Road bike Alpe-Adria

Day 2

(approx. 95 km, ascent approx. 1.250 m difference in altitude)

On your first cycling day the tour starts from Villach and goes along the south side of lake Ossiacher See through the villages Heiligen Gestade, Ostriach, Ossiach and Old-Ossiach. From the Bleistätter Moor you will enjoy a wonderful view over the lake. In the north, following the cycling path R2A you cycle towards Villach, passing some attractions of the region, like the Ossiach Collegiate Church or the Steinhaus (Stone House) in Steindorf. After an excursion to the Drautal, you need to conquer the Gailtaler Alps and cycling through the Kanaltal you arrive at the Italian border town of Tarvisio.

Day 3

(approx. 90 km, ascent approx. 1.500 m difference in altitude)

Tarvisio, a small city – surrounded by wide valleys and woods – with its modern look and ancient soul, full of traditions, is your starting point of today’s cycle tour. It is not only one of the most important mountain resorts of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, but it is also a winter area of this region. Today you cycle along the Val Rio del Lago and onto the top of the pass Sella di Nevea and through the lower part of the Kanaltal to Pontebba. Once again you need to start to pedal to climb the last ascent. As soon as you are on top enjoy a long descent to Tolmezzo.

Day 4

(approx. 90 km, ascent approx. 1.420 m difference in altitude)

The provincial capital at the confluence of the two rivers Tagliamento and But is characterised by a nice old town centre around the Piazza XX Settembre with the cathedral San Martino. Twice you need to cross the river Tagliamento, which is growing wider and wider. From the densely woodened hilly landscape the tour leads to the Friulian low land. On mostly quite side roads you cycle through original villages and calm side valleys. The university city Udine is the second largest town of the region and owns many fresco paintings from the 18th century.

Day 5

(approx. 100 km, ascent approx. 580 m difference in altitude)

On this stage you will pass some highlights, like the city Cividale del Friuli. The main village of the DOC - Designations of Origin “Colli Orientali del Friuli” is an atmospheric little town laying at the river valley of the river Natisone. On and on the streets lead you towards the lagoons but previously you conquer Palmanova. The town is an excellent example of a star fort of the late renaissance, built up by the Venetians in 1593. Another highlight is the ancient roman city Aquileia. The roman archaeological excavations found there were registered at the UNESCO world cultural heritage list in 1998.

Day 6

You are spoilt for choice: either an exciting day of sightseeing in roman built Aquileia or a relaxing day on the beach.

Day 7

(approx. 100 km, ascent approx. 500 m diffence in altitude)

Cycling along the peninsula of Grado in eastern direction you arrive at the river mouth of the Isonzo and further on through the back country across the border to Slovenia. Slowly the scenery changes and the white-grey lime rock of the Karst, overgrown by Macchia and mixed woodland, dominates.

Day 8

Individual departure or extension of your stay on the Adriatic Sea.

By car: Villach is easily accessible on the motorways A2, A10 or A11 (depending on the point of origin).
By train: Good train connections to Villach. Timetable on: www.deutschebahn.de, www.oebb.at, www.trenitalia.com.
By plane: Airport Klagenfurt, Salzburg or Ljubljana. From all three places there are good train connections to Villach.

Accomodation in hotels 3*** and 4**** category. Attention: Tourist tax – if requested – has to be paid on the spot

Depending on the first hotel unattended parking facilities are available, either directly at your hotel or nearby (for the overnights booked at the hotel). Public parking garage at the cost of approx. € 35.00 per week. Reservation of the parking area/parking garage not possible; payable on the spot.

Return transfer from Trieste to Villach by shuttle bus every Wednesday and Saturday at a price of € 75.00 per person (bicycle included – reservation and payment upon booking). The price for the transfer from Trieste to Spittal a.d. Drau on not scheduld arrival days is € 79.00 per person (bicycle included – reservation and payment upon booking).
Alternative: From Trieste to Udine and Udine to Villach by train. Timetable on: www.oebb.at, www.trenitalia.com

Bianchi Intenso Carbon – Veloce/Shimano 105 10V Compact (bikes on request, limited availability) or similar model