Backroads

Meet in Venice  Visit Aquileia, a World Heritage site renowned for its exquisitely restored Roman ruins and basilica containing one of Europe's finest marble floors  With the distant Julian Alps as your landmark, pedal flat tranquil back roads to the Collio wine region, where low rolling hills lie blanketed in chestnut forests, cherry orchards and tidy vineyards Bike to charming and historic Cividale del Friuli, set on the shores of the Natisone River  Venture into neighboring Slovenia for an afternoon of incredible riding and your first taste of Eastern European culture Savor light and fruity Collio wines and feast on Friulian specialties such as polenta and delicious prosciutto San Daniele.

Say arrivederci to Italy and prepare for the challenge of the mountains as you pedal the Passo di Tanamea into Slovenia  After a thrilling descent, enter the Soča River Valley for a spin to the sleepy village of Bovec (meaning "beautiful valley") Cap off the day with a tasting of Slovenian wines.

In Triglavski National Park, a stunning alpine area named for Slovenia's iconic mountain, follow the turquoise-colored Soča River on an unforgettable ride up the Vršič Pass, an ascent reminiscent of classic Tour de France climbs  Find villages steeped in tradition en route to Lake Bohinj, where you may choose to hike Rejuvenate in Bled, one of Slovenia's most glamorous resort towns  Journey to the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, with its unique Austrian flavor and vibrant cultural scene, then continue to Trieste, Italy.