asphalt | gravel |
After visiting the cities of Gorizia and Nova Gorica you will cross the river Isonzo and continue cycling along the Italian territory across the southern outskirts of the Goriška Brda region which is in Italy called Collio del Friuli and includes the hilly area with villages located on smaller risings and is no longer divided by the national border. Just after you will cross the Piuma Bridge, one of the oldest bridges across the river Isonzo which is important for the Slovenians from the foothills of the Goriška brda region, you will first turn left and only later towards the village of San Floriano del Collio. In the small village of Bucuie located at the middle of the ascent you will turn and continue through the village of Valerisce towards the village of Giasbana. After a short descend through the vineyards and after crossing the former border crossing you will turn right and pass the villages of Gornje and Dolnje Cerovo. In the village of Vipolže you can decide to continue along an easier trail towards the city of Cividale by turning towards the town of Dobrovo or the village of Plešivo. The round trip along the Goriška brda region, where you can taste exquisite wines and local delicacies, begins by cycling past the Vipolže Castle and offers cycling along the narrow and winding roads and sightseeing villages, but also includes many ascents.
The trail keeps ascending past the long village of Kozana and further to the most beautiful village of the wider area – the village of Šmartno. From its sightseeing tower, the neighbouring village of Gonjače offers the most magnificent views of the Dolomits mountain range all to the Gulf of Trieste. When you will leave the tower, you will reach a junction where you will turn towards the village of Plave, whilst in the village of Vrhovlje you will turn from the main road towards the village of Lig and Mt. Korada. After you will reach the highest point of the Goriška brda region you will make another turn and cycle towards the village of Višnjevik which is known as the birth place of the Rebula wine. From there, you will descend through the villages of Krasno, the aforementioned Višnjevik, and Drnovk all to Dobrovo which is the centre of this winegrowing district where you will continue your tour past the prominent castle towards the picturesque village of Medana where top-class wines are produced by numerous renowned winemakers.
From Medana you will descend past the village of Ceglo and after crossing the former border crossing in the village of Plešivo turn right towards the town of Corno di Rosazzo where you will start cycling along the region of Collio orientali del Friuli. Before approaching the city of Cividale from the southern side you will have plenty of opportunities to admire the endless vineyards along the trail. Instead of cycling directly to Cividale you can also decide to visit the nearby city of Cremons. If you decide to go directly to Cividale you will first pass the Park Plešivo in the south and later the hill with the small village and a castle called Ruttars, where you will cross the bordering river Idrija. Along the side field trails between the small villages of Gallo and Gramogliano you will pass Corno di Rosazzo where you will be faced with the last ascent before reaching Cividale leading over the San Biagio hill. From there, you will descend into the Bosco Romagno Park whose name is of Lombard origin and which was of strategic importance throughout the history. Today it represents a perfect resting spot with meadows and numerous tree species.
From the northern park entrance the trail leads along the lower parts of the village of Spessa through grain fields and vineyards, parallel to the road Corno–Cividale. Between the church in Spessa and the village of Gagliano you will follow the cycling road which literally winds along the lowland vineyards, fruit tree groves, olive groves and grain fields. In the direction of the village of Prepotto, the countless grape vines cover the never ending hills and slopes, whilst on your left you can admire the Rocco Bernarda Castle and Wine Cellar. From Gagliano you will continue cycling along the side roads to the village of Rualis where you will join the main road and through which you will enter the city of Cividale and reach the river Natisone on your right side.
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