Toprecommended route
Riding from Udine for a cycling trip among the most varied and suggestive landscapes of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Food&Wine
The holiday offers a unique food and wine experience typical of the border lands. Not to be missed is the gubana, the sweet of the Natisone Valleys, while in San Daniele the renowned prosciutto crudo is recommended and in Val D'arzino the Asìno cheese.
RECOMMENDED DISH: Frico (traditional dish made from cheese and potatoes), Stak (mashed potatoes with beans)
Itinerary
The itinerary is a loop winding through the vine-covered hills where the DOC wines Colli Orientali and Collio are produced, leading to Cividale del Friuli, a UNESCO site and gateway to the splendid Natisone valleys. Here you cycle uphill to reach the ridge of Monte Colovrat, known for the Battle of Caporetto during the Great War. The most altitude-challenging stage will be in the Torre Valleys up to Gemona del Friuli. After crossing the Tagliamento river, you discover the charm of the Val d'Arzino before a gastronomic stop in San Daniele and then return to Udine.
The loop route can be completed in four to six days with a total elevation gain of 7,750 meters over 360 km. Recommended for those who love challenges.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
The road rising from Prossenicco to Platischis may have debris that does not affect cycling.
Please note that, from spring 2024, the village of Forgaria nel Friuli is reachable by following the SP22 and then the climb along via Costa to avoid the road closure at Ca' Dant.
Descending from Monte Prat pay some attention: the road is steep.
Public-transport-friendly
By train, Udine train station (Venice - Udine - Trieste line) can be reached in about 2 hours from Venice.
Municipal parking on surface or in structures. For info https://www.ssm.it/
Loop included in the specialized publication DESTINATIONS. ITALY UNKNOWN / 2, Alvento’s special dedicated to bikepacking.
(Available for €35 from the website alvento.cc)
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
