What equipment do I need to bring?

The basics include sturdy hiking boots, a comfortable backpack, weather-appropriate clothing, and a water bottle. For some tours, you might also need specialized equipment like hiking poles, which you can find recommended in the What To Bring section on each of our tours.

How do I get to the starting point of the tour?

Most of our tours begin in locations that are easily accessible via public transportation. Whether in Europe, the Americas, or other regions, the starting points are typically near major airports, train stations, or bus stops. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to reach the start of your tour using public transport options. If you prefer more convenience, we can arrange private transfers directly from the airport or train station to your starting location for an additional charge.

Is accommodation included in the tours?

Yes, accommodation is included in all of our tours. We carefully select hotels, guesthouses, and mountain huts that offer comfort and a welcoming atmosphere after a day of hiking.

What is the accommodation like on a walking tour?

Typically, you'll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels, guesthouses, or mountain huts in more remote areas. Please note that in the mountain huts, accommodations are often shared, with dormitory-style rooms, though some huts offer private rooms if booked well in advance.

Can I upgrade the accommodations?

Yes, accommodation upgrades are generally possible for most hotels or B&Bs. In the case of mountain huts, there are usually no other options nearby. However, you can book a private room instead of a dormitory if you are early enough.Please note that upgrading accommodations will affect the final tour price.

What is the tourist tax?

Tourist tax is a small fee charged by some destinations, ranging from €0.50 to €2.50 per night. It is commonly included in your final accommodation bill. However, in some cases, it may need to be paid in cash on-site.

What is luggage transfer?

Luggage transfer means your baggage is transported from one accommodation to another throughout the tour. It comes convenient on most of our tours except the location-based ones, as it lessens the burden on your back during the hike and allows you to bring additional luggage.Please note that luggage transfer is not possible on all treks.

Will my luggage be transported?

Luggage transfer is not possible in every location, especially on high-altitude treks. Therefore, we don't include it by default. However, you can optionally add it to your booking on the tours where it's doable.Please note that adding the luggage transfer affects the final price of the hiking tour.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each transfer allows only one bag per person, which must be soft. The maximum weight permitted is 15 kg. Additionally, bags must not contain food, beverages, medicines, valuables, money, or official documents.

What does a typical day look like on a walking tour?

Every day on a hiking tour begins in the same way: with breakfast. Then, it differs between the tour types. On hut-to-hut or inn-to-inn hikes, you must leave the accommodation early enough to reach your next lodging within the check-in window. On center-based hikes, you can leave and return anytime (barring any additional instructions from the accommodation). You can even opt out of hiking and stay in. On travel & hike tours , you might initially have to drive or take public transportation to the hike's starting point before moving on to your next accommodation. After hiking, you can spend the rest of the day as you please.

What if the weather changes unexpectedly during my hike?

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. We closely monitor conditions and will inform you if changes are necessary. As long as you dress accordingly, you can do most of our hikes in light rain. In case of severe weather and storms, we’ll advise you on alternative routes, suggest less strenuous hikes, or offer public transport options.

What happens if I need help on the trail?

Our support is available to solve minor issues. Additionally, your digital guidebook will include a contact for the local emergency services in the case of a severe crisis.

Can you accommodate my food restrictions?

Buffet breakfasts in hotels or guesthouses offer enough variety to accommodate vegetarians and vegans. Mountain hut meals are more limited but usually include at least one vegan option. For strict dietary restrictions, you should consider bringing your own food.If you have particular dietary expectations, you must inform us in advance.

Can I extend my trip?

Absolutely! You can extend your holiday by adding extra lodgings to your booking before, during, or after the tour. We will book the additional nights of accommodation and provide recommendations to make the most of your extended stay.

Are meals included in the price?

Aside from some exceptions in remote places, your booking encompasses half-board accommodation in mountain huts and accommodation with breakfast in hotels, guesthouses, or B&Bs. We provide lunch and dinner recommendations for the latter, allowing you to experience the local cuisine according to your taste instead of eating at the hotel.

Will I have cell reception in the mountains?

It varies, but as a rule of thumb, you should expect poor mobile reception on our high-altitude hikes. Nonetheless, our travel material and GPS-navigation app can be used offline, ensuring you are fully prepared for any situation.

Of course. We even curated a selection of hiking tours most suitable for solo travelers .

Are these tours kid-friendly?

It depends on their age and experience, but we also picked several tours suitable for families with children of all ages and levels of experience.

River with turquoise water, green mountains, and bright flowers in foreground

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Drau Cycle Path Family Tour

7 days / 6 nights

Embark on a family-friendly cycling adventure along the picturesque Drau River Valley, exploring quaint towns and enjoying refreshing dips in idyllic lakes.

Starting point

Lienz

Finish point

Villach

Season

From April to October

Activity level

2/5

Bike type

Gravel / E-bike

Embark on a family-friendly cycling adventure along the picturesque Drau River Valley, exploring quaint towns and enjoying refreshing dips in idyllic lakes.

Starting point

Lienz

Finish point

Villach

Season

From April to October

Activity level

2/5

Bike 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

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.

Gallery

River with turquoise water, forested mountains, and bright flowers on a wooden railing.

Bicycle touring by turquoise river with forested cliffs and blue sky

Accommodation

Hotel Sonne Lienz

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

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.

Gallery

Cycling

50 km (31 mi) and 80 m (260 ft) of elevation gain / 640 m (2,100 ft) of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel Sonne Lienz

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

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.

Gallery

Cycling

40 km (25 mi) and 160 m (525 ft) of elevation gain / 200 m (655 ft) of elevation loss

Accommodation

Vacation apartment in Waldheim with wood siding, snow, and mountains under blue sky

Ferienwohnung Waldheim

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

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.

Gallery

Cycling

40 km (25 mi) and 240 m (790 ft) of elevation gain / 320 m (1,050 ft) of elevation loss

Accommodation

Brightly lit hotel room with wood floor, double bed, and frosted door featuring a leaping figure.

Garden seating area with modern chairs, red maple tree, and large mountains in background

Erlebnis Post

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

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.

Gallery

Cycling

40 km (25 mi) and 70 m (230 ft) of elevation gain / 130 m (425 ft) of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel room bed with green tufted headboard, white linens, and orange accent pillows

White historic building facade with "PALAIS 26" signage and arched windows under a clear blue sky.

Hotel Palais26

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

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.

Gallery

Hikers on grassy slope overlooking forested mountains and blue lake valley on sunny day

Cycling

45 km (28 mi) and 280 m (920 ft) of elevation gain / 280 m (920 ft) of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel Palais26

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

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.

Gallery

Riverfront buildings reflecting in bright blue water with mountains in Villach, Austria.

Drau Cycle Path Family Tour

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What’s included in the price?

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.

INCLUDED

Tour design and organization

Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions

6 nights in a 3* hotels with breakfast

Service and support during your tour

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Luggage transfer

NOT INCLUDED

Train tickets

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Accomodation upgrade

Airport transfer

E-bike

Gravel bike

Regular bike

Single supplement

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.

View of Lake Ossiacher See, lake in carinthia in south of Austria

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.

Our Bikes

To ensure the best possible experience on your cycling adventure, we offer top-quality bikes for rent. Our fleet features the latest models, meticulously maintained for both performance and comfort.

To match each rider with the right equipment, our team will also assist you in selecting the most suitable bike based on your physical profile, personal preferences, and the technical requirements of the tour.

Black gravel bike with drop handlebars and knobby tires isolated on white background

Gravel Bikes

Best for: Mixed-surface rides, backroads, and light trails

These are premium gravel bikes built to handle a mix of paved and unpaved terrain. They come with wider tires for extra grip, disc brakes for reliable stopping, and stable geometry that keeps things comfortable on longer rides. A great choice for exploring backroads, forest trails, or varied surfaces with confidence and ease.

Blue trekking e-bike with rear rack and fenders isolated on white background

Touring E-Bikes

Best for: Comfortable trekking, touring, longer distances, and hilly routes

These pedal-assist electric bikes are designed to make riding easier and more enjoyable—especially on longer or hillier routes. They come with powerful mid-drive motors, long-lasting batteries, and comfortable riding geometry for smooth support across varied terrain. With intuitive controls and quality components, they’re a great choice for riders who want extra assistance without giving up the feel of a real ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Of course. We aim to make your decision as easy as possible. Therefore, we crafted several selections targeted at particular groups of hikers – Best for Beginners, Best for Advanced Hikers, Mountain Hikes, Pilgrimages, Classic Treks, etc.

If you remain unsure and overwhelmed, you can fill out this form or book a call with us, and we can help you directly.

The sooner, the better! Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot, especially on popular routes where accommodations in remote areas can fill up quickly. For tours like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via, it's best to book several months ahead, as these areas have limited availability in mountain huts.

However, for some of our less-traveled tours, it's possible to book just a few weeks in advance, though availability and comfort may be more limited, particularly in remote areas with fewer options. To ensure you have the best experience, we always recommend booking early, especially during peak hiking seasons.

Our tours offer flexible starting days, allowing you to begin whenever suits you.However, for some of our most popular routes, like the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and Alta Via, we have selected departure days due to high demand and pre-booked accommodations.Be sure to check the specific requirements for these tours.

We offer a variety of tours suitable for different fitness levels and technical abilities. Some of them require no prior hiking experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, we have the perfect route for you. You can find more information in our Hiking Difficulty Guide, and we also have dedicated sections for Best for Beginners and Best for Advanced Hikers to help you choose the suitable tour.

The fitness level is based on a scale determined by our hiking experts. It varies depending on the tour and defines the selected hiking tour's physical requirements in comparison to others. For a detailed overview, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

The technical demands of each hike differ. The technical-level scale defines the technical requirements of each tour in comparison to others, ranging from basic walking to scrambling or using specialized equipment. For a more in-depth explanation of the five levels, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

Most of our tours are self-guided, meaning you have the freedom to explore at your own pace without being tied to a group schedule. We provide detailed digital guidebooks that include maps, route notes, and GPS files to ensure a smooth experience.

You can learn more about the concept by reading Self-Guided Tours Explained. We include a guide only for the most challenging treks, like the Triglav Summit Climb.

We provide a comprehensive digital guidebook with maps, route notes, accommodation details, and emergency contacts. Our support will be available during the tour. However, you'll have all the information you need to enjoy your hike independently.

Check out how self-guided tours work in more detail and an example of our digital guidebook here.

Ratings & Reviews

+105

Jek Cooper

Verified customer · 4 days ago

We loved our cycling trip! Cycling Holland were very helpful and responsive. We chose regular bikes and cycled over 5 days from Amsterdam to Bruges. The bikes were excellent - good quality and no issues at all. Our luggage arrived before us each day. The bike paths in The Netherlands are exceptional, we felt safe at all times, even when cycling in/out of big cities. If deciding between regular bikes or e-bikes, consider the wind in The Netherlands. We were on regular bikes and on a couple of days the wind slowed our pace down to around 10km/hr. It was a super fun adventure, we’ll definitely be back for another one!

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Mystie Pineda

Verified customer · 5 months ago

I found this place with a simple Google search, and I never could’ve expected the custom experience I received. They provided options to help my husband and I hone in on exactly what we wanted to do for our honeymoon. We had perfectly curated GPS-lead rides all across the country, they booked all of our hotels, and planned all of our transportation. Every place that we went was so beautiful. I’m so grateful that we found this company to help us plan our honeymoon, couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Mountain bikes parked near blue and white crosswalk in European alpine village street

Wet, narrow street in a European town leading to a church spire, backed by a forested mountain.

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River flowing through a European town with historic buildings and forested mountains in the background.

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Bill Wright

Verified customer · 5 months ago

I was able to tailor a bike tour itinerary along the Adriatic coast that suited our group during the shoulder season. We added individual pre and post-trip activities which went smoothly. Our trip included stops in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. The trip planner, guide and support team were great.

Group posing in front of Pula Arena with a stone wall and parked car.

barney barnhart

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Brilliant planning, great communication, terrific hotels and accommodations, interesting cities and beautiful scenery plus amazing routes.

Black and white cat with green eyes looking up from light gray tiled floor

Maroon gravel bike resting against a low stone wall in grassy terrain

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Gravel bike with rear rack and phone mount resting against a dry-stacked stone wall outdoors.

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John Woeste

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Highly recommend the bike trip from Bled to Pula. It was well planned. We did a small group self-supported. Big fun. Bikes, hotels, route selection and communication with the company was great.

Cyclist riding on dirt path under green leafy archway toward open field

Cyclist with panniers riding up a narrow cobblestone street in a historic town.

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Toasting with white and red wine glasses outdoors with greenery in the background

Alison Booth

Verified customer · 6 months ago

I would highly recommend anyone doing this tour take the e-bike option. There were only 3 of us on our tour who completed this on regular bikes. Four others who started out on regular bikes swapped over to e-bikes after the first day. The climbs are long and steep. There is pretty much only up or down, not much flat or undulating road. It is doable, but very challenging. If you are on an e-bike then this also helps with the group staying together and no-one having to wait too long for others to catch up. The bikes were really good and had great gearing that was capable of handling the steeper climbs. When we booked we were unaware that we would be riding in a group of 20plus at all time. Thankfully our group had prior group riding experience but we did observe other large groups with less than desirable riding behaviours.Others in our group were extremely understanding and supportive. Our guide, David, was very adamant about staying safe on the road. He was flexible with the itinerary and made changes to suit the weather conditions and to ensure we got in as much riding as possible. He was vey knowledgeable about Croatian history and agriculture and taught us lots about the country he is so passionate about. Our captain, Tolma, was also amazing and along with his awesome crew, made our cruise an enjoyable experience.

View from sailboat bow approaching coastal town with white buildings and green hills under blue sky.

Sailboat on the water during a vibrant orange and yellow sunset over the sea.

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Large sailboat named Toma loading bicycles from a dinghy near a forested coastline.

Jek Cooper

Verified customer · 4 days ago

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Bill Wright

Verified customer · 5 months ago

John Woeste

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Highly recommend the bike trip from Bled to Pula. It was well planned. We did a small group self-supported. Big fun. Bikes, hotels, route selection and communication with the company was great.

Show all 3 photos

Mystie Pineda

Verified customer · 5 months ago

Show all 19 photos

barney barnhart

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Brilliant planning, great communication, terrific hotels and accommodations, interesting cities and beautiful scenery plus amazing routes.

Show all 11 photos

Alison Booth

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Show all 3 photos

Drau Cycle Path Family Tour

Highlights

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Lienz

Day 2: Toblach – Lienz

Day 3: Lienz – Greifenburg

Day 4: Greifenburg – Spittal

Day 5: Spittal – Villach

Day 6: Around Lake Ossiacher

Day 7: Departure

Loved the Itinerary?

Loved the Itinerary?

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

INCLUDED

NOT INCLUDED

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Top Places You'll See

Our Bikes

Frequently Asked Questions

You have too many options. Is there any way I can narrow down the selection?

How far in advance should I book my walking tour?

Do I need to book specific start dates?

Do I need prior hiking experience?

What is the fitness level?

What is the technical level?

Are your tours guided?

I booked a self-guided tour. How does it work?

Ratings & Reviews

Jek Cooper

Mystie Pineda

Bill Wright

barney barnhart

John Woeste

Alison Booth

Jek Cooper

Bill Wright

John Woeste

Mystie Pineda

barney barnhart

Alison Booth

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Unbeatable Support

Book with Confidence

Local Experts

Have questions? Talk to us.

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Lienz

Day 2: Toblach – Lienz

Day 3: Lienz – Greifenburg

Day 4: Greifenburg – Spittal

Day 5: Spittal – Villach

Day 6: Around Lake Ossiacher

Day 7: Departure

Loved the Itinerary?

Loved the Itinerary?

Ratings & Reviews

Jek Cooper

Mystie Pineda

Bill Wright

barney barnhart

John Woeste

Alison Booth

Jek Cooper

Bill Wright

John Woeste

Mystie Pineda

barney barnhart

Alison Booth

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