Bicycling the Vineyards and Villages of Prosecco and Friuli Plus! Collio

Highlights: Conegliano, Prosecco wine route, bike fitting, welcome dinner

Welcome to Conegliano, considered the hub of Prosecco production and home to Italy’s oldest wine school, Instituo Cerletti. The surrounding glaciated valleys and hills, covered in neatly planted rows of vineyards, create an elegant backdrop for the exploration of this lesser known but breathtaking region. Dinner together this evening after fitting bikes.

Highlights: Visit to the first Prosecco Winery, Conegliano, Cycling through Prosecco vineyards

Today’s bike ride takes you first through the foothills of the Prosecco vineyards for sweeping views of terraced vineyards, farms, the plains and the Alps. Back in Conegliano, we’ll visit the Prosecco winery Carpenè Malvoti winery to learn how this sparkling wine, invented by Antonio Carpenè Senior in 1868, is produced.

Highlights: Molinetto della Croda, visit and dinner at the winery

Today you’ll ride into the heart of the Prosecco countryside. Villages, farms and wineries dot a landscape of terraced hills and vineyards en route to Pieve de Soligo. Before arriving, stop by Molinetto della Croda, a picturesque watermill set against a stunning backdrop of waterfalls and lush greenery. Enjoy even greater views over Rolle, one of the most photographed hamlets of the entire area. This evening enjoy a visit and dinner together at a local winery.

Highlights: The upper hills of Prosecco, Follina Abbey, Cismon

Today’s loop ride ventures into the northernmost Prosecco hills where terraced vineyards abound. Take a rest at St. Mary of Follina, an ancient Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century and renowned for its stunning Romanesque architecture and beautiful frescoes. Continue to the charming village of Cismon, enveloped by the lush landscapes of the Treviso Prealps, before cycling back to Pieve di Soligo

Highlights: Cycling to Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Sacile, villa stay

Say goodbye to Italy’s Veneto region today as you cross into Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The region’s unusual name is a nod to the legacy of Julius Caesar, for whom the nearby Julian Alps (Alpi Giulie) are named. Friuli derives from the Roman place name Forum lulii, what is now Cividales del Friuli. Venezia reflects the strong cultural influences the Venetian Republic has had on the region. We’ll stop by Sacile, often dubbed the “Venice of Friuli” due to its charming canals and historic buildings. Explore its historic center: the quaint streets lined with colorful buildings and enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes/restaurants before reaching the stately historic villa where we will spend the night.

Highlights: Maniago and the knives tradition, Prosciutto di San Daniele tasting

Today you’ll ride along the base of the Alps as you enter the easternmost part of Italy. Along the way, you’ll pass through Maniago, known as the “City of Knives.” Local blacksmiths began harnessing waterpower to operate mills and forge knives in the early 15th century and their craft, passed down through the generations, lives on today. Your destination is San Daniele, home of one of the most prized prosciuttos of Italy. The old curing tradition used only salt, spices, and breezes that blow by night from the Alps and by day from the sea. We’ll visit a local producer to learn more – and have a tasting.

Highlights: Castles and villas of the central hills, Udine.

Today’s ride in the central hills of Friuli features lush greenery and gently rolling hills. Take in the natural beauty of the region as you pedal to Udine, tonight’s destination. Enjoy a stroll through the town’s vibrant central square as you admire elegant Venetian palaces, decorated streets, and historic castle.

Highlights: Colli Orientali wine area, Cividale del Friuli, the Longobards.

This morning you’ll head to the Eastern Hills, or Colli Orientali, for scenic riding through lush vineyards and rolling hills. This area is renowned for its wine production, particularly white wines like Friulano and Sauvignon Blanc. Upon arrival in Cividale del Friuli, you’ll be immersed in its rich history as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be sure to check out the Longobard temple, Devil’s bridge and frescoed cathedral.

Highlights: Collio vineyards, Gorizia and its Iron Curtain

After leaving Cividale, your ride returns to the Collio vineyards that spread before you across an undulating terrain before you briefly enter Slovenia along secondary roads with little traffic. Your destination is Gorizia. Once the preferred Mediterranean city of the Austrian Emperors, Gorizia was divided in two in 1947 by the Iron Curtain – 14 years before the Berlin wall. Concrete walls, fences and barbed wire separated one sector under Italy and the Atlantic alliance, and the other under the Communism of Yugoslavia.

Highlights: Collio vineyards, Cormons, Slovenian Brda, Gorizia

This loop ride explores a mix of nature and culture as you pedal Italian and Slovenian countryside. You’ll experience the renowned wine-producing region of Collio where some of the most exquisite white wines of Italy are produced. Enjoy the architectural charm of local castles and villas as you cycle back to Gorizia. If time allows, stroll through town before dinner together.

Highlights: Gorizia

After breakfast, our journey across Friuli comes to an end. Hopefully you are off to explore close by Slovenia or head back to Venice or some hidden gems like Trieste or the Friulan Alps. Buon viaggio!