The silence of the mountains, the gentle shores of crystal-clear lakes, pure nature situated in the heart of Carinthia, Villach reflects this entire diversity.
Hotel (example): City Hotel Villach
Rental bike not included!
From Villach to Grado
From Austria's sunniest province along the southern side of the Alps to the sea, this family cycle tour takes you to impressive natural spectacles, cultural diversity and gastronomic delights. Try Carinthian cheese noodles, marvel at the peaks of the Carnic Alps, treat yourself to a creamy gelato on a piazza in Udine and finally reward yourself with a dip in the refreshing Adriatic Sea. There is plenty for the whole family to discover on the second part of the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path from Villach to Grado.
Details of the cycle tour on the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path
The cross-border cycle path from the Austrian Alps to the Italian Adriatic normally starts in the Mozart city of Salzburg. But this shortened version for the whole family starts in Villach and leads across the border to Tarvisio, Udine, Palmanova and Grado. A great route for young and old that is sure to leave nothing to be desired.
Highlights of the family cycle tour from Villach to Grado
Fortress town of Palmanova: The star-shaped fortress town of Palmanova with its huge Piazza Grande is a true architectural masterpiece. The layout of the town with the piazza as its center invites the whole family to stroll and marvel.
Roman city of Aquileia: Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans in Aquileia. The so-called "Second Rome" is definitely not to be missed, as the Roman city of Aquileia was once one of the largest Mediterranean cities of the empire.
Grado: At the end of the tour, one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic awaits you and your children. The sandy beach and cool sea are perfect for a refreshing dip after a week on the bike.
Grado Lagoon: This unique landscape impresses with its lush flora and fauna, which changes colors several times a day due to the play of light. Experience an unforgettable natural spectacle in the Grado lagoon.
Things to know about your family trip on the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path
Two countries, seven days, 150 kilometers of cycling with the whole family. Sounds impossible, but thanks to our family cycle tour on the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path, it's not. Pack your children and suitcases and cycle the cross-border section of the well-known and well-developed Alpe-Adria Cycle Path together with Eurobike. Cycling fun for the whole family is guaranteed here!
The silence of the mountains, the gentle shores of crystal-clear lakes, pure nature situated in the heart of Carinthia, Villach reflects this entire diversity.
Hotel (example): City Hotel Villach
Initially you proceed for a bit along the river Drau. However soon the cycle path leads you along the river Gail towards Italy. „Bye Austria – Ciao Italia“ they then say at the border. In Tarvisio you will even be greeted in three different languages. Since Austrians, Slovenes and Italians have lived together here for centuries.
Hotel (example): Hotel Haberl
In Italy too the cycle path is very well designed and so you leisurely cycle along a former railway line downhill through the Val Canale-valley and marvel from your bike at the beauty of the Friulian Alpine region. From Pontebba the train takes you to Udine (boarding of the train at a later stage is also possible). Once you arrive in town you can experience the „dolce vita“ over an Italian Gelato enjoyed at the „Piazza“ or during a stroll through the alleyways.
Hotel (example): Hotel La di Moret
After a many impressions gained from the large city you leave Udine along the ancient Roman road „Via Claudia Augusta“ southward. In the expansive Friulian scenery you cycle through little villages characteristic for the region until the ancient star-shaped fortress town of Palmanova featuring the giant square ”Piazza Grande”.
Hotel (example): Hotel Ai Dogi
The warm breeze of the Scirocco caresses your face! You proceed through expansive reed scenery and along little water canals towards the Gulf of Venice. In the Roman town of Aquileia, the so-called ‚Second Rome‘, we highly recommend you plan a stop, before reaching the Finish of this holiday. One of the most popular resorts on the Adriatic Sea, the historic little fishing town Grado. The vast sandy beach will not only delight your children.
Hotel (example): Hotel Rialto
The leisurely cycling excursion leads you through the lagoon of Grado. A multitude of canals and streams marbles this unique landscape. The lush flora and fauna here is dipped into a very special light and changes its colour several times over one day. Definitely a beautiful finish to a marvellous cycle holiday.
Hotel (example): Hotel Rialto
Departure or extension.
Overnight stays in 3*** and 4**** hotels
Flights are not included.
This is a self-guided tour.
Breakfast
Return transfer to Villach every Saturday morning, costs per person € 105,-; for own bike additionally € 39,-; reservation required, payable in advance.
With rental bike incl. rental bike insurance:
Men's bike 21-speed
derailleur gears with freewheel
High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame
Body height approx. 165 cm - 205 cm
56-51 "sloping" cm | 60 cm | 64 cm
Unisex bike 21/24-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel
High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry
Body height approx. 148 cm - 190 cm
43 cm | 46 cm | 51 cm | 56 cm
Unisex 8-speed electric bike
hub gears
High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry
Body height approx. 148 cm - 195 cm
46 cm "xs" | 46 cm | 51 cm | 56 cm
PLUS 20/27-speed rental bike
Derailleur gears with freewheel
Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with diamond frame
Body height approx. 155 cm - 205 cm
46 cm | 50 cm | 51 cm | 55 cm | 60 cm | 63 cm
Eurobike children's rental bike 24"
Children's bike
Derailleur gears with freewheel
High-quality children's bike, the number of gears depends on the size of the bike
Body height approx. 115 cm - 150 cm
20 inch | 24 inch | 26 inch
Follow-Me
for use with children's bike
For children who can already ride a bike independently but would like to be pulled along the route by their parents, we always offer a Follow-Me in combination with a Eurobike 20-inch children's bike (body size approx. 115 cm - 125 cm) and a rental bike for the parents.
Personal tour information (DE, EN)
Luggage transfer
Well-prepared route description
Detailed travel documents 1 x per room (DE, EN, FR)
Navigation app and GPS data
Service hotline
Tourist tax, if due, not included in the travel price!
Arrival / Parking / Departure
Villach train station
Airport Klagenfurt, Salzburg or Ljubljana
Hotel garage, costs approx. € 15,- per day; hotel parking lot, costs approx. € 5,- to € 10,- per day
Free public parking outside the city center; public garages, costs approx. € 40,- per week
The return journey by public transport is only possible with a change of trains
Rental bike not included!
1 train journey Pontebba - Udine incl. bike
Autriche