From Vienna to Trieste

Your journey begins in the enchanting waltz capital of Vienna. The day of your arrival is yours to spend as you please—perhaps a leisurely stroll through the city or a visit to a traditional Viennese Heuriger?

Time to saddle up! Once you leave the city limits, you’ll enter the wine-growing region of the Thermenregion. In the charming wine villages, you can immerse yourself in the traditional Heuriger culture. The spa town of Baden, with its thermal baths and hot springs, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Wiener Neustadt stands as a testament to medieval fortress architecture. Built with the ransom paid for the English King Richard the Lionheart, who was held captive in Dürnstein, the town offers numerous attractions. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic old town!

Your day begins with a ride on the Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (included). This was the world’s first mountain railway, winding its way through stunning viaducts and tunnels amid the surrounding alpine scenery to the start of your cycling stage, to Semmering. Along the route, you’ll be accompanied by the breathtaking mountain landscapes of Styria until you reach Bruck an der Mur. This charming town invites you to explore its medieval architecture—a perfect blend of nature and culture!

On the Mur Cycle Path, you’ll follow Austria’s second-largest river through the green heart of the country, Styria. Experience the full diversity of this region firsthand as the landscape transitions from alpine mountains to the mild and pleasant climate of the Graz Basin. Graz, the capital of Styria, is sure to captivate you. The impressive Schlossberg and the historic old town are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

One of the highlights of the route is passing through southern Styria, one of Austria’s most renowned wine regions. The area is characterized by picturesque vineyards and traditional Buschenschank taverns. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and savor the local specialties. Maribor, known for the world’s oldest vine and its charming old town, will enchant you with its narrow lanes and historic squares.

The route continues through the rolling hills of Slovenska Štajerska (Lower Styria), one of Slovenia’s premier wine regions. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stop at local wineries. Your destination is the charming town of Laško, renowned for its healing thermal springs and its famous Laško beer. With a brewing tradition that dates back centuries, a visit to the Laško Brewery is the perfect way to end the day’s stage.

You’ll pass through traditional Slovenian villages, offering an authentic glimpse into the country’s rural charm. A highlight of this route is the Trojan Pass. After a short climb, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take a break at one of the local bakeries to sample Trojaner Krapfen (stuffed pastries). For a more relaxed ride, the cycling route between Hrastnik and Sava can also be shortened by train. Your destination is Ljubljana, one of Europe’s most enchanting capitals. Known for its vibrant old town and the many bridges spanning the Ljubljanica River, Ljubljana invites exploration. Don’t miss the iconic Tromostovje Bridges, Prešeren Square, and Ljubljana Castle.

On your way to Postojna, you’ll pass through the stunning Karst landscape, renowned for its caves, rocks, and underground rivers. Your destination is world-famous for the Postojna Caves, one of the largest karst cave systems in the world and a true natural wonder. These caves are one of Slovenia's most visited tourist attractions, offering a unique glimpse into the fascinating underground world. Just a few kilometers from Postojna is the impressive Predjama Castle, dramatically built into a cliffside. This medieval cave castle is another highlight of the region, offering exciting insights into the history of the Karst area.

After cycling through the Karst landscape of Slovenia and experiencing the first Mediterranean vibes in Italy, Trieste makes the perfect finale to your tour. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the coastline, soaking in the Mediterranean atmosphere. The port city of Trieste welcomes you with a blend of Italian and Austrian culture. For centuries, it was the most important port of the Habsburg Monarchy and is now known for its beautiful architecture and rich coffeehouse culture.