The hilly landscape of the Colli Orientali wine region in the east of Friuli is particularly interesting for cyclists. The border area with Slovenia is criss-crossed by small, low-traffic roads. All routes off the main roads are therefore recommended.
Character:
From the Alps to the sea. Friuli is home to all kinds of landscapes. High passes in the north, gentle mountain ranges on the edge of the Alps, flat cycle routes in the centre of the region all the way to the sea. The hilly landscape of the Colli Orientali wine region in the east of Friuli is particularly interesting for cyclists, and the border area with Slovenia is criss-crossed by small, low-traffic roads.
All routes off the main roads are therefore recommended. However, there are some steep ups and downs, but rarely more than 100 metres in altitude. The wine villages guarantee the best gastronomy and stylish accommodation. However, you will look in vain for signposted cycle paths in Friuli. A spirit of discovery is required here. Only in the Colli Orientali are some routes marked for racing cyclists.
Our tour tips:
Tour 1 - San Daniele region: San Daniele - Rive - S. Vito - S. Marco - Tomba - Villaorba - Nespoledo - Bertiolo - Codroipo - Coderno - Mereto - San Daniele, 83 km, 450 metres in altitude; the route runs exclusively on small side roads without traffic.
Lignano Sabbiadoro - Pertegada - Precenicco - Rivarotta - Driolassa - Ariis - Torsa - Corgnolo - Carlino - Marano Lagunare - Precenicco - Lignano Sabbiadoro, approx. 108 km, 250 metres in altitude;
Cividale - S. Pietro - Ponteacco - Carraria - Albana - Prepotto - Venco - Plessiva - Cormons - Dolegnano - Rosazzo - Oleis - Firmano - Cividale, 70 km, 600 metres in altitude.
Accommodation tips:
Living on a farm near San Daniele: Casa Rossa ai Colli, tel. 0039/338/8895548, http://www.casarossaaicolli.it
Directly on the beach in Lignano Sabbiadoro: nice three-star Hotel Nettuno, tel. 0039/ 0431/71333, http://www.hotelnettuno.lignano.it
Stay at the Colli di Poianis winery near Cividale: winemaker Gabriele takes guests into the vineyard. Tel. 0039/0432/713185, http://www.collidipoianis.it
Literature/Maps:
Carta Stradale della Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia, 1:100,000, Tabacco, available locally; Recommended travel guide: Handbuch Reise Know How "Friaul, Venetien", ISBN 3-8317-1235-2, 19.90 euros.
Internet tips:
Specialised cycle information is still missing for the region. Helpful
General information about Friuli can be found at: http://www.regione.fvg.it,
Journey:
By car via the Tauern motorway to Carinthia and on to Udine, long-distance trains to Udine.
Information (general):
Tourist Information Udine, Piazza 1 Maggio 7, 33100 Udine,
Tel. 0039/0432/295972, http://www.udine-tourismo.itFor information about Friuli-Venezia Giulia, call 0039/0432/734100.
The full-length article from issue 3/2007 is available as a free PDF download.
