and narrow streets with cosy restaurants that exude Italian flair.

You first leave the coast and cycle through the rugged karst towards the Gulf of Trieste. Back by the sea, you are accompanied by a breathtakingly beautiful coastal landscape and the world-famous Miramare Castle is another highlight of today's cycle tour. The time-honoured harbour city of Trieste is the crowning glory of your trip.

After breakfast, individual return journey or start of your extension.