Overview
A 10 day, self-guided cycling holiday along the famous European Habsburg Trail, which takes you through three countries of Austria, Slovenia and Italy, all of which were hubs of the former Habsburg Empire. Starting in Vienna in Austria and finishing in Trieste in Italy, two of the five cities that are closely linked and influenced by Habsburg heritage, the others being Graz, Maribor and Ljubljana. As well as these urban greats, the route takes you through fine natural heritage, including the mountains of Slovenia, the Italian coast and an array of wine and thermal spa regions. This holiday is also reachable by rail.
- Vienna
- Graz
- Maribor
- Laško
- Ljubljana
- Postojna Karst Caves
- Trieste
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Vienna
Arrive in Vienna. Depending on your arrival time, collect your bikes at the hotel and explore the capital city’s cultural highlights, starting with Staatsoper and Stephansdom cathedral but also its plethora of galleries and museums. These include Hundertwasserhaus, Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) and Mak, followed by visits to Schönbrunn Palace and Heldenplatz. All of these give you a glimpse into Vienna’s history and architectural grandeur.
- Accommodation: Roomz or similar in Vienna
Day 2: Vienna – Wiener Neustadt | 61km
While leaving the city, the route follows bike paths and protected cycling lanes, offering a secure and uninterrupted ride to the scenic wine-growing landscapes of the spa region. Stop by Baden, a UNESCO spa town with thermal springs. Continue to Wiener Neustadt, a city shaped by its medieval fortress architecture. Explore the Old Town, built with the ransom of King Richard the Lionheart, held prisoner in Dürnstein.
- Cycling for the day: 61km
- Accommodation: Hotel Zentral or similar in Wiener Neustadt
Day 3: Wiener Neustadt – Bruck an der Mur | 58km
Start the day with a train ride (included) on the UNESCO-listed Semmering Railway, the world’s first mountain railroad. From Semmering, cycle through the mountain landscape of the Styria region to Bruck an der Mur. Discover the town’s medieval buildings, such as the Late-Romanesque Cathedral or St. Peter an der Sperr, an ancient Dominican convent church now housing a museum.
- Cycling for the day: 58km
- Accommodation: Hotel Landskron or similar in Bruck an der Mur
Day 4: Bruck an der Mur – Graz | 57km
Follow the Mur Cycle Path along the Mur River, passing through Styria’s green heart. The landscape shifts from alpine terrain to the mild Graz basin. Once in Graz, take in its imposing Schlossberg, a historic hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of the city, and explore the historic Old Town, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Cycling for the day: 57km
- Accommodation: Hotel Das Weitzer or similar in Graz
Day 5: Graz – Maribor | 72km
Cycle through the wine-producing region of southern Styria and stop along the way to taste regional specialties in traditional wine taverns. Today’s cycle path ends in Maribor, home to the world’s oldest grapevine which dates back more than four centuries. We recommend that you explore the Old Town, famous for its narrow streets and historic squares, such as Slomškov Square, Castle Square or the Main Square.
- Cycling for the day: 72km
- Accommodation: Hotel Orel or similar in Maribor
Day 6: Maribor – Laško, Slovenia | 79km
Leave Austria and cross into Slovenia, entering Lower Styria, one of Slovenia’s most picturesque wine-producing regions. Stop at local wineries before reaching Laško, known for its thermal springs and Laško beer. To end the day, visit Laško’s brewery, the largest in Slovenia.
- Cycling for the day: 79km
- Accommodation: Hotel Thermana Park or similar in Laško
Day 7: Laško – Ljubljana | 62-80km
The cycle trail takes you across Trojan Pass and through traditional Slovenian villages, with panoramic views of mountains and valleys throughout. The route can also be shortened by taking a train between Hrastnik and Sava. Once in Ljubliana, we recommend that you visit Ljubljana Castle, perched high on a hill and standing guard over the Old Town, relax with a drink by the Ljubljanica River or take an evening stroll through the city.
- Cycling for the day: 62-80km
- Accommodation: City Hotel Ljubljana or similar in Ljubliana
Day 8: Ljubljana – Postojna | 60km
Today starts by cycling straight out of the hotel and city centre. The route provides safe cycling conditions, following bike paths or protected cycling routes. Soak up the the karst landscape, marked by caves, rocks and underground rivers as you make your way to Postojna. We recommend that you visit Postojna Caves, a vast and intricate karst system, renowned for its striking formations and underground wonders. Explore Predjama Castle, built into a cliffside, for a deeper look into the region’s history.
- Cycling for the day: 60km
- Accommodation: Hotel Kras or similar in Postojna
Day 9: Postojna – Trieste, Italy | 70km
Ride through Slovenia’s karst landscape and into Italy. Arrive in Trieste, where Italian and Austrian influences converge, reflected in its elegant architecture, coffee house culture and rich maritime history as a former Habsburg port. We recommend that you explore Colle di San Giusto, home to ancient roman ruins and the Cathedral of San Giusto, before visiting Unity of Italy Square, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Finally, take in the views of the city and the Adriatic from Molo Audace pier, the perfect spot to end your tour.
- Cycle for the day: 70km
- Accommodation: Hotel NH Trieste or similar in Trieste
Day 10: Departure
Depart after breakfast or extend your stay in Trieste.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of 2-4 star hotels. 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 default hotels
- Roomz (Vienna)
- Hotel Zentral (Wiener Neustradt)
- Hotel Landskron (Bruck an der Mur)
- Hotel Das Weitzer (Graz)
- Hotel Orel (Maribor)
- Hotel Thermana Park (Lasko)
- City Hotel Ljubljana (Ljubljana)
- Hotel Kras (Postojna)
- Hotel NH Trieste (Trieste)
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
Accommodation is on a B&B basis. When no restaurant location is available on route lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops or you can pre-order a packed lunch at your hotel. Dinner is available either from the restaurant in your accommodation or the ones in the town.
Difficulty and terrain
This trip is graded moderate due to the varying terrain and includes daily cycling routes of 60-80km (read more about difficulty grades). The routes are mainly hilly but include some demanding uphill sections. Half of the route is on dedicated bike paths, while the rest is on country roads, secondary roads, or forest paths. If you are having doubts about the difficulty, it is possible to rent an e-bike as well.
We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available on the following dates:
2026 tour departures: 08 May, 15 May, 22 May, 29 May, 05 June, 03 July, 10 July, 11 September, 18 September and 25 September.
During these months, Vienna enjoys mild to warm weather, with temperatures typically ranging from 15C in May to 25C in July. September offers pleasant temperatures around 20C, making it an ideal time to explore the city. In Slovenia, the temperatures are similar, ranging from 15C in May to 23C in June and July. Trieste, by the Adriatic, enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with temperatures from 18C in May to 26C in July.
For more information on travelling in Austria and Italy, please visit our blogs Best time to go to Austria, Best time to go to Italy and Best time to go to Slovenia.
Please note that departure is guaranteed with a minimum of 10 participants.
Getting there
FCO up-to-date travel advice on Austria, Slovenia and Italy
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended arrival airport for this tour is Vienna Airport (VIE) and departure airport – Trieste Airport (TRS).
By train or bus
Arrival in Vienna
- If you are able to travel to Austria and Italy without flying, this holiday is reachable by rail with rail stations in Vienna and Trieste. For more details, see the national rail operators ÖBB (Austria) and Trenitalia (Italy) or use the Omio planner above.
- Take a 15mins direct train from Vienna Airport to the city centre.
- There are train services from Graz, Linz, Salzburg and other major Austrian cities to Vienna. For more details visit ÖBB or use the Omio planner above.
- If you are travelling by car, a car park is available at your hotel in Vienna, for approximately €30 per day. Another option includes a public garage at the subway station Donaustadtbrücke (line U2) for approximately €25 per week.
Departure from Trieste
- From Trieste, take a direct train to Trieste Airport. For more details, see Trenitalia or use the Omio planner above.
- From Trieste, there are regular train services to many destinations in Italy. For more information and tickets, visit Trenitalia or use the Omio planner above.
- Active ferry routes from Trieste connect it to international destinations, including Durres in Albania and various locations in Croatia. for more information and tickets, visit Adria Ferries and Liberty Lines.
Inclusions
Included
- 9 nights accommodation with private facilities
- 9 breakfasts
- Luggage transport Vienna – Trieste (two pieces of luggage of max. 20kg per piece, for a total of max. 30kg per person)
- Train ride Wiener Neustadt – Semmering
- Handlebar bag with information material
- Detailed travel documents and cycling guide app with voice navigation and GPS tracks
- 24/7 phone support by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Bike rental
- 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 explicitly listed as included
- 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
- Bike and e-bike rental
- Helmet rental
- Extra nights can be booked on request
Bike rental
Bikes
We offer 28 Zoll Unisex KTM tour bikes, equipped with either 21 or 24 derailleur gear with override, caliper brakes and robust wheels. All bicycles have a deep comfort entry (wave frame) and men’s frames are available from a height of 188cm. All 21/24 gear rental bikes are equipped with puncture-resistant tires, a waterproof pannier (saddlebag), a handlebar bag and an odometer (excluding e-bikes). Each bike also comes with an air pump, a service kit containing essential repair tools and one bicycle lock per room.
E- bikes
Our e-bikes come with a hub gear, freewheel, powerful electric motor and pedal assistance. The battery range depends on the support level, driving style, body weight and terrain. All rental e-bikes are equipped with puncture-resistant tires, a waterproof pannier (saddlebag), a handlebar bag, air pump, puncture repair spray and one bicycle lock per room.
Liability
Riders are liable for any damage, loss, or theft of the bicycles during the tour. Optional bike insurance can be arranged for peace of mind.
Sample pictures attached below, note that the exact models may differ depending on the availability, but the standard will be the same.
