Some Freedom at Last

As restrictions are loosening–still with some limitations–the best way to enjoy the beautiful days of spring was to go for a bike ride. 

Alpe-Adria Cycle Path

The Alpe Adria Cycle Path is a beautiful bike trail that starts in Austria, Salzburg to be precise, then onto the Austrian-Italian border and on through enchanting cities like Tarvisio and Udine until ending in Grado, on the Italian Adriatic Sea. Altogether, the whole route covers about 410 kilometers by bike. 

In the past years there were so many Austrian and Germans coming down with their bikes; in fact, there are plenty of directions all written in German, along with B&B and “Agriturismo” where to stop for the night, and/or just to eat. 

In the past, I biked the Austrian part, the Tarvisio—Udine part, and also all the way to the sea.

After the recent seclusion, I thought it was best to take it easy. Therefore the UDINE—Palmanova would be enough. Just about 26 km to go, taking into consideration another 26 for the way back. Normally, trains will take you back (bike and everything), but not these days. 

Eating was not much of a problem, along the way there was bar giving ”espresso-to-go”, and eventually in Palmanova, there was a place that served “bruschetta-to-go.”

This route has a few jewels along the way. Clauiano is listed among the most beautiful villages. It is a rural village with split stone houses, stone portals with figured keystones, seventeenth-century insignia of the shoemakers on the facades, devotional frescoes, and two churches still united, on holidays, by a propitiatory procession.

The path rides thru the countryside, often a trail of gravel, but tranquil and countrified. Along the way, there are numerous villas to please the eye and to stop for a quick look. Beautiful residences in a rural landscape. 

Nonino Grappa

The Nonino is a historic distillery of the region, born from the entrepreneurial skills of Benito Nonino following a family tradition that has perfected both from a technical and image point of view, achieving excellence in the world of grappa. All the high-level production is now known throughout the world thanks to the synergies with his wife Giannola and the three daughters who bring the “grandeur” of grappa to the world.

I’m not a fan of high alcohol drinks, but occasionally if it is grappa, it must be Nonino. It is the absolute best!

The distillery is located at Via Aquileia, 104, 33050 Percoto (UD)

They also have a fantastic B&B called Borgo Nonino, located at Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 2, 33050 Persereano UD.

The B&B Borgo Nonino is on an old farmhouse dating back to the end of the 19th century, protected by 10 hectares mixed with orchard, and vineyards is a corner of paradise suspended between modernity and tradition.

Postpone, do not cancel. Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.