Reaching the Adriatic and the end of the road!

 Whoever heard of Grado, Italy? We sure hadn't, that is until we learned about the Alps to Adriatic cycle route, which goes from Salzburg to Grado (or vice versa). It's a town of about 8000 residents set on an island in the Adriatic, about 100km east of Venice, joined to the mainland by a causeway. It used to be a quiet fishing village and has a characterful old town centre, but it's now a very popular tourist destination.

Blue dot = Grado, the end of the road for us

All along the Alps to Adriatic cycle trail, everyone we talked to was headed to Grado. If anyone looked lost on the road, locals would shout out "that way to Grado!"

Frank and I arrived in Grado yesterday afternoon. We eagerly anticipated the first glimpse of the lagoon and then the causway that lead us to the town and the seafront, where we high-fived each other and sat down to have a quiet beer as we contemplated the past eight weeks on the road.

We both feel delighted to have been able to complete the journey. The goal was to ride from the North Sea to the Adriatic, and now here we are. Part of us is just a little sad that it's over, nevertheless grateful to have made it safely.

Almost 2900 km total, 46 cycling days, only two punctures (both on Frank's bike on the same day), one new derailleur, six countries (seven if you count driving into Czech) and a load of great memories and experiences.

We have two nights here in Grado in a hotel, and still one more week before we fly home. We'll enjoy that time just being normal tourists (as opposed to abnormal cycle tourists 😉) plus we want to track down some bicycle boxes for the return flights. Our itinerary for the week is still in the works.

Grado's location in Italy

The first actual sign for Grado didn't  appear till Day 7 on the Alps to Adriatic, our second last day on the trail

The historic Piazza delle Liberta in the city of Urine, where we sþayed on day 7, our second last day on the trail

The causeway leading to the town of Grado

We've made it to the Adriatic Sea and the end of our ride

The inner harbour in Grado - the view from our hotel room

A delicious seafood dinner was a great way to celebrate last night

Grado's old centre

Happy, grateful bikers chillin' in Grado tonight



Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 1, 2022 at 5:10 PM

    What an epic adventure Frank and Daphne! Enjoy the rest of your holiday.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJuly 1, 2022 at 5:11 PM

    It's Anonymous Anne McM!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJuly 1, 2022 at 6:39 PM

    Way to go you two!!! Wonderful, can,t wait too see all the pics, safe journey home Audrey

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jiri HJuly 1, 2022 at 9:16 PM

    Congratulations on your accomplishment 🍾🍾

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJuly 1, 2022 at 9:53 PM

    Congratulations you two! Enjoy your week of vacationing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Eva and GeorgeJuly 2, 2022 at 12:04 AM

    Congratulations you two! You are amazing! Well deserved to rest now! Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  7. JirkaJuly 2, 2022 at 10:53 AM

    Congratulations on a happy finish. Enjoy a coffee in Piazza San Marco in Venice. We wish you a happy return home.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousJuly 2, 2022 at 5:00 PM

    Beautiful picture of the two of you

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownJuly 2, 2022 at 9:45 PM

    Congratulations on a wonderful trip! Enjoy some well deserved beers. The photo of Grado's inner harbour looks like a postcard -- enjoying the final week of tourism. -Mike.

    ReplyDelete
  10. JulieJuly 3, 2022 at 9:10 AM

    Congratulations Daphne! Enjoy your last week in Italy!

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousJuly 3, 2022 at 9:24 AM

    Congratulations both of you! Incredible adventurous journey. I love the sunset picture:)

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousJuly 3, 2022 at 11:36 AM

    Wow. What an amazing journey Daphne! Would love to hear all about it some time.

    ReplyDelete

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