Individual arrival at the starting hotel in Salzburg. A bicycle trip could not start more impressively than in Salzburg, the city of Mozart, a beautiful old town where are surrounded by many Baroque monuments. Take some delicious Mozartkugeln (typical Austrian confectionary) with you on your journey to the sea.

With a view of the fortress Hohensalzburg you leave the city. In the distance the mountains are already visible. The first section takes you along the Salzach. On the way you will pass the former summer residence of the Salzburger Bishops, Hellbrunn palace. For more than 400 years, the extraordinary water games have been a delight for young and old. On the Tauern cycle path, the journey continues in the direction of Hallein, known for its crooked townhouses and above all for the white gold – salt. Passing below the Tennengebirge mountains, you will cycle towards your destination Werfenweng, but first you will have to overcome a few metres in altitude. High above you will see the impressive 11th century castle of Hohenwerfen.

The journey continues through the tranquil Gastein valley, only accessible along mountain paths and narrow roads until the 20th century. Framed by the peaks of the Hohe Tauern, you cycle along the Gasteiner Ache (river). Passing Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein you reach the famous health resort Bad Gastein. The „Montecarlo of the Alps“, as the place is often called, is known for its many splendid hotels from the „Belle Époque“. The main attraction here is the Gastein waterfall, which has been the focal point of many artists and poets. If you are there early enough, you can still take the cable car to the summit and enjoy the alpine panorama.

In Böckstein you have to board the train, which takes you in about 11 minutes comfortably under the spectacular peaks of the Hohe Tauern into the Mölltal valley. Instead of following the original Alpe Adria cycle path, we suggest an alternative through the tranquil Dösental. On the old railway track, an 8 km long descent, leads down to the Glocknerradweg and along the Möll river. The varied landscape will not let you get bored. Today‘s destination is Millstatt, situated on the lake of the same name. At around 141 m the Millstätter See is the deepest lake in Carinthia.

On today´s stage you cycle around the lake with its crystal-clear water for a while and then overcome a small ridge which brings you into the Drau Valley. After this detour, the Alpe-Adria route leads along the leisurely flowing Drava, where some surprises await you. Soon the direction of travel changes and you head south. First along the Gail river, which is ideal for cooling off on hot summer days, and then across the border to the „Bella Italia“. In the border triangle Austria-Slovenia-Italy lies the small town of Tarvis.

Although the fifth stage is one of the longest of this journey, there are very few ascents to overcome. Strengthened by cappuccino and brioche, you start the stage through the Kanal Valley, framed by the majestic peaks of the Julian Alps. On the disused railway line you cycle through a total of 22 tunnels. Don‘t miss the culinary delights along the way. Shortly before reaching Venzone, you cross the Tagliamento, one of the last natural rivers in Europe, before reaching the Friulian plain. Not only the vegetation changes, but also the temperatures continue to rise. Enjoy the evening at the „Piazza della Libertà“ in Udine, with its typical Italian atmosphere.

You will continue your journey cycling through the vineyards. The first highlight of today‘s stage is Palmanova with its star-shaped fortress from the 16th century. Across the hexagonal main square, the route leads out of the Unesco World Heritage Site towards Aquileia. The town, built in 180 BC, was one of the most important economic centres of the Roman Empire. Numerous excavation sites and a huge floor mosaic in the Byzantine Basilica are vivid witnesses of this time. A 5 km long straight line leads through the lagoon to Grado, the destination of your journey. After a total of 420 km you have reached the Italian Riviera.

Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay.