Touring Bike (EB)
£112 for 7 days
Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of Italy’s best-kept cycling secrets. Tucked into the country’s northeastern corner, this compact region packs in an extraordinary variety: mountain panoramas, rolling vineyard hills, a stretch of Adriatic coastline, Roman ruins, and characterful medieval towns. This 8-day loop from Udine lets you experience it all, returning to base with a sense of having discovered something genuinely off the beaten track.
The route begins in Udine, the elegant capital of the region, and heads north through the hills of the Carnic Alps foothills to San Daniele del Friuli, famous throughout Italy for its prized cured ham. Heading south and west, the terrain eases as you approach the Adriatic at Marano Lagunare and the lagoon city of Grado. The return leg swings through Aquileia — a UNESCO World Heritage site with remarkable Roman and early Christian remains — before climbing into the Collio wine region on the Slovenian border.
Daily stages range from 28 to 39 miles, mostly flat to gently rolling, on quiet side roads and well-signed cycle paths. The route is mostly paved, with some good gravel sections. Accommodation is in 3-star and 4-star hotels throughout.
Udine is the charming capital of Friuli Venezia Giulia at the foot of the Julian Alps. Explore the historic city with its Venetian-style squares, the impressive castle hill offering panoramic views, elegant arcades, and lively alleyways. The Piazza della Libertà, often described as the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland, sets the tone for a region full of architectural surprises.
Example accommodation: Hotel Suite Inn ***
Joining the famous Alpe-Adria cycle route, you head north through gently rolling countryside with the Carnic Alps on the horizon. The Castello di Colloredo di Monte Albano provides a spectacular viewpoint over the lowlands. After passing through the medieval town of Fagagna, you arrive in San Daniele del Friuli, famed across Italy for its prosciutto. The imposing cathedral and bell tower in the old town are well worth a look.
Example accommodation: Hotel San Daniele ***
The route descends from the hills towards the Tagliamento, one of Europe’s last wild alpine rivers, shimmering in blues and greens across a wide gravel bed. Crossing on an impressive bridge, you continue through the town of Spilimbergo — internationally renowned for its mosaic school — before a relaxed ride through typical Friulian villages to Codroipo.
Example accommodation: Hotel Nodo ***
Just outside Codroipo, the Villa Manin — the vast summer residence of the last Venetian Doge — is a magnificent sight. The route then heads south through agricultural countryside towards the coast, passing through Latisana before the lagoon comes into view. Marano Lagunare is a picturesque fishing village with a handsome old town on a promontory, and occasionally an overnight at the resort of Lignano is also an option.
Example accommodation: Hotel Jolanda ***
Cycling alongside the lagoon, you head towards Cervignano del Friuli and on to Aquileia, one of the most important Roman cities in the ancient world and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remarkable fourth-century basilica, with its extraordinary mosaic floor, is one of the finest early Christian monuments in Europe. Continuing on the Alpe-Adria cycle route, you reach the offshore island city of Grado, a wonderful place to swim in the Adriatic and explore the winding streets of the old town.
Example accommodation: Hotel Fonzari ***
You leave Grado along the lagoon through a protected coastal landscape, observing rich birdlife before turning inland. Near the Slovenian border, you arrive in Gradisca d’Isonzo, a small walled town of just 6,000 inhabitants that is a member of I borghi più belli d’Italia — Italy’s most beautiful villages. The historic centre, with its Venetian fortifications and excellent local wine bars, makes for a thoroughly enjoyable overnight stop.
Example accommodation: Hotel Franz ***
The final day of cycling takes you into the renowned Collio wine region on the Slovenian border, where the vineyard-covered hills really do look like something from a picture book. Take the opportunity to stop at a winery for a tasting — the local Friulano and Ribolla Gialla are exceptional. Before returning to Udine, a stop in Cividale del Friuli is highly recommended: stroll through its narrow medieval streets, photograph the Devil’s Bridge over the River Natisone, and visit the remarkable Lombard cathedral.
Example accommodation: Hotel Suite Inn ***
After breakfast your loop tour comes to an end back in Udine. With good rail connections to Venice, Trieste and beyond, onward travel is straightforward.
We recommend flying to Trieste Airport (TRS) or Venice Airport (VCE) and returning from Trieste Airport (TRS) or Venice Airport (VCE).
£112 for 7 days
£196 for 7 days
£308 for 7 days
Not available for hire
Getting to Udine
By plane: The most convenient option is Trieste Airport (TRS), around 30 minutes from Udine by train. Venice Marco Polo (VCE) is around 1.5 hours by train and offers far more flight options from UK and Irish airports. Klagenfurt Airport (KLU) in Austria is around 2.5 hours away by train via Udine.
By train: From Venice, direct Trenitalia services reach Udine in around 1 hour 30 minutes. From Vienna, the journey takes around 4 hours. From the UK, travel via Eurostar to Paris, then connect via Milan or Venice to Udine.
Getting home from Udine
This is a loop tour ending back in Udine, so your outbound and return travel use the same airport. Trieste (TRS) or Venice (VCE) are both straightforward connections by train.
Bikes are not included. You are welcome to bring your own bike or hire one. Please see our bike hire section for details.
Flights are not included. Please refer to the what's included section for full details.
We will confirm your booking within 48 hours of receiving your enquiry. Please wait for confirmation before booking flights or making other travel arrangements.
Most itineraries include cycling on most days, with some rest or shorter days built in. Please check the itinerary for day-by-day details.
The latest you can book is 9 days before departure. This gives us enough time to confirm arrangements and accommodation.
You will receive full travel details, including accommodation, meeting points and local contacts, 3 to 5 weeks before departure.
5
Guided • 7 nights
Leisurely
From £1,430
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Guided • 7 nights
Moderate
From £1,015
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