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8 days / 7 nights
|
Starting point
Salzburg
Finish point
Grado
Season
From April to October
Fitness level
4/5
Tour type
Gravel / E-bike
Starting point
Salzburg
Finish point
Grado
Season
From April to October
Fitness level
4/5
Tour type
Gravel / E-bike
Highlights
- Cycle from Salzburg to Grado, crossing Austria and Italy on a scenic 410-kilometer route
 - Explore the UNESCO-listed city of Salzburg with its baroque charm and musical heritage
 - Ride through diverse landscapes, from the Hohe Tauern mountains to Friuli’s vineyards
 - Immerse yourself in history at Roman Aquileia and cultural gems like Gemona and Udine
 - Traverse the Alps with ease using a train connection through the Tauernschleuse
 - End your journey at the Adriatic coast, relaxing in Grado’s sandy beaches
 
Itinerary of the trip
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What’s included in the price?
Self-guided
NOT INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
The Alpe-Adria Cycle Path offers an extraordinary journey from Salzburg, caught in an alpine embrace, to the sunny shores of the Adriatic in Grado.
This iconic 410-kilometer route blends the natural beauty of the towering Alps, rolling vineyards, and coastal lagoons with the cultural richness of historic Italian towns and picturesque Austrian villages.
Designed to be accessible for most cyclists, daily distances range from 40 to 70 kilometers, with well-maintained paths ensuring a smooth ride throughout the journey.
Starting in Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its baroque architecture and musical heritage, the route takes you through Austria’s scenic Salzach Valley and into the breathtaking Hohe Tauern National Park.
The train connection through the Tauernschleuse ensures a comfortable transition over the Alps, leading to Italy’s tranquil Val Canale and beyond.
Cultural highlights include the historic Roman city of Aquileia, with its impressive basilica and ancient ruins, and Gemona del Friuli, lovingly rebuilt after an earthquake as a symbol of resilience.
The vibrant city of Udine offers a touch of Italian “dolce vita,” with its lively piazzas and Venetian-inspired architecture. The journey culminates in Grado, a charming seaside town known for its sandy beaches, Venetian harbor, and fresh seafood.
The route is designed for comfort and convenience, with accommodations arranged in cyclist-friendly hotels and luggage transfer services provided. Detailed route materials, including GPS tracks, ensure easy navigation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Whether riding through Austria’s alpine valleys, Italy’s vineyard-covered hills, or the peaceful lagoons of the Adriatic, the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and cycling enjoyment.
Top Places You'll See
From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.

Salzburg
Known as Mozart’s birthplace and framed by dramatic peaks, Salzburg offers a mix of history, music, and alpine charm. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while nearby lakes provide some of Austria’s most scenic day rides. Cycling here means balancing cultural exploration with nature, from baroque squares to quiet paths leading into the Salzkammergut.

Hohe Tauern National Park
The largest national park in the Alps, Hohe Tauern stretches across Tyrol, Salzburg, and Carinthia. Cyclists here are rewarded with views of Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner (3,798 m), as well as glacial valleys and alpine meadows. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road runs right through the park, making it a legendary ride.

Villach
Villach is Carinthia’s second-largest city, located on the Drau River close to the Italian and Slovenian borders. It is known for its thermal springs and annual Villacher Kirchtag, Austria’s largest traditional folk festival. The historic center features Hauptplatz square, the parish church of St. Jakob with its 95-meter tower, and riverside promenades. Surrounded by lakes such as Ossiacher See and Wörthersee, Villach is a lively hub of southern Carinthia.

Udine
Udine is a historic city in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northern Italy, shaped by Venetian, Austrian, and modern Italian influences. Its heart is Piazza Libertà, often called the most beautiful square in Veneto style, featuring the 16th-century Loggia del Lionello and a clock tower modeled after Venice’s San Marco. The hilltop Udine Castle offers views across the city and houses civic museums with collections of art and archaeology.

Grado
Grado is a seaside town on the Adriatic, located on a lagoon connected to Venice by ancient waterways. Once the port of the Roman city Aquileia, it later developed into a major spa resort, famed for its sandy beaches and thermal baths. The old town preserves early Christian heritage, with the Basilica of Sant’Eufemia and 5th-century mosaics among its treasures. Today, Grado blends historic charm with its role as one of Italy’s most popular coastal destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

We had a wonderful cycling trip, starting in Trieste, then onto Slovenia and Croatia. Before the trip, Klemen was extremely patient with our many questions and addressed our concerns very satisfactorily- even changing the original bike route to meet our needs. The bikes we used ( e-bikes) were in great condition, and easy to use. The hotels were very satisfactory- and included big breakfasts to start our days. The towns we visited were charming. All in all- a first class experience!!


Great trip: excellent customer service, great route, excellent hotel stays during the tour. The bike rental company that they use is the best I've ever experienced in Europe. I am even planning to buy the same bike for myself at home that I had on the trip! We had this service also book our stay for after the tour, and that is the only thing I would do differently next time, since the hotel for the several days after the tour was not very good, had mediocre service and not a good location. But for the tour, I would definitely recommend DenmarkBikeTours.
Exploring Tuscany on a self-guided cycling holiday was pure joy. The carefully curated routes took me through vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque towns like Siena and Pienza. I loved being able to stop whenever I wanted to soak in the views or enjoy a cappuccino in a quaint café. The GPS and route notes were spot-on, and the logistics, from luggage transfers to charming accommodations, were seamless. Tuscany’s beauty is best experienced on two wheels, and the freedom to set my own pace made it unforgettable.
Great trip: excellent customer service, great route, excellent hotel stays during the tour. The bike rental company that they use is the best I've ever experienced in Europe. I am even planning to buy the same bike for myself at home that I had on the trip! We had this service also book our stay for after the tour, and that is the only thing I would do differently next time, since the hotel for the several days after the tour was not very good, had mediocre service and not a good location. But for the tour, I would definitely recommend DenmarkBikeTours.
We had a wonderful cycling trip, starting in Trieste, then onto Slovenia and Croatia. Before the trip, Klemen was extremely patient with our many questions and addressed our concerns very satisfactorily- even changing the original bike route to meet our needs. The bikes we used ( e-bikes) were in great condition, and easy to use. The hotels were very satisfactory- and included big breakfasts to start our days. The towns we visited were charming. All in all- a first class experience!!


Exploring Tuscany on a self-guided cycling holiday was pure joy. The carefully curated routes took me through vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque towns like Siena and Pienza. I loved being able to stop whenever I wanted to soak in the views or enjoy a cappuccino in a quaint café. The GPS and route notes were spot-on, and the logistics, from luggage transfers to charming accommodations, were seamless. Tuscany’s beauty is best experienced on two wheels, and the freedom to set my own pace made it unforgettable.
All available guidance options
Self-guided
Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.
Hassle-Free
We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree holiday.
Completely Customizable
Flexibility is our middle name — whether you want more or less, or just beyond ordinary, we’ll make it happen.
Book with confidence
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Unbeatable support
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