Individual arrival at the starting-hotel in Villach. Parking place close to the hotel available.

Following the river Gail, you leave Villach behind you and also say goodbye to Austria. In the three-nation triangle of Italy-Austria-Slovenia the valley „Kanaltal“ is extending, whose centre is the Italian border town of Tarvisio. Here Austrians, Slovenes, Friulians and Italians have been living together for hundreds of years, and all three majorEuropean language families – Germans, Romans and Slavs –meet here directly.

Tarvisio, a small town surrounded by wide valleys and wood, in a modern garb, with an old soul and full of traditions, is today the starting point of your cycle tour. It is not only one of the most important mountain resorts of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, but also one of the most known winter sport centre in the region. Continuing through the valley of „Kanaltal“ you can admire the beauties of the Friulian Alpine from the saddle, with intanct, untouched nature and vast, intact forests.

The little city of Gemona del Friuli which is located on the southern exit of the valley “Kanaltal” and on the foothills of the Julian Alps is one of the most beautiful historic towns of the region. The townscape is characterised by the majestic cathedral “Santa Maria Assunta” which is certainly worth a visit.The wine determines today’s stage. Hills full of grapevines line your path and invite you to taste some good wines. The Venetian influenced Udine exudes calm and prudence. Enjoy a cup of coffee on the “Piazza” or stroll through the city centre and admire important Gothic and Renaissance buildings.

Accompanied by the breeze of the Scirocco, you glide past reed inlets and canals and reach Grado, a historic fishing town and one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic. On the way, the town of Palmanova, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the extensive excavation sites of the ancient city of Aquilea await your visit.

You are spoiled for choice: either an exciting day of sightseeing in Roman built Aquileia or a relaxing day by the sea: Today you have the opportunity to discover the secrets of the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called „Second Rome“; Roman ruined cities, ancient churches and secluded landscapes on the edge of the lagoon await you.Or would you rather enjoy the warm sunbeams in the deck chair on one of the miles of sandy beaches?

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.