Tour information
The starting point of this gravel tour is Villach situated on the edge of the Klagenfurt basin, where the rivers Drau and Gail flow together. Soon, however, it is time to say goodbye to Austria, before the cycling tour continues in Italy. The Friuli-Venezia Giulia region not only offers a variety of landscapes, but also invites you on a journey through the cultural diversity of the region. This mix of cultures is also reflected in the kitchen: Alpine-Austrian, Slovenian and Venetian influences characterise the gastronomic offer of the region. Leaving the peaks of the Carnic Alps far behind, you will cycle towards the sea on the southern side of the Alps. In front of you the Adriatic coast will stretch with miles of sandy beaches. On the last day you cycle to the former Habsburg port city of Trieste.
This tour goes along cycle paths or or very quiet side roads, through small villages and picturesque
landscapes. On the first stages you will cycle mainly on asphalt, while the last stages alternate between asphalt and beautiful gravel paths.
Included and Not Included Services
Accommodation in hotels 3**, partly 4*** category (in Pontebba: small hotel or B&B)
Breakfast buffet or full breakfast
Videobriefing
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
Well planned routes
Detailed documents (maps, route description, places to visit, important telephone numbers)
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
Rental bikes and Travel insurance
All not expressly mentioned under the item „Included services“
Route highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Villach
Individual arrival at the starting-hotel in Villach.
Day 2: Villach – Pontebba
(approx. 55 km)
Following the river Gail, you leave Villach behind you and also say goodbye to Austria. In the three-nation triangle of Italy-Austria-Slovenia the valley „Kanaltal“ is extending, whose centre is the Italian border town of Tarvisio. Here Austrians, Slovenes, Friulians and Italians have been living together for hundreds of years, and all three major European language families – Germans, Romans and Slavs –meet here directly.
Day 3: Pontebba - Cividale del Friuli
(approx. 89 km)
From Pontebba you continue along the world-famous Alpe-Adria cycle path to Gemona del Friuli. From there, the the landscape opens up. The route leads through forests, charming Italian villages and hills. You cycle towards Cividale, a UNESCO World Heritage town characterised by medieval architecture and the picturesque Natisone river. A particular highlight is the Devil‘s Bridge, an old bridge with a fascinating history.
Day 4: Cividale del Friuli - Vipava and surroundings
(approx. 74 km)
This stage offers a mixture of Italian and Slovenian landscapes. You cross the enchanting Slovenian wine region with his vineyards and orchards. The town of Vipava lies in a beautiful valley surrounded by the Julian Alps and is known for its local wines and warm hospitality. It is therefore an ideal stopover to experience the charm of Slovenia.
Day 5: Vipava - Trieste
(approx. 65 km)
The last stage takes you through the picturesque Slovenian countryside before you reach the city of Trieste in Italy. You will cycle along quiet roads with beautiful sea views, and the charming coastal villages convey a Mediterranean atmosphere. Once in Trieste, you will be amazed by the city‘s historic architecture, picturesque waterfront and mix of Italian and Slovenian culture. This makes it the perfect destination to end your gravel tour.
Day 6: Triest
Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay.
Prices and dates
| Standard | ||
|---|---|---|
| Package | view calendar | |
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 | Villach | From 01/04/2024 to 17/10/2024 | 79 € |
| Single room supplement per night | Villach | From 01/04/2024 to 17/10/2024 | 25 € |
| Price per night in double room with breakfast | Trieste | From 01/04/2024 to 31/10/2024 | 89 € |
| Single room supplement per night | Trieste | From 01/04/2024 to 31/10/2024 | 39 € |
It is recommended to purchase an optional travel cancellation policy. Prices valid subject to changes in the offer, omissions, printing errors or arithmetic.
| Gravelbike | 190 € | |
| E-Mountainbike | 199 € | |
| Mountain Bike | 139 € | |
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 | 85 € | |
It is recommended to purchase an optional travel cancellation policy. Prices valid subject to changes in the offer, omissions, printing errors or arithmetic.
Price schedule
General information
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. There are good train connections from all these cities to your starting point.
Hotels 3**, partly 4*** category (in Pontebba: small hotel or B&B)
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 first night). Reservation of the parking area/parking garage not possible; payable on spot. In alternative unguarded free parking places near the city center.
every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday return transfer by shuttle bus from Triest to Villach €85,00 € per person + € 39,00 per own bike, reservation and payment upon booking.
Alternative: Train connections on the line Trieste-Udine and Udine-Villach. Timetables: www.oebb.at,www.trenitalia.com.
Gravelbike Bianchi Impulso Allroad Alu - Shimano GRX (limited availability) or similar model
We suggest travel insurance.
Tour information
- Duration 6 days
- Difficulty Level Media
- Distance ca. 280 km