Friuli and Slovenia
Wheels and wines in a rarely explored corner of Europe
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Welcome to Italy’s wine-rich Friuli region—a hidden gem cradled between Slovenia and Austria, where cultures, landscapes, and histories seamlessly intertwine. This little-visited corner of Europe bears the imprint of centuries of shifting borders, from Habsburg rule to Slavic influence, creating a rare blend of languages, architecture, and traditions you won’t find anywhere else in Italy. Here, cyclists roll past terraced vineyards, quiet border villages, limestone plateaus, and emerald rivers that once inspired writers like Joyce, Hemingway, and Rilke. The roads are peaceful and beautifully varied: gentle hills through the Collio wine country, rolling terrain across the Carso’s dramatic karst landscapes, and smooth bike paths leading toward Slovenia’s alpine valleys.
Although the Friulano language may not survive the next century, the region’s spirit endures in its winemaking heritage, rustic cuisine, and resilient people. From exploring medieval Cividale and World War I landmarks in Kobarid, to savoring local whites in family-run wineries and ending in the romantic capital of Ljubljana, this journey is both a cultural discovery and a cyclist’s delight—authentic, surprising, and unforgettable.
Tour Essence
- Ride through the hidden wine country of Friuli and Slovenia’s alpine valleys
- Enjoy a striking blend of culture: Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian
- Pedal quiet border roads that inspired Joyce, Hemingway, Freud, and Rilke
- Explore the limestone wonders of the Carso, with caves, cliffs, and karst plateaus
- Savor premium Friulian white wines with a tasting and winery lunch
- Discover medieval Cividale del Friuli and its Lombard heritage
- Cycle along the turquoise Soča River, the “Emerald Beauty” of Slovenia
- Visit Kobarid’s powerful World War I museum along the Isonzo front
- Enjoy open-air adventures in Bovec—rafting, hiking, or an optional scenic ride
- Follow peaceful bike paths to the fairytale lakes and forests around Bled
- Conclude your journey in romantic Ljubljana, a UNESCO World Heritage capital
What to Expect
Terrain
Rolling and flat, few short climbsStart Location
Gorizia, ItalyEnd Location
Ljubljana, SloveniaMileage
Average Daily: 30 miles Total: 230 milesElevation
Average Daily: 1,700 ft Total: 12,300 ft
Once you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.
- Van support
- Expert, bilingual guides
- Walking guided visits of Gorizia and Ljubljana
- Walking guided visit of a XVIII century homestead
- World War I museum visit in Kobarid
- Open air activities in Bovec (rafting and/or hiking or cycling)
- 1 wine tasting
- Group shuttle at the end of the tour
What’s Included
- Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike)
- Garmin Edge Explore GPS loaded with the GPX tracks of your rides
- Two water bottles
- Saddle bag with repair kit
- Optional: Map holder on handlebar
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
- Helmet
- Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes
- Optional: your own saddle
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 5 dinners
With the Livenza River to the west and the Timaro River to the east, Friuli experiences warm summers and mild winters, a cyclist’s paradise. You’ll bike through the lands that inspired Joyce, Hemingway, Freud, and Rilke, then through lush vineyards of Friuli’s burgeoning wine country (and sample the local vintages, of course), and discover the towns of Gorizia and Cividale. We’ll cross the border to Italy’s northern neighbor to the east, Slovenia, ending in the romantic and charming Ljubljana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of Slovenia.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience an amazing mixture of Venetian Italian and Austrian/Slavic cultures. It will be a trip of a lifetime!
2026
Start Location
Gorizia, ItalyFly Into
Trieste Ronchi dei Legionari Airport (TRS) or Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)End Location
Ljubljana, SloveniaFly Out Of
Ljubljana Brnik airport (LJU)Gorizia
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
10/15 milesElevation Gain
600/1,000 ftRiding Terrain
Flat and one climb of 1.2/2.3 miles on main/extra loopMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Grand Hotel Entourage
The 4-star Grand Hotel Entourage was once home to the Court of King Charles X. It has been completely restored and retains all of its majestic features, incorporating them with modern facilities. Each guest room and suite is elegantly decorated, some with antiques. They overlook the square, the rose garden, the grounds, or the castle. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the hotel.
Gorizia and the Carso
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
45/50 milesElevation Gain
2,800/3,300 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling and a few hills on main road and extra loopMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Grand Hotel Entourage
The 4-star Grand Hotel Entourage was once home to the Court of King Charles X. It has been completely restored and retains all of its majestic features, incorporating them with modern facilities. Each guest room and suite is elegantly decorated, some with antiques. They overlook the square, the rose garden, the grounds, or the castle. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the hotel.
Collio, Colli Orientali, and Cividale del Friuli
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
35 milesElevation Gain
1,600/3,000 ftRiding Terrain
Flat and rolling hills; one solid climb (5 miles) on extra loopMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Castello di Buttrio
Castello di Buttrio offers elegant country-style 4-star accommodations within a beautifully restored historic castle in the hills of Buttrio. This exclusive retreat provides peace and tranquility, with panoramic views over a natural amphitheater of vineyards. Guests can wander quiet pathways and unwind beneath century-old trees, fully immersed in the scents and serenity of the Friulian countryside.
Slovenia: Bovec and the Soca Valley
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
45/50 milesElevation Gain
2,400/3,200 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling and flat; one short and steep climb (1 mile) on extra loopMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Soča
Hotel Soča is a contemporary alpine retreat featuring stylish rooms and suites designed with natural materials and serene mountain views. Guests can unwind in the outdoor pool, relax in the wellness area with sauna and spa services, enjoy crafted cocktails at the lounge bar, and take advantage of spacious terraces and thoughtfully designed common areas.
Activity Day in Bovec
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
25 miles (optional)Elevation Gain
1,400 ftRiding Terrain
One climb (2 miles), then gentle rollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Soča
Hotel Soča is a contemporary alpine retreat featuring stylish rooms and suites designed with natural materials and serene mountain views. Guests can unwind in the outdoor pool, relax in the wellness area with sauna and spa services, enjoy crafted cocktails at the lounge bar, and take advantage of spacious terraces and thoughtfully designed common areas.
Bled
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
35 milesElevation Gain
1,400 ftRiding Terrain
Flat and rolling with one climb (2 miles) before lunchMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Vila Bled
Vila Bled, once a presidential residence, is now a romantic, historic 4-star hotel adorned with artwork by renowned Slovenian painters. Set in a quiet lakeside park with a private beach and a terrace overlooking Bled Island, it offers an elegant retreat in the heart of the Alps. Rooms feature a classic 1950s style, complemented by a wellness area, spa services, and the on-site Kavarna Belvedere café with its iconic lake views.
Ljubljana
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
40 milesElevation Gain
2,100 ftRiding Terrain
RollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Grand Hotel Union Executive
Grand Hotel Union Executive is an elegant historic 4-star hotel in the heart of Ljubljana, offering spacious rooms, refined Art Nouveau style, and exceptional comfort. Just steps from the old town and the castle, it features premium amenities, including a wellness center, and indoor pool.
