Cycling tour in Italy, Austria and Slovenia – self-guided

Day 1Arrival in Val Pusteria, South Tyrol, Italy

Welcome to Italy and beautiful South Tyrol! Here, surrounded by the mighty peaks of the Dolomites and green valleys, your cycling holiday through three countries begins.

You will arrive at the hotel in Alta Pusteria, the upper part of the Val Pusteria valley, and stay overnight in either Dobbiaco or Villabassa.

If you have time after checking in, we recommend a short stroll in the local area. Perhaps a coffee at a cozy café tempts you, or simply enjoying the view of the mountains before tomorrow's first cycling stage?

If you arrive by car, there are free parking options in the immediate vicinity of the hotel.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

Day 2Alta Pusteria (Italy) – Oberdrauburg (Austria)

Finally, it's time for the first day on the bike! And what a start to the trip – today you will cycle from Italy to Austria, with the mighty peaks of the Dolomites as an impressive backdrop.

The stage begins in Alta Pusteria, at the Toblacher Sattel, where the watershed between the Drau and Rienz rivers is located. From here, you follow the fantastic cycle route along the Drau, through green valleys, open meadows, and small villages. Mountains tower on both sides, and there are constantly new views to enjoy!

Eventually, you cross the border into Austria and continue through East Tyrol towards the charming town of Lienz. A lunch break or a coffee in one of the town squares could be perfect here. Perhaps also a short stroll through the town center before getting back on your bike?

From Lienz, you continue eastwards along the Drau, surrounded by mountains, forests, and lush landscapes. Today's destination is Oberdrauburg, a small Austrian town with historic buildings and a peaceful atmosphere. A lovely place to settle in after the first 65 kilometers of the tour!

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

Day 3Oberdrauburg (Austria) – Feistritz (Austria)

How about combining today's cycling stage with a refreshing swim in one of Austria's warmest lakes? That is precisely one of the highlights in store for today!

The day starts with a short minibus transfer up towards the Gailberg Pass, saving you the first meters of ascent on the bike. After approx. 5 km and 350 meters of elevation, the journey continues towards Kötschach-Mauthen, where you get on your bike and follow the scenic cycle path through the Gail Valley.

Green meadows, small villages, and impressive mountains await on both sides of the valley. The cycle paths invite a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings. Along the way, you pass Hermagor, where it can be pleasant to stop for a coffee or lunch before continuing onwards.

And then comes perhaps the most tempting stop of the day: Pressegger See!

This beautiful lake is known for its comfortably warm bathing waters, which on hot summer days can reach up to 28 degrees. Just bring out your swimwear, take a dip, and perhaps enjoy a short break by the water's edge before the final stretch of the stage.

After the swim break, you continue through the lush landscape towards Feistritz, where today's bike ride concludes. Here, you check in at the hotel and can enjoy a quiet evening after a day of cycling, mountain views, and perhaps the best swim break of the year!

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

Day 4Feistritz (Austria) – Bled (Slovenia)

Three countries in one day – and Lake Bled as today's great highlight!

After breakfast, you head from Feistritz towards the Italian border. From here, the route continues on fine cycle paths through an impressive Alpine landscape, before you eventually cross the border into Slovenia. The mountains accompany you for much of the way, and en route, you pass both green valleys and small villages that invite a short rest.

One of the places you cycle through is Kranjska Gora, a pleasant Slovenian mountain town famous as a winter sports resort. But the area is just as wonderful in the summer! A lunch break at one of the local restaurants could fit perfectly here before continuing onwards.

From Kranjska Gora, the tour travels through the lush Slovenian countryside, with beautiful mountains, forests, and small settlements along the route. And eventually, you approach today's main highlight: Lake Bled!

In the middle of the emerald-green lake lies the tiny island with its distinctive church, while Bled Castle perches high up on the cliff above the water. It is almost like cycling straight into a postcard!

After checking into the hotel, we recommend setting aside time for a stroll along the lake. And if you have your swimwear with you, perhaps a swim is tempting too? A wonderful end to a day filled with great nature experiences!

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

Day 5Bled (Slovenia) – Cividale (Italy)

Today offers a slightly different start to the stage – and some of Slovenia's absolute finest nature experiences!

After breakfast, you board the train from Bled to Most na Soči. The train journey takes you through an impressive mountain landscape, and once you arrive, it's time to get back on the bike.

From here, the route goes through the beautiful Soča Valley, renowned for its almost unreal turquoise-blue river winding between green valleys and dramatic mountains. The area is a haven for rafting, canoeing, and kayaking, but there is also plenty to enjoy from the bicycle saddle!

Along the way, you reach Kobarid, a small town with a dramatic history. Here, among other sights, you will find the Kobarid Museum, which tells the story of the fierce battles along the Soča front during the First World War. If you have an interest in history, it is definitely worth a stop.

Continuing on, you ride through the beautiful landscape towards the Italian border. Eventually, you leave Slovenia and cycle into Italy again, where today's destination is Cividale del Friuli.

This historic small town features charming streets, beautiful buildings, and fascinating traces from both Roman times and the Longobard era. Perhaps you will have time for a short stroll through the old town before dinner?

And when evening arrives, you can look forward to Italian cuisine! Friuli Venezia Giulia is known for both fine local dishes and exciting wines, so finding a nice restaurant and enjoying the evening will certainly be worthwhile.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

Day 6Cividale (Italy) – Gradisca d'Isonzo (Italy)

Today, Italian vineyards, rolling hills, and charming small towns are on the menu! And perhaps a wine tasting along the way?

After breakfast, you leave Cividale and cycle onwards through Collio Goriziano, one of the well-known wine regions of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Here, the mountain landscape of the previous days has gradually been replaced by green hills, vineyards, and small villages.

Along the route, you pass several wineries, and perhaps you'll be tempted by a stop to taste some of the area's local wines? The region is particularly known for its fine white wines, offering plenty of exciting discoveries. Just remember that you still have a few kilometers left on the bike!

The stage also features a few climbs through the hilly landscape, but the reward is wonderful views over the surrounding vineyards and valleys.

Today's destination is Gradisca d'Isonzo, a historic small town with roots dating back to the period of Venetian rule. Here you will find ancient fortifications, pleasant streets, and small piazzas. A lovely place to conclude the cycling day with a fine Italian dinner!

Would you like to cycle a longer stage?

You can also choose an alternative route via Udine, one of the most important cities in the Friuli region. Here, the old town is definitely worth a visit, boasting beautiful piazzas, historic buildings, and cozy cafés. A great alternative for those who want a few extra kilometers and a bit more Italian city life along the way.

Whichever route you choose, the day ends in Gradisca d'Isonzo, where you check into the hotel for the night.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

Day 7Gradisca d'Isonzo (Italy) – Trieste (Italy)

From vineyards and historic towns to the sparkling coast of the Adriatic Sea! Today awaits the final cycling stage of the trip, with Trieste as your ultimate destination.

After breakfast, you leave Gradisca d'Isonzo and cycle up towards the Carso Plateau, a distinctive landscape of limestone cliffs, small villages, and magnificent views. The area lies along the border between Italy and Slovenia and still bears traces of the fierce battles during the First World War. Along the way, you pass several memorials detailing the area's dramatic history.

Eventually, you turn southwards, and soon the Adriatic Sea appears on the horizon! From here, the route continues towards the Gulf of Trieste, with beautiful views of the coast.

One of today's highlights is Miramare Castle, situated right by the sea just outside Trieste. The impressive, white castle was built in the 19th century for Archduke Maximilian of Austria and is surrounded by a lovely park. If you have the time and inclination, this is definitely a place worth stopping for!

You then continue into Trieste, an exciting port city where Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian cultures meet. Here you will find grand buildings, cozy cafés, and beautiful squares. Feel free to visit Piazza Unità d'Italia, the impressive square opening straight onto the sea.

After checking into the hotel, it's time to enjoy the last evening of the trip. Perhaps with an aperitivo by the waterfront and a fine Italian dinner?

Six cycling days, three countries, and a whole host of experiences later, you have arrived at the Adriatic Sea!

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

Day 8Departure or extra days in Italy?

After breakfast, it is time to check out of the hotel and head for home. Eight days, three countries, and six wonderful cycling stages are behind you – from the mighty peaks of the Dolomites to the beautiful Adriatic coast!

Would you like to stay a little longer? Trieste is definitely worth a few extra days, with its cozy cafés, historic sights, and Italian coastal life. Feel free to contact us if you wish to extend your stay.

Expa Travel reserves the right to correct any typographical errors, as well as currency exchange and/or price adjustments.
The itinerary is preliminary; changes may occur.