Cycling through Friuli: Alpe-Adria

This cycling trip takes you through Italy's northeasternmost region of Friuli. This rather unknown landscape has much to offer the curious traveler who yearns for an authentic Italian experience. The journey begins in Austrian Villach, fitting 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 second Rome") as well as exquisite food and tasty 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-like lagoons to inviting sandy beaches.