The Epic Alps to Adriatic

Tour dates: July 29th - August 10th, 2025

Duration: 13 days, 12 nights

Distance: 660km

Grading: Intermediate

What’s included?

• Fully guided trip with experienced guide

• Bike supplied - fitted with rack, panniers and repair kit. Electric Bike also available.

• 12 nights accommodation

• Breakfast each day

• Local Transfers

• Detailed information pack with maps

Overview

Four countries, two of the worlds best cycle paths. This jaw-dropping ride follows the famous Alpe-Adria and Parenzana trails on an unforgettable route through four countries from the Austrian and Italian Alps to the Slovenian and Croatian coastline. With its magnificent mountain scenery, you'll be awe-struck by the dramatic surrounding landscapes along the purpose-built Alpe-Adria cycle trail in Austria and Italy - which explains why this trail was awarded the European Cycle Path Award of the year in 2015. Watch Video here

The more ruggered and rural Parenzana trail in the Balkans, the scenery is equally magnificent with the sparkling Adriatic and expansive views from the remote hillside villages in the heart of the Istrian Peninsula. In such mountainous areas, this trip is ironically very forgiving, following the valleys that cut through the mountains. Perfect for the intermediate cyclist who enjoys manageable riding, taking in the surroundings and experiencing the diverse local culture of four different countries.

Commencing the tour in Salzburg and heading south, you’ll get to explore the picturesque Austrian Alps and experience Austrian culture at its best at the Villacher Kirchtag; Austria's largest traditional festival. Put simply, it's a authentically Austrian and really truly spectacular! The second half of the tour leads us into Italy and down to the Adriatic Sea to the finish in Pula, riding along abandoned railway lines and trails are arguably some of Europe’s best landscapes. This is truly an unforgettable trip of a lifetime!

Day 1 - Salzburg

You will arrive before the first day of riding on July 29th. You can check in to the hotel from 3pm on the day. We will then all meet later in the afternoon/evening (around 5pm) at the cycle store for your bike fit out. After getting your bike we will later head to a 'meet and greet' Drinks & Dinner in the evening. All the specific details will be provided in your information pack after you book.

Day 2 - Salzburg to Werfen

After meeting the previous afternoon in Salzburg to prepare our bikes and bags. We head south on the morning of the 30th and join the well renowned Radweg cycle path. The first leg is a glimpse into the diversity you can expect for the entire trip as you take in the mighty mountains, sunny valleys and warm lakes.

Day 3 - Werfen to Bad Gastein

The day starts with a tour of the spectacular and extremely historic Hohenwerfen Castle. The most challenging day of the trip continues along the Radweg cycle path and the scenery becomes almost unbelievable whilst heading along the Salzach river and the Gastein valley. Pedalling towards the day's finishing point, the ride takes a very steep climb to Bad Gastein, a beautiful place featuring glacial views and a waterfall at its very centre. There is an option to catch the train part way if you wish (extra cost). It’s festival season so you never know what you might find along the way!

Day 4 - Mallnitz to Villach

Today is the longest day of the tour and is top favourite on the calendar. It starts with a train ride through the tunnel to Mallnitz on the south-side of Alps. There is the option of catching the train further if you wish (extra cost). When you pop out the other side of the mountains, the true magnificence of Carinthia adorns on you as you take in the backdrop of 3000m mountain peaks. The route follows the Lower Mölltal valley then joins onto the Drau Bike Path along the Drava river bank. Outstanding attractions on the way include the wonderfully dramatic Groppensteinschlucht gorge and the idyllic lake of Millstätter See.

Day 5 - Rest Day in Villach

Enjoy the amazing scenery and relax by the lake if you wish before it's time to get ready for the most authentic festival that Austria has to offer! Check it out here: https://www.villacherkirchtag.at/austrias-largest-traditional-festival/

Day 6 - Villach to Pontebba

This part of the route follows the Gail river on the southern side of the Villacher Alpe and includes parts of the Dobratsch Nature Park. After riding up the long and straight road to the Italian border crossing the route reconnects onto the traffic-free Alpe-Adria trail. Past Tarvisio, the mountain scenery is absolutely spectacular!

Day 7 - Pontebba to Gemona

Arguably the most picturesque day’s riding of the tour as it continues to follow the Alpe-Adria cycling path through Dogna and Chuisaforte along the former disused railway line. With mountains either side of you, it’s an opportunity to really soak in your surroundings, with no cars or disturbances on a paved track, cutting through the mountains with breath-taking views. After a stop for lunch at a fantastic trattoria in Tolmezzo, the riding continues along more traffic-free paths all the way to Gemona. The traditional Roman festival in the old town is well worth attending in the evening.

Day 8 - Gemona to Palmanova

The morning starts out riding next to the Tagliamento river on the blissfully quiet strada bianca (white road) that takes you through meadows and woodlands. With the mountains behind us we will stop and take in the beautiful scenery and crystal-clear waters of the river. From here there’s a mixture of cycle paths, gravel tracks, bridleways and quiet roads leading us onto Udine, where we stop for lunch. It’s then a flat 20km on to the hexagonal-shaped town of Palmanova, our destination for the night.

Day 9 - Palmanova to Trieste

Leaving Palmanova we continue towards the coast and stop at Aquileia - once one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire that boasts an impressive cathedral and ancient ruins. From Aquileia the scenery starts to change as we follow a cycle greenway through the Foce dell’Isonzo Nature Reserve, a place of expansive marshlands, forests and indigenous wildlife. Hugging the coast we reach the bustling city of Trieste.

Day 10 - Trieste to Grožnjan

3 countries in one day? Yes that’s right. Venturing out of Italy and into the Balkans there’s an exciting change in scenery and culture. First we whisk our way through Slovenia, stopping for lunch in the seaside town of Portoroz. Heading over the border and into Croatia, we then start to head inland along the amazing Parenzana trail, allowing us to venture high into mountains on a relatively gradual gradient. The beautiful mountain-top hamlet of Grožnjan with it’s artistic charm and cobblestone streets is our stop for the night.

Day 11 - Grožnjan to Porec

This day is fairly epic! We will be riding high up in the mountains overlooking the Istrian Peninsula. The views are expansive, the villages are quaint and the people are friendly. It’s different to the usual Croatian tourism trail and the Parenzana cycle path makes it all possible with it’s 6 tunnels, 4 viaducts, several bridges and beautiful lookouts. This section from Grožnjan all the way down to Porec is the most attractive part of the Istrian Peninsula along the Parenzana.

Day 12 - Porec to Rovinj

The shortest day of the tour certainly doesn’t disappoint. We hug the coastline for the first half of the day where the sparkling Adriatic really comes to life. After a stop in the seaside town of Vrsar, we navigate our way around Limski Zaljev estuary. Most of the riding is on gravel and you’ll feel the tranquillity away from the crowds. For the last section of the day we’ll enjoy a traffic-free ride along the fantastic Kanfanar to Rovinj cycle path. What awaits at the day’s end is arguably the finest seaside town on the Adriatic.

Day 13 - Rovinj to Pula

The final day’s ride is a stunning leisurely one along the sunwasher Croatian coastline. There are plenty of sights along the way including ancient ruins - none more significant than Pula’s ancient Roman amphitheatre which is the 6th largest of it’s kind in the world. A great day to top of an unforgettable trip.

  
    Day
    Route
    Distance (Km)
  

    

    Day 1
    Salzburg 
    0

    Day 2
    Salzburg - Werfen
    48

    Day 3
    Werfen - Bad Gastein
    53

    Day 4
    Mallnitz - Villach
    82

    Day 5
    Rest day in Villach
    0

    Day 6
    Villach - Pontebba
    61

    Day 7
    Pontebba - Gemona de Fruili 
    69

    Day 8
    Gemona de Fruili - Palmanova 
    70

    Day 9
    Palmanova - Trieste 
    69
 

    Day 10
    Trieste - Groznjan 
    67

    Day 11
    Groznjan - Porec
    59

    Day 12
    Porec - Rovinj
    41

    Day 13
    Rovinj - Pula 
    41

    
    Total
    660
    

      

Grading

Moderate/Challenging adventure (4/5). This tour is certainly challenging but you don’t have to be an expert to be able to do it! Day 2 is the most challenging but there is an option to get the train if you are feeling the pinch. Day 1 and Day 6 also have some challenging undulations but the remainder of the ride is relatively forgiving. Regular cycling, gym sessions or other cardiovascular activity is recommended prior to attending this tour.

Logistics

You can check in to the hotel from 3pm the day of July 29th. We will then all meet later in the afternoon/evening at the cycle store for your bike fit out. You will be provided with two panniers (totalling 25litres) to be fitted to your bike to carry all your belongings for all days. The panniers provide ample space, but please pack light and make sure you bring a soft foldable bag. After getting your bike we will later head out on a short guided walking tour of Salzburg and then on to a 'Meet and Greet' drinks & dinner in the evening.

The riding commences at a designated hotel in Salzburg the following morning. After meeting in the morning we ride south into the spectacular Austrian Alps for the next 3 days towards Villach. From Villach we ride on the spectacular Alpe-Adria cycle trail for the next four days all the way to the Adriatic Sea at Trieste. On Day 10 we enter Slovenia and then Croatia. When arriving in to Pula the tour ends and we will load the bikes into a van which will get taken back to Palmanova, Italy. A shuttle bus may be organised to take people back to Trieste depending on interest (extra charge).

What to bring?

Travel light! Packing appropriately for this trip could make or break your tour. Personal luggage will need to be carried for all but 2 of the 12 days in panniers provided. One of the challenges with this area is whilst the weather is mostly fine and sunny, we are riding through the alpine region of Austria and Italy and the weather can be somewhat unpredictable. Further down south in Slovenia and Croatia it’s extremely unlikely to get unsettled weather. Appropriate riding gear to suit all conditions are imperative items to bring. A full list of items to bring will be provided after you book and we will be on hand to help you choose the right clothing and gear for an enjoyable trip.

What to budget for?

• FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED. You will need to arrange a flight to arrive in Salzburg on the day of July 29th.

The closest airports are:

- Start point: Salzburg, Munich, Nuremberg, Vienna

- End point: Pula, Rijeka or Trieste

• Other meals are not included - Budget for around 40 euros per day

• Traveller’s Insurance (compulsory)