What is the difficulty level of this tour?

The Alpe Adria Classic is a moderate cycling tour suitable for regular cyclists. Most stages are flat or gently undulating, with the main climb on Day 2 (+350 m). The Tauern mountain crossing is handled by train, keeping the ride accessible.

Is the return transfer from Grado to Salzburg included?

Yes. A return transfer for passengers is included in the package price. On Fridays a direct bus runs to Salzburg; on Saturdays and Sundays a bus-train combination via Villach is provided. On other days, you arrange your own return.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, but the return transport of your own bike costs an additional €38 and must be booked in advance. Bikes are insured up to €1,500 and those with rim widths over 5 cm require prior approval.

What about the train segments?

The Tauern motorail ticket from Böckstein to Mallnitz is included in the tour price, along with your bike. On Day 2, an optional train shortcut is available for approximately €3.50 (bike ticket, payable on the spot).

Breakfast is included daily. An optional demi-board upgrade (4 dinners) is available for €115 per person. Dinners are not available in Salzburg, Osoppo, and Grado.

Where does the tour cross borders?

The route travels through Austria (Days 1–4) and crosses into Italy at Tarvisio (Days 4–8). You will cycle through the regions of Carinthia, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and reach the Adriatic coast.

Is car parking available?

Yes. A private, fenced parking space in Salzburg is included for the entire duration of the tour, including any additional nights. The exit ticket is provided with your travel documents.

What type of accommodation is provided?

You will stay in good mid-range 3-star hotels throughout, with 4-star hotels in Udine and Grado. All overnight stays include a breakfast buffet or extended breakfast.

Alpe Adria Classic: Salzburg to Grado

Alps, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Adriatic Coast

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Trekking bikeE-bike8 days / 7 nights367 km4/5Medium-EasyLinear

Short Description

You will follow the legendary Alpe Adria Cycle Path from the baroque splendour of Salzburg across the Austrian Alps to the sun-drenched shores of Grado on the Adriatic Sea. Pedalling through the Salzach Valley, crossing beneath the Tauern mountains by rail, and gliding along the Drau and Gail rivers, you will discover a route that spans two countries and drops from alpine meadows to Mediterranean lagoons. Historic Villach, the Fella Valley’s car-free railway trail, Renaissance Udine, and the Venetian fortress of Palmanova mark the stages of this unforgettable journey. From €998 per person.

Tour Program

Day 1: Arrival in Salzburg
You will arrive in the Mozart city of Salzburg, where your rental bike awaits at the hotel. A private parking space is included for the duration of the tour. Settle in and explore the baroque old town at your leisure.

Day 2: Salzburg – Bischofshofen / St. Johann im Pongau (55–63 km; +350 m)
Heading south, you will cycle along the car-free Salzach River past Hallein and Kuchl, then continue on quiet secondary roads via the fortress town of Werfen to St. Johann im Pongau. A shorter 29 km option is available by hopping on the hourly train that runs parallel to the route.

Day 3: St. Johann – Spittal / Seeboden on Lake Millstatt (59 km cycling + 53 min train)
You will ride along the cycle path to Schwarzach-St. Veit, then board the Tauern motorail through the mountains to Mallnitz — passenger ticket and bike carriage included. From the valley floor, you will follow the route into the Drau valley and along the shores of sparkling Lake Millstatt to your overnight stop.

Day 4: Spittal – Tarvisio (68 km; +253 m)
A flat, car-free ride alongside the Drava river brings you to Villach with its charming historic centre. From here, the route climbs gently along the Gail river via Arnoldstein to Tarvisio, your first stop across the Italian border.

Day 5: Tarvisio – Osoppo / Gemona (59–68 km; +85 m)
Today is the centrepiece of the Alpe Adria trail. You will cycle car-free through the narrow Fella Valley on the old railway line to Pontebba, then continue southward to Osoppo or the nearby medieval town of Venzone.

Day 6: Osoppo – Udine (54–63 km)
Partly car-free and close to the Tagliamento river, the route leads through the fertile Friuli countryside past Buia to Udine, a splendid trading town. Piazza della Libertà, the Duomo, and the atmospheric old town are all within easy reach.

Day 7: Udine – Grado (63 km)
You will leave Udine’s city centre and pedal through romantic villages and lush countryside to Palmanova, a perfectly star-shaped Venetian fortress from the 16th century. Continuing via Cervignano and the Roman ruins of Aquileia, you will ride through the lagoon landscape to Grado, the ‘golden island’ on the Adriatic.

Day 8: Departure from Grado
Your cycling adventure ends in Grado. A return transfer to Salzburg is included (by bus on Fridays; by bus-and-train combination on Saturdays and Sundays). An extra night in Salzburg is recommended to collect your car at leisure.

Tour details

LinearCouplesFamiliesFriendsSelfguidedMinimum 2 people

✅ What is included in the trip?

🏨 Overnight stay and breakfast
💼 Luggage transfer
🗺️ Maps
📲 GPS or navigation APP
📞 Local telephone assistance 7/7
🅿️ Parking at hotel in Salzburg
🚇 Train Böckstein–Mallnitz (bike included)
🚇 Train ticket Schwarzach-St. Veit – Böckstein (2nd class; bike ticket payable on spot)
🚕 Back transfer for persons Grado – Salzburg

❌ What is not included?

✈️ Journey to/from the starting point
🍽️ Meals and drinks not listed as Included
🛡️ Travel insurance
🌎 Tourist taxes
🚎 Transfers not listed as Included
🖼️ Entrance fees and extras not listed

🙋 Common questions

What is the difficulty level of this tour?
The Alpe Adria Classic is a moderate cycling tour suitable for regular cyclists. Most stages are flat or gently undulating, with the main climb on Day 2 (+350 m). The Tauern mountain crossing is handled by train, keeping the ride accessible.
Is the return transfer from Grado to Salzburg included?
Yes. A return transfer for passengers is included in the package price. On Fridays a direct bus runs to Salzburg; on Saturdays and Sundays a bus-train combination via Villach is provided. On other days, you arrange your own return.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes, but the return transport of your own bike costs an additional €38 and must be booked in advance. Bikes are insured up to €1,500 and those with rim widths over 5 cm require prior approval.
What about the train segments?
The Tauern motorail ticket from Böckstein to Mallnitz is included in the tour price, along with your bike. On Day 2, an optional train shortcut is available for approximately €3.50 (bike ticket, payable on the spot).
Are meals included?
Breakfast is included daily. An optional demi-board upgrade (4 dinners) is available for €115 per person. Dinners are not available in Salzburg, Osoppo, and Grado.