Tandem Bicycle Tours, Inc.
Austria, Slovenia & Northern Italy
Julian Alps
Welcome to Slovenia!
Hotel Fuchspalast, Austria
Some Highlights of this Tour:
This Central European adventure takes us to southern Austria, tiny Slovenia, and northern Italy in the heart of what is known as Alpe Adria: the Alps of the Adriatic sea. Our tour begins in Klagenfurt, Austria, part of the Carinthian Lakes region. After a few days of lakeside cycling, we enter Slovenia, an undiscovered country with the Julian Alps, medieval towns and beautfiul roads for cycling. Slovenia has a unique blend of Slavic, German and Italian cultures. We'll visit Lake Bled, the most photographed location in the country and stop over to explore the capital city of Ljubljiana. Following our time in Slovenia, we enter Italy's Prosecco region, the very top of the boot, home to the world's most popular sparkling wine.
- Enjoy undiscovered Slovenia and the beauty of the Julian Alps, Lake Bled and charming Ljubljana.
- Cycle past idyllic lakes in Austria's Carinthia region.
- Connect with nature as we visit the spectacular Vintgar Gorge.
- Savor the most prized prosciutto from Italy.
- Sample exquisite white wines from northern Italy and Slovenia at our two included tastings.
- Visit one of the world's largest cave systems at Postojna.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cividale del Friuli.
August 27: Arrival Day
After arrival in Trieste, Italy, we shuttle approixmately three hours to Klagenfurt, Austria, on the shores of Lake Woerther for the start of our tour. We'll assemble bikes in Klagenfurt followed by a short shakedown ride. Klagenfurt boasts one of Austria's prettiest old towns and has three times been awarded the prestigious Europa Nostra Diploma for its arcaded Renaissance courtyards which today accommodate modern boutiques, trendy bars, and rustic beer gardens. Tonight we have our welcome dinner to kick off our tour of this Alpine Region of Central Europe.
Lodging: Sandwirth Hotel
August 28: Klagenfurt to Sankt Veit
48 km - 483 m gain
As we leave Klagenfurt we'll immerse ourselves into typical Austrian countryside where farms are surrounded by hills and lush forest. Take time to explore the hamlet of Maria Saal, an important pilgrimage site and center for Christianity since the 8th Century. Cycle by the splendid Renaissance Castle of Hochosterwitz, perched on top of a rocky outcrop. It is secured by 14 defensive gates and has never been captured. Our destination is the charming town of Sankt Veit, the former capital of Carinthia until 1518.
Lodging: Kunsthotel Fuchspalast
August 29: Sankt Veit to Villach
60 km - 608 m gain
Departing Sankt Veit we head out on a quiet country road and approach Lake Ossiach. Enjoy a ride along the northern lakeshore, catching up with the Drava river path that starts in Italy and goes all the way to Serbia where it joins the Danube river. We'll head to the center of Villach, a modern and flourishing city with an ancient history as a crossroads between Austria, Slovenia and Italy and home to Austria's largest traditional fesitval, the Kirchtag, held each summer.
Lodging: Hotel Goldenes Lamm
August 30: Villach Loop Ride
52 km - 544 m gain
Today's loop will take you to secluded Lake Faak. Enjoy rare views as you ride around and make your way to the wider Lake Woerther. The underwater hot springs enhance the lake's allure making it one of the most desired holiday spots of the area. Try your luck in Velden, dubbed Austria's Monte Carlo, and gamble at the lakeside casino. We'll head back to our hotel and enjoy dinner on our last evening in Austria.
Lodging: Hotel Goldenes Lamm
August 31: Villach to Kranjska Gora (Slovenia)
58 km - 940 m gain
This ride takes across three borders in one day: Austria, Italy and Slovenia. Enjoy the perfectly manicured landscape of southern Austria's Carinthia region before you cross the border into Italy, where the Alpe Adria Radweg Cycle Path brings us to the border and market town of Tarvisio. We'll continue through the Tarvisio forest and cross the border into Slovenia. On the dedicated bike path, built on the former rail line, enjoy the views over the Triglav peaks. For greater views over the Alps, an optional ride takes you to the stunning alpine lake – Laghi di Fusine. Your destination today is the peaceful alpine town of Kranjska Gora, crowned by the Julian Alps, where mountain culture comes with a Slavic flavor.
Lodging: Hotel Kranjska Gora
September 1: Kranjska Gora to Lake Bled
55 km - 400 m gain
An easy ride takes us along the Sava Dolinka Valley to the old town of Radovljica, a peaceful, medieval haven. We'll continue to Lake Bled, a true gem of the Alps and Slovenia's leading mountain resort. Enjoy postcard views of the lake. You can hike up to the castle, take a typical pletna boat to the island, or just go for a refreshing swim in the lake. Our sommelier will lead us through a delicious tasting of Slovenian wines before dinner tonight.
Lodging: Hotel Lovec Bled
September 2: Lake Bled Loop Ride or Rest Day
10 km - 200 m gain or 65 km - 1,000 m
Take it easy today and enjoy a short ride this morning, so you can take a hike in the Vintgar Gorge. This easy hike is approximately 3 km (1.8 miles) long and you can connect with unspoiled nature and spectacular views. The mile-long gorge is a high point of the tour and culminates with the Šum waterfall. Head back to Lake Bled in time for lunch and a free afternoon to visit the castle or enjoy more riding to the nearby Lake Bohinj.
Lodging: Hotel Lovec Bled
September 3: Lake Bled to Ljubljiana
70 km, 780 m
We depart Bled and start our day by passing through the town of Kranj. Our first stop is Kropa, a significant metalworking center that served as a hub for worker migration and trade throughout history. After seeing an old iron workshop, we'll continue our ride to the historic city of Kranj. We suggest exploring the city center, which features various monuments, galleries, and museums, including the WWII-era tunnel network. Our last kilometers brings us to Ljubljana, Slovenia's dazzling capital. Ljubljana is a charming city known for its artists, museums, and galleries. With around 300,000 residents, it's among Europe's smallest capitals, making it easy to explore while strolling around its old town. Enjoy people watching from a riverside café before dinner tonight.
Lodging: Hotel Cubo
September 4: Ljubljiana Loop Ride
Rest Day or Short Loop Ride
Take a day off from cycling today and enjoy this vibrant city by strolling through the beautiful baroque main square with ample cafés and restaurant terraces. Cross the Triple Bridge and famous Dragon Bridge, or climb up to the castle for great views over the city. For those interested, we'll plan a short optional ride today.
Lodging: Hotel Cubo
September 5: Ljubljiana to Postojna
62 km, 850 m
Leaving Ljubljana we will ride across the wide southern fertile plains towards Postojna. The region around Postojna is part of the broader Karst Plateau (known locally as the Kras or Carso in Italian), a geologically significant area that gives also the name to the carsic formations typical of limestone plateaus, where the water dug caves and holes during theages. In Postojna the Postojna Cave, is one of the world's largest and most magnificent cave systems.
September 6: Postojna to Gorizia o Gradisca
75 km, 730 m
From Postojna, our ride heads towards Italy through the Vrpava Valley and the last section of the Karst Mountains. Our destination is Gorizia, 2025 European Capital of Culture. Once the preferred Mediterranean city of the Austrian Emperors, Gorizia was divided in two in 1947 by the Iron Curtain – 14 years before the Berlin wall. Concrete walls, fences and barbed wire separated one sector under Italy and the Atlantic alliance, and the other under the Communism of Yugoslavia. Take some time to visit the historical places where the wall was once in place and to consider how much has changed in just the last few decades for those who live here.
September 7: Gorizia Loop Ride
50 km, 500 m
This loop ride explores a mix of nature and culture as you pedal Italian and Slovenian countryside. You’ll experience the renowned wine-producing region of Collio where some of the most exquisite white wines of Italy are produced. Enjoy the architectural charm of local castles and villas as you cycle back to Gorizia.
September 8: Gorizia to Udine
48 km, 257 m
This morning you’ll head to the Hills, known as Colli Orientali, for scenic riding through lush vineyards and rolling hills. This area is renowned for its wine production, particularly white wines like Friulano and Sauvignon Blanc. Upon arrival in Cividale del Friuli through famous Devil’s Bridge, you’ll be immersed in its rich history as a UNESCO World Heritagesite. Enjoy its charm before continuing to Udine.
September 9: Udine Loop Ride to Collio
60 km, 600 m
Today’s ride in the central hills of Friuli features lush greenery and gently rolling hills. Take in the natural beauty of the region as you pedal to San Daniele, home of one of the most prized prosciuttos of Italy. The old curing tradition used only salt, spices, and breezes that blow by night from the Alps and by day from the sea. Back in Udine, make sure to visit the town’s vibrant central square as you admire elegant Venetian palaces, decorated streets, and historic castle. We'll spend our last evening together tonight, reflecting on this delightful and undiscovered region of central Europe.
September 10: Departure
The description listed here is a very good approximation of this trip but the itinerary may change marginally to improve the trip experience. We are now taking bookings for this tour. If you are interested in this tour, please Contact Us for more information or check out our info page to see what's included on a Tandem Bicycle Tour.
Triple Bridge, Ljubljiana
Prosecco Vineyards, Italy
Vurnik's House Ljubljiana
