BIKE TOURING TRIESTE AND THE FRIULI-VENEZIA REGION

The Friuli-Venezia and Trieste Bike Tour is in one of the least known areas of Italy, peculiar for its rare cultural melting pot of western and eastern European history and traditions. The bike rides are as varied as the landscape: the majority of the routes are flat easy rides, with two days of rolling hills, and the Queen stage of the tour is one of Italy's hardest climbs, Monte Zoncolan. 

Our adventure will take us through wine areas, historical cities, and remote areas that seem to have been lost in time. A great biking trip for all levels, (note there is an alternative climb if you do not wish ride the Monte Zoncolan). Once part of the Venetian Republic, the Friuli-Venezia region sits on the crossroad between western and eastern Europe. The region has been first occupied by Romans, then Longobards, Venetians, Austria-Hungary, and Slovaks. The vitality of both the cultural and natural landscape has made the Friuli-Venezia one of the last "unexplored Italian" regions left.

Join us on a great bike ride through some of Europe's great climbs and discover the hidden treasures and richness of food and wine traditions of the region.

friuli-venezia and trieste bike tour details

a look at our tour

DAY 1 - SATURDAY - On all our trips we like to set the tone of relaxation and fun. Therefore on the first day of the tour we pick you up that the Airport (or designated Train Station if you are flying into Venice's Marco Polo). Transfer to 1st night hotel, set bikes, give the briefing of week and program schedule.  We take a short check-out ride if there is time, and enjoy some local foods and wine.

DAY 2 - SUNDAY - Today we are riding along the coastline of the Adriatic to Palmanova, a unique star-shaped fortress city. We start after breakfast, when gather our bikes and make a short ride to the city of Grado, and then onto Aquelia (an old Roman city that was sacked by Attila the Hun, whose invasion helped create the city of Venice). From Aquelia we bike to Palmanova and, after our ride and cleaning up, we have a tour of the city, sample some local food and wine, and then enjoy a dinner out at a local trattoria. Milage Day 2 - 35 miles (52 km).

DAY 3 - MONDAY - Departing the fortress of Palmanova we head toward the coastline and through the old battle lines of WW1. Montefalcone and Redipugia are options to visit along the way, and a must stop over is Miramare (once the seaside retreat of the Austrian-Hungarian rulers).  Our destination is Trieste, once the main sea port for Central Europe, the coffee capital of Italy, and once home to James Joyce, the famous English author. We stay overnight in Trieste, explore the city and small cafe shops during the late afternoon. Mileage Day 3 - 42 miles (67 km).

DAY 4 - TUESDAY - Leaving Trieste we ride up onto the hills behind the city to reach the Carso region, barren limestones hills that once created a natural barrier between Italy and Slovenia. If you do not want to start the day with a climb you can ride up to on the old tramway. Once over the Carso we reach the city of Gorizia, a unique crossroad city on the Italian border. To reach the city, we will first ride through the wine hills of the Colli. Overnight in Gorizia. Milage Day 4 - 35 miles (56 km).

DAY 5 - WEDNESDAY - From Gorizia we ride the foothills of the Julian Alps, working our way through small villages and wine zones. Our first destination of the day is the capital of the Friuli-Venezia Region, Udine, and then to the small town Tolmezzo, that sets at the gateway into the Alps. Overnight in Tolmezzo. Dinner at our Hotel. Milage Day 5 - 43 miles (69 km).

DAY 6 - THURSDAY - A great challenge awaits us on our ride today, riding a northern loop that will take us by Monte Zoncolan, one of the hardest climbs in Italy. Monte Zoncolan is a climb many cyclist dream of being able to do, but for anyone not wanting to attempt the ride there is an alternate route. Overnight in Tolmezzo. Mileage Day 6 - 48 miles (77 km).

DAY 7 - FRIDAY - Leaving behind the mountains we are back on the flats, riding south to Palmanova. We ride through the medieval town of Spilimbergo. Following the Tagliamento river, we cut across the plains to reach Portogruaro, once an old port city on the Adriatic Sea. At Portogruaro we lodge for our last night and enjoy an end of trip dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Portogruaro. Mileage Day 7 - 35 miles (56 km).

DAY 8 - SATURDAY - Arrivederci! After our morning meal we transfer you to Venice Marco Polo Airport, or Mestre Train station so you can continue your adventures in Italy.

day to day at a glance

• Saturday - Pick Up at Marco Polo Airport or Mestre Train Station
• Sunday - Caorle - Aquileia - Palmanova
• Monday - Palmanova - Miramare - Trieste
• Tuesday - Trieste - Slovenia - Gorizia
• Wednesday - Gorizia - Udine - Tolmezzo
• Thursday -Tolmezzo - Monte Zoncolan Loop
• Friday - Tolmezzo - Portogruaro
• Saturday - Goodbye - Transfer to Airport

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