The magic land of Friuli - 7 days tourA great adventure through nature, history, arts, and gastronomy. Seven days to discover what this region in the heart of Europe has to offer, nature, history, and the pleasure of the local tastes. Along the path we will enjoy amazing views, described by famous writers, biking on the land of noble wines and middle ages atmosphere. This land has inspired famous writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Ippolito Nievo, Gabriele D’Annunzio, and has given hospitality to great emperors such as Napoleone Bonaparte and great inventors such as Leonardo da Vinci. See with your own eyes some of the most interesting towns of arts of Friuli Venezia Giulia, towns such as the garden of Venice’s lords, an important hub of Roman roads, examples of Renaissance architectural stamp, the capital of mosaic art, the town of the knives. The best seasons to discover this land are spring and autumn, when its nature is in perfect combination of colors and fragrances. Day 1, Arrival - Welcome to San Daniele del FriuliWe’ll meet in San Daniele del Friuli, the "heart" of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the amphitheater of the moraine hills. Meeting with our guide, who will welcome the guests. Dinner and overnight stay. Day 2, (about 50 km / about 250 mt. climb) Breakfast. The path takes us to Spilimbergo, the capital of mosaic art. If possible we will visit the school of the mosaic art. We will continue along the road used by the templar knights directed to the Holy Land, through the places where Celtic and Lombard had their homes. We will end today’s biking in a nice village where it seems as the time stands still. Dinner and overnight stay. Day 3, ( about 63 km / about 300 mt climb) Breakfast. The adventure begins along the rural landscape with great views over the Alps. The path takes us to the so called "town of the knives" and to its large Italia Square, with its characteristic fountain from 1846. Then we will go on to a middle ages town, surrounded by aristocratic residences from the Venetian period. The heads of the rivers Livenza and Gorazzo lay in this area. Their water has a particularly intense green color. We will continue to Sacile, the garden of Venice’s lords, characterized by a large number of buildings from the 16th century. We will pass the elegant old town, mirroring in the green water of the Livenza River. This picture reminds of the city of Venice. Dinner and overnight stay. Day 4, (about 70 km / no climb) Breakfast. The adventure continues in the rural landscape and will take us to a village also called “the little town of the 17th centtury” that will show us its characteristic architecture. We continue on today’s flat landscape to a town, which was a Roman military station and important centre for provisioning when traveling the “Via Augusta” 2000 years ago. The middle ages district and the ninth century abbey must also be mentioned. We will arrive to one of the most impressive Italian villages, famous for its Baroque art. Dinner and overnight stay. Day 5, (about 60 km / no climb) Breakfast. We will bike to a village with its origins from the Middle Ages and see its 15th century church dedicated to St Mary. The path changes from pave to dirt roads along the so called “literary route”, since its landscape has inspired famous Italian writers and artists. We hit the road to the wine-land called “Grave del Friuli”, where the landscape turns to a ocean of vine yards. The area produces a very high quality red and white wine. We continue to Valvasone, surrounded by its town walls. The ancient towers and mills are to be mentioned, as well as the 15th century cathedral containing the only Venetian pipe organ from the 16th century left in Italy. We will bike ahead to the most famous Venetian Villa in Friuli Venezia Giulia: Villa Manin, gorgeous home of the last Venetian "Doge". Dinner and overnight stay. Day 6, (about 30 km / about 200 mt climb) Breakfast. We will bike along a path which was the ancient way for the trade in the 18th century and we will arrive to San Daniele del Friuli. We will visit a ham factory and we will make a tasting of the world-wide known ham. In the afternoon: walk in the impressive historical centre, with its white chathedral, discovering its three style influcences: Celtic, Roman and Longobard. Dinner and overnight stay. Day 7, Departure After breakfast we return to our destination. Our whish is to have you here again, guests of the fabulous region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. In the amount is included: 6 halfboard stays; specialized bike guide and assistance; 1 ham tasting in San Daniele; luggage transfer -only 1 suitcase or bag per person is allowed-; medical and luggage insurance. In the amount is not included: accomodation in single room - € 18,00 per night -, drinks during the meals, and all other extras not specifically included in the schedule. On demand it is possible to include a transfer from/to the Venice or Trieste airport. Technical information : Difficulty level: middle, wandering tour Tour lenght: about 273 km Total climb: about 750 mt. Ground: paved roads with little traffic, dirt raods with a good soil Bicycle: city bike – mountain bike Luggage transfer: yes Lenght of the tour: 7 days/6 overnights Minimum number of participants: 8 Maximum number of participants: 15 Contact us for more detailed informations. We look forward to welkomme you in one unforgettable experience and beautiful moments in natural environment! Bikelandia - Via Osoppo, 113 - 33038 San Daniele del Friuli Udine - Italy Mob +39-348-451069 - fax +39-0432-941044 www.bikelandia.com - info@bikelandia.com Nice Time Incoming Tours - via Bergamas, 33 - 34072 Gradisca d' Isonzo Gorizia - Italy - Mob. +39-331-6545062 - fax +39-0481-969613 www.nicetime-tours.com - info@nicetime-tours.com