Discover the highlights of the Alpe Adria, a 470-mile trail system from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea. From the highest summits down to lush valleys, past mountain lakes and aquamarine rivers, hike the trails' most beautiful stretches. Experience memorable landscapes, rich cultures, and local cuisines of three different countries — Austria, Italy, and Slovenia — and encounter landmarks such as the Garnet Gate and mountaintop Sanctuary Monte Lussari. Wrap up in the Italian town of Trieste, with dazzling Adriatic Sea vistas — the perfect ending to an extraordinary trip.
Discover the highlights of the Alpe Adria, a 470-mile trail system from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea. From the highest summits down to lush valleys, past mountain lakes and aquamarine rivers, hike the trails' most beautiful stretches. Experience memorable landscapes, rich cultures, and local cuisines of three different countries — Austria, Italy, and Slovenia — and encounter landmarks such as the Garnet Gate and mountaintop Sanctuary Monte Lussari. Wrap up in the Italian town of Trieste, with dazzling Adriatic Sea vistas — the perfect ending to an extraordinary trip.
Start your journey in Salzburg, one of the most beautiful cities in Austria, if not the whole Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mozart's birthplace, and the setting for The Sound of Music movie, Salzburg has a charming baroque Old Town with a formidable fortress looming above. Meet with your group at 5pm for orientation and welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Hotel-Salzburg, Austria
Meals: Dinner
Set Out on the Alpe Adria Trail
Day 2
After a scenic 2-hour drive from Salzburg, reach Hohe Tauern National Park to take the inaugural hike amidst its alpine meadows and peaks. Enjoy a typical Austrian lunch and then transfer to the village of Heiligenblut at the foot of Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak at 12,461 feet - a perfect starting point for the Alpe Adria experience.
Accommodation: Hotel Laerchenhof-Heiligenblut, Austria Accommodation: The Sagritzerwirt
Activity: 5 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 3-hours total private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head Toward the Pasterze Glacier
Day 3
Hike the first stage of the Alpe Adria trail, beginning in the village of Heiligenblut and ascending towards the mighty Grossglockner and Pasterze Glacier. Wind your way through forests, past waterfalls, along lakes and on steep hairpin bends. End the hike with panoramic views from Franz Josef Hohe, and take a 40-minute shuttle ride back to the village. In the evening, try local dishes featuring lamb and beef, which is especially tender as local farmers take their cattle up to 6,000-foot-high alpine pastures.
Accommodation: Hotel Laerchenhof-Heiligenblut, Austria Accommodation: The Sagritzerwirt
Activity: 6 hours/7 miles with 3,500' elevation gain & 600' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Around Lake Millstatt & to Mount Steinerner Tisch
Day 4
Explore the area around Lake Millstatt, starting with a scenic hike to Steinerner Tisch, a massive stone table that sits 6,000 feet above the lake with stunning panoramic views. Legend has it that giants once lived in the grass-covered mountains here. Stop at the local high alpine farm to sample some of the products. In the afternoon, check into your hotel for a peaceful evening.
Accommodation: Naturhotel Alpenrose-Millstatt, Austria Accommodation: Hotel Pragant
Activity: 4-5 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 2.5 hours total private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover the Path of Love
Day 5
Take in fabulous views as you climb the so-called Path of Love to the Garnet Gate, an impressive Cubist sculpture at the summit that overlooks Lake Milstatt. The hike across lush alpine meadows along the Millstätter Alpe Ridge is a feast for the senses. Afterward, enjoy freshly baked bread with local spreads and salami.
Accommodation: Naturhotel Alpenrose-Millstatt, Austria Accommodation: Hotel Pragant
Activity: 5-6 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 1-hour total private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience Three Countries & a Mountaintop Sanctuary
Day 6
Today experience how the Alpe-Adria trail connects Austria, Italy and Slovenia. Leave Austria for a 1.5-hour drive to Italy to take a gondola ride up to the start of a hike along the charming pilgrims' path to the church of Maria Lussari on Monte Lussari (5872'), and then towards a rocky amphitheater just below Cima del Cacciatore. After lunch with a view, return by gondola and do an enjoyable 1.5-hour hike in the woods along Laghi di Fusine, wrapping it up with gelato. Head towards Slovenia for well-deserved rest near the picturesque ski village of Kranjska Gora.
Accommodation: Hotel Spik-Gozd Martuljek, Slovenia
Activity: 4-5 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain
Transportation: 2-hours total private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Up the Highest Mountain Pass in Slovenia
Day 7
This morning, hike up to Vršic (5,285'), the highest mountain pass in Slovenia with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. On the climb along the scenic alpine trail, you might come across some mountain sheep. Later on, descend into the Soca Valley, following the stream of the turquoise-green Soca River to the town of Bovec. Overnight in a charming hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Sanje ob Soci-Bovec, Slovenia
Activity: 5-6 hours/8 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain & 1,000' elevation loss
Transportation: 2-hours total private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Soca Valley & Triglav National Park
Day 8
Today hike in the Soca Valley, following the Soca River through unspoiled parts of Triglav National Park. Famous for the WWI Battle of Isonzo vividly described in Ernest Hemingway's novel, A Farewell to Arms, Soca is now known as a playground for hikers, cyclists, and water enthusiasts. After sampling local cheeses, end the day amongst the vineyards with some fresh-cut prosciutto and a glass of local red.
Accommodation: Hotel Gredic-Goriska Brda, Slovenia
Activity: 2-3 hours/3.2 miles hiking with 70' elevation gain & 300' elevation loss
Transportation: 2-hours, 45 minutes total private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike in the Valley of Rosanda & End up in Trieste
Day 9
Last but not least, head back to Italy for a 2-hour hike in the Valley of Rosanda. This unique natural reserve is known for its karst landscape and mild Mediterranean climate. End the tour in Trieste, a fascinating city that has been on a crossroads of Latin, Slavic, and German culture for over 2000 years. For the final night together, enjoy a farewell feast of local Italian specialties.
Accommodation: Hotel Savoia Excelsior-Trieste, Italy
Activity: 2 hours/3.1 miles hiking with 660' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Trieste
Day 10
Depart from Trieste Airport, or take a train, shuttle, or taxi to the airport in Venice.
MT Sobek has been leading Alps adventures for over 50 years and the Alpe Adria is one of our most popular long-distance trails.
As befits a "World's Best Hike" we've perfected an 11-day route from Salzburg to Trieste that combines well-paced days with carefully chosen, comfortable lodgings and plenty of chances to unwind.
We work with professional local guides, who are truly the best in the Alps. Many of our Alps-loving guests return to hike with them year after year!
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Miha K.
Miha is a seasoned guide with more than 15 years' experience leading groups through the Balkans-one of the most culturally, architecturally and geographically diverse regions in the world! Miha first fell in love with the nature and cuisine of the region after spending youthful summers exploring the Mediterranean. He enjoys several outdoor pursuits, including mountain biking, trail running, and trekking in the Slovenian Alps. An adventurer by heart, you can hardly find a better person to show you Istrian wine routes, Slovenian hiking trails, and lively Italian piazzas. Meet Miha on MT Sobek's adventures in the region.
Primoz K.
Primoz is a licensed mountain guide with a degree in organizational management, which he very much puts into practice while leading trips! Primoz guides MT Sobek’s Istria to Venice and Alpe Adria trips and has a passion for the whole Balkan region—with a special fondness for the Slovenia Alps. In his spare time, Primoz enjoys rock climbing, scuba diving, sailing, exploring new Alpine trails on foot. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Serbo-Croatian.
Ivana B.
With guiding experience of more than a decade, Ivana has specialized in presenting her home country of Slovenia to visitors from all over the world. Besides being a professional guide, you might find her elbows deep in soil taking care of her plants or working in the garage on one of her vintage cars. As an English double major in linguistics and literature, her language skills are top notch, spiced with a bit of an Aussie twang which stuck with her since the time she spent down under. Her love for travel took Ivana to all corners of the world, from RV road tripping in the southern USA, trekking in Patagonia, camper vanning through New Zealand, 4x4 camping trip in South Africa or a motorcycle tour across the islands of Indonesia.
Start your journey in Salzburg, one of the most beautiful cities in Austria, if not the whole Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mozart\'s birthplace, and the setting for The Sound of Music movie, Salzburg has a charming baroque Old Town with a formidable fortress looming above. Meet with your group at 5pm for orientation and welcome dinner.
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Depart from Trieste Airport, or take a train, shuttle, or taxi to the airport in Venice.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. This is a moderate hike with moderate elevation gain. You should be comfortable hiking 7-10 miles per day over 4-8 hours. Average daily elevation gain is about 1,600 feet per day. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
5 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain & loss
Day 3
6 hours/7 miles with 3,500' elevation gain & 600' elevation loss
Day 4
4-5 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain & loss
Day 5
5-6 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain & loss
Day 6
4-5 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain
Day 7
5-6 hours/8 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain & 1,000' elevation loss
Day 8
2-3 hours/3.2 miles hiking with 70' elevation gain & 300' elevation loss
Day 9
2 hours/3.1 miles hiking with 660' elevation gain & loss
Accommodations
Upscale city hotels, family-run inns, and alpine estates, all renowned for superb hospitality, full amenities, and top service.
Salzburg's Sheraton Grand has a stellar location for walking to the Old Town, Mozarts Geburtshaus (Mozart's birthplace), and other must-see sights. Immediately adjacent to Mirabell Park — the dining room and many guest rooms gaze right into its lush gardens — this internationally renowned hotel has excellent service, great international and local cuisine, and well-appointed rooms.
At the foot of Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain, this family-run hotel has been wowing guests for decades. Every corner of the expansive building offers panoramic valley and high-alpine views. Modern rooms are light, airy, and outfitted with local-timber and natural-material furnishings. The dining room often hosts local musicians, and the spa is a soothing retreat.
When you enter the Naturhotel Alpenrose, you will feel it: Here you can leave everyday life behind and completely relax. Even before its construction, attention was paid to natural materials, which provide a very special atmosphere, for warmth and comfort. The processed wood comes for the most part from local forests. Hand-chopped larch shingles, which were prepared by a Lungau farmer, adorn the façade.
Set in a 16th-century castle, the luxury Hotel Gredic sits in the heart of Slovenia's Brda wine country. The individually decorated guest rooms feature a range of amenities like Wi-Fi, A/C, and private bathrooms with heated floors. The on-site restaurant serves local specialties, the bar offers drinks and snacks, and there's a terrace with views of the surrounding vineyards.
At this stunning property right in the center of town, classical elegance melds effortlessly with a contemporary edge and Italian flair. Most of the elegant rooms — all with marble bathrooms — offer sweeping views over the Gulf of Trieste; some have private balconies. Most of Trieste's attractions are just a walk away.
At this modern guesthouse, accommodation is basic and clean in small, private guest rooms with en suite bathrooms. There is also free wi-fi, TV, and air conditioning.
Nestled in the picturesque heart of Carinthia, Austria, Hotel Prägant offers serene tranquility in a charming family-owned alpine retreat. With 36 modern, spacious rooms boasting panoramic views of surrounding mountains and forests, guests can easily access the abundant natural beauty.
Enjoy delectable Austrian and international cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients at the on-site restaurant, complemented by an extensive wine selection. The hotel also features a pool, sauna, and spa for relaxation. Hotel Prägant promises a great escape for unforgettable memories!
Welcome to the friendly, comfortable Hotel Spik Alpine Resort, located in the picturesque town of Gozd Martuljek! The hotel's 56 rooms exude an idyllic Alpine atmosphere and come equipped with modern amenities such as a satellite TV, a mini bar, a balcony, and free Wi-Fi. Recharge your batteries in their relaxation pools and saunas, or take a dip in their ice pit, and treat your taste buds to delicious Slovenian cuisine at their on-site restaurant.
A family-owned boutique hotel nestled in the mountain village, Sagritz, the Sagritzerwirt is a quiet getaway with a perfect blend of modern amenities and rural charm. Admire beautiful views of the alpine village from your private balcony and enjoy cable TV, a desk, radio, and free Wi-Fi in your cozy room. Savor breakfast in the on-site dining hall, sip drinks at the lounge, or pamper yourself with a wellness treatment at the sauna. Experience the tranquil countryside during your stay here!
Weather
The weather in the Alps is always unpredictable. We could encounter snow in the morning and sun in the afternoon. Bring layers and warm clothes.
Jun
Jul
Sep
Lake Millstatt
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Lake Millstatt
74
55
77
58
67
51
Salzburg
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Salzburg
75
55
78
58
68
50
Trieste
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Trieste
79
65
84
69
75
63
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
You will be met at the airport by an MTS representative and transferred to our hotel in the center of Salzburg.
What happens if my flights are delayed en route?
Please contact your guides at the phone number listed on the trip's Final Bulletin, sent to you 30 days prior to the trip's start date. Our guides will help you to join the group and arrange transfers if necessary.
How does this trip compare to your Tour du Mont Blanc trip?
Our Alpe Adria hike is much easier than our Tour du Mont Blanc trip. There is much less elevation gain and loss, and the days are shorter.
Can I wear trail shoes/cross training shoes on this trip?
No, we highly recommend hiking boots with ankle support for this trip.
What is the food like in this region of the world?
The food is healthy, delicious and diverse. Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and choices of meat, and poultry.
If I want to take a break from hiking, can I skip a day on this trip?
You are welcome to skip a day of hiking, but you must be willing to travel in our van along with the guide(s) as they support the group and transfer luggage to the next night's hotel.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.