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View of the port of Sistiana

Dolomites – Trieste

Nearly like in the emperor times

8 Days / 7 Nights
Medium
View of the port of Sistiana

The essentials at a glance

This varied cycling tour from the Dolomites to Trieste follows the Drau and Gailtal cycle paths through Austria, Italy, and Slovenia. The route passes through Lienz, Lake Pressegger, Tarvisio, Lake Bled, and the Soča Valley before reaching the Adriatic coast. Highlights include Cividale del Friuli, the Friulian wine region, and Miramare Castle. The tour features mostly flat terrain with slightly hilly sections on the last two stages, covering approximately 40-75 km daily on cycle paths and quiet roads.

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Starting in the North-East Dolomites the first part of the tour leads along river Drau through the Drau-Valley and then through Gailtal Valley on comfortable cycle paths through Austria. After an excursion to Italian border-city Tarvisio we continue to cycle to Slovenia. Picturesque Lake Bleder See nestles on the foot of Julian Alps. A transfer brings you to the south side of the Alps and you return into well-known wine-grower area Collio. Not only is the old capital of Langobards, Cividale, well worth a visit but also the city Görz. The final highlight of the tour follows when you reach the Adria. The last day you cycle along the sea to ancient Habsburg port Trieste.

Cyclists on a bridge
Cyclist on the road
Cyclists in front of the Dolomites
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Isabella Graf
Isabella Graf
+43 6219 60866 141
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Your holiday kicks off in the picturesque Pustertal valley, nestled amidst a breathtaking mountain panorama. From there, you'll pedal along the Drau River into Austria, reaching the charming town of Lienz. Afterward, you'll cross back into Italy through Kötschach-Mauthen and Hermagor, culminating in a refreshing swim at Lake Pressegger See.

On day 4, you'll embark on another detour into a new country as you enter Slovenia. Prepare to be enchanted by stunning natural landscapes, with the highlight undoubtedly being the picturesque Lake Bled. Cycle through the scenic Soca Valley, then onwards to Cividale del Friuli, passing through vineyards to reach Gradisca d'Isonzo. Consider adding a detour to Udine before tackling the final stretch to Trieste. The historic charm surrounding Miramare Castle evokes a sense of bygone eras, yet continues to captivate visitors to this day!

  • Austrian charm and culinary delights: Lienz in East Tyrol casts a spell with its medieval charm and stunning natural beauty. The quaint old town beckons you to take a leisurely walk, while outdoor enthusiasts can delve into the surrounding mountains through summer hikes and winter ski tours. Don't miss a scenic stroll along the Isel and a visit to the impressive Bruck Castle - they're highly recommended highlights of your visit.
  • Romantic atmosphere on Lake Bled: It's a natural gem, nestled amidst majestic mountains with a castle perched on an island at its center. Boat excursions offer enchanting views, while a visit to the castle promises panoramic vistas. Don't forget to indulge in the local delicacy - traditional Bled cream slices, a delectable treat you won't want to miss!
  • A stroll along the Trieste promenade: Elegant architecture blends with Mediterranean charm. Explore the grandeur of Miramare Castle, wander through the historic old town with its inviting cafes, and savor the breathtaking vista of the azure blue sea from Piazza Unità d'Italia, one of Europe's largest squares.

The stages are as diverse as the landscape stretching from the Puster Valley to the Adriatic Sea. Ranging from 35 to 75 kilometers, they vary from flat to hilly towards the end of the journey. You'll mostly cycle along well-maintained paths and quiet side roads. The tour package includes various transfers, and our team will provide you with detailed travel documents to ensure a smooth experience.

When you're out exploring on your bike, the journey itself becomes the destination. Yet, when your destination is Veneto, anticipation heightens even more - after all, the sea awaits. The Adriatic beckons with its refreshing sea breeze, breathtaking vistas, and delectable fresh seafood, promising a culinary highlight to savor.

Cyclists on a bridge
Cyclist on the road
Cyclists in front of the Dolomites

Itinerary at a glance

Stroll through the beautiful Lienz and take a break at Lake Pressegger, then enjoy your first cappuccino in Tarvisio and visit Lake Bled in Slovenia. Make a stop at Miramare Castle, and you'll have reached your destination in Trieste.

Individual arrival to your starting hotel in the “Hochpustertal” valley/Silian.

From the water-shed of the rivers Drau and Rienz on Toblach saddle you cycle downhill from South Tyrol along river Drau. By crossing the Italian-Austrian border you leave South Tyrol and reach Lienz in East Tyrol, where impressive summits of the Dolomites seam the way.

After a short transfer on Gailberg Pass (approx. 7 km/350 metres in attitude) a downhill section brings you to Kötschach Mauthen. Follow the Gailtal Valley cycle path at the foot of the Carnic Ridge, pass Hermagor and take a bath in Pressegger Lake. Overnight stay is in Feistritz an der Gail.

You cycle to the Italian boarder and continue on the cycle path. Soon you leave Italy and reach Slovenia. Past the well-known skiing area Kranjska Gora the cycle path winds through marvellous, mainly unspoilt nature. Today you have also the possibility to short the stage at 10 km by using the train (to be bought by your own).  Spend the evening on the idyllic lake of Bled.

After a transfer across the pass you reach Soca valley, well known for the exiting canoeing and adventure sports. In Kobarid you get a historic review of the dreadful battles during World War I. After that all lovers of fine food and wine can enjoy themselves. Historic city Cividale del Friuli invites to stroll around. Not only the Devil’s Bridge is well worth a visit, a number of cultures as e.g. Goths, Langobards and Francs left their traces.

On your way through Collio Goriziano, centre of the Friulian wine-growing area, many wine-cellars invite to stop and taste the first rate wines. After some small hills we come to Gradisca d'Isonzo. We recommend ambitious cyclists doing a longer tour via Udine. The most important city in the historic region of Friuli-Julitsch Venetian is a visit worth it!

Karst now is our companion to the Adriatic Sea and castle Miramare is worth a stop before we enter the ancient Hapsburg city Trieste. Recommended is an excursion to the biggest grotto of the world accessible for tourists, Grotta Gigante on the Slovenian border.

Day
08

Departure or extension

Boat at the lakefront
Cycling break in Kranjska Gora
Castle on a hill
Wooden boats
Cyclists cycle through forest
©
www.wisthaler.com - Harald Wisthaler
Cyclists

Difficulty Level

Medium

The bike trip to Trieste is a varied tour, the last two stages are slightly hilly. The route runs on cycle paths or along very quiet side roads through small villages and idyllic landscapes.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Our rental bikes

The different types of rental bikes at a glance

Unisex Rental Bike - Symbol photo
Unisex bike

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Available gear options can be found in the price table

Men's Rental Bike - Symbol photo
Men's bike

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Available gear options can be found in the price table

Renatl bike PLUS - Symbol photo
Rental Bike PLUS

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with men's or unisex frame

Available gear and frame options can be found in the price table

 

E-Bike rental bike - Symbol photo
Unisex Electro bike

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3***-hotels, partly in 4****-hotels
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer (1 piece of luggage per person up to max. 20 kilograms)
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed documentation 1x per room (German, English and Italian)
  • 1 bus transfer Oberdrauburg - Gailberg pass
  • 1 train ride Bled – Most na Soci/Kanal ob Soci incl. bike
  • App for navigation and GPS-data
  • Service-hotline

Optional extras

  • Rental bike insurance, costs EUR 24 per rental bike, EUR 49 per rental bike PLUS/electric bike
  • Return transfer from Trieste to Hochpustertal by shuttle bus every Wednesday and Saturday, costs EUR 96 per person, for your own bike additionally EUR 39, reservation is necessary, payable in advance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Train station Niederdorf or Toblach (depending on the arrival hotel)
  • Airport Treviso, Venice, Triest or Innsbruck
  • Hochpustertal valley: Public parking spaces
  • Good train connection between Trieste and Hochpustertal valley (daily, departure approx. 6.40 am., it is not possible to take the bikes with you)

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of EUR 20 per room.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3***-hotels, partly in 4****-hotels
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
  • 1 transfer Oberdrauburg - Gailberg pass
  • 1 train ride Bled – Most na Soci/Kanal ob Soci incl. bike
  • Service-hotline

Optional extras

  • Rental bike insurance, costs EUR 24 per rental bike, EUR 49 per rental bike PLUS/electric bike
  • Return transfer from Trieste to Hochpustertal by shuttle bus every Wednesday and Saturday, costs EUR 96 per person, for your own bike additionally EUR 45, reservation is necessary, payable in advance
  • Printed route book, per room EUR 20

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Train station Niederdorf or Toblach (depending on the arrival hotel)
  • Treviso, Venice, Triest or Innsbruck airport
  • Hochpustertal valley: Public parking spaces
  • Good train connection between Trieste and Hochpustertal valley (daily, departure approx. 6.40 am., it is not possible to take the bikes with you)

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.
Isabella Graf

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Isabella Graf
Travel Specialist
One call to vacation bliss
+43 6219 60866 141
Monday - Friday: 9.00 AM - 6.00 PM
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