Friuli Venezia Giulia

Italy’s Hidden Gems

Italian Trips

10 days / 9 nights

A journey where Italian, Slavic and Austrian cultures meet, from elegant Trieste to historic villages, vineyards and Adriatic landscapes

BORDERLAND CHARM, HISTORIC TOWNS AND AUTHENTIC FLAVORS

Ideal for: Culture Seekers | Slow Travelers | Wine Lovers | Curious Explorers

Overview

A journey through a land of meeting cultures, where Italian, Slavic and Austrian influences shape landscapes, traditions and cuisine.
From elegant Trieste and its historic cafés to the vineyards of Collio, medieval towns and Adriatic shores, Friuli Venezia Giulia reveals a quieter and authentic side of Italy.
Nature, heritage and gastronomy blend into a refined travel experience, where every village tells a story and every table celebrates local flavors.

Why travellers love this trip?

• A fascinating crossroads of Italian, Slavic and Austrian cultures
• Elegant historic towns and UNESCO heritage sites
• Renowned wine regions such as Collio and Friuli Colli Orientali
• Authentic villages, castles and medieval streets
• Adriatic coastal charm and tranquil lagoons
• A rich culinary tradition with iconic regional specialties

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Trieste

Welcome to Trieste, an elegant port city where Central European charm meets the Adriatic Sea. Reach the historic center and settle into your boutique hotel.

In the afternoon, enjoy a ceramic workshop with a local artisan, discovering traditional techniques while creating and decorating your own piece.

In the evening, stroll through Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of Europe’s most beautiful seaside squares, and relax in a historic café once frequented by James Joyce and Italo Svevo.

Day 2 – Trieste and Miramare Castle

Discover the refined atmosphere of Trieste, a city shaped by Italian, Austrian and Slavic influences.
Visit the stunning Miramare Castle, perched above the Adriatic and surrounded by elegant gardens overlooking the sea.

In the afternoon explore the impressive Grotta Gigante, one of the largest accessible caves in the world, an extraordinary underground landscape sculpted over millennia.

Return to Trieste for a relaxed evening and dinner in one of the city’s renowned seafood restaurants.

Day 3 – Aquileia and the Lagoon of Grado

Travel to Aquileia, one of the most important Roman cities of the northern Adriatic and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Admire the extraordinary mosaics of the Patriarchal Basilica, among the finest early Christian artworks in Europe.

Continue towards Grado, a charming seaside town surrounded by lagoons and soft Adriatic light.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch by the water and take time to explore its atmospheric historic center.

Day 4 – Palmanova and the Friulian Countryside

Discover Palmanova, the remarkable star-shaped fortress city built by the Venetian Republic in the 16th century.
Walk through its perfectly symmetrical streets and learn about the strategic vision behind this unique urban masterpiece.

In the afternoon visit a traditional dairy farm in the Friulian countryside, where artisanal cheeses are produced following local traditions.
Enjoy a tasting of regional specialties paired with local wines.

Day 5 – Gorizia and the Vineyards of Collio

On the border between Italy and Slovenia lies Gorizia, a refined town dominated by its medieval castle.
Together with nearby Nova Gorica, it will serve as European Capital of Culture 2025.

Continue into the gentle hills of Collio, one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions.
Here you will enjoy a private wine tasting at a prestigious estate, discovering elegant white wines such as Friulano and Ribolla Gialla.

Day 6 – Cividale del Friuli and Udine

Explore Cividale del Friuli, a charming medieval town founded by Julius Caesar and now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wander through its historic streets and admire landmarks such as the famous Devil’s Bridge.

Later reach Udine, an elegant city with strong Venetian influences, lively piazzas and refined architecture.
Nearby, visit a unique butterfly house, where tropical species from around the world live in a lush greenhouse environment.

Day 7 – Gastronomy and Art: San Daniele and Spilimbergo

Begin the day in San Daniele del Friuli, home of one of Italy’s most celebrated cured meats.
Visit a traditional prosciutto producer and discover the secrets behind the famous Prosciutto di San Daniele, followed by a tasting.

In the afternoon continue to Spilimbergo, renowned for its prestigious School of Mosaic, one of the most important in the world.
Discover this fascinating artistic tradition and the extraordinary craftsmanship that has made the town internationally famous.

Day 8 – Hidden Villages of Western Friuli

Explore the charming towns of Pordenone and Sacile, known for their elegant architecture and lively atmosphere.
Often called the “Garden of the Serenissima”, Sacile is crossed by picturesque canals that recall its Venetian past.

Continue to Polcenigo, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, surrounded by springs, forests and peaceful landscapes.

Day 9 – Return to Trieste

Return to Trieste and enjoy the changing landscapes of Friuli Venezia Giulia along the way. Take time for a final stroll through the city’s historic center or along the seafront promenade.

In the afternoon, take part in a private cooking class in the home of a local host, discovering traditional recipes and culinary secrets before enjoying the dishes you prepared together for dinner.

Day 10 – Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final coffee in one of Trieste’s historic cafés before departure.

Leave with lasting memories of Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region where cultures meet, traditions endure and elegance reveals itself quietly.

What is included

  • Accommodation in carefully selected boutique hotels
  • Daily breakfast
  • Entrance tickets to Miramare Castle
  • Ceramic workshop with a local artisan in Trieste
  • Entrance tickets to Grotta Gigante
  • Entrance tickets to the Patriarchal Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Aquileia
  • Visit to a local chocolate artisan
  • Traditional cheese dairy visit and tasting
  • Wine tasting in the Collio wine region
  • Entrance tickets to the Acrobati del Sole bird of prey park
  • Entrance tickets to the Butterfly House
  • Visit to a traditional prosciutto producer in San Daniele with tasting
  • Entrance tickets to the wildlife park near Polcenigo
  • Private cooking class in the home of a local host in Trieste
  • Detailed travel program
  • Information brochures and exclusive itineraries
  • Trip customization and booking service
  • Assistance 24/7

What is not included

  • Possible city tax
  • Lunches and dinners not specified
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not specified in the included services

DEPOSIT

must be paid by

BALANCE

must be paid by

TOTAL PRICE

Policies & Terms

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations are subject to the following penalties calculated on the total trip price:

  • Deposit (30%) is non-refundable under any circumstances.

If the trip has been fully paid, the following penalties apply:

  • Up to 60 days before departure: 50% penalty
  • From 59 to 45 days before departure: 75% penalty
  • From 44 days prior to departure to the departure date: 100% penalty

Package Modifications

Once the package has been confirmed, modifications can be made up to 45 days before departure.

  • Upgrades: free of charge, except for the cost of the new services
  • Downgrades: subject to an agency fee of €200 per modified service

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip in case of unexpected cancellations, changes, or emergencies.

Payment Options & TERMS

Payment currency: € Euro

Payments can be made by bank transfer.

Bank transfer details will be provided on the invoice.
Please include your name and trip reference in the payment description.

Payment Terms
Deposit: 30% non-refundable, due at the time of booking confirmation.
Balance Payment: due between 60 and 80 days prior to the departure date.

All payments are to be made in € Euro.

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