Cycling Friuli Venezia Giulia

Relaxing and Scenic Riding along the Alpe Adria Bike Path

Friuli Venezia Giulia (often shortened to Friuli) is a border region tucked between Slovenia and Austria where one will find the cultural imprints of all three countries.

We at Tourissimo have a deep affection for the emerging region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, making it one of our most sought-after tours.

Over the years, this region has been occupied by various European powers and as such has developed a unique language and culture. The political border has shifted a number of times while the physical border of the Julian Alps has stood still, and a timeless subculture typical of the practical life of mountain regions developed. On the other hand, the Adriatic coast has been bustling with trading activities since Roman times. We'll see for ourselves both of these aspects with the Tagliamento River Valley and Collio wine production area in between.

The first part of the tour will descend from Tarvisio along the Tagliemento River Valley via the Alpe-Adria Bikeway. We take advantage of this great cycling infrastructure as much as possible (It’s very well known in Europe and one of the first long-haul rail-to-trail projects) and for the rest of the way, we'll be on secondary country roads with many interesting and tasty stops. The riding is fairly easy on this tour and you have the possibility to rent an E-bike or to add some extra miles to top off your day.

We are fond of Friuli not just because it is cycling heaven, but also because it is a must-visit destination for gourmands and wine lovers and is finally being recognized as such. Some recipes and products might ring a bell (prosciutto di San Daniele, polenta served in many ways), but some others are unknown and surprisingly different than any other Italian preparations (frico, cjarsons).

The Slavic and Austrian influences make this region unique compared to the rest of Italy. It is probably the perfect destination for someone who has been to Italy several times and is looking for something new and different. In fact, travelers who are eager to experience something novel and unexpected end up admitting that Friuli went beyond their expectations. Lonely Planet listed Friuli as Best in Travel 2016.

Wineries in this area are settled on some of the most beautiful hills you will ever encounter.

Relevant blog: Destination Highlight: Friuli, and Why It's Cycling Heaven

Companions that are non-riders are also welcome. E-Bikes available.

Highlights

Scenic Alpe-Adria Bikeway
Wine tasting at a family-run winery that includes the rare and up-and-coming Schioppettino
Cividale del Friuli (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), and Venzone (National monument)
Stunning cycling along rolling hills covered with vineyards and with the Julian Alps in the backdrop
Grado's golden beaches
Palmanova and Aquileia
Regional food that combines Mediterranean and Mitteleuropean influences
Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant with cooking demonstration

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Bikes
What's Included
What's Not Included

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Food and Wine

The cuisine of Friuli reflects the varied cultures that surround this region and the focus is on simple, homemade food made with local products.

On the antipasti side, affettati (cured meats) are served at nearly every osteria and wine bar. Prosciutto di San Daniele and smoked prosciutto di Sauris are served on a platter with pickled veggies and local cheese or fried polenta. Another classic is toc’ in braids, an antipasto made with polenta, cream, and cheese. Producing Prosciutto di San Daniele requires many skillful steps that are still carried out according to the ancient artisan tradition. However, the real secret of this process is the special microclimate in San Daniele. Cool breezes come from the Alps and meet the humid currents of the Adriatic sea.

First courses are unique to this region. Pasta, an Italian staple, is eaten in many different forms: lasagne are topped with poppy seeds, and gnocchi can be mixed with goulash or smoked ricotta. The Mitteleuropean influence is found in unlikely sweet and sour pasta dishes such as gnocchi filled with plum and the cjarsons ravioli. Polenta is served with meat, game or cheese. A wide variety of soups (iota, bisna), an influence from Central Europe, are consumed with different types of dumplings. One dish that can be a primo or second is the frico, made with potatoes and shredded montasio or carnia cheese, and, depending on the recipe, onion or leek.

The best known Adriatic dish is the soupy fish stew called Boreto all Graisana served over a bed of polenta.

Main courses are hearty and often involve game with sides of mushroom and polenta, sauerkraut or potato. Goulash is the best example of the legacy of the Austro-Hungarian empire. In the Friulian Dolomites every menu features pitina, a dish of ground mutton, pork, or goat cooked in red wine and mountain herbs, then smoked.

The Collio region is a land of big white wines like Ribolla, Friulano, Sauvignon and Collio Bianco. A smaller production of red wines includes Cabernet, Merlot, Schioppettino and Collio Rosso. Wineries in Friuli are set on some of the most beautiful hills you will ever come across. Many in Italy would argue that the best white wines come from this region. One of the most iconic wine producers in all of Friuli is inarguably Livio Felluga. The history of his wines is deeply rooted in the land and people of Friuli. Back when quality wine “wasn’t a thing” in this area, he set out to reinvent winemaking.