Three Nations Tour
(Italy - Austria - Slovenia)
ONE Tour - THREE Countries. Such a Bargain!
Dates: September 14, 2009 to September 20, 2009
Terrain: Moderate to Rolling Hills, Occasionally Steep | Daily Miles: 40 - 70
Difficulty Level: 3
7 Days - $3,325 - Single Supplement $600
Our adventure begins and ends in Spilimbergo in the region of Italy called Friuli Venezia Giulia, a cyclist's paradise. Our primary leader on this tour will be Tomaso Tome, manager of the four-star Grand Hotel President (with Howie as his co-leader!). Tomaso is an Italian who speaks fluent English and German, is an outstanding cyclist and knows the area inside and out.
Stage One • Welcome to Friuli Venezia Giulia (Spilimbergo Loop Ride) • 45km; 150 meters cumulative altitude
Ride details: Welcome to the beautiful 4 star Grand Hotel President in Spilimbergo (the mosaic city in the heart of Friuli).
Our opening loop ride will be an easy flat ride to wake our jet-ladded legs and to introduce you to the vinyards were the delicious Grave del Friuli is grown at the foot of Prealpi Giulie. Afterwards Tomaso will give a guided tour around medieval Spilimbergo through it's elegant palaces, ancient houses decorated with 15th century frescos, Churches and the Castle. A highlight will be a visit to the famous Mosaic School in Spilimbergo. A visit to the school is an unforgettable experience! We'll then share a welcome drink in a charming “Enoteca” in the center of the old town and have dinner in a typical restaurant.
Stage Two • The Green Colors of the North (Spilimbergo to Kobarid, Slovenia) • 100km; 750 meters cumulative altitude
Ride details: A fascinating journey across rolling hills through the road of castles and prosciutto. The area surrounding the plateau of Campo di Boàis and the Prealpi Giulie seems untouched by man and modern technology. We will follow the ancient road that was used in olden times for the exchange of commercial goods between Italy and Slovenia. We will pass through woods rich in natural springs, caves and stone houses. Ultimately we will arrive in the small village of Kobarid, Slovenia and we'll enjoy a fantastic fish dinner in the restaurant of the 4 star Hotel Hvala.
Stage Three • The Emerald Path (Loop Ride/Optional Rest Day) • 100km; 650 meters cumulative altitude
Ride details: Today we'll enjoy a beautiful loop ride through Slovenian countryside along the Soca river, one of the most clear and pure rivers in all of Europe, and marvel at the wonderful landscape consisting of vineyard-covered hills. You will see famous wine growing regions such as Collio Sloveno. We will pass over a bridge constructed by Napoleon in 1750, visit the wine city Cormons and visit its churches and then on to Cividale which was founded by Julius Cesar in 50 B.C. and called Forum Julii (the market of Julius) where we will see it's famous Longobard Temple and the Devil’s Bridge.
Stage Four • Over the River and Through The Woods (Kobarid to Hermagor, Austria) • 84km; 900 meters cum. alt.
Ride details: Today we will follow the crystal waters of the Soca river along the Emerald Paths of the Triglav National Park of Slovenia. From there we can see the Natural Park of Alpi Giulie in Tarvisio, the biggest forest in Italy, and Natura Arena in Karinzia, Austria situated at the foot of Giulien Alps. Our ride finishes in the city Hermagor with it's colorful Austrian style houses. Dinner in a characteristic restaurant of town with typical Austrian menu. Overnight in 3 stars Hotel Burger Brau.
Stage Five • The Roman Imperator Way (Hermagor to Gemona, Italy)• 97km; 900 meters cumulative altitude
Ride details: Leaving Austria we'll head back to Italy riding across the Gail valley. The old Roman road Julia Augusta (or Julius Augustus) will take us through the ancient Roman city of Julium Carnicum founded years before the birth of Christ. We'll continue to follow the ancient road down to Venzone and Gemona, examples of reconstruction after the earthquake of 1976. Dinner in the restaurant of the hotel; overnight in hotel Willy.
Stage Six • Caves, Lakes and Landscapes (Gemona to Spilimbergo, Italy) • 82km; 700 meters cumulative altitude
Ride details: Riding back to Spilimbergo we will appreciate the rolling hills, boundless prairies in the mysterious area among the hills of Prealps. We'll visit the "Green Cave" and the statue of the “Madonnina delle Grotte”. The natural humidity and musk of the cavern combined with the the way the light hits it at sunset gives it the incredible green color. The images you'll see, the rich colors, beautiful panoramas, ancient and small villages with stone houses, etc. will never be forgotten.
We will arrive back in Spilimbergo with everlasting memories of the foods, landscapes, cultures, stories of these three nations. In the evening we will shares an aperitif at a typical “Taverna” followed by our gala farewell dinner in the Restaurant of the Castle of Spilimbergo.
Stage Seven • Depart • Optional Loop Ride
Bye Bye and See You again in Friuli.
This tour promises to be an outstanding adventure. You won't want to miss this one!
Proudly Offering Challenging Bike Vacations Since 1992!
Proudly Offering Challenging Bike Vacations Since 1992!
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