Salzburg to Venice
Austria, Italy, Slovenia Bike Tours
Bike Austria, Slovenia, and Italy from the mountains to the Adriatic Sea
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length10 days
- Prices from€1995 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This impressive bike tour from Salzburg to Venice spreads across three different European countries, Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. Each country is positioned at the crossroads of diverse and strong historical and cultural influences.
En route, you witness first hand how the landscape transforms, leading from the foothills of the Alps, towards the warm Adriatic Sea.
Between the two cities, there are 9 days of cycling, featuring wonderful nature, culture, Mediterranean food, and excellent wine, proudly provided by local (yet globally recognized) wineries from Goriska Brda, Italian Colio, and Slovenian Karst, a land often known as the Slovenian Tuscany.
Highlights
- Salzburg
- Venice
- Fusine Lakes
- Kranjska gora
- Bled
- Zelenci Nature Reserve
- Radnova, beautiful Alpine Valley
- Lower Sôca Valley, European Destination of Excellence
- Sôca River, one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe
- Tuscany like landscape of Goriška brda/Collio
- Beach of Lido di Jesolo
Europe at its best!
This tour can also be arranged in the opposite direction.
Don't forget to check out all our bike tours in Italy, Slovenia, Austria, and Croatia!
Itinerary
We advise booking an extra night in Salzburg!
Day 1: Salzburg - Bischofshofen, 34 mi. (54 km)
Day 2: Bischofshofen - Bad Gastein, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 3: Bad Gastein - Spittal an der Drau, 37 mi. (59 km)
Day 4: Spittal an der Drau - Villach, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 5: Villach - Kranjska Gora, 29 mi. (46 km)
Day 6: Kranjska Gora - Bled, 22 mi. (36 km)
Day 7: Bled - Brda (Alpe Adria), 22 mi. (36 km)
Day 8: Brda - Portogruaro, Hills to the Coast, 44 mi. (70 km)
Day 9: Portogruaro - Venice (Lido di Jesolo or Mestre), 43 mi. (69 km)
Day 10: Departure
Day 1: Salzburg - Bischofshofen, 34 mi. (54 km).
Salzburg has one of the best-preserved city centers north of the Alps and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its baroque architecture. It is also, of course, the birthplace of the 18th-century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who some claim is the greatest musician ever born. The city is dominated by the well preserved Hohensalzburg castle, the main attraction of the city. This represents Europe’s largest fortification and probably the most beautiful. Since this tour does not include the first overnight in Salzburg, we strongly advise that you book this so as to enjoy more time in the city of music.The route delightfully leads on a leisurely ride southwards next to the Salzach River, then into the mountains of Salzburg’s Limestone Alps, past numerous natural monuments, high rock faces, and impressive gorges.
This first day is packed with attractions. Glasenbachklamm, the canyon-like valley, is located right at the gateway to the city of Salzburg. The gorge became famous for the discovered fossilized remains. The outstanding reputation of beer brewed by Bräustübl Kaltenhausen is due to the countless travelers who have stopped by over the centuries and spread the word. Those who already miss Christmas can stop at the Silent Night Museum in Hallein, where original manuscripts and documents attest to the creation of the world’s most famous Christmas song, Silent Night! Salt is a big deal in Salzburg, as the city features the world’s oldest salt mine: Bad Dürrenberg.
The Salzach river cut its way through the northern Limestone Alps and created a gorge known as Salzachöfenor (or alternatively Salzachklamm). The route leads along and above the gorge to Pass Lueg. Just before reaching the final destination there are two more attractions to visit, Eisriesenwelt, the world's largest ice cave, and the Hohenwerfen Castle, which sits proudly at the top of a rocky, 113 meters high dome. In Werfen, there is something else also reaching up to the sky, the Obauer Restaurant, which is one of the best in Austria.
Elevation: 460 mDay 2: Bischofshofen - Bad Gastein, 32 mi. (52 km)
On the second cycling day, the route initially leads to Schwarzach through reservoirs along the middle Salzach river and then takes a climb only to enter the Gastein valley later on. The final destination for the day is the town of Bad Gastein, a beautiful place featuring the Gastein Waterfall at its very center. The mountains of the Salzburg Alps are your constant backdrop. In the Gastein valley, the glaciated peaks of the Hohe Tauernmountains can be seen, while other points of interest mainly include various thermal spas, in Dorfgastein, Bad Hofgastein, and Bad Gastein. Entrische Kirche, the largest natural cave in Salzburg’s Central Alps, is a natural monument and a “place of natural power”.
Elevation 570 mDay 3: Bad Gastein - Spittal an der Drau, 37 mi. (59 km)
At the end of the Gastein valley, the bikers hop on the train for a short ride through the tunnel under the Alps (Tauernschleuse). After that, the route continues through the Carinthia region on the southern side of the Alps. The route leads through the Lower Mölltal valley, which is nestled amidst some 3000-meter mountain peaks.Outstanding attractions and rewarding stopping points await on the way, including the wonderful adventurous gorge called Groppensteinschlucht along the Mallnitzbach, the Obervellach town center, the Falkenstein castle, and the Barbarossa Canyon. At the county seat of Spittal, one can find a beautiful renaissance castle by the name of Porcia, which was built in the 16th century in the Italian palazzo style and is sometimes described as the most beautiful Renaissance building north of the Alps.
Elevation: 270 m
Day 4: Spittal an der Drau - Villach, 24 mi. (39 km)
From Spittal, the tour runs along the Drau Bike Path, which is well developed and clearly marked. For most of this stage, you will ride along the right river bank. Many highlights can be seen on the way, mainly those interesting to history enthusiasts and nature lovers, such as the excavations of an early Christian church outside Molzbichl in the lower Drautal valley. The Carantana museum, church, and archaeological open-air exhibition ground form a remarkable ensemble, which gives the visitor an impressive and striking insight into the Early Middle Ages.If in somewhat low spirits, the hot springs in Villach will make you feel rejuvenated. The city, which is quite a gem, captivates a visitor with its easy-going, Mediterranean beat. Here, you can enjoy some truly memorable moments while exploring the old town, strolling through the narrow streets, admiring the modern architecture, watching people at one of the numerous city squares, sitting beside the Drau river, visiting the interesting shops and tasting the local cuisine.
Elevation: 145 mDay 5: Villach - Kranjska Gora, 29 mi. (46 km)
The tour mostly follows the river Gail along the southern side of Mt Dobratsch, with a good part of the route running through the Dobratsch Nature Park. Cycling through small villages, the tour gradually approaches the Italian border, finally crossing it at Thörl-Maglern. The beautiful, unique Gothic frescoes inside the Church of Saint Andreas are extremely interesting in terms of the crucifixion symbolism.Following an abandoned railway line just a few kilometers beyond the border, the tour reaches the town of Tarvisio, one of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s most important ski areas and mountain resorts. Surrounded by the Julian Alps and rich in wide valleys and woods, the town has a modern look yet an ancient soul, full of traditions that are well worth discovering. However, there will be enough opportunity to enjoy Italy at the end of the tour, which now turns towards Slovenia.
Two beautiful glacial lakes can be found just outside Tarvisio. The valley of the Fusine lakes is one of the most fascinating places in the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and the visit takes only a short detour. After crossing the border in Rateče, Slovenia, the route passes the entrance into the beautiful glacial valley of Planica, which serves as a venue to ski flying competitions, and reaches the Zelenci springs nature reserve , one of the sources of the Sava river, which can be found just next to the road. The springs are beautiful in all seasons and at any time of the day, especially at sunset.
The last leg of the tour for the day passes the famous FIS ski slope of Podkoren before reaching the alpine village of Kranjska gora, a very popular ski and outdoor resort situated at the foot of the Julian Alps.
Elevation: 640 mDay 6: Kranjska Gora - Bled, 22 mi. (36 km)
On the sixth cycling day, the tour heads on to Lake Bled, the most famous tourist attraction in Slovenia. From Kranjska Gora, a pleasant cycling road leads to another alpine village of Mojstrana, where the tour enters what is arguably one of the most beautiful alpine valleys in Slovenia, the Radovna river valley. Since the area is part of the Triglav National Park, mass tourism is partially limited here. The valley is very popular due to its beautiful unspoiled nature, with one of the most imposing parts being the 1.6 kilometers long Vintgar gorge. Reaching the final destination of the day, it would be a pity not to visit the famous island in the middle of Lake Bled, featuring a church, or taste the famous Bled cake.Elevation: 330 m
Day 7: Alpe Adria, 22 mi. (36 km)
One of the most beautiful views of the lake opens from the railway station located just above it, where you will board a train again to travel from the heart of the Alps to the warm Mediterranean area of the Central Soča valley. The Bohinj railway, which connects Jesenice in Slovenia with Trieste in Italy, was built from 1900 to 1906, during the Austria-Hungary era, as part of a the new strategic railway called Neue Alpenbahnen, to connect the western part of Austria as well as that of the southern Germany with the then Austro-Hungarian port of Trieste. The scenic ride, which features numerous views of gorges and plains, runs through multiple tunnels, the longest one being over 6 kilometers long.You disembark the train in Kanal, a medieval town with a rich cultural heritage situated on the two banks of the Soča river, which are linked by a bridge. The Soča, which has a distinct emerald green color and is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, is at its most beautiful in the gorge below the town. The Soča valley is the first destination in Slovenia to earn the title of the European Destination of Excellence (EDEN), due to its sustainable development in tourism. The responsible approach is also reflected in the cycling trail arranged along the river and the railway routed along the accumulation lake and running all the way to the Solkan bridge, which offers a view of Mt Sveta Gora. The tour passes the old railroad bridge featuring the largest stone arch in the world.
Passing through the town of Solkan, the Soča flows towards Italy, leaving behind the Alps and the Pre-Alpine world. Just like the Soča, the trail here leaves Slovenia only to enter it once again at the city of Gorizia, having briefly entered Italy turning towards Collio and finally towards the Goriška Brda region.
Elevation: 450 m
Day 8: Hills to the Coast, 44 mi. (70 km)
The last stage of the tour leaves Slovenia and enters Friuli-Venezia Giulia, one of the 20 Italian regions. Although parts of it are heavily industrialized, agriculture is well established here. The small villages, as well as beautiful mansions and villas, speak of the rich historical background, offering a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. After all, Venice is just around the corner.After a descent among vineyards, the small village of Cormons offers the first attraction of the day, i.e. Palazzo Locatelli. A pleasant ride across the plains with hardly any elevated parts leads to the picturesque fortress town of Palmanova, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites tentative list, and continues among small towns, slowly approaching the coastline of the Marano lagoon. The largest lagoon in Friuli-Venezia Giulia is also the northernmost part of the Mediterranean. Almost one-seventh of the lagoon consists of nature reserves established to protect the local flora and fauna. The sole settlement along the lagoon coast is the town of Marano Lagunare. The small village not only has the largest fishing fleet in Friuli, but also the largest fish market in the region.
One of the most distinctive environments in the entire lagoon area, with a notable naturalistic character, is the Foci dello Stella regional nature reserve. The Foci dello Stella reserve covers the delta of the Stella river and the surrounding lagoon area, a lush, extensive reed bed intersected by a tortuous water network that extends gently into the lagoon. The final stage of the day is highlighted by natural heritage sites since the tour passes the Baredi/Selva di Arvonchi woods, a lowland forest of Bassa Friulana, which is what remains of the ancient Silva lupanica, a great forest that once covered the entire plain extending between the Livenza river and the Isonzo (Soča) river.
Elevation: 220 m
Day 9: Portogruaro - Venice (Lido di Jesolo or Mestre), 43 mi. (69 km)
The last day is all about the Adriatic coast. Starting in Latisana, the tour passes a small town of Castello di Brussa featuring a castle, crosses the Livenza river and reaches the town of Caorle with a pretty and colourful historic center and fascinating fishing traditions. After that, the area is packed with beaches, small fishing settlements turned into tourist hubs and other tourist facilities, such as Pra ‘delle Torri Golf Caorle, Foresteria Golf Dlub Jesolo, Aqualandia and many more. This area is known as Lido di Jesolo, a 15 kilometers long beach that closes the Venezia Lagoon from the south, ending just across the famous Lido and the city of Venezia. The lively in-lagoon traffic gives a special feel to the area, offering many opportunities to reach the city of Venice and other famous attractions in the lagoon. This location is where the tour ends, which provides ample time to taste local food and wine or enjoy a swim in the sea.Elevation: 150 m
Day 10: Departure
Want to extend your stay? You can book an extra night in Mestre through us.
If you would like to add Croatia to your itinerary, please ask!
Be sure to check out all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Hotels & Bikes
3 and 4-star hotel and pensions. An upgrade is possible based on availability.
Bicycles
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Self-guided:
- Accommodations for 9 nights in 3 or 4-star hotels/lodging houses
- 9 breakfasts and 9 dinners, featuring regional cuisine
- First aid and snack package
- Free gift
- Luggage transfer
- Scott Contessa 710/720 or Scott Aspect 940 with front suspension, lock, helmet, water bottle, and repair kit (9-day rental)
- Navigation pack: Pre-loaded GPS (one per group or booking), maps, and road-book
- Airport transfer to Venice airport (one group transfer on last tour day after breakfast)
- 24/7 hotline number (support)
- Guided
- Accommodations for 9 nights in 3 or 4-star hotels/lodging houses
- 9 breakfasts and 9 dinners, featuring regional cuisine
- First aid and snack package
- Free gift
- Fully qualified and experienced bike guide for the duration of your trip
- Luggage transfer
- Scott Contessa 710/720 or Scott Aspect 940 with front suspension, lock, water bottle, helmet, and repair kit
- Navigation pack: GPS tracks, maps, and road-book
- Airport transfer to Venice airport (one group transfer on last tour day after breakfast)
- 24/7 hotline number (support)
What’s Not Included
- Electric bike Bergamond E revox with front suspension, lock, helmet, water bottle, and repair kit
- Support vehicle for guided tour
- Lunches
- Beverages with included meals
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2021
Guided: August 30, 2021
A minimum number of participants required to confirm departures. Please contact us and we will check on status of bookings.Please ask if you have a group interested in a guided tour on any other date.
Self-guided: Arrival any day from April 1 through October 2021*Special tours can be organized on any date for a group of a minimum of 2 people. See pricing
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Guided:
Double/twin: $ 3583 £ 2027 $ 3,510 € 2235 NZ$ 3870 kr 23118 $ 2,753 Single room supplement: $ 433 £ 245 $ 424 € 270 NZ$ 467 kr 2793 $ 333Self-guided:
Number of travelers 2 4 6 8 Double/twin $ 3198 £ 1809 $ 3,133 € 1995 NZ$ 3454 kr 20635 $ 2,458 $ 2717 £ 1537 $ 2,662 € 1695 NZ$ 2935 kr 17532 $ 2,088 $ 2541 £ 1438 $ 2,489 € 1585 NZ$ 2744 kr 16395 $ 1,953 $ 2461 £ 1392 $ 2,411 € 1535 NZ$ 2658 kr 15877 $ 1,891 Single supplement $ 433 £ 245 $ 424 € 270 NZ$ 467 kr 2793 $ 333 $ 433 £ 245 $ 424 € 270 NZ$ 467 kr 2793 $ 333 $ 433 £ 245 $ 424 € 270 NZ$ 467 kr 2793 $ 333 $ 433 £ 245 $ 424 € 270 NZ$ 467 kr 2793 $ 333 It is possible to upgrade to 4* in some locations on self-guided tour. Just ask!
Extra Options
All tour dates:
Panniers (set of two): $ 115 £ 65 $ 113 € 72 NZ$ 125 kr 745 $ 89 Electric bike: $ 144 £ 82 $ 141 € 90 NZ$ 156 kr 931 $ 111
Supplements:
Supplement for a guide on non-scheduled tour dates to be shared among participants: $ 2885 £ 1633 $ 2,827 € 1800 NZ$ 3116 kr 18618 $ 2,217 Supplement for support vehicle for non-scheduled tour dates to be shared among participants: $ 3030 £ 1714 $ 2,968 € 1890 NZ$ 3272 kr 19549 $ 2,328
Extra nights:
Salzburg: $ 120 £ 68 $ 118 € 75 NZ$ 130 kr 776 $ 92 Single supplement: $ 48 £ 27 $ 47 € 30 NZ$ 52 kr 310 $ 37 Mestre: $ 112 £ 63 $ 110 € 70 NZ$ 121 kr 724 $ 86 Single supplement: $ 48 £ 27 $ 47 € 30 NZ$ 52 kr 310 $ 37
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
This is a moderate self-guided with support or guided tour that covers 461 km with 3.235 m total climbing. Electric bikes are available.
Airport Info
Salzburg has its own international airport. The airport is located 4 km from the city center. As alternatives, Munich airport is 145 km away from Salzburg and Vienna Airport is 390 km away. The most convenient scenario is to fly into Salzburg and out of Venice.
Local Travel
Public buses go at regular intervals (10-20 minutes) between Salzburg Airport, Salzburg main railway station, and the city center. A taxi stand can be found both directly in front of Salzburg main railway station and the airport terminal.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival.
Recommended
It is advisable to book an extra night in Salzburg upon your arrival as this tour itinerary has Day 1 as the first day of biking. You will want to explore Salzburg!
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.You can also use this field (which has formatting capabilities) to add other information that is needed such as
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Bike Good Place.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
Have you been on this tour?
Please leave your feedback