The Alpe Adria Cycle Path from Salzburg to Grado

Day 1: Salzburg
Individual arrival in Salzburg, the city of Mozart. Surrounded by numerous Baroque monuments in a beautiful historic center, sit down in one of the cafes and inaugurate the start of this trip with a Mozartkugeln.

Day 2: Salzburg – St. Johann/Bischofshofen (65 km)
With a view of the Hohensalzburg fortress, you leave the city for the first bike stage. In the distance, the Alpe Adria is already visible. The first part runs along the Salzach river. Along the way, you will pass the former summer residence of the Salzburg bishops and the Hellbrunn palace where, for over 400 years, the extraordinary water games have fascinated young and old. You will then cycle on the Tauern cycle path towards Hallein, known for its leaning houses and especially for white gold, salt. Another stop is worth at the Golling waterfall, reachable on foot via a path.

Day 3: St. Johann/Bischofshofen – Mölltal (55 km + train)
Your journey on the Alpe Adria Cycle Route continues towards the quiet Gastein Valley that until the 20th century was only accessible through paths and narrow mountain roads. You will then cycle along the Gasteiner Ache river, framed by the peaks of the High Tauern. Passing through Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein, you will reach the famous thermal spa of Bad Gastein, the Monaco of the Alps, as it is often called, known for its many splendid hotels inspired by the Belle Époque. The main attraction here is the Gastein waterfall, which has always attracted many artists and poets. From here, you continue to Böckstein and then by train along the Tauernschleuse (railway line) to Mallnitz. Last downward stretch to your accommodation in Mölltal.

Day 4: Mölltal – Villach (69 km)
Today's stage starts along the Möll river, through majestic mountain landscapes. This section of the Alpe Adria cycle path is also known as the Glocknerradweg: it continues mostly in a slight descent and accompanies the cyclist into the heart of the High Tauern National Park. From here you take the Drava cycle path, which leads to Spittal, famous for its Renaissance castle of Porcia. The stage ends in the second-largest city of Carinthia, Villach, famous not only for its Carnival but also for its Villacher Kirchtag (Villach Fair), which takes place on the first Saturday of August and the week immediately preceding. If you have time, we recommend taking a swim in one of the beautiful nearby lakes.

Day 5: Villach – Venzone (60 or 90 km)
In today's stage, the Alpe Adria Cycle Route, following the Gail river, will lead you to cross the Italian-Austrian border. Here extends the Val Canale with its center, the city of Tarvisio, where different cultures that characterize these people have always met. Surrounded by wide valleys and forests, Tarvisio is one of the main mountain resorts of Friuli Venezia Giulia, as well as the best-known ski resort in the region. Crossing the Val Canale, you can admire the beauty of the Friulian Alps and the untouched nature of the dense woods. If you want to shorten the stage, you can take the train to Tarvisio or Ugovizza (not included).

Day 6: Venzone – Udine (58 km)
In this stage, the Alpe Adria route follows the track of a disused railway for the most part. The itinerary quickly leads you to reach Gemona, one of the most beautiful historic towns in Friuli. Much of its charm is linked to the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, definitely worth a visit. The theme of today's stage is local wine production: the road you will pedal along is flanked by lush vineyards which will invite you to taste the nectars that originate from these places. The stage ends in Udine, a city historically influenced by Venice, which shows its quiet and relaxing style. Have a coffee in the Square or stroll through the center to admire the masterpieces of the late Gothic and Renaissance.

Day 7: Udine – Grado (55 km)
In the final stage of the Alpe Adria Cycle Route, accompanied by the Scirocco wind, you will cross characteristic landscapes until you reach the city of Grado, once devoted to fishing and now one of the most well-known seaside resorts of the Adriatic. Grado is also known as the island of the sun because its three kilometers of south-facing beach are never in the shade and also because the sun is never lacking thanks to a very special microclimate. Along the route await your visit Palmanova, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the extensive excavation areas of the ancient city of Aquileia.

Day 8: Grado
After breakfast, end of services and individual departure. Possibility to extend your stay.