Western Friuli and the Prosecco hills

Start at the fortified abbey, Santa Maria in Sylvis, entering through its surviving tower into the broad courtyard. Look at the frescoes in the vestibule and the brick bell tower, then try the region's frico before driving to Cordovado.

In Cordovado, cross into Borgo Castello between the two gate towers, one with a clock, and follow the old moat. A short walk north brings you to the octagonal sanctuary, and a slice of Spaccafumo cake is a fair reward before Valvasone.

Valvasone is where the day ends. Wander the medieval layout around its castle, see the chained she-devil painted in San Lorenzo and visit the Duomo, then find a bed nearby for the night.

Day two opens in Spilimbergo, a town of mosaics. Walk the colourful Corso Roma to the cathedral, peek at the castle courtyard and the frescoed palazzo, and stop for the region's Prosciutto di San Daniele before heading up to Poffabro.

Poffabro is a mountain hamlet in the Val Colvera. Wander its lanes among stone houses and wooden balconies, look in at the church of San Nicolò, and if you come around Christmas you will find the whole village turned into an open-air nativity, before you continue to Polcenigo.

Polcenigo is shaped by water. Visit the clear springs where the Livenza rises, wander the old Borc and its palazzi, and have Alto Livenza trout for dinner before finding a bed here or nearby for the night.

Day three starts in Portobuffolé, a small walled river port. Visit the civic tower, now a rural life museum, spot the fierce Venetian lion on the Monte di Pietà, and cross the bridge at Porta Friuli. Then it is on to Cison di Valmarino.

Cison di Valmarino lies under CastelBrando, the fortress that watches over the valley. Look at the parish church with its two façades and the old Loggia, then lift a glass of Prosecco DOCG among the hills before the last stop at Follina.

Follina ends the trip at its abbey of Santa Maria, the quiet heart of the village. Walk the cloister and ask whether a concert is on in the abbey, then try the region's risi e bisi before the road back to Venice airport.