Friuli - From the Julian Alps to the Sea

You will start your week in the charming mountain town, surrounded by the mountain peaks of the Carnic Alps and the Karawanks, in the border triangle of Italy, Austria and Slovenia.

Hotel example: Hotel Nevada

Today you float effortlessly by cable car to the sacred mountain of Monte Lussari, where you can visit the impressive pilgrimage site. The trail leads uphill to the imposing summit of the Cima Cacciatore at over 2,000m, where the panorama of the surrounding Carnic and Julian Alps and the Karawanken is simply astounding. After a stop at the rustic alpine hut, Malga Lussari, you return on the Alpe Adria path back to the cable car and back to Tarvisio.

Hotel example: Hotel Nevada

An exciting journey through the deep valley takes you to Venzone, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Explore the medieval curtain walls and the cathedral. Passing two mountain chapels, you pass the rugged scree area of the Rivoli Bianchi. You will walk along the cliffs of the Julian Alps up to the summit of Monte Cumieli with a magnificent view. Gradually, via the fortress of Ercole and the small lake of Minisine, your path leads down to Gemona.

Hotel example: Hotel Pittini

You will walk along many switchbacks up to the "Strada Panoramica", a panoramic path that contours across the flanks of the mountain. Fantastic views of the lowlands of the Tagliamento River far below are guaranteed. In Gemona, it is worthwhile to visit the old town in the morning and a visit of the cathedral. At your stage finish in Artegna, stop at an original Italian café bar before you take the train to Udine.

Hotel example: Ambassador Palace Hotel

After a short train ride to Cormons, your path takes you along a historic path to Monte Quarin, from whose summit you can start to see the Collio wine-growing region appearing. You walk through the vines to the Red Lakes Nature Reserve and through sleepy towns to the farming village of Farra. The trail continues leisurely on tracks to Gradisca, on the turquoise blue Isonzo River.

Hotel example: Hotel Franz

Take the train to the coast, where an enchanting coastal path awaits you with fantastic steep views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Along the cliffs, you will head towards Trieste. Watch the giant ships in the harbour, passing Prosecco and the Miramare Castle on the way. A panoramic path blasted into the rock leads you to Opicina, from where you can take the historic tram down to Trieste. What a glorious day!

Hotel example: Victoria Hotel Letterario 

You explore the rocky karst region on the border with Slovenia. The trail follows a section of the former railway line to the village of Draga, and from there you climb the ridge of Monte Stena. From the summit cross, you can see Trieste! Walk along the edge of the rock to the imposing vantage point and then to the Rifugio Premuda, the lowest Alpine Club hut. After a short pause, take the bus to Trieste and end your day of hiking in the fantastic port city.

Hotel example:  Victoria Hotel Letterario