Day 1: Individual arrival in Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco
Arrive at the hotel in the Hochpustertal.
Overnight in Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco.
Day 2: Niederdorf/Villabassa or Toblach/Dobbiaco – Oberdrauburg/Kötschach Mauthen (43-47 miles/70-75 km)
Starting at the watershed of the rivers Drau and Rienz on the Toblacher Sattel, you ride alongside the Drau through South Tyrol and on to East Tyrol and the town of Lienz. The impressive mountains of the Dolomites line the route.
Overnight in Oberdrauburg.
Day 3: Oberdrauburg/Kötschach Mauthen – Feistritz an der Gail (transfer to the Gailbergpass + 40 miles/65 km)
After a short transfer to the Gailberg Pass (350 m difference in altitude / 7 km) you then descend to Kötschach-Mauthen. On the Gailtal bike path at the foot of the Carnic Ridge, you cycle comfortably past Hermagor. Before you reach Feistritz an der Gail, Lake Pressegg will invite all weary travelers to a relaxing break.
Overnight in Feistritz.
Day 4: Feistritz an der Gail – Bled (35-40 miles/55-65 km)
You reach the Italian border and then continue on the cycle path. Now you leave Italy and travel on to Slovenia, past the famous ski area of Kranjska Gora. The bike path passes through the wonderful, and mostly unknown, countryside of Slovenia. It's possible to avoid the uphill ride by taking the train from Jesenice to Bled (ticket not included in the package price). You spend the night at the romantic Lake Bled.
Overnight in Bled.
Day 5: Bled – Cividale del Friuli (train ride + 31 miles/50 km) **variation below
After the transfer over the pass, you encounter the Soca Valley, which is well known to all canoeists and adventure sportsmen. In Kobarid you will get a historic review of the battles of World War I. In the evening you taste the excellent cuisine and the wonderful wines of this region. The historical town of Cividale del Friuli with its many cultures is well worth taking a closer look at. Goths, Lombards, and Franks have shaped this city.
Overnight in Cividale del Friuli.
Day 6: Cividale del Friuli – (Udine) – Gradisca d'Isonzo (22 or 40 miles/35 or 65 km, depending on the route you choose)
On the way through the Collio Goriziano, center of the Friuli wine-growing region, there are many wine cellars to visit and taste the excellent wines. After tackling a few hills, you come to Gradisca d'Isonzo, where you spend the evening. Today you could choose a longer variation of the route, passing through Udine, probably the most important town in the Friuli region, which is well worth a visit.
Overnight in Gradisca.
Day 7: Gradisca – Trieste (24 miles/40 km)
The Karst accompanies you on your way to the Adriatic coast, and before you arrive to the former Habsburg port of Trieste, it is well worth stopping to look at Castle Duino and Miramare.
Overnight in Trieste.
Day 8: Departure
Individual departure or extension of your stay.
**Possible variation (2 nights in Bled)
Day 5: Bled
Enjoy one day off the bike at the beautiful Lake Bled, situated in a picturesque environment, surrounded by mountains and forests.
Day 6: Bled – Gorizia – Gradisca d'Isonzo (train ride + 25 miles/40 km)
After the transfer over the pass, you encounter the Soca Valley, which is well known to all canoeists and adventure sportsmen. The river accompanies you on the journey to the divided town Gorizia; cycling through the vineyards of the Collio you will reach Gradisca, where you will spend the night.