Travel Story: Friuli Loop Tour| Eurobike Blog

Dolce Vita on Two Wheels: A Perfect Start in Udine

We travel by car to Udine in Italy, the starting and finishing point of our Loop Tour. In the afternoon, we arrive at our hotel, where our pre-booked rental bikes are already waiting for us. After check-in and receiving our travel documents, we settle into our room and look forward to our first evening. In the historic old town, we end the day at Piazza Giacomo Matteotti – enjoying pizza, a glass of local wine and that wonderful feeling of being exactly where we are meant to be.

From Udine to the Heart of Prosciutto Country: San Daniele

Setting off from Udine, we begin on familiar ground. The first kilometres follow the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path, which we cycled two years ago – a pleasure to revisit these well-known stretches. We ride past small hamlets, through quiet villages and alongside golden cornfields. A rewarding stop awaits at Castello di Colloredo, whose historic charm and views over the surrounding countryside are truly impressive.

Then it’s time to tackle a short but punchy climb up to San Daniele. The effort pays off. Right in the heart of town, opposite the basilica, we treat ourselves to the famous San Daniele prosciutto. Finely sliced and full of flavour, it tastes even better with a glass of regional wine and a view over the piazza – the perfect end to the day’s stage.

Female cyclist with yellow panniers riding on paved path beside blooming sunflower field under cloudy sky in Friuli, Italy.

Cyclists on paved path between corn fields and trees near Udine, Friuli. Mountains visible in distance under blue sky with white clouds.

Narrow cobblestone alley in Udine with yellow buildings, wooden doors, and people sitting at outdoor tables under a blue sky.

Courtyard in Udine with green lawn, tall cypress trees, Italian flag, and historic buildings under a blue sky with white clouds.

Along the Tagliamento Valley to Codroipo

The next morning greets us with bright sunshine as we set off from San Daniele, rolling gently downhill towards the south. Soon we reach the striking bridge of Pinzano – a real highlight. From here, the view opens up to the turquoise riverbed of the Tagliamento cutting deep through the valley. We continue along quiet roads, past vineyards and fields, until we reach the mosaic town of Spilimbergo. A cultural break is a must: we visit the cathedral, the castle and the historic town hall. From the town hall car park, we enjoy one last wide view over the Tagliamento Valley. The route then leads us through the medieval-looking village of Valvasone before we arrive in Codroipo. The evening is all about relaxation – in the garden of our charming accommodation, Aperol in hand, reflecting on another memorable day in Friuli.

Tagliamento riverbed with turquoise water channels winding through white gravel banks, surrounded by green forests and mountains under blue sky.

Female cyclist with white helmet and yellow panniers standing on bridge over Tagliamento river in Friuli, with wide riverbed and green hills.

Female cyclist with touring bike and map standing before a white historic palazzo with ornate facade, flanked by palm trees in Friuli.

Historic square in Friuli with clock tower archway and building decorated with colorful frescoes. Green shutters and outdoor seating visible.

Diamond-shaped mosaic with colorful geometric patterns in red, blue, yellow, and white, displayed on a gray surface in Spilimbergo.

Female cyclist with touring bike stands in front of white baroque Duomo church with grand staircase in San Daniele del Friuli, Italy.

Traditional wine bar interior in Friuli with row of cured hams hanging from wooden beams. Bar counter and wine display visible under rustic ceiling.

Two glasses of Aperol spritz with ice and a bowl of chips on an outdoor table under a parasol, with a garden view in Friuli.

From Historic Villages to the Lagoon

After a leisurely breakfast in Codroipo, we head off towards the sea. Right at the start, an architectural gem awaits: Villa Manin. Once the residence of the last Doge of Venice, it impresses with its baroque elegance and expansive park – well worth a stop. We then follow the Ciclovia del Tagliamento, a smooth and enjoyable cycling route that takes us all the way to Latisana. The landscape is peaceful and green, passing small villages, fields, meadows and shady woodland. From Latisana onwards, the scenery becomes flatter and increasingly maritime. Eventually, we reach Marano Lagunare, a small fishing village on the lagoon of Grado. Narrow lanes, colourful houses and shimmering water give the village a special charm – authentic, tranquil and refreshingly off the beaten path.

Cyclist with white helmet checking map on handlebar along Latisana bike path beside turquoise river under blue sky in Friuli.

Cyclist on gravel path lined with large trees in Friuli. Green fields and blue sky visible, rural countryside setting near Santa Marizza.

Female cyclist with helmet and yellow panniers standing by stone balustrade, viewing the white baroque Villa Manin in Passariano under blue sky.

Bicycle with yellow panniers parked at harbor in Marano Lagunare. Cyclist sits on bollard viewing boats and waterfront under blue sky.

Colorful historic buildings line a quiet street in Marano Lagunare with a bell tower visible in the background under blue sky.

From the Fishing Village via the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path to Grado

Early in the morning, we leave Marano Lagunare and cycle along the mainland, past wide fields, quiet canals and sleepy villages. Well-maintained gravel paths and peaceful back roads lead us to Cervignano. From here, we rejoin the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path, which takes us comfortably to Aquileia. We stop to explore the impressive basilica and extensive archaeological sites.

Then it’s on towards Grado – with another highlight along the way: the lagoon crossing. Riding on a bridge with a dedicated cycling path, we enjoy sweeping views over the water. Arriving in Grado feels familiar and special at the same time. Its charming old town and lively promenade make for a perfect stage finish.

Female cyclist with white helmet and turquoise shirt viewing Basilica Santa Maria Assunta in Aquileia across green lawn with cypress trees.

Two cyclists with yellow panniers riding on an asphalt country road in Friuli, flanked by green fields and trees under a blue sky.

Grilled toast sandwich and red drink on wooden table with Eurobike bag. Bicycles and cypress trees visible in background in Aquileia.

Yellow handlebar bag and white-blue cycling helmet in front of Aquileia's Basilica Santa Maria Assunta with bell tower and cypress trees.

Smiling female cyclist with white helmet and pink shirt standing with bicycle at wooden railing by lagoon in Grado, Friuli.

Through the Lagoon and Back Inland

One of the most memorable moments of this original cycling holiday from Eurobike for me is riding along the causeway through the lagoon – right by the sea, with wide views stretching as far as Trieste. The cycling route is excellently developed, making for relaxed and effortless riding. Up to Monfalcone, we soak in the fresh sea air, the vastness of the lagoon and the peaceful atmosphere. Afterwards, we switch to quiet back roads with very little traffic, keeping the ride calm and enjoyable. Gradisca welcomes us with its historic charm and inviting streets. We end the afternoon by the hotel pool and enjoy a cosy dinner in the hotel restaurant – a wonderfully relaxed end to the day.

Cyclist with white helmet sitting on Grado beach promenade with yellow Eurobike pannier, facing the Adriatic Sea and rocky shoreline.

Cyclist with helmet viewing map on paved bike path with wooden railing along Adriatic coast. Clear blue sky and calm sea visible in background.

Smiling cyclist with white helmet holding yellow waterproof handlebar bag at Canale di Primero in Friuli, with calm water and blue sky.

Female cyclist with yellow panniers riding through sunny square in Gradisca d'Isonzo past white church with bell tower under blue sky.

Cyclist with child seat on town square in front of Palazzo Torriani in Gradisca d'Isonzo. Historic pink building with flags under blue sky.

Vineyards and Hills: Through the Collio Back to Udine

From the very first kilometres, it’s clear that we are cycling deeper into wine country. Vineyards stretch across the hills, building anticipation for the route ahead. Captivated by the scenery along the Slovenian border, we choose the alternative route through the Collio. A short but demanding climb challenges us, rewarded by breathtaking views over rolling hills and endless rows of vines. After the descent, we continue to Cividale del Friuli, where we visit the impressive Ponte del Diavolo and the cathedral. From here, the ride back to Udine is relaxed and scenic. Our journey comes full circle, and we spend our final night revisiting the many impressions of this unforgettable cycling tour.

Cyclist resting at yellow frame viewpoint labeled Collio Brda, overlooking vineyards and mountains in Friuli under blue sky.

Cyclist with white helmet viewing rolling vineyard rows in Collio, Friuli. Yellow Eurobike bag on wooden bench, blue sky with white clouds.

Rows of green grapevines in Collio Plesivo vineyards, Friuli, with rolling hills and blue sky in the background.

Two cyclists with yellow panniers riding on a paved path through Collio vineyards in Friuli, with rolling green hills and blue sky.

Stone bridge with red barrier spanning green river in Cividale. Colorful historic buildings and bell tower visible under cloudy blue sky.

Female cyclist with e-bike on Piazza Paolo Diacono in Cividale del Friuli. Colorful historic buildings and a statue fountain in the square.

Cyclist on paved path beside expansive sunflower field near Grions in Friuli under blue sky with white clouds.

White Renaissance loggia with clock tower at Piazza della Libertà in Udine. Two cyclists cross the cobblestone square under a blue sky.

Panoramic view over vineyards and rolling hills to Collio

My Conclusion

This Loop Tour through beautiful Friuli has everything a cycling holiday could offer. Gentle hills, idyllic landscapes and charming villages create a perfect balance of nature and culture. The route is superbly designed – mostly on quiet paths, far from the crowds, winding through vineyards, forests and historic towns. Time and again, small hidden gems invite you to pause and linger. Anyone looking to slow down, savour the moment and truly unwind will find this tour an absolute delight – a journey that engages all the senses.

My Favourite spot

On the alternative route through the Collio, I discovered my favourite place of the entire trip. Right at the descent, there was a simple stone seat overlooking a sea of rolling vineyards. The weather was perfect: deep blue skies, warm sunshine and a profound sense of calm. In that moment, I knew instantly that this spot was my personal highlight of the tour – a place where nature, tranquillity and breathtaking views come together beautifully.

Cyclist sitting on stone bench under olive tree at Ruttar rest area in Collio, Friuli, overlooking green vineyards and rolling hills.