Slovenia, Austria & Italy: Alpine Valleys

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

Start off your first day in Ljubljana right by having a VBT representative greet you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

After an included breakfast, meet your local VBT representative at the Ljubljana hotel at 10:00 a.m. Please come dressed in cycling clothes and ready for biking. Make sure your luggage is ready in the lobby. If you have brought your own pedals, please have them ready to give to your trip leaders.

From Ljubljana, travel by private motorcoach (approximately two hours) to alpine Italy, where you’ll be treated to staggering vistas of the snowcapped Julian Alps to the south and the rugged peaks of the Carnic Alps to the north. You’ll meet your trip leaders in a countryside setting outside the charming hamlet of Valbruna, Italy. After an included lunch, they will hold a safety and bike-fitting session followed by a warm-up ride. The area is particularly charming and ideal for easy bike rides through the scenic Canal Valley (Val Canale).

This afternoon, explore the main street of Tarvisio, once an important stop on a trade route traversing the Alps to Venice. Its strategic border location has made it a crossroads of languages and cultures among Italy, Slovenia, and Austria. Perhaps you’ll indulge in an Italian gelato, or visit the town’s quaint shops. Later, your small group gathers for a welcome reception and a delectable dinner prepared by your hotel owner.

The Hotel Edelhof is a charming family-run inn set between the surrounding forests and the center of Tarvisio, making it easy to explore everything this small alpine town has to offer.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon Warm-up — 11.7 km (7.3 miles) | Warm-up PLUS — 19.5 km (12 miles)

What to Expect:

Your warm-up ride will start in the picturesque glacial alpine valley of Val Saisera, located in the Julian Alps. Enjoy the sweeping mountain views, as well as the forest’s serenity and magnificent rock faces.

Begin with a downhill coast on a secondary road to the village of Valbruna. On an optional route extension, you can discover the upper Saisera valley, offering breathtaking mountain scenery. Down in the main valley, join the world-renowned Alpe Adria Bike Path. On your way, you will have time to explore Camporosso, one of the oldest villages in the region. Finish your warm-up ride with a loop through Tarvisio, the largest town in the tranquil valley of Val Canale.

Cumulative Distance Range: 11.7 – 19.5 km (7.3 – 12 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the renowned Alpe Adria Bike Path, which enables cycling enthusiasts to ride from Salzburg through the Alps all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Your journey will follow the recently paved rail trail downhill from Tarvisio to Venzone, sometimes traveling through old mountain tunnels opening up on wonderful views of the Val Canale.

At times, you will catch glimpses of the River Fella, a tributary of the Tagliamento. You can pause in the small town of Pontebba, located at the confluence of the Fella and Pontebbana creeks. The railroad line in Pontebba was the target of heavy aerial bombing during World War II, as this was Germany’s main resource for transporting supplies to Italy. During your scenic ride, you’ll pause for an enjoyable local lunch.

Later, you’ll shuttle to the old town of Venzone, which has been restored to its medieval splendor. This excellent example of reconstruction has been declared an Italian National monument. The reconstruction includes the Cathedral of St. Andrea, home to the mysterious Chapel of St. Michele; its famous mummies date to 1647. Prior to burial, these bodies were perfectly preserved. They were so recognizable decades later, some people periodically retrieved the bodies to commune with their dead ancestors. The town is also known for its lavender shops. Later this afternoon, you will shuttle back to your inn.

Back in Tarvisio, enjoy time to relax. Then, join your trip leaders for an Italian wine tasting with a local wine expert. Choose a local restaurant for dinner on your own.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Tarvisio to Resuta — 47.2 km (29.3 miles)

What to Expect:

Today, you’ll follow the incredible Alpe Adria Bike Path through tunnels and over overpasses and iron bridges in the remote Val Canale, an alpine valley with Mediterranean influences. On your journey, you’ll discover villages and small towns or borghi—typical medieval Friulian settlements scattered through the rough mountainous landscape. Descendants of Romans, Germans, and Slavs—the residents of this region—identify themselves as Friulians and speak a language you may see, along with Italian, on many of the signs. You’ll finish today’s ride in the Val Resia, one of the most remote of Italian valleys, before shuttling to Venzone.

Cumulative Distance Range: 47.2 km (29.3 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast this morning, shuttle or ride to Laghi di Fusine (Fusine Lakes). Enjoy an inspiring walk around the lake with breathtaking views of Mt. Mangart. Back on your bike, ride an easy path through a pristine alpine landscape into Slovenia. Your destination is the charming village of Kranjska Gora, famous for its World Cup ski area and an adjacent peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Explore this picturesque ski resort town at your leisure and find a quaint restaurant to have lunch on your own before checking into your hotel.

Later in the afternoon, take some time to settle in and relax, or enjoy a stroll before your small group gathers for a special Slovenian evening in Kranjska Gora. Learn about local folklore, song and dance plus enjoy a cooking demonstration in the village’s oldest house, followed by a dinner of traditional Slovenian fare.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Tarvisio to Kranjska Gora — 31.5 km (19.6 miles)

What to Expect:

Today´s biking is exceptionally scenic, leading you from Italy to Slovenia. You will start off through the Tarvisio Forest Natural Park, the largest state-owned forest and one of the most precious natural areas in Italy. Going up the valley along the river Silizza, you’ll stop at Laghi di Fusine lakes, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk around a lake with breathtaking scenery.

Shortly after leaving the lakes, you’ll cross the border to Slovenia, cycling through the traditional village of Rateče. This village is famous for Nordic skiing and boasts one of world’s largest ski-jump facilities, where numerous world records were set. Your ride will then take you to the Zelenci Natural Preserve and Kranjska Gora. Here you can spend a relaxing afternoon, strolling the town and experiencing its laidback atmosphere.

Cumulative Distance Range: 31.5 km (19.6 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Your alpine adventure continues today with a ride through the Radovna Valley, passing pristine pasturelands. You’ll stop at one of the farms to sample the wonderful alpine cuisine produced in this region of Slovenia for lunch.

Afterward, continue to the storybook setting of Lake Bled. Enjoy an unparalleled experience of its splendor as you circumnavigate the lake by bike. If time allows, you may opt to take a boat to Bled Island—the only natural island in Slovenia and home to the beautiful Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary. Or walk up the hill to Bled Castle, the oldest castle in Slovenia, offering amazing views over the lake.

After your exploration of Lake Bled, shuttle back to Kranjska Gora to relax or enjoy a sauna. Prepare for tomorrow’s bike tour in Austria, Slovenia, and Italy with a hearty dinner at the inn tonight.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Kranjska Gora to Mojstrana — 14.1 km (8 miles) | Kosmac Pass to Radovna — 5.1 km (3 miles)

Afternoon Radovna to Lake Bled — 22.5 km (14 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s biking is easy and relaxing. Start by cycling down the valley along the Sava River, passing typical Slovenian farms with pastures and meadows. At the village of Gozd Martuljek, you’ll admire spectacular views of Mount Špik, or “Needle”—named for its silhouette, as you’ll see. Continue to follow bike path D-2, built over a former alpine railroad, to the village of Mojstrana, where you have an opportunity to visit the Slovenian Alpine Museum. At this point, you will take a short shuttle over the hills to Triglav National Park and the village of Radovna. A moderate biking option is also available through the Kosmac Pass to Radovna.

After lunch, continue biking through the pristine and less-traveled valley of Radovna to your final destination of the day, Lake Bled, where you have time at leisure before shuttling to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 14.1 – 41.8 km (8 – 25 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, your bike tour in Austria, Slovenia, and Italy starts with a scenic spin on an easy bike path that leads through a century-old forest into the country. Beyond a pass—and through the immense limestone wall formed by the Carnic Alps and the Karavanken—you’ll continue cycling along the banks of the Gail River in Carinthia. This region is a scenic paradise of rivers and small emerald lakes set against the backdrop of the Noric and Carnic Alps. En route, you’ll enjoy a traditional Austrian alpine lunch at the Almwirschaft Hut.

This afternoon’s longer option takes you to Wörthersee Lake. Your path follows the valley through deep wooded slopes and sunny cornfields. At times, you’ll catch a glimpse of church bell towers or small villages laid out like blankets at the foot of mountains. For a shorter option, stop and explore the town of Villach and wander the pedestrian streets to shop or sample a local brew. From Villach, take a short train journey to Velden and enjoy a leisurely walk from the train station to your hotel, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Velden is a chic small town known as the little “Monte Carlo of Carinthia” for its elegant promenade, trendy cafés and restaurants, and busy casino. Home to many wealthy families of ancient lineage, it is a town of stately mansions, colorful gardens and refined lakeside restaurants. Your hotel is the magnificent Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden, an ancient castle on the lake’s banks. It was reopened in 2007 after a long and detailed restoration. Condé Nast Traveler has featured it as a “Hot Hotel” and its spa center as the “Hot Spa” of Austria—making it one of the most luxurious and innovative hotels and resorts in the world.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Kranjska Gora to Lunch — 31.7 km (19.7 miles)

Afternoon Lunch to Villach — 21.6 km (13.4 miles) | Villach to Velden — 18 km (11.2 miles)

What to Expect:

You will cycle through three countries in a single day today! Start on a Slovenian rail trail that leads through the enchanting Italian Tarvisian Forest toward Austria. Before the border, your bike path will depart the rail trail to join an ancient Roman road. Entering Austria, you’ll descend into the Gail River valley, stopping en route for lunch at an alpine hut in Dobratsch Nature Park. After lunch, you’ll continue biking along the river to Villach.

In the afternoon, a longer cycling option takes you on a very pleasant bike ride through the Austrian countryside on the popular Drau Cycle Path (Drauradweg) to your hotel on the shores of Wörthersee Lake.

Cumulative Distance Range: 31.7 – 71.3 km (19.7 – 44.3 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Your bike ride today takes you around Wörthersee Lake. On the northern side, Pörtschach is an exclusive tourist resort, beautifully located on a little bay. Continuing to the southern bank, you’ll arrive at the picturesque village of Maria Wörth, which features two little medieval churches and a small peninsula that juts dramatically into the lake. A more challenging option for avid bikers follows the hills south of the lake into a scenic forest. For shorter options, a boat ride across the lake helps you cover ground more quickly.

You may shuttle back to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon swimming, relaxing, or enjoying watersports on the hotel’s private beach. Thanks to the natural hot springs, the waters are sure to be warm and pleasant. Alternatively, you might choose to pamper yourself at the hotel’s luxurious spa center.

In the evening, gather with your travel mates for a festive farewell dinner.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Wörthersee Lake Loop with ferry — 29.4 km (18 miles) | Wörthersee Lake Loop without ferry — 39.7 km (24.7 miles)

Afternoon Maria Wörth to Velden — 20.2 km (12.6 miles)

What to Expect:

Enjoy easy cycling around Wörthersee Lake today. Set off from your hotel in Velden for a bike path on the lake’s more densely built-up northern shore. As you reach the quieter and less-developed southern shore, your route follows a gently rolling road with great views of the lake. You have an option to take the boat from Maria Wörth to Velden (additional cost) or continue the ride around the lake to the hotel. The longer morning option adds a moderate bike route from Maria Wörth over the foothills before returning to Wörthersee Lake and your hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 29.4 — 59.9 km (18 — 37.3 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, VBT’s private motorcoach takes you to Salzburg, Austria (approximately two hours, 45 minutes) for a final overnight stay. Your hotel is ideally located within easy walking distance of all the major sites.

VBT provides you with city information that includes recommendations on what to see and do in Salzburg during your stay.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to the Salzburg airport will be provided (an approximately 20 to 30 minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Meet your local VBT representative and the rest of the group at our Ljubljana hotel at 10:00 a.m.

From Ljubljana, travel by private motorcoach (approximately two hours) to alpine Italy, where you’ll be treated to staggering vistas of the snowcapped Julian Alps to the south and the rugged peaks of the Carnic Alps to the north. You’ll meet your trip leaders in a countryside setting outside the charming hamlet of Valbruna, Italy. After an included lunch, they will hold a safety and bike-fitting session followed by a warm-up ride. The area is particularly charming and ideal for easy bike rides through the scenic Canal Valley (Val Canale).

This afternoon, explore the main street of Tarvisio, once an important stop on a trade route traversing the Alps to Venice. Its strategic border location has made it a crossroads of languages and cultures among Italy, Slovenia, and Austria. Perhaps you’ll indulge in an Italian gelato, or visit the town’s quaint shops. Later, your small group gathers for a welcome reception and a delectable dinner prepared by your hotel owner.

The Hotel Edelhof is a charming family-run inn set between the surrounding forests and the center of Tarvisio, making it easy to explore everything this small alpine town has to offer.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon Warm-up — 11.7 km (7.3 miles) | Warm-up PLUS — 19.5 km (12 miles)

What to Expect:

Your warm-up ride will start in the picturesque glacial alpine valley of Val Saisera, located in the Julian Alps. Enjoy the sweeping mountain views, as well as the forest’s serenity and magnificent rock faces.

Begin with a downhill coast on a secondary road to the village of Valbruna. On an optional route extension, you can discover the upper Saisera valley, offering breathtaking mountain scenery. Down in the main valley, join the world-renowned Alpe Adria Bike Path. On your way, you will have time to explore Camporosso, one of the oldest villages in the region. Finish your warm-up ride with a loop through Tarvisio, the largest town in the tranquil valley of Val Canale.

Cumulative Distance Range: 11.7 – 19.5 km (7.3 – 12 miles)

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the renowned Alpe Adria Bike Path, which enables cycling enthusiasts to ride from Salzburg through the Alps all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Your journey will follow the recently paved rail trail downhill from Tarvisio to Venzone, sometimes traveling through old mountain tunnels opening up on wonderful views of the Val Canale.

At times, you will catch glimpses of the River Fella, a tributary of the Tagliamento. You can pause in the small town of Pontebba, located at the confluence of the Fella and Pontebbana creeks. The railroad line in Pontebba was the target of heavy aerial bombing during World War II, as this was Germany’s main resource for transporting supplies to Italy. During your scenic ride, you’ll pause for an enjoyable local lunch.

Later, you’ll shuttle to the old town of Venzone, which has been restored to its medieval splendor. This excellent example of reconstruction has been declared an Italian National monument. The reconstruction includes the Cathedral of St. Andrea, home to the mysterious Chapel of St. Michele; its famous mummies date to 1647. Prior to burial, these bodies were perfectly preserved. They were so recognizable decades later, some people periodically retrieved the bodies to commune with their dead ancestors. The town is also known for its lavender shops. Later this afternoon, you will shuttle back to your inn.

Back in Tarvisio, enjoy time to relax. Then, join your trip leaders for an Italian wine tasting with a local wine expert. Choose a local restaurant for dinner on your own.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Tarvisio to Resuta — 47.2 km (29.3 miles)

What to Expect:

Today, you’ll follow the incredible Alpe Adria Bike Path through tunnels and over overpasses and iron bridges in the remote Val Canale, an alpine valley with Mediterranean influences. On your journey, you’ll discover villages and small towns or borghi—typical medieval Friulian settlements scattered through the rough mountainous landscape. Descendants of Romans, Germans, and Slavs—the residents of this region—identify themselves as Friulians and speak a language you may see, along with Italian, on many of the signs. You’ll finish today’s ride in the Val Resia, one of the most remote of Italian valleys, before shuttling to Venzone.

Cumulative Distance Range: 47.2 km (29.3 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast this morning, shuttle or ride to Laghi di Fusine (Fusine Lakes). Enjoy an inspiring walk around the lake with breathtaking views of Mt. Mangart. Back on your bike, ride an easy path through a pristine alpine landscape into Slovenia. Your destination is the charming village of Kranjska Gora, famous for its World Cup ski area and an adjacent peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Explore this picturesque ski resort town at your leisure and find a quaint restaurant to have lunch on your own before checking into your hotel.

Later in the afternoon, take some time to settle in and relax, or enjoy a stroll before your small group gathers for a special Slovenian evening in Kranjska Gora. Learn about local folklore, song and dance plus enjoy a cooking demonstration in the village’s oldest house, followed by a dinner of traditional Slovenian fare.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Tarvisio to Kranjska Gora — 31.5 km (19.6 miles)

What to Expect:

Today´s biking is exceptionally scenic, leading you from Italy to Slovenia. You will start off through the Tarvisio Forest Natural Park, the largest state-owned forest and one of the most precious natural areas in Italy. Going up the valley along the river Silizza, you’ll stop at Laghi di Fusine lakes, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk around a lake with breathtaking scenery.

Shortly after leaving the lakes, you’ll cross the border to Slovenia, cycling through the traditional village of Rateče. This village is famous for Nordic skiing and boasts one of world’s largest ski-jump facilities, where numerous world records were set. Your ride will then take you to the Zelenci Natural Preserve and Kranjska Gora. Here you can spend a relaxing afternoon, strolling the town and experiencing its laidback atmosphere.

Cumulative Distance Range: 31.5 km (19.6 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Your alpine adventure continues today with a ride through the Radovna Valley, passing pristine pasturelands. You’ll stop at one of the farms to sample the wonderful alpine cuisine produced in this region of Slovenia for lunch.

Afterward, continue to the storybook setting of Lake Bled. Enjoy an unparalleled experience of its splendor as you circumnavigate the lake by bike. If time allows, you may opt to take a boat to Bled Island—the only natural island in Slovenia and home to the beautiful Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary. Or walk up the hill to Bled Castle, the oldest castle in Slovenia, offering amazing views over the lake.

After your exploration of Lake Bled, shuttle back to Kranjska Gora to relax or enjoy a sauna. Prepare for tomorrow’s bike tour in Austria, Slovenia, and Italy with a hearty dinner at the inn tonight.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Kranjska Gora to Mojstrana — 14.1 km (8 miles) | Kosmac Pass to Radovna — 5.1 km (3 miles)

Afternoon Radovna to Lake Bled — 22.5 km (14 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s biking is easy and relaxing. Start by cycling down the valley along the Sava River, passing typical Slovenian farms with pastures and meadows. At the village of Gozd Martuljek, you’ll admire spectacular views of Mount Špik, or “Needle”—named for its silhouette, as you’ll see. Continue to follow bike path D-2, built over a former alpine railroad, to the village of Mojstrana, where you have an opportunity to visit the Slovenian Alpine Museum. At this point, you will take a short shuttle over the hills to Triglav National Park and the village of Radovna. A moderate biking option is also available through the Kosmac Pass to Radovna.

After lunch, continue biking through the pristine and less-traveled valley of Radovna to your final destination of the day, Lake Bled, where you have time at leisure before shuttling to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 14.1 – 41.8 km (8 – 25 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, your bike tour in Austria, Slovenia, and Italy starts with a scenic spin on an easy bike path that leads through a century-old forest into the country. Beyond a pass—and through the immense limestone wall formed by the Carnic Alps and the Karavanken—you’ll continue cycling along the banks of the Gail River in Carinthia. This region is a scenic paradise of rivers and small emerald lakes set against the backdrop of the Noric and Carnic Alps. En route, you’ll enjoy a traditional Austrian alpine lunch at the Almwirschaft Hut.

This afternoon’s longer option takes you to Wörthersee Lake. Your path follows the valley through deep wooded slopes and sunny cornfields. At times, you’ll catch a glimpse of church bell towers or small villages laid out like blankets at the foot of mountains. For a shorter option, stop and explore the town of Villach and wander the pedestrian streets to shop or sample a local brew. From Villach, take a short train journey to Velden and enjoy a leisurely walk from the train station to your hotel, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Velden is a chic small town known as the little “Monte Carlo of Carinthia” for its elegant promenade, trendy cafés and restaurants, and busy casino. Home to many wealthy families of ancient lineage, it is a town of stately mansions, colorful gardens and refined lakeside restaurants. Your hotel is the magnificent Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden, an ancient castle on the lake’s banks. It was reopened in 2007 after a long and detailed restoration. Condé Nast Traveler has featured it as a “Hot Hotel” and its spa center as the “Hot Spa” of Austria—making it one of the most luxurious and innovative hotels and resorts in the world.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Kranjska Gora to Lunch — 31.7 km (19.7 miles)

Afternoon Lunch to Villach — 21.6 km (13.4 miles) | Villach to Velden — 18 km (11.2 miles)

What to Expect:

You will cycle through three countries in a single day today! Start on a Slovenian rail trail that leads through the enchanting Italian Tarvisian Forest toward Austria. Before the border, your bike path will depart the rail trail to join an ancient Roman road. Entering Austria, you’ll descend into the Gail River valley, stopping en route for lunch at an alpine hut in Dobratsch Nature Park. After lunch, you’ll continue biking along the river to Villach.

In the afternoon, a longer cycling option takes you on a very pleasant bike ride through the Austrian countryside on the popular Drau Cycle Path (Drauradweg) to your hotel on the shores of Wörthersee Lake.

Cumulative Distance Range: 31.7 – 71.3 km (19.7 – 44.3 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Your bike ride today takes you around Wörthersee Lake. On the northern side, Pörtschach is an exclusive tourist resort, beautifully located on a little bay. Continuing to the southern bank, you’ll arrive at the picturesque village of Maria Wörth, which features two little medieval churches and a small peninsula that juts dramatically into the lake. A more challenging option for avid bikers follows the hills south of the lake into a scenic forest. For shorter options, a boat ride across the lake helps you cover ground more quickly.

You may shuttle back to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon swimming, relaxing, or enjoying watersports on the hotel’s private beach. Thanks to the natural hot springs, the waters are sure to be warm and pleasant. Alternatively, you might choose to pamper yourself at the hotel’s luxurious spa center.

In the evening, gather with your travel mates for a festive farewell dinner.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Wörthersee Lake Loop with ferry — 29.4 km (18 miles) | Wörthersee Lake Loop without ferry — 39.7 km (24.7 miles)

Afternoon Maria Wörth to Velden — 20.2 km (12.6 miles)

What to Expect:

Enjoy easy cycling around Wörthersee Lake today. Set off from your hotel in Velden for a bike path on the lake’s more densely built-up northern shore. As you reach the quieter and less-developed southern shore, your route follows a gently rolling road with great views of the lake. You have an option to take the boat from Maria Wörth to Velden (additional cost) or continue the ride around the lake to the hotel. The longer morning option adds a moderate bike route from Maria Wörth over the foothills before returning to Wörthersee Lake and your hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 29.4 — 59.9 km (18 — 37.3 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, VBT’s private motorcoach takes you to Salzburg, Austria (approximately two hours, 45 minutes). You will arrive around noon. Your trip ends here at VBT’s Salzburg hotel. We recommend booking flights no earlier than 3:00 p.m. from Salzburg.

Included Meals: Breakfast