This cycling tour has you border hopping through Austria, Slovenia and also features a quick jaunt to Italy for lunch. We'll experience the fascinating influences of Slavic, German and Italian cultures. Join us to relish alpine landscapes with a hint of the Mediterranean. We'll bicycle along idyllic alpine lakes in Austria's Carinthia region and northern Slovenia. Quiet roads and river paths lead us through picturesque villages, traditional farmhouses, imposing medieval castles and cozy hotels. We'll introduce you to some of Europe's most overlooked and pleasant cities.
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.
Lake Ossiach, Drava river path , Tarvisio, Klagenfurt, Villach, Lake Faak, Lake Bled, Border hopping between Austria, Slovenia, Julian Alps
Keep in Mind: We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
We use charming and modern hotels but A/C or fans may not always be available since they haven't been needed traditionally. Read more on the use of air conditioning in Europe here.
We use a number of bike paths on this trip which means that the support van is less readily available.
Includes
8 days, 7 nights accommodation; meals as noted in itinerary; and the usual (see below).
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
Arrive / Depart
Klagenfurt Airport (KLU), Vienna International Airport (VIE), Munich Airport (MUC), Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU/LJLJ)
DAY 1: Meet in Klagenfurt on the shores of Lake Woerther
Highlights: Gateway to Lake Woerther; beautiful city center; welcome dinner
Meet us today in Klagenfurt on the shores of Lake Woerther. Arrive in Klagenfurt a bit early to enjoy the hometown to Gustav Mahler and Robert Musil. Klagenfurt boasts one of Austria's prettiest old towns and was thrice awarded the prestigious Europa Nostra Diploma for its arcaded Renaissance courtyards which today accommodate modern boutiques, trendy bars, and rustic beer gardens.
Highlights: Lake Ossiach, Feldkirchen, idyllic countryside.
Our ride today takes us through beautiful countryside along small lakes before arriving in the larger town of Feldkirchen with its quaint square where you'll be tempted to stop for a coffee. Continue on then to Lake Ossiach, nestled between the Gerlitzen Mountain and the Ossiacher Tauern mountain range. It is the third largest lake in this region and unique in that the lake's water temperatures reach up to 28C (82F) in summer. A perfect place for a swim after a day on the bike!
Highlights: Lake Ossiach, Villach, Drava River bike path, Lake Faak
Catching up with the Drava river path, 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. For our September 2023 tour, we will call this our home for the next two nights. We will be staying at a charming boutique hotel overlooking the river, and a stone's throw from the ancient center. For the June 2023 tour, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Faak await us for an afternoon of relaxation or water sports after we catch a ferry to our hotel.
The Sept 2, 2023 departure is staying at the Hotel Goldenes Lamm.
Highlights: Drava river bike path, Velden Castle, Lake Woerther riviera
Today you'll take a loop ride to Lake Woerther, where you can 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 together on our last evening in Austria.
The Sept 2, 2023 departure is staying at the Hotel Goldenes Lamm.
DAY 5: Bicycle across three borders in one day: Austria, Italy and Slovenia
Highlights: Forest roads, mountain surroundings, Tarvisio, forest of Tarvisio
Enjoy the perfectly manicured landscape of southern Austria's Carinthia region before you cross the border into Italy, where a Rails to Trail bike path leads you to the border and market town of Tarvisio. We'll continue through the Tarvisio forest and cross the border into Slovenia on a dedicated bike path built on a former rail line. Your destination today is the peaceful alpine town of Kranjska Gora, crowned by the Julian Alps, where mountain culture comes with a Slavic flavor.
Highlights: Ski jumps, Italian lakes, stunning high mountain scenery, charming hamlets
Today is a rest day. And you can choose to hang out in Kranjska Gora or ask your Tour Leaders to recommend a hike, taking in the characteristic Slovenian hayracks, now preserved as part of the national heritage. If you want to get on the bike there is an optional ride that will take you back into Italy to the stunning alpine lake - Laghi di Fusine. On the way back the route takes you by one of the biggest ski jumps in the world near Planica, where the ski-flying world championships take place every year. You can simulate the ski jump attached to a zip line if you are feeling extra adventurous.
Highlights: Tito's summer residence, Otok Island, Bled Castle, wine tasting
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, Slovenia's leading mountain resort. Our hotel offers postcard views of the lake and handy access to the path around 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.
Highlights: Lake Bled, Bled Castle, Kremna Rezina cake
Our tour ends this morning, we hope you'll consider staying a few days to explore Lake Bled and its surroundings and find the perfect Kremna Rezina cake!
Meeting time 2 p.m. - on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the itinerary.
Note: As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
We recommend flying into Klagenfurt Airport (KLU). You can also fly into Ljubljana (LJU) or Munich (MUC).
Flying into Klagenfurt:
Taxi from the airport to the Day 1 Hotel (20 min/EUR 20)
Flying into Ljubljana:
Private transfer (1 hour/EUR 200)
or Public transportation:
Taxi from the Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana Central Station (35 min/EUR 30-45)
Train From Ljubljana to Klagenfurt Hbf (3-4 hours/Fares vary)
Taxi From the Klagenfurt Central Station to the Day 1 Hotel (10 min/EUR 10)
Flying into Munich:
Munich central station has direct train connections to Klagenfurt central station (5 hours/fares vary)
For more travel planning tips, including our packing lists, visit our Travel Planning Pages.
Day 8: Departure Information
Lake Bled
Your trip ends on the final day after breakfast.
The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio.
We recommend flying out of Ljubljana (LJU). You can also fly out of Klagenfurt Airport (KLU).
Flying out of Ljubljana:
Taxi from the ending hotel to the Ljubljana Airport (30 min/EUR 30-60)
or Public transportation:
Taxi from the Ending Hotel to the Lesce-Bled train station (10 min/EUR 15)
Train from Lesce-Bled to Ljubljana Airport (1.5 hours/ EUR 5-15)
Flying out of Klagenfurt:
Taxi from the ending hotel to the Klagenfurt Airport (80 min/EUR 140)
or Public transportation:
Train from Lesce-Bled to Klagenfurt (1.45 hours/fares vary)
Taxi from Klagenfurt central station to Klagenfurt airport (20 min/EUR 20)
Keep in Mind
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
We use charming and modern hotels but A/C or fans may not always be available since they haven't been needed traditionally. Read more on the use of air conditioning in Europe here.
We use a number of bike paths on this trip which means that the support van is less readily available.
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To do right after you booked!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation and After you Book Information (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country.
Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
Begin your chosen training program.
Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.
We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).
Day of Your Flight
Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!
What to Expect on Tour
Classic Tour Style
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.
This tour exceeded my expectations. The scenery was magnificent, food terrific, definitely an experience plus.
Bonnie A., Wall Walla, WA - Sept 2019
This tour exceeded my expectations. The scenery was magnificent, food terrific, definitely an experience plus.
Bonnie A., Wall Walla, WA - Sept 2019
Great way to see the beautiful countryside of Austria and Slovenia. So much better than going to just the big cities, and biking speed is the perfect pace. Favorite things - the long ride that took us through Austria, Italy, and Slovenia; and entire experience staying at the hotel on the island on the lake.
Matt C., Lawndale, CA - June 2019
Up to the standard of the best cycle tours we have done.
I can''t suggest any improvements.
Lynton C., Kaiaua, NZ
Overall excellent. Exceeded my expectations. Very well organized, excellent guides, nice route, interesting countryside, some beautiful hotels, nice pace.
Anne L., Gabriola, Canada - September 2017
Cycling through forests, farms, villages with beautiful vistas of lakes and mountains. The most beautiful tour I''ve ever ridden.
Cathy W., Denver, CO - June 2017
Fabulous guides, back country biking thru farmland and woods with views of the Julian Alps, lots of lakes, streams and rivers, great fun going from country to country with a guide from each country, delicious local cuisine, wonderful ending in the charming capital of Ljubljana, charming hotels with welcome planning of two nights in three of the hotels, good distribution of rooms among guests, interesting introduction to history and culture.
Lenore L., Weston, MA
Spectacular. Life changing.
Verdi D., Wynnewood, PA
Outstanding trip, exceptional guides, wonderful selection of activities and places to stay. Really fun with friends.
Janet S., Boulder, CO
Beautiful country side in both countries; many miles of safe bike paths. Now, one of my favorites among my first 21 ExperiencePlus! tours.
Dave F., Columbia, MD
Wonderful trip through lovely countryside...challenging for me (but not for most others!)...great staff support...fabulous bicycle!
Anne V., Edgartown, MA
It was great! Super scenery, great roads with lots of safe bike trails and village roads. Excellent leaders. It felt wonderful every day to be on the bike. Love those arrows! Slovenia was a wonderful discovery.
Linda Z., Sherborn, MA
What was your favorite experience on this trip?
It is a toss up between the soup cooked in the outdoor caldron and schnapps tasting in Podkoren and the carriage ride around Lake Bled. The tour had everything from casual fun to sophisticated splendor! It was an excellent trip!
Kathy V., Roseburg, OR
Incredible scenery, wonderful bike paths, just the right amount of mileage, and excellent hotels. A week of thoroughly enjoyable riding. And the bikes are wonderful.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Hilly
Very hilly
Mountainous
Cycling the Lakes of Austria and Slovenia Plus! Ljubljana
Bicycling Secret Bavaria Plus! the Austrian Alps
Bicycling the Danube Passau to Vienna
