Cycling past the Julian Alps with a tailwind all the way to the Adriatic, Petra from the accounting department realised this dream with her companion. On the tour from Bled to Venice, she shares the most beautiful places along the route.
Follow Petra on this journey and discover the joy of cycling, scenic routes, and her favourite highlights!
And there it lies before us: the beautiful, glassy Lake Bled, framed by gentle hills, a tiny island in the center, and a touch of morning mist still dancing above the water’s surface. It’s the starting point of our eight-day cycling journey across Slovenia and into Italy—a journey that takes us through mountains, vineyards, and coastal air. To prepare our bodies and senses for the days ahead, we take our arrival day nice and easy. We stroll leisurely around the lake, breathing in the scent of pine trees and damp earth—and of course, we can’t resist a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water.
The next morning, we’re off—the first rays of sunlight pierce through the clouds, and soon our legs feel the climb ahead. The road winds gracefully into the Julian Alps, and with each turn, the view opens over green mountain meadows and sparkling streams. Caught between the golden hues of early fall and the lush greens of the fields, it hits us how untouched Slovenia’s nature still is. The scent of freshly cut grass drying in the sun drifts around us, the warmth of sunlight rests on our faces, and the quiet hum of our bicycles carries us steadily upward.
With satisfied smiles, we tackle the 18% incline, cheering each other on, eager for the day’s reward: a crispy pizza and the sense that Italy draws closer with every pedal.
Beyond the border, we continue toward Tarvisio and then on to Gemona. The landscape begins to change as we ride along the crystal-clear, turquoise Sava River, whose color looks almost unreal in the sunlight. The bike path follows an old railway line transformed into a panoramic route. Water flows beside us, trees rustle above us, and we feel as if we’re diving straight into nature. My personal highlight of the day, however, is the tunnels—lit, cool, and atmospheric, almost like dripstone caves. We plunge into the darkness, accompanied only by the steady sound of our tires on the ground. Thanks to our well-equipped bikes—with lights, reflectors, and everything we need—we feel completely safe.
After this stage, we treat ourselves to a break in a small Friulian village. A cappuccino, a slice of homemade cake, and the sun on our faces—and we know once again: this is exactly why we love traveling by bike.
The sun wakes us the next day. It’s a mild 75°F (about 24°C), the sky is clear, and the air smells of damp earth—it rained all night. As the sun warms our backs, we ride through gentle rolling hills, passing the first vineyards of Veneto.
Fall is slowly arriving: golden leaves, ripe grapes, and small villages where people are already busy with the harvest. It feels like we’re cycling right through a painting. Today’s destination is Udine, a charming town full of unmistakable Italian flair. We end the evening with pasta, wine, and the wonderful feeling of truly having “arrived.”
The next morning brings a change of scenery: we’re getting close to the coast. Our route takes us through the classics, Lignano and Caorle—places you instantly associate with summer, sunshine, and that unmistakable Italian way of life. The scent of pine trees fills the air, mingling with the aroma of freshly baked pizza and espresso. We pedal along the seafront promenade, feel the warm breeze on our skin, and listen to the gentle sound of the waves. Before we call it a day, we grab a seat at a little bar by the sea, order an Aperol Spritz—served with potato chips, of course—and raise a toast. La dolce vita, lived in the most genuine way.
The next day, the sun wakes us gently, and the sea sparkles in the morning light. We wade barefoot through the shallow water before the smell of cappuccino lures us to breakfast. The Hotel Garden Sea offers everything you could wish for: a generous buffet, fresh fruit, croissants, cappuccino—Italy at its finest. Recharged, we ride once more through Caorle and then follow the Sile River toward our final destination. At the dock, we meet other Eurobike riders who, like us, are out on their own two-wheeled adventure. Together, we roll our bikes onto the ferry that will take us to the Lido—the last stretch of our journey leads us into Venice.
After days filled with new impressions, climbs, and sunshine, Venice finally emerges before us. From the ferry deck, the city’s silhouette shimmers in the golden light. For a moment, everything falls silent. No one speaks—we simply stand there, captivated. Since bikes are not allowed in the city, we first make our way to our accommodation to shower and catch our breath. Then we step back into the city, letting ourselves be drawn in by the streets, savoring a glass of wine, a steaming plate of pasta, and the vibrant hum of life around us.
Later, as evening deepens and the crowds thin, we return to St. Mark’s Square. It lies quietly before us, mysterious and softly romantic—one of those moments that lingers in memory. Lanterns shimmer on the dark water, and almost as if by magic, a richly adorned gondola glides silently across the canal. It’s a moment you don’t need to capture in a photo—it becomes part of you, carried forever.
I must confess, choosing just one favorite spot from the countless gems of our bike adventures is always a challenge—but this time, the memory crystallizes in mere seconds: that breathtaking vision of Venice on our final evening. We glide back by boat to the heart of the city, raising a glass to our journey’s triumph, and are enveloped by its nocturnal enchantment. St. Mark’s Square stretches empty before us, a silent canvas where lantern light weaves dreamlike spells across the inky waters of slender canals. The night holds a hushed serenity, broken only by the sea’s gentle whispers against ancient walls and the faint, joyful laughter of Italians drifting from a distant wine bar.
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