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Drau Cycle Path Family Tour
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
Welcome to the sun-kissed town of Lienz, surrounded by the striking Lienz Dolomites. Spend the first day strolling through the charming town, absorbing the Mediterranean atmosphere and admiring the scenic backdrop, before heading for a rest before the big day.
Hotel in Lienz
After a short train ride across the border to Toblach, begin your journey surrounded by the spectacular Italian Dolomites, near the renowned Drei Zinnen mountain massif. Cycle downhill through the narrow Puster Valley, passing picturesque villages, castles, and gothic churches. The Drau River’s waters create a beautiful landscape, perfect for rest stops. In any of the towns you’ll stop at that, the mix of southern flair and alpine culture will be readily apparent.
50 km (31 mi)
Hotel in Lienz
Follow the Drau River, cycling through cool wetlands and cultivated agricultural landscapes. Discover palaces, ruins, and castles along the way, as well as family-friendly attractions like the adventure pool in Oberdrauburg and the Drau River oasis in Dellach.
40 km (25 mi)
Hotel in Greifenburg
Take a refreshing dip in the fjord-like Lake Weissensee, the highest bathing lake in the Alps, before continuing through blooming wetlands and quaint villages. Enjoy a thrilling slide at the adventure pool in Möllbrücke, then cycle through the “Drauenland” to reach Spittal, where you can visit the “Sportbad Drautalperle” or explore the charming historic center.
40 km (25 mi)
Hotel in Spittal
Depart from the culturally-rich town of Spittal, known for its Renaissance Porcia Palace, and cycle towards the Alps-Adriatic town of Villach. Along the way, pass through agricultural landscapes and small villages, including Molzbichl, which houses a museum on the Carantania people. Once in Villach, you’ll be captivated by the charm of the largest city on the Drau. Spend the first of two nights in Villach and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
40 km (25 mi)
Hotel in Villach
Cycle along the scenic Seebach stream, marveling at the historic castle ruin of Landskron. Admire the pristine waters of Lake Ossiacher See, the green slopes of Gerlitzen Alpe, and the ancient Ossiach monastery. Explore the resort town of Steindorf before completing your loop back to Villach, where you’ll have extra time to explore the town.
45 km (28 mi)
Hotel in Villach
As your unforgettable cycling adventure comes to an end, take some time to reflect on the memories and experiences you’ve collected along the Drau Cycle Path. With a newfound appreciation for the picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and rich history of this beautiful region, bid farewell to Villach and begin your journey home.
Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Description
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.
Location
Things to know
Self-guided cycling tours provide a personalized and flexible approach to cycling holidays. You can explore at your own pace and adapt your route or schedule as you see fit. Our team arranges all details, such as logistics, accommodations, detailed itineraries, GPS routes, and 24/7 support. Thus, you can enjoy a stress-free, immersive experience that offers independence, customization, and authentic encounters with local culture.
Our tours are rated on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5 to help you choose the right adventure:
1/5 – Short daily distances of approximately 30 km. Easy, flat terrain suitable for everyone, including those with no prior sports experience.
2/5 – Daily distances up to 40 km. Some light uphill sections, up to 200 m, but not every day. Suitable for anyone in good health.
3/5 – Daily distances around 50 km. Daily altitude gains of up to 500 m. On days with less altitude, distances may be longer. Ideal for recreational cyclists in good physical condition.
4/5 – Daily distances of 60 km or more. Daily altitude gains of 500 m or more, with some stages reaching up to 1000 m. Designed for well-prepared amateur cyclists who are comfortable with uphill riding.
5/5 – Challenging stages with steep climbs and long distances. Suitable for experienced road cyclists seeking a demanding adventure along with breathtaking scenery.
We continuously strive to find the perfect fit for you. We work with multiple accommodation providers that meet our standards, but their availability can vary, especially during peak season. We can also tailor your holiday according to your preferences and budget, ensuring we find the most suitable solution for your taste.
We recommend booking as early as possible. Many of our tours pass through popular tourist destinations with limited accommodation options. The best-selling tours are often fully booked for the summer before spring arrives.
The ease of accommodating dietary restrictions depends on their severity. Vegetarian options are usual in Austria, but vegan dishes can be challenging in rural areas or smaller towns. Please note that lunch stops are often at traditional establishments that may struggle to cater to special requests outside their standard menu. Keep this in mind during your trip.
Generally, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are the ideal times for cycling, depending on the tour. Summer is also a fantastic choice because Austria has a milder climate, especially in the Alps.
Most tours can proceed even in light rain, provided you dress appropriately. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the peak months of summer, so early starts are recommended. If the weather appears to be particularly unfavorable, we can adjust the tour beforehand. You will be in contact with our support in case last-minute changes are necessary.
Our tours cater to different cycling preferences, whether you prefer road, gravel, or mountain biking. Our cycling experts will consider your experience, preferences, and group dynamics to provide tailored recommendations. Additionally, e-bikes are always an option. If there’s a significant difference in fitness levels among group members, some can choose an e-bike while others opt for a regular bike.
The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. Gravel bikes maintain excellent road performance while allowing you to explore scenic backroads that may be less maintained than main routes. They also tend to offer greater comfort, enhancing your overall experience.
If you’re not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can arrange a rental for you. We offer a wide range of bikes, including road, gravel, mountain bikes, and e-bikes, to suit your tour needs. Simply provide us with your usual bike size and any specific preferences, and we’ll ensure you have the perfect bike for a comfortable ride.
Our bike rentals include the agreed-upon bike, delivery before your tour, and pickup afterward. Additional equipment is also provided, such as a helmet, an extra chain, a basic repair kit, and pedals if needed.
We always pick locations and starting points which are reachable by public transport. Our travel agent will extensively advise you on the most optimal option.
All our tours take place in well-developed areas, ensuring you are always close to essential infrastructure and never isolated. Additionally, our agent is available by phone every day to assist with any emergencies. Your travel materials will also include a list of bike repair workshops with contact information, so you can easily access expert assistance for issues like flat tires and other repairs.
Each morning, you will leave your luggage at the hotel reception, where it will be collected by our taxi service and delivered to your next hotel. Your luggage will typically arrive by late morning or early afternoon. For your convenience, your travel materials will include the contact details and schedules of the taxi services handling the transportation.
Most of our tours are recommended for individuals aged 12 and older who have some cycling experience. However, the Drau Cycle Path is a family-friendly option, as it features mostly flat terrain and dedicated cycling paths away from main roads. That said, younger participants should be confident cyclists, and parents are encouraged to assess whether this tour is suitable for their family.
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