Friuli Bike Tours
F riuli-Venezia-Giulia: cultural complexity is cherished in this small, little-visited region, tucked away on Italy’s far northeastern borders with Austria and Slovenia. Friuli Venezia Giulia’s landscapes offer profound contrasts with the foreboding, perpetually snowy Giulie and Carnic Alps in the north, idyllic vine-filled plains in the middle, southern beaches, Venetian-like lagoons and the curious, craggy karst surrounding Trieste. Friuli Venezia Giulia’s nature is wonderfully multifaceted!
Essence of Friuli
- 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
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The Experience
Culture
Writers like Hemingway, Rilke and Joyce all found inspiration in the tiny region with three names: Friuli, Venezia Giulia. While Friuli offers an outpost of often uncrowded historical sights, from Roman ruins to Austro-Hungarian palaces, this is also the perfect destination for simply kicking back with the locals in a quieter, lesser known corner of Italy.
Food & Wine
Discovering Friuli’s culinary heritage will certainly broaden your notions of the Italian table. Up in the Carso, the rocky, hilly strip between the Gulf of Trieste and Slovenia, the tradition of osmize (pop-up tastings at vineyards), still prevails. Aperitivo here is a cheap and particularly cheerful affair with a spritz averaging €2 and toast topped with prosciutto, cheese or smoked fish for €1. Friuli’s cuisine not only tells the story of the land and the seasons, but also hundreds of years of shifting borders and cultural exchange. Over in western cities Pordenone and Sacile, and in seaside Grado, seafood dishes have a Venetian grace and lightness. Up north, Germanic elements are strong and to the east, Austrian traditions – say hearty pork, bean and cabbage soups – and bold Slavic elements – ravioli stuffed with beetroot and mountain herbs and boozy nut-filled putizza cakes – dominate.
Landscape
Whether you’re up for gentle, poetic rides or hardcore vertical climbs, this region offers fabulously diverse landscapes to explore by bike. In the Carnic Alps, stroll wildflower-dotted fields between Sauris di Sopra and Sauris di Sotto, or embark on a high-altitude cycling through woodlands and upland meadows.
Best Time to Visit
May through September
What to Bring on Tour
On the Bike:
- 2-3 pairs of cycling shorts with chamois lining
- Chamois cream
- 2-3 brightly colored bicycle jerseys (one will be provided by us)
- Cycling gloves
- Cycling shoes and pedals (if you use them)
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof wind breaker or rain jacket
- Light weight jacket or vest
- Bicycle helmet
- Day pack/hip pack
- Arm and leg warmers
- Saddle (optional)
Off the Bike:
-
2-3 interchangeable evening outfits – our style is very casual and comfortable; jacket and tie not necessary
- We occasionally have a more formal evening, feel free to bring something for that occasion
- 1-2 lightweight sweaters
- 1-2 pairs of shorts or slacks
- Intimate clothing/sleepwear
- Comfortable walking shoes for evenings in town
For Alpine Tours:
Pack warmer clothing (layers), waterproof gear, warm gloves and hat
Personal Supplies:
- Passport and photocopies of your passport
- Wallet
- Airline ticket/e-ticket information
- Camera and camera charger
- Cell phone
- Electrical adapter and adapter plug
- Toiletries
- Prescriptions or other medications
- Bathing suit and sunscreen
- Cash for guide gratuity and meals on own
- Cash for wine kitty (optional)