Overview
The Alpe-Adria Trail is an adventurous artery covering 750km of the Austrian Alps, Slovenia’s Triglav National Park and Italy’s Alpine foothills, and then finally the Adriatic. This section, along the Salzburg to Grado cycle route, starts with the backdrop of the Alps, and finishes on the prettiest of peninsulas on the Gulf of Trieste. Spend eight days cycling through the likes of the Gastein Valley, at the foot of Hohe Tauern National Park, the alpine landscapes of the Drautal Valley and the foothills of the Julian Alps. E-bikes are also an option on this tour.
- Salzburg
- The Getreidegasse
- Drautal Valley
- Julian Alps
- Udine
- Roman City of Aquileia
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Salzburg
Welcome to Salzburg. Depending on arrival time, spend the day exploring the winding alleyways and market squares or relax in one of the city’s famous cafés.
- Accommodation: Hotel Goldenes Theater or similar
Day 2: Salzburg – Sankt Johann im Pongau | 65km
From Salzburg, head south and cycle past wetlands and along the Salzach River to Hallein, a former Celtic town known for its salt mining. Explore the alleyways, archways and houses in Hallein, before heading towards Golling an der Salzach. Continue along the cycle path to reach the Baroque town of Sankt Johann im Pongau.
- Accommodation: Brückenwirt or similar
- Cycling for the day: 65km
Day 3: Sankt Johann im Pongau – Mölltal | 60km
Today’s route leaves Schwarzach to continue through the Gastein Valley. Pass through Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein before heading into the spa and ski resort of Bad Gastein, located at the foot of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Bad Gastein Waterfall is situated in the centre of Bad Gastein and has been featured by many artists and poets in their work. From here, there is a short ride to Böckstein, to catch the Tauernschleuse Train to Mallnitz. After disembarking, there is a final descent from Mallnitz to Mölltal.
- Accommodation: Erlebnishotel Mölltal or similar
- Cycling for the day: 60km
Day 4: Mölltal – Villach | 70km
Today’s cycle follows the Möll River through the alpine landscapes of the Drautal Valley. After passing Möllbrücke, the route heads to Spittal an der Drau, before concluding in Villach, which has multiple restaurants and pubs to enjoy.
- Accommodation: Hotel Palais 26 or similar
- Cycling for the day: 70km
Day 5: Villach – Gemona | 60-70km
The morning begins with a train journey from Villach to Tarvisio. Once in Italy, the route descends through the Kanaltal Valley and concludes in one of the picturesque villages at the foothills of the Julian Alps.
- Accommodation: Hotel Pittis or similar
- Cycling for the day: 60-70km
Day 6: Gemona – Udine | 55km
After leaving the Kanaltal Valley, the route heads through Gemona del Friul, before continuing past vineyards toward Udine, a town famous for its Venetian charm, ancient buildings and beautiful piazzas such as Piazza Libertà.
- Accommodation: Hotel Clocchiatti Next or similar
- Cycling for the day: 55km
Day 7: Udine – Grado | 55km
Enjoy the warm breeze while cycling alongside canals towards the Gulf of Venice. Stop for a break in the Roman City of Aquileia and visit the Patriarchal Basilica. The tour concludes in Grado, an Adriatic beach resort and historic fishing town, with sandy beaches and medieval architecture.
- Accommodation: Hotel Fonzari or similar
- Cycling for the day: 55km
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms. Please note that, in Austria, it is common practice for hotels and other accommodations to join twin beds together to make a double, with separate linen for each person. If you prefer to opt for twin beds, we will happily request this at time of booking, however they can’t always be guaranteed.
Click to view our default hotels
- Hotel Goldenes Theater (Salzburg)
- Brückenwirt (Sankt Johann im Pongau)
- Erlebnishotel Mölltal (Mölltal)
- Hotel Palais 26 (Villach)
- Hotel Pittis (Venzone)
- Hotel Clocchiatti Next (Udine)
- Hotel Fonzari (Grado)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is provided each morning. When no restaurant location is available en route, lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops or pre-ordered from the hotel. Dinner is available either from the restaurant at the accommodation or from restaurants in the local area.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated as moderate due to the daily distances and terrain. The majority of the route is on well-developed cycle paths and quiet side roads, although there are a few sections on busier roads or dirt paths. The route undulates, with the most challenging section being between Sankt Johann im Pongau and the Gastein Valley, although you can take a train to bypass this section. (read more about difficulty grades).
When to go
This trip runs from the end of April until the start of October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your holiday on any date in the season. For more information on travelling in Austria, please visit our blog Best time to go to Austria.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
Travelling by train: If you are able to travel to Austria without flying, this holiday is reachable by rail with train stations in Salzburg, Austria and Cervignano del Friuli, Italy – the latter being 16km from Grado, but accessible by bus in 22mins. For more details on trains in Austria, see ÖBB and Trenitalia in Italy.
Salzburg Airport: The number two bus runs daily every 10-20mins between Salzburg Hbf and the airport (every 20mins on Sundays and public holidays). The journey time is approximately 23mins. The number 10 bus (Mon-Sat) departs every 10mins from the airport to the city centre with a journey time of approximately 15mins.
Munich Airport: Trains are the most convenient public transport option between Munich and Salzburg and run twice every hour from Munich Airport (2.5h to Salzburg). A transfer is always required at either München-Ostbahnhof or München-Hauptbahnhof. For more information, visit DB and ÖBB.
Parking: Hotel parking spaces cost approximately €12 to €25 per day, which is paid on the spot, reservation is not possible.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Welcome briefing on day one
- Luggage transfer on all cycling days (maximum of 20kg per bag)
- Digital holiday information pack with maps, route descriptions, local attractions, important telephone numbers and GPS tracks
- Train journey Böckstein–Mallnitz
- Train journey Villach–Tarvis
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the programme
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers.
- Return transfer to Salzburg every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning
- Bike rental, including rental bike insurance
Bike rental
All bikes are equipped with a combination lock, saddle bag, handlebar bag, pump, service set with tools and an extra inner tube. Sample pictures attached below, note that the exact models may differ depending on the availability, but the standard will be the same.
Unisex bike 21/24-gears
Gear: Shimano ALIVIO/ACERA derailleur
Sizes: 56/51/46/43cm (body height 148cm–190cm)
Unisex-bike 7-gears
Gear: Shimano NEXUS
Back pedaling break
Sizes: 56/51/46cm (body height 155cm–190cm)
Men’s bike 21-gears
Gear: Shimano ALIVIO/ACERA derailleur
Sizes: 63/60/56cm (body height 165cm–205cm)
Rental Bike PLUS
Gear: DEORE/XT
Suntour suspension fork
Sizes: 63/60/51/46cm (body height 155cm–205cm)
E-bike
Speed: 25kph
8-speed internal gear hub
Sizes: 56/51/46/46cm (body height 148cm–195cm)
