Day 4 of our cycling trip!! Today we are cycling 37.2 kilometers and ascending 708 meters and descending 667 meters. As we leave Tolmin we are descending and riding alongside the beautiful Soca River.
The River Soča, which has a distinct emerald green colour, is considered to be one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. Its water flows across waterfalls, small waterfalls, and cascades as well as through narrow rocky gorges, and along the way it has carved surprising canyons and pools.
We stopped for lunch at Fontana restaurant in the town of Kanal and had a lovely pizza. The town itself was interesting with beautiful old buildings that need to be renovated. From Kanal we had a very steep climb before ascending to Goriska Brda where we had scenic views of rolling hills, vineyards, and orchards. The quaint villages and picturesque vineyards make a perfect ending to this day.
Goriška Brda is steeped in winemaking tradition, dating back to pre-Roman times, when the area was inhabited by the Venets. Numerous amphoras found there testify to its importance as the center of viticulture. It’s no wonder ancient cultures found this place so convenient. The climate in Goriška Brda is particularly favorable for growing vineyards. The Adriatic is only around fifteen miles away, separated from the area by the Soča Plateau. Higher hills in the north and a limestone ridge in the east protect the Brda region against bad weather from the north, making it a perfect wine-growing location.
Goriška Brda’s landscape majorly consists of sedimentary flysch rock with alternating layers of sandstone, marl, and carbonate turbidite. The mixture of Mediterranean and continental climates provides this terraced vineyard region, also called Slovenian Tuscany, with enviable wine-growing conditions.
On arriving at Smartno (in the Goriska Brda region) we were thrilled to see our beautiful accommodation in the village. It is so picturesque and the rooms are very traditional and quaint. There is a wine shop around the corner and Joe and I had a few wines in the sun looking out over the vineyards.
Poor Margaret had a bad fall off her bike and has some very bad grazes. Luckily nothing is broken although I think she will be in pain tomorrow.
We have booked dinner at the restaurant in Marica tonight and it looks so cosy and the smells coming from the kitchen are amazing! We shall see! ( The food was amazing!!)
