Friuli and Slovenia
Wheels and wines in a little-seen European corner
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- A thorough daily itinerary
- Details for exact accommodations
- What to expect
- Travel planning tips
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Welcome to Italy’s wine-rich Friuli region! In this little-visited locale, tucked between Slovenia and Austria, you’ll find the cultural imprints of both countries — not to mention some of the most rewarding roads you’ll ever pedal. Over the years, this region was occupied by various European powers and it developed a unique language and culture. While it is unlikely that the Friulano language will survive the next century, the customs and traditions of the land live on.
Tour Essence
- Be among the first of your friends to ride this beautiful region
- Pedal through lands that inspired Joyce, Hemingway, Freud, and Rilke
- Enjoy a striking variety of cultures: Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian
- Bike through the lush vineyards of Friuli’s burgeoning wine country (and sample the local vintages, of course)
- Spin along “roads less traveled” in Italy and Slovenia
- Discover the towns of Gorizia and Cividale in Italy and Bled in Slovenia
- End in the romantic and charming Ljubljana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of Slovenia
What to Expect
Terrain
Rolling and flat, few short climbsStart Location
Gorizia, ItalyEnd Location
Ljubljana, SloveniaMileage
Average Daily: 28 miles Total: 198 miles
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
- Guided visits of Gorizia and Cividale
- 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 Touring 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!
2023
Start Location
Gorizia, ItalyFly Into
Trieste Ronchi dei Legionari Airport (TRS) or Venice M. Polo airport (VCE) through Rome, Milan, Genoa, Torino or Munich, GermanyEnd Location
Ljubljana, SloveniaFly Out Of
Ljubljana Brnik airport (LJU)Gorizia
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
11/15 milesRiding 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
46/48 milesRiding 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
29/40 milesRiding Terrain
Flat and rolling hills; one solid climb (5 miles) on extra loopMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Locanda del Castello
Boasting a modern spa and a restaurant, the 4-star Locanda al Castello Wellness Resort offers nine rooms individually decorated in an exclusive and refined manner with individual antique pieces and tasteful décor.
Slovenia: Bovec and the Soca Valley
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
32/42 milesRiding Terrain
Rolling and flat; one short and steep climb (1 mile) on extra loopMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Dobra Vila Bovec
Housed in a historic telephone central office surrounded by green sceneries, the 4-star Hotel Dobra Vila features a wine boutique and airconditioned rooms.
Activity Day in Bovec
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
23 miles (optional)Riding Terrain
One climb (2 miles), then gentle rollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Dobra Vila Bovec
Housed in a historic telephone central office surrounded by green sceneries, the 4-star Hotel Dobra Vila features a wine boutique and airconditioned rooms.
Bled
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
32 milesRiding Terrain
Flat and rolling with one climb (2 miles) before lunchMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Grand Hotel Toplice
Set in the stunning alpine resort of Bled, the Grand Hotel Toplice sits on the lake shore overlooking the small island of Otok, with its fairy tale church, and beyond towards Bled Castle with the Julian Alps in the background. With three wonderful restaurants, two bars, an indoor thermal pool, saunas, massages and a private beach, this is surely one of the most romantic spots in Europe. Each of the rooms and suites at Grand Hotel Toplice has its own unique character. Traditionally styled with beautiful parquet floors, rich furniture and paintings on the walls, the majority of rooms benefit from superb lake views. Sit on the Jezero Bar terrace under the chestnut trees alongside the lake and watch the boats pass.
Ljubljana
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
38 milesRiding Terrain
RollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Grand Hotel Union Executive
Nestled in the heart of the city center near the historic quarter, the charming 4-star Grand Hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms housed in a historic Art Nouveau building. An indoor pool and Finnish sauna are available to use.
