Friuli: round trip

Welcome to Udine, the capital of Friuli-Venezia Giulia! Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this green city and end your first evening with a real taste of ‘Bella Italia’.

You start your stage on the famous Alpe-Adria Cycle Route and leave Udine heading north. The impressive mountain backdrop of the Carnic Alps rises up before you as you cycle through gently rolling countryside and enjoy wonderful views. A detour to Castello di Colloredo di Monte Albano is well worth it: from here, the view stretches far across the Friulian plain. The route then takes you through Fagagna, a town with medieval charm, before you reach San Daniele del Friuli. The town is not only famous for its world-renowned ham, but also impresses with its picturesque old town, imposing cathedral and striking bell tower.

After breakfast, you leave the hilltop town of San Daniele, famous for its ham, and cycle towards the Tagliamento. The sparkling Alpine river presents itself in fascinating shades of colour and is nestled in a charming floodplain landscape with poplars, alders and willows. You cross an impressive bridge over a narrow section of the river before reaching Spilimbergo. The town is considered the centre of mosaic art and its charming old town invites you to take a worthwhile break. The route then continues at a leisurely pace through picturesque villages to Codroipo.

Just outside Codroipo, Villa Manin, an impressive building that was once the summer residence of the last Doge of Venice, awaits you. From here, you cycle through a varied cultural landscape and follow the cycle path along the Tagliamento towards the coast. In Latisana, a town founded in Roman times with numerous sacred buildings, the sea is literally in the air. A few kilometres further on, the view of the lagoon opens up – a feast for the senses. In the evening, enjoy the flair of the picturesque old town of Marano Lagunare with its narrow streets and maritime impressions. You will spend the night in Marano Lagunare or Lignano.

Your route takes you along the lagoon to Cervignano del Friuli and on to Aquileia. The town impresses with its medieval basilica and extensive Roman excavations, which earned it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. After a thorough tour, follow the Alpe-Adria Cycle Route to the offshore island of Grado. There you can enjoy the lagoon city with its special flair, a refreshing swim in the Adriatic Sea and an atmospheric evening in the picturesque old town.

From Grado, follow the lagoon and cycle through a protected nature reserve right by the sea. Enjoy the fresh breeze, observe the diverse bird life and soak up the special coastal atmosphere before heading back inland. Not far from the Slovenian border, you will reach Gradisca d'Isonzo, a charming town whose history has been shaped by four different eras. With around 6,000 inhabitants, it is a member of the association ‘I borghi più belli d'Italia’, the most beautiful villages in Italy. In the evening, stroll through the atmospheric alleys and end the day with a glass of regional wine in a cosy ristorante.

As you cycle north, you will approach the Slovenian border and delve deeper and deeper into the famous Collio wine region. The gently rolling hills, covered with endless vineyards, look like something out of a picture book. Take the opportunity to taste the fine wines of this region directly at the winery - there are numerous cosy places to stop for refreshments. Before concluding your round trip in Udine, it is worth making a detour to Cividale del Friuli. Stroll through the medieval streets, admire the imposing cathedral and pause at the famous Devil's Bridge - a perfect spot for a souvenir photo. This charming town, steeped in history and atmosphere, is the perfect end to your journey.

Your Friuli tour ends after breakfast. Would you like to spend more time in beautiful Friuli? We would be happy to book additional nights for you.