Salzburg to Lake Bled Tour (Austria & Slovenia)

Head off today through the lovely Salzach Valley to the 900-year old Hohenwerfen Castle, perched on a rock 113 meters high above the market village of Werfen. It’s among Europe’s oldest and most well preserved castles. Surrounded by the Tennengebirge, Hagengebirge and Hochkönig mountain ranges, this is a sight not to be missed. Time permitting, take a side trip high above the valley to the glacial caves of Eisriesenwelt. You’ll spend the night at the popular alpine sports town of St. Johann.

Today's cycling tour leads you through the enchanting Gastien Valley and the striking Liechtensteinklamm (Liechtenstein Gorge) to the lovely spa town of Bad Gastien, adorned with a central waterfall. Continuing on, you'll traverse the Tauerntunel, emerging on the sunlit southern side of the Alps. Your overnight stay will be amidst the vibrant colours of Hohe Tauern National Park.

Today, you'll venture into the historic province of Carinthia, descending gently into the Mölltal Valley, with majestic 3,000-meter mountain peaks dominating the scenery. Immerse yourself in the enchanting North-Carinthian rural countryside, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and scenic tranquility as you pedal through the valley.

Today's journey involves a relatively easy descent along the Drau River, passing through the lakeside town of Spittal an der Drau and its impressive ancient Roman city of Teurnia. The route then takes you to Villach, where the Alpine climate meets the Mediterranean climate, making it an ideal location to explore the vintage car museum.

Cross the border briefly to savour an Italian pizza and cappuccino in Tarvisio before following a scenic cycling path along the old railway line that crosses the Italian-Slovenian border. Continue through the lush, green landscapes of the Sava Valley, heading to the village of Kranjska Gora for the night, with the magnificent Vitranc Mountain dominating the view.

On your final day, you'll explore the heart of Triglav National Park, following the Sava Dolinka River as it joins the Sava Bohinjka to form Slovenia's longest river, the Sava. From Mojstrana, you'll enter the peaceful Krma Valley, with its WW2 monuments and traditional farmhouses, one of which is now a museum. Enjoy lunch at a mountain hut beneath Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. Afterwards, pass through the Radovna Valley and take a short detour to the Vintgar Gorge, a 1.6km-long, 150m-deep gorge discovered in 1891 and opened to the public with built walkways.

After breakfast the tour ends.