Cycling through Friuli: Alpe-Adria

This bike trip takes you through Italy's northeasternmost region, Friuli. This rather unknown landscape has much to offer the curious traveler who longs for an authentic Italian experience. The trip starts in Austrian Villach, fittingly since the entire area once belonged to Austria. Soon you roll into Italy and the Julian Alps. From there you follow the entire magnificent Alpe-Adria cycle route down to the lagoon landscape and "little Venice" Grado. Along the way await beautiful Udine, the UNESCO heritage sites Palmanova and Aquileia ("the other Rome") as well as exquisite food and delicious wines from the Collio district. The cycling is easy and car-free through a changing landscape: from the Alps' majestic backdrop, over lush plains and mirror-smooth lagoons to inviting sandy beaches.