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Alpe Adria Gravel: From the Soča River to the Adriatic Sea

Three countries, emerald-green rivers, and the freedom to ride towards the sea.

AT - Carinzia
  • From 690 €
  • Holiday type Bicycle holiday
  • Duration 6 days
  • Difficulty Level Media

This journey combines alpine climbs, peaceful countryside, and the charm of the Italian way of life. You’ll ride independently along a route that alternates between cycle paths, quiet country roads, gravel tracks, and forest roads. Good physical fitness and experience riding on unpaved terrain are required.

From the mountain landscapes of Carinthia to the beaches of the Adriatic, this unique gravel cycling adventure takes you through Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. After setting off from Villach, you’ll discover the Julian Alps and the Predil Pass. Beyond the pass, the Soča Valley opens up, where the river’s emerald-green waters shape the surrounding landscape. The journey continues through the peaceful Natisone Valleys, the historic streets of Cividale del Friuli, and the lively city of Udine. In Friuli, charming villages, sweeping fields, and regional specialities accompany you along the way before you follow the Tagliamento River towards the coast.

Included and Not Included Services

Accommodation in hotels 3*** category

Breakfast buffet or full breakfast

Videobriefing

Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel

Well planned routes

Digital travel documents

Navigation APP

Telephone service hotline for the entire tour

Arrival to the starting point of the tour

Departure at the end of the tour

Drinks, tourist tax and all extras

Lunch, Dinner

Not mentioned entries or public means

Printed travel documents (available for €20 per package)

Rental bikes and travel insurance

All not expressly mentioned under the item „Included services“

Cividale del Friuli
According to legends, it is a devil's bridge. According to the legend, the citizens of Cividale consulted with each other on how to build a solid bridge over the Natisone river. Since they could not agree, they conjured up the devil. Lucifer offered his help, but demanded the soul of the first person to cross the bridge. The inhabitants agreed, but only sent a dog across the bridge, beating the devil with it.
Villach
PLEAMLE: Pleamle is a tightrope walk between traditional costume and modern lifestyle. The daring to combine folk culture from the Alpine region with sophisticated clothing.
Udine
The Loggia del Lionello is one of the oldest and most important historical buildings in Udine. It was built in Piazza Libertà by Nicolò Lionello.
San Daniele del Friuli
San Daniele del Friuli, a hillside gem of Friuli Venezia Giulia, welcomes visitors with its famous prosciutto, historic streets, green landscapes, and an authentic, relaxing atmosphere.
Day 1: Arrival in Villach The Carinthian city on the banks of the River Drau welcomes you. Explore the old town and get ready for the days ahead, taking you through mountains, river valleys, and all the way to the sea.

(During the period of the Villacher Kirchtag no arrival and overnight in Villach possible; alternatively arrival and overnight in Spittal a.d. Drau - train ticket Spittal a.d. Drau - Villach incl.)

Day 2: Villach – Kobarid Ascent approx. 1,318 m / approx. 85 km

Leaving Villach, the route takes you via Seebach and Arnoldstein towards the Julian Alps. The landscape becomes increasingly alpine as you climb towards Predil Pass. After crossing the border into Slovenia, a descent leads into the Soča Valley. The river’s turquoise-green waters and the surrounding peaks accompany you all the way to Kobarid, a historic town nestled in the heart of the mountains.

Day 3: Kobarid – Udine Ascent approx. 680 m / approx. 50 km

Longer option: elevation gain approx. 1,230 m · Distance: approx. 70 km
From Kobarid, you’ll cross the border into Italy and ride through the green Natisone Valleys. Passing through San Pietro al Natisone, you’ll reach Cividale del Friuli, a town renowned for its Lombard heritage and picturesque Devil’s Bridge. You’ll then continue via Moimacco through the Friulian countryside to Udine, where charming squares and cafés invite you to unwind at the end of the day.
If you’re looking for an extra challenge, choose the longer route, which includes climbs near Naverco and Za Gradom. Both options involve some climbing, but the longer route is considerably more demanding.

Day 4: Udine – San Daniele del Friuli Ascent approx. 200 m / approx. 60 km

Today’s stage takes you from Udine via Tavagnacco into the open countryside of Friuli. Passing through small villages and riding via Buja and Osoppo, you’ll gradually approach the foothills of the Alps. Your destination is San Daniele del Friuli, a hilltop town famous for its air-cured prosciutto. Enjoy a stroll through its charming streets and discover the region’s culinary specialities.

Day 5: San Daniele del Friuli – Lignano Ascent approx. 270 m / approx. 85 km

Today, you’ll follow the course of the Tagliamento River southwards. The route crosses the Friulian plain, alternating between quiet country roads, gravel sections, and small villages where life moves at a leisurely pace. Passing through the area around San Michele al Tagliamento, you’ll eventually reach Lignano Sabbiadoro.
After days spent among mountains, valleys, and expansive countryside, arriving on the Adriatic coast is a special moment — perhaps best celebrated with a relaxing stroll along the beach.
Day 6: Departure Individual departure or the option to extend your stay.

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It is recommended to purchase an optional travel cancellation policy. Prices valid subject to changes in the offer, omissions, printing errors or arithmetic.

Price per night in double room with breakfast 89 €

It is recommended to purchase an optional travel cancellation policy. Prices valid subject to changes in the offer, omissions, printing errors or arithmetic.

Mountain Bike 6,5 - 2027 179 €
E-Mountainbike 6,5 - 2027 239 €
Gravelbike 6,5 - 2027 210 €

It is recommended to purchase an optional travel cancellation policy. Prices valid subject to changes in the offer, omissions, printing errors or arithmetic.

Return transfer per person 199 €

It is recommended to purchase an optional travel cancellation policy. Prices valid subject to changes in the offer, omissions, printing errors or arithmetic.

Available - arrival possible
Not Available
Available for groups from 6 persons and on request
It's recommended to obtain a travel cancellation insurance. The indicated price is subject to changes, print and calculation errors.
Ecofriendly option by train: Good train connections to Villach. Timetable on: www.deutschebahn.de, www.oebb.at, www.trenitalia.com. By car: Villach is easily accessible on the motorways A2, A10 or A11 (depending on the point of origin). By plane: Airport Klagenfurt, Salzburg or Ljubljana. There are good train connections from all these cities to your starting point.
Hotels 3*** category. Attention: Tourist tax 3 if requested 3 has to be paid on the spot!
Depending on the ûrst hotel, unattended parking facilities are available, either directly at your hotel or nearby (for the first night). Public parking garage. Reservation of the parking area/parking garage not possible; payable on spot. In alternative unguarded free parking places near the city center. Reservation of the parking area/parking garage not possible; payable on the spot.
On request return transfer from Lignano to Villach by shuttle bus every Sunday € 199.00 per person + € 45.00 per own bike, (reservation and payment upon booking, min. 4 people). Alternative: by train to Udine and from Udine to Villach. Timetable on: www.oebb.at, www.trenitalia.com.
Gravelbike Mountain Bike - without bags E-Mountain Bike - without bags It is possible to add a rental bike disclaimer to your booking. Price is € 49.00 per e-bike / mountain bike. For more information we recommend to rewiew our Terms and Conditions.
We suggest travel insurance.

Tour information

  • Duration 6 days
  • Minimum age 16 years and older
  • Difficulty Level Media
  • Distance 285 - 305 km