Hiking in Friuli - Julian Alps to the Sea

You begin your journey in the charming alpine town of Tarvisio, surrounded by the Carnic Alps, Julian Alps and the Karawanks massif. Austria and Slovenia are both just a mountain pass away and there's a distinct feeling of standing in a borderland. A fine starting point for the week's adventure through Friuli, which begins in fresh Alpine air.

Today's hike begins with a comfortable cable car up to Monte Lussari, a famous and very picturesque pilgrimage site with fabulous views. From here you continue upward to the summit of Cima del Cacciatore, over 2,000 meters above sea level, with the Julian and Carnic Alps spreading out all around. After a break at the rustic mountain hut Malga Lussari, you follow the Alpe Adria trail back to the cable car and Tarvisio.

A transfer takes you through a dramatically narrow valley to Venzone, one of Italy's most beautiful medieval villages. From here you hike via small chapels and the barren area of Rivoli Bianchi before the trail climbs up towards Monte Cumieli. From the summit, the rock formations of the Julian Alps spread out. The descent goes via Fort Ercole and the small lake Minisine before you reach Gemona.

You start the day with switchbacks up towards Strada Panoramica – a diagonal path that follows the mountainside with magnificent views over the Tagliamento river and the beginning lowlands. The old town and cathedral in Gemona are both worth a visit before you start walking. When you reach Artegna, you take a local train onward to Udine, a lively and elegant small city. Here stylish streets, small canals, shops and a rich selection of both atmospheric osterias and more refined restaurants await.

After a short train ride to Cormons, you follow an old path up to the top of Monte Quarin, where the Collio wine country spreads out. Here they grow among other things the region's own grape Friulano (formerly called Tocai), which produces a very delicious white wine you'll surely encounter during the trip. You hike over rolling vineyards, the Laghetti Rossi nature reserve (red lakes) and small sleepy communities. The hiking day ends when you reach Gradisca d'Isonzo, a historic town by the turquoise Isonzo river.

The day begins with a train ride to the coast and then continues on foot along one of Italy's most fascinating coastal trails. You follow the cliffs above the Adriatic Sea, pass the wine village of Prosecco and see Miramare Castle glittering at the water's edge (worth a visit). A blasted rock shelf leads you to Opicina, where you take the historic tram down to Trieste's center. Your crossing of Friuli ends in the borderland between Italy, Austria and Slovenia, just as it began.

A transfer takes you to the karst area of Val Rosandra – a landscape of limestone cliffs, ravines and viewpoints. You follow a former railway line to the village of Draga and then continue up to Monte Stena, where you see all of Trieste from above. The hike ends with After Walk at Rifugio Premuda before you take the bus back to town for a final evening in the harbor.

After breakfast the trip ends, or you choose to stay a few extra nights in Trieste, Venice or perhaps Slovenia?