Drau Cycle Path Family Tour
7 days / 6 nights
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Starting point
Lienz
Finish point
Villach
Season
From April to October
Fitness level
2/5
Tour type
Gravel / E-bike
Starting point
Lienz
Finish point
Villach
Season
From April to October
Fitness level
2/5
Tour type
Gravel / E-bike
Highlights
- Experience the sunny and charming landscapes of Carinthia and East Tyrol
- Cycle along the captivating Drau River, with easy and well-maintained paths
- Delight in the southern flair and historic charm of towns like Lienz and Villach
- Enjoy refreshing breaks at pristine lakes and outdoor pools along the route
- Discover regional treasures, such as the impressive Renaissance Porcia Palace in Spittal
Itinerary of the trip
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What’s included in the price?
Self-guided
NOT INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
This 7-day adventure takes you along the Drau River, one of the most popular cycling routes in Austria, and part of the larger Drau Cycle Path network that extends into Slovenia.
The tour starts in Toblach, located just after the Italian border, and meanders gently downhill through East Tyrol, Lienz, and Spittal, ending in Villach.
Throughout your adventure, you’ll encounter historic sites, such as castles, ruins, and churches, as well as family-friendly attractions like adventure pools. The diverse and delicious regional cuisine of East Tyrol and Carinthia is another highlight you don’t want to miss.
Highlights of the journey include exploring the sun-kissed town of Lienz, surrounded by the breathtaking Lienz Dolomites, and visiting the Alps-Adriatic town of Villach, which exudes a delightful charm. Don’t forget to take many breaks in pristine lakes and outdoor pools on the way, and get the energy to cycle onwards.
Throughout the tour, you’ll cycle on well-maintained cycle paths made of asphalt, sand, or gravel, with some shorter sections on low-traffic side roads. Running mainly along the Drau riverbank, the stages are relatively flat and sometimes even more downhill than not. Some stages can also be shortened by taking a train ride.
To ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience, we arrange all of your accommodations and provide a comprehensive itinerary booklet, complete with a GPS track for effortless navigation. We also offer reliable customer support throughout your journey, so you can focus on enjoying the captivating landscapes and charming towns along the Drau Cycle Path.
This family-friendly cycling tour is an unforgettable experience, combining the natural beauty of Carinthia and East Tyrol with the warmth and charm of the region’s towns and villages. Join us on the Drau Cycle Path Family Tour and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Top Places You'll See
From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.
Drau Valley
The Drauradweg long-distance trail runs through Carinthia, linking Austria with Italy and Slovenia. This section of the route follows the Drau River past meadows, forests, and small towns, with gentle gradients suitable for all levels. It’s one of the best ways to experience Carinthia’s landscapes on a multi-day Austrian bike tour.
Villach
Villach is Carinthia’s second-largest city, located on the Drau River close to the Italian and Slovenian borders. It is known for its thermal springs and annual Villacher Kirchtag, Austria’s largest traditional folk festival. The historic center features Hauptplatz square, the parish church of St. Jakob with its 95-meter tower, and riverside promenades. Surrounded by lakes such as Ossiacher See and Wörthersee, Villach is a lively hub of southern Carinthia.
Lienz
Lienz, often called the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” is the largest town in East Tyrol with around 12,000 inhabitants. It has been an important crossroads since Roman times, when the settlement of Aguntum stood nearby. The medieval old town is anchored by Liebburg Castle on the main square, while Bruck Castle houses the Museum of East Tyrol. With its sunny climate and backdrop of the Lienz Dolomites, the town blends Alpine scenery with a southern flair.
Lake Ossiach & Millstätter See
These smaller lakes are loved for their quiet paths and cultural flavor. Ossiach is home to a medieval abbey that now hosts summer music festivals, while Millstätter See offers panoramic viewpoints and calm swimming spots. Both are excellent alternatives for cyclists looking to avoid busier resort areas.
Spittal an der Drau
Spittal an der Drau lies at the meeting point of the Lieser and Drau rivers in western Carinthia. The town’s landmark is Porcia Castle, a Renaissance palace built in the 16th century, considered one of Austria’s most beautiful Renaissance buildings. The castle hosts the annual Komödienspiele theater festival, adding cultural weight to the town’s regional role. With its central location, Spittal has long served as a gateway between alpine valleys and the Drau plain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings & Reviews
5.0 average rating
Had a ball! We rode from Ljubljana to Bled via the mountains - 5 days/4 nights. Daja did a great job communicating with us and ironing out any hitches as soon as they were identified. E-Bikes were great (and v necessary!), accomm was great and the scenery was extraordinary! Being less fit, I wished I had opted for a days’ break at Lake Bohinj. My legs and butt would have appreciated it. Can’t wait to return and do another riding tour with this company!
We did the alps to the adriatic bike tour and let me tell you it was fantastic. The bikes were great, the organization of the company was great, the hotels they picked were (mostly) perfect. We honestly had a 10/10 experience. Our bags were in our hotel room every afternoon we arrived!! We had no issues, the app they use to give you information about your ride and help you get from point A to point B were extremely impressive. We never felt lost, or confused, or off track and we had zero cell service for the most part!!
We did the alps to the adriatic bike tour and let me tell you it was fantastic. The bikes were great, the organization of the company was great, the hotels they picked were (mostly) perfect. We honestly had a 10/10 experience. Our bags were in our hotel room every afternoon we arrived!! We had no issues, the app they use to give you information about your ride and help you get from point A to point B were extremely impressive. We never felt lost, or confused, or off track and we had zero cell service for the most part!!
Had a ball! We rode from Ljubljana to Bled via the mountains - 5 days/4 nights. Daja did a great job communicating with us and ironing out any hitches as soon as they were identified. E-Bikes were great (and v necessary!), accomm was great and the scenery was extraordinary! Being less fit, I wished I had opted for a days’ break at Lake Bohinj. My legs and butt would have appreciated it. Can’t wait to return and do another riding tour with this company!
All available guidance options
Self-guided
Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.
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We are a financially protected company operating since 2014, and with thousands of satisfied customers in the past, we still put you first.We are a financially protected company operating since 2014, and with thousands of satisfied customers in the past, we still put you first.
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