Starting in the north east Dolomites, the first part of the tour follows the River Drau through the same named valley, and then on through the Gail Valley on comfortable bike paths in Austria. After a short detour to the Italian border town of Tarvis, you continue on to Slovenia. The picturesque Lake Bled at the foot of the Julian Alps is ideal for rest before the transfer to the south side of the Alps to the famous wine area of Collio in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The former capital town of Lombard region, Cividale is well worth a visit. The final stage of the tour takes you through spectacular countryside to the Adria coast. On the last day you ride alongside the sea to the former Habsburg port of Trieste.
Day 1: Arrival in Hochpustertal (niederdorf/Villabassa or toblach/Dobbiaco)/Sillian
Individual arrival at the hotel in Hochpustertal. Free, unguarded public car park near the hotel.
Day 2: Hochpustertal/Sillian - Oberdrauburg/Kötschach Mauthen (approx. 70 - 75 km from Hochpustertal/ approx. 60 - 65 km from sillian)
Starting at the watershed of the rivers Drau and Rienz on the Toblacher Sattel, you ride alongside the Drau through South Tyrol and on to East Tyrol and the town of Lienz. The impressive mountains of the Dolomites line the route.
Day 3: Oberdrauburg/Kötschach Mauthen > Feistritz/Tarvis, ~65 km
After a short transfer to the Gailberg Pass (350 m difference in altitude/6 km) you then descend to Kötschach-Mauthen. On the bike path of the Gail Valley you cycle comfortably past Hermagor. Before you reach Feistritz Lake Pressegg will invite all epicures to a relaxing break.
Day 4: Feistritz/Tarvis> Bled, ~55-65 km
Along your way you reach the Italian border and then carry on the cycle path. Now you leave Italy and travel on to Slovenia, past the famous ski area of Kranjska Gora, the bike path passes through the wonderful, and mostly unknown, countryside of Slovenia. You spend the night at the romantic Lake Bled.
Day 5: Bled > Cividale del Friuli, ~50 km (train + ride)
After the transfer over the pass, you encounter the Soca Valley, which is well known to all canoeists and adventure sportsmen. In Kobarid you will get an inside into the battles of the 1st World War. In the evening you taste the excellent cuisine and the wonderful wines of this region. The historical town of Cividale with its many cultures is well worth taking a closer look at.
Day 6: Cividale del Friuli > Gradisca d‘Isonzo, ~35 km - longer variant through Udine, ~65 km
On the way through the Collio Goriziano, center of the Friuli wine growing region, there are many wine cellars to stop at and taste the excellent wines. After tackling a few hills, you come to Gradisca, where you spend the night. There is a possibility to choose a longer variant passing at Udine, probably the most important town in the Friuli region, which is well worth a substantial visit.
Day 7: Gradisca d‘Isonzo > Trieste, ~40 km
The Karst accompanies you on your way to the Adriatic coast, and before you get to the former Habsburg port of Trieste, it is well worth stopping to look at Castle Duino and Miramare.
Day 8: Departure
Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay.
