Friuli Cycling Loop: Mosaics, Lagoons and Collio Wines

Day 1: Arrival in Udine
Settle into your hotel in this elegant city of medieval architecture and lively piazzas.

Day 2: Udine – Spilimbergo (60 km)
You will pedal west, crossing the mighty Tagliamento river and passing the turquoise Lake Cornino, a nature reserve where griffon vultures soar overhead. Your destination is Spilimbergo, home of the renowned Mosaic School.

Day 3: Spilimbergo – Pordenone (68 km)
A relaxed stage takes you to Pordenone, birthplace of the Renaissance painter Il Pordenone. Stroll through the handsome old town centre and soak up the culture of Italy's 2027 Capital of Culture.

Day 4: Pordenone – Aquileia (85 km + boat trip, or 108 km without the boat)
You will ride south across the Friuli plains to Marano Lagunare, where a boat will carry you across the lagoon. The day ends in Aquileia, whose UNESCO-listed basilica preserves extraordinary Roman mosaics.

Day 5: Aquileia – Sistiana (60 km)
You will follow the lagoon edge and the Adriatic coast past Monfalcone to Sistiana. Along the way, consider a stop at the Isonzo Nature Reserve and the clifftop Castle of Duino.

Day 6: Sistiana – Rest day or Trieste loop (66 km)
Choose a lazy beach day in Sistiana's pebble bay or ride the scenic coastal road to Trieste. Explore the grand Habsburg squares, sip coffee in a historic café, and return along the Cottur cycle path with sweeping gulf views.

Day 7: Sistiana – Udine (61 km)
Your return leg winds through the Collio Goriziano wine country. In Gradisca d'Isonzo and Cormons you will pass vineyard after vineyard — a tasting stop is highly recommended before the final stretch back to Udine.

Day 8: Udine – Departure
Individual departure or extend your stay.