The Unmissables: among History and Nature

An itinerary with only three very important legs and with apparently long car transfers which, however, can be viewed as attractions themselves. First off we arrive at Gradisca by using the faster pay motorway (Villesse exit) or, alternatively, the regular road. From here, we continue to Cividale, a little town that, since the first impression, reveals the incredible richness of its past. Founded by Julius Caesar by the name of Forum Iulii (hence the term "Friuli"), it became the important Langobardic capital of the region. The points of interest are numerous: to name only the most important ones, one must mention the atmosphere of mystical silence that can be breathed in the Lombard Templet (Tempietto Longobardo), a renowned place by virtue of the exceptional artworks in contains; the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge), one of the symbols of the town, boldly hung over the intense green of the Natisone river and delight for photographers for the beautiful view it offers; the National Archeological Museum, ample and rich in Lombard relics; the Celtic Hypogeum, a little wonder wrapped up in mystery where we'll make a brief but intense visit. 
We then continue the itinerary going north, passing the Slovenian border and arriving soon after in Kobarid, location of the Museum of the same name, undoubtedly one of the most important existing museums on the First World War and winner of prestigious international awards. During the visit, you can't miss the video telling the facts of the Kobarid battle (disastrous  retreat for the  Italians, "miracle"  for the Austro-

Hungarian side), crucial turning point of the conflict, which made this village a famous place.
By driving though the Soča Valley from Kobarid to Tolmin we run along the river in one of its most suggestive and outstanding traits, where the turquoise-emerald color of its waters hasn't turned yet into the green color prevailing down the valley and the river and its territory are the ideal combination for creating a spectacular landscape and for attracting extreme sports lovers: rafting, canyoning, hydrospeed, paragliding, in addition to the milder fishermen crowding its banks. In this crescendo of life and natural beauty, an ideal wild pearl is the visit to the Tolmin Gorges (Tolminska Korita), long and deep clefts which can be discovered by walking through a themed path, whose legs will reveal secret springs, majestic rocks, waterfalls, canyons.

Cividale del Friuli - Kobarid Museum - Tolmin Gorges

Total duration: circa 8 hours, of which 3 hours circa for car transfers (around 170 kms) + 1 hour and a half walking