Friuli & Slovenia
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Photo Gallery: Friuli and Slovenia
Wheels and Wines in a Little-Seen Corner of Europe
Highlights
- 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
Description
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.
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Price
$4,395 - $4,595
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Single Supplement
$800
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Ability Level
Moderate
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Terrain
Gently rolling
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Distance
198 miles - average daily 28 mi
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Departing
Ljibljana, Slovenia
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Arriving
Gorizia, Italy
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Bike Rental
Included!
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Other Trips You'll Like
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Dates
- Confirmed | May 25, 2013
- June 15, 2013
- July 27, 2013
- August 4, 2013
- September 7, 2013
- October 5, 2013
Day 1–2: Gorizia and the Carso area
Day 1: We meet at 12:30 pm in the lobby of our hotel for lunch and greetings, followed by a bike fitting and a spin near Gorizia. This town has a central European flavor and is split into two sides, with the Slovenian side called Nova Gorica.
Day 2: Pedal towards east and cross the border, discovering a unique and natural environment called “Carso," a vast limestone outcrops, grottoes, and underground rivers as the results of slow water erosion.
Day 3: Collio, Colli Orientali and Cividale del Friuli
Today we ride to Colli and explore it in greater depth, wheeling between gentle slopes awash in grapevines. Thanks to the region’s succession of hills and plentiful southward-facing slopes, the area named Collio provides the perfect environment for premium quality winemaking.
Day 4–5: Slovenia: Bovec & The Soca (Isonzo) Valley
Day 4: Today we’ll cross the border into Slovenia and explore the Soca Valley (Isonzo Valley in Italian). We spin along the valley visiting the Slavic town of Kobarid and its famous WWI
museum, nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic before arriving in Bovec for the
evening.
Day 5: This is a day dedicated to enjoying the region. On the Isonzo river you can choose to
experience a easy rafting descent, one of the several water sports that Bovec is known
for.
Day 6: Bled, Slovenia
The morning begins with a 1-hour shuttle to avoid the climb to the Predil Pass. Our bike
ride begins from Kranjska Gora, initially on a beautiful bike paths and then, at times,
riding through the countryside en route to Bled.
Day 7: Ljubljana
On our last ride today we reach the enchanting Ljubljana, ancient capital of the
historical region of Carniola, and currently UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of
Slovenia.
Day 8: Arrivederci and Nasvidenje!
Today we say goodbye. After breakfast, around 9:00 am, there will be one group shuttle to Ljubljana Brnik airport (30 min shuttle ride) station to make your next connection. Perhaps you’ll consider stay another day in this fantastic city or catch a train (5 min taxi ride) to reach other destinations in Slovenia or Italy.
Guides for this trip
Related Testimonials
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John R., Pittsford NY had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
Each guide displayed exceptional courtesy and understanding of each guest's abilities and interests. They are the image of your company and Ciclismo has done well in hiring these folks who truly love their jobs. -
Susan P., Bristol WV had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
I love biking, but Ciclismo adds so much more--the hiking, the wine tasting, the museums, a real chance to experience the people, the culture, the wine, the food…. -
John H., Walnut Creek CA had this to say about Friuli & Slovenia:
The combination of guides, hotels, routes and equipment was the best that I have experienced. -
Sandy B., Seattle WA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
We have been charmed by the magic of traveling with Ciclismo - why go with anyone else? -
Leon R., Mauston WI had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
It is difficult to start with such praise of our guides. These gentlemen were superb cyclists, historians, and ambassadors. They knew the culture, the food, the grapes, the wine, the politics. I appreciated their patience with my limited language skills. Their respect and care for the participants was outstanding. Your guides are not just assets to the company - they are the company. -
Greg L., Overland Park KS had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
My best memories are from Ciclismo tours, where I get to use all five senses experiencing the countryside. -
Julie G., Arlington VA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
Our Ciclismo Classico vacation was like the Italian dessert tiramisu, a fabulous ‘pick-me-up’ vacation with people, sights, and skies that you’ll remember for a long time! -
Bill H., Atlanta GA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
In challenging economic times, this company stands out because of the dedication and professionalism of its guides. Your product is unsurpassed.
