Our Guide to Alpe Adria Cycling Holidays

The cycle path launched in 2012, connecting existing cycle paths with newly created ones built on revamped, unused infrastructure - including a 60km stretch that was once a railway line!

I cycled our Villach to Grado tour in summer 2024 with my family, and realised that this part of Europe is a true hidden gem. With a mix of postcard-perfect scenery, vibrant cities and amazing cycle paths, I was instantly hooked and knew I had to add tours along the Alpe Adria Cycle Path to our programme.

Every day brought a new adventure, as we swam in a lake near Villach, cycled through train tunnels, and crossed the causeway to reach the island of Grado and its lagoon. My son especially loved the variety of the backdrops from the soaring alpine scenes to the sun-drenched Adriatic Coast, as well as Italy's flat cycle paths and, of course, the gelato and pizza!

With five carefully crafted tours ranging from ‘easy’ to ‘moderate’ difficulty levels, this route is accessible for cyclists of all abilities.

All five of these tours are included in our January Sale - save £50pp if you book before 31 January 2026! Discount not included in website prices.

• Well-maintained cycle paths - the surfaces have been well-kept since the route opened in 2012 - which is fairly new for such a large cycle path. This means you can focus on the stunning views instead of looking out for cracks and potholes.
• The variety of breathtaking scenery - Austria's green alpine valleys provide a real contrast to Italy's vibrant coastlines. Discover unrivalled mountain scenery, impressive rivers, dramatic waterfalls, charming ancient towns and magnificent castles.
• Different cultures - cross the border and dive into new beginnings, with the Austrian leg of the trip providing a different vibe from the Italian one. Plus, delving into two delicious cuisines is always a bonus!
• Amazing cities and towns - you'll encounter many fascinating and historic places and buildings, several that seem almost frozen in time! Whether you’re a history geek or simply appreciate incredible architecture, there’s something for everyone.

Cycle the entire route in a week, travelling from the picturesque Austrian Alps to Italy’s sparkling Adriatic Sea. Starting in Salzburg, framed by a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, you’ll cycle along a scenic route on well-established cycle paths and quiet secondary roads.

En route, you’ll pass a wide variety of sights from rivers and waterfalls to quaint towns and magnificent architecture,  before reaching the stunning lagoon town of Grado. The beauty of Grado is something that will stick with you longer after the tour.

With three days spent cycling in Austria and three in Italy, this tour offers the perfect balance between alpine adventure and coastal charm.

View tour: Alpe Adria Cycle Path - Salzburg to Grado Bike Tour

This extended, 9-night itinerary allows you to spend more time immersed in the breathtaking Austrian Alps (five days instead of three), cycling through the hillier terrain.

The daily distances are shorter, and the climbs are spread out over more days, meaning you can soak in the staggering scenery at your own pace and explore the surroundings more thoroughly.

When you leave Austria, you will be rewarded with the flatter, more relaxed routes of Italy. This tour also includes a scenic train journey, providing a well-earned rest for any weary legs. Another obvious benefit is that it’s a longer holiday - a yes from me!

View tour: Alpe Adria Cycle Path - Salzburg to Grado Extended Bike Tour

Follow the first section of the longer Salzburg to Grado route, with shorter distances and more leisurely cycling. This tour is ideal for families with some cycling experience, as well as any alpine lovers who’re keen to spend longer enjoying the scenery.

Highlights include waterfalls, rivers, gorges and steep valleys - each magnificent in its own right. End your journey in Villach, where I recommend adding an extra night to make the most of the beautiful swimmable lakes - the water is cleaner than from a tap. Once you’ve completed this tour, you can come back for part two (the tour below)!

View tour: Alpe Adria Cycle Path - Salzburg to Villach Leisurely Bike Tour

Spend a serene week cycling and exploring the second half of the Salzburg to Grado route. Distances are shorter, and there’s only one incline which is on the first cycling day - meaning there’s loads of time for discovering the area.

Having cycled this tour with Project Manager Saul and our son James, I just loved the variety; the dramatic mountains of Tarviso, UNESCO-listed towns, Palmanova fortress, Roman Ruins of Aquileia and the lagoon town of Grado.

This tour was ideal for an active family getaway. I'd recommend a couple of extra nights in Grado so you can swim in the pristine Adriatic. As ever, I'm happy to discuss my experience any time to see if this tour is suitable for you, and I'm only a phone call away on +44 (0)1273 224066 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm UK time).

View tour: Alpe Adria Cycle Path - Leisurely Villach to Grado Bike Tour

This tour is made for those who like the look of the original Salzburg to Grado tour, but prefer an added touch of luxury when it comes to accommodation. Stay in stylish 4* hotels with excellent on-site restaurants and facilities on this 8-night, deluxe version of the Salzburg to Grado tour.

Our favourite day is Day 7, descending from Tarvisio through numerous converted cycle tunnels along the Val Canale valley. Make sure to take regular stops to look back at the most magnificent views.

View tour: Alpe Adria Cycle Path - Salzburg to Grado Deluxe Bike Tour

Sarah Mathews, October 2025, Salzburg to Grado Extended Bike Tour - "This was our 3rd cycle touring holiday and we both felt it was undoubtedly the best so far! The entire route is incredibly scenic, and no two days were the same. We would find ourselves in spectacular mountain scenery one day, and in the valley alongside the river the next. The cycling was largely along very quiet roads, or dedicated cycle paths, including the most amazing path from Tarvisio to Venzone, which was approx. 50km along a repurposed railway line, passing through 20+ tunnels, high above the road and valley below. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by the mountains, stopping occasionally at the old railway stations now repurposed as cafes along the route. We selected the extended Alpe Adria tour so that we had more time to stop and divert to see things along the way if we wanted to. This was a real bonus on day 2 in particular, when we took a trip up to see the Eisriesenwelt ice cave at Werfen, one of the highlights of our whole holiday... Arriving at Grado over the 5km causeway at the end was a real special end to the trip. We thoroughly recommend extending the stay in Grado by 2-3 nights at the end, as it's got a lovely, relaxed "holiday feel" with amazing beaches and restaurants, and truly feels like a reward at the end of the journey."

David Collie, July 2025, Salzburg to Grado Bike Tour - "We thoroughly enjoyed our Alpe Adria trip - our first cycling holiday. Everything fell into place the way it was expected, and gave us the time to simply enjoy the trip and appreciate the journey, the people and the places. The hotels were excellent choices - and would stay in many again if ever back in that part of the world."

Julie Keen, October 2025, Salzburg to Grado Bike Tour - "A superb trip: good quality bikes, wonderful and varied scenery, excellent accommodation and great support on the ground and, digitally, via the App. Would we book another trip with Freedom Treks? Without question, yes! Top tip: Don’t be put off by the thought of the climbs during the first few days - easily negotiable with e-bikes! Consider spending a few days in Grado at the end of your trip - there is lots more to explore by bike in the surrounding area."

Like the look of one of these tours, or need some extra first-hand advice to double-check what's suitable? You can book online through our website, or for a little extra help from our friendly team, contact us or call +44 (0) 1273 224066.

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