The Friuli Region of Italy, just an hour east of Venice, is truly one of the world's best kept secrets for wine, food, culture, and cycling. One of our few road cycling destinations (although plenty of gravel if you’re curious), the town of Cormons is home to over 100 wine makers, and we will do our best to sample all the favorites. From our lodging at La Subida Resort, we’ll ride into Slovenia’s mountains on (describe the type of road or views).. Our 5 nights together include 3 meals with in-house chef, Zander Ault, as well as dinner at La Subida’s Osteria La Preda, and Trattoria al Cacciatore. Drink Tocai! 

• Cycling through the Soča River Valley
• MORE CYLING HIGHLIGHTS
• Wine tasting at the Enoteco di Cormons
• Family style meals at the Vinegar House
• A Michellin Star experience at La Subida’s Trattoria al Cacciatore

The opportunity to enjoy the food culture of the Friuli region perhaps inspired this trip a little more than the riding, but they pair well together. Due to the region's storied history, you’ll enjoy a diverse offering of polentas, pastas, prosciutto, cheeses, and frico! Yes, frico, a blend of potato and cheese, fried, and so distinctively Friuliano, you won't forget it. Bring your appetite, you will not be disappointed. Our trip includes 3 meals with Chef Zander Ault, one meal at Osteria la Preda, and our final dinner together at Trattoria al Cacciatore.

In Cormons we live Italian, and ride Slovenian; it's a perfect combination. La Subida Resort has everything we need for 5 nights and 6 days, including a small market, casual dining, fine dining, beautiful pool deck, sauna, and relaxing vibes surrounded by vineyards. A wonderful trip for couples who want to ride, or take the day off and chill by the pool. 

Welcome to Italy! We will pick guests up at a pre-arranged meeting point in Cormons, Italy at 2:00PM. We will send details on how to get to Cormons for those of you flying into Venice. TCM does not offer a shuttle from Venice, but it’s easy to take a train, taxi, or a private car. The trip is 1 hour & 45 minutes from Venice to our Italian abode at La Subida.

Today is all about settling in and sightseeing your new home away from home. Our mechanic will get your bike built, dialed in, and ready to ride while you unpack and enjoy a light lunch by Chef Z. Then we’ll depart for our afternoon shakedown spin. We’ll pedal in and around a number of towns, letting you get a taste of the area. Afterward, enjoy happy hour as the sun sets over the hills at the Vinegar House, followed by dinner with Chef Z under the stars.

After a beautiful breakfast at La Subida, we’ll head into the Slovenian countryside for most of the day. We begin pedaling toward the Soca River before our climb to the top of the gorgeous Vrh Brscica (Brscica peak). Lunch will be served in a field of wildflowers on the descent. After the ride, enjoy an open afternoon to explore the town of Cormons, a massage or pool time. We’ll all meet for happy hour at Osteria La Preda, a special little spot located in our lodging at La Subida, and then roll right into dinner.

An unbelievable 27 mile gradual climb skirting the Slovenia/Italian border brings us to the base of Triglav National Park in the stunning town of Volarje for lunch on the turquoise waters of the Soca River. After lunch, we’ll make our way back down on the Italian side of the border as we weave up and down narrow roads with almost no cars in sight. Spend the afternoon relaxing with an optional massage or pool time. For happy hour we’ll be at Enoteca di Cormons, our favorite watering hole with all the best wine in the Cormons area. Dinner is back at the Vinegar House with Chef Z.

A gorgeous ride at the base of the mountains today in the countryside, exploring the surrounding areas of Udine, the capital of Friuli. (A little more about what they’ll see.) Then it will be a relaxing afternoon with optional massage and pool time. Happy hour will be in the town square and dinner will be by Chef Z.

Our final big day on the bike takes us deep into Slovenia, up to the little town of Lokovek with the most stunning views of the Julian Alps. (more about the ride) We’ll spend the afternoon relaxing with walks to town or optional massage and pool time. Our mechanic will spend that time boxing bikes back up for those departing early the next day. Happy hour will be at the town square. Then we’ll have dinner at La Subida’s Michelin Star restaurant: Trattoria Al Cacciatore.

This is our last morning all together and after a wonderful breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye. Our hard-working crew will shuttle guests to the train station in Cormons, but if you’re not catching a train or are planning to stay a few extra days, we can help with logistics or provide recommendations. 

Arrivederci!