FLY & DRIVE: Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Day dedicated to arrival and first contact with the city, ideal for settling in and beginning to breathe in the Friulian atmosphere.

On the border between Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, Friuli Venezia Giulia is a land of extraordinary variety: mountains, sea, hills, and plains intertwine with different languages, traditions, and histories. Italian, Friulian, Slovenian, and German coexist here, creating a unique cultural mosaic. The cuisine is genuine and rich in intense flavors: from frico to San Daniele ham, from rustic soups to local cheeses, each dish tells an ancient story. Wines such as Friulano and Refosco are renowned worldwide for their quality and character.

A journey to Friuli Venezia Giulia is an authentic experience among nature, art, and taste, where hospitality makes you feel at home right away.

Arrival at the airport and, after picking up the rental car, departure towards the hotel in Udine.

Overnight stay in Udine.

Day dedicated to discovering the city of Udine. Thanks to the proposed experiences, it will be possible to explore its most characteristic places and savor the specialties of the local tradition. Departing from Udine, and according to your own interests, you can enjoy the suggested experiences in complete freedom.

Udine

Udine is the vibrant cultural capital of Friuli, boasting a rich and diverse artistic and architectural heritage. The beautiful Piazza Libertà, with its evocative Loggia del Lionello, is one of the most elegant squares in Northern Italy—perfect for enjoying an outdoor coffee among splendid historic buildings. Udine is also a city to be savored at a leisurely pace: traditional osterias, local food markets, and gourmet restaurants tell the story of Friulian gastronomy, featuring cheeses, cured meats, fine wines, and traditional desserts.

Suggested experiences:

Walking tour of Udine

Discover the charm of Udine through its most beautiful landmarks: the refined Piazza Libertà, the medieval Castle, and the Cathedral. A walk rich in history and anecdotes that reveal the soul of this Friulian city.

Tasting of Friulian prosciutto and cheeses in Udine city center

Enjoy selected typical Friulian products in the best osterias of the historic center, accompanied by stories and insights into their production and traditions.

Recommended places and suggested activities:

Cividale del Friuli

Cividale del Friuli is a true treasure chest of history and culture, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional Lombard heritage. Its medieval streets and bridges over the Natisone River lead to the famous Tempietto Longobardo, a unique masterpiece of early medieval art. Walking among ancient walls and historic palaces, one can feel a timeless atmosphere that intertwines centuries-old traditions, local legends, and a deep sense of cultural identity.

Guided tour of Cividale

A journey through time in Cividale del Friuli, where every corner tells ancient stories. Strolling through evocative medieval alleys, you’ll discover the lasting traces of the Lombard past, with unique artistic and architectural masterpieces such as the renowned Tempietto Longobardo.

Visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Cividale

Immerse yourself in history at the National Archaeological Museum of Cividale, which houses precious artifacts from the Lombard civilization and earlier periods. From armor to everyday objects, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the past.

Visit to a DOC Colli Orientali del Friuli winery

Discover the fine wines of the Colli Orientali area by visiting local wineries and tasting outstanding labels set in enchanting landscapes.

Guided bike tour from Cividale through vineyards and Friulian villages

A guided e-bike route through vineyards, small villages, and unspoiled nature, offering breathtaking views and delicious stops along the way.

Overnight stay in Udine.

Departing from Udine, you can dedicate the day to discovering the wonders of Aquileia and Palmanova, freely choosing among the proposed experiences. You will have the opportunity to organize your time according to your interests: stroll through historic streets, visit cultural sites, savor local specialties, or simply follow your curiosity. Each stop becomes a unique chance to experience the area at your own pace.

Aquileia

Located in the heart of the Friulian plain, Aquileia is one of the most important cities of antiquity and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded as a Roman colony in 181 BC, it became a thriving commercial and religious center, a crossroads of cultures and peoples. The archaeological site and the Patriarchal Basilica, with its famous mosaic floor, represent one of the most significant examples of Roman art and history in Italy.

Guided visit of the archaeological site and the Patriarchal Basilica

Experience a journey through time among Roman mosaics, forum remains, crypts, and ancient residences of Aquileia. Accompanied by expert local guides, you will discover anecdotes and insights into daily life, traditions, and culture of one of the most important cities of antiquity, fully immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the ancient Roman colony.

Palmanova

Palmanova, the famous “star-shaped city,” is a masterpiece of military urban planning and Renaissance architecture. Designed in the 16th century as an ideal fortress, it represents a unique example of defense combined with aesthetic harmony. Walking through its orderly streets and spacious squares, one can feel the history of a place built to protect and impress, now a cultural heritage site to be explored slowly and with curiosity.

Guided tour of the star-shaped city

A fascinating journey through the fortress walls and gates with an expert guide who расскаnts the history, architecture, and curiosities of Palmanova, revealing its hidden secrets and military strategies.

Visit to the Military History Museum

Discover collections dedicated to the military history of the region and the defense of the city, featuring weapons, uniforms, maps, and original artifacts that recount battles and daily life in the fortress.

Bike tour along the walls of Palmanova

A dynamic and evocative way to explore the bastions and surroundings of the star-shaped city, cycling along the panoramic route encircling the fortress and its landscapes.

Overnight stay in Udine.

Departing from Udine, you can dedicate the day to discovering the wonders of Sacile, freely choosing among the proposed experiences. You will have the opportunity to organize your time according to your interests: stroll through historic streets, visit cultural sites, savor local specialties, or simply follow your curiosity. Each stop becomes a unique chance to experience the area at your own pace.

Sacile

Sacile is a charming town located in Friuli Venezia Giulia, known for its Venetian-style architecture and its picturesque setting along the Livenza River. Often referred to as the “Garden of the Serenissima,” the town offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. The historic center is characterized by navigable canals, stone bridges, and palace façades reflected in the clear waters, creating a romantic and evocative atmosphere.

Guided tour of Sacile’s historic center

A guided visit through the heart of Sacile. The tour includes the discovery of historic squares, churches, and characteristic corners, offering a comprehensive overview of the town. Advance booking is required and can be made through Sacile’s official tourism website.

River excursion on the Livenza River

A unique experience that allows you to explore Sacile from a different perspective. On board small boats, you will cruise along the Livenza River, passing under ancient bridges and alongside 16th-century palace façades. This excursion offers total immersion in the town’s history and natural beauty. Tours are organized by Visit Sacile and require advance booking.

Overnight stay in Udine.

Departure from Udine towards Trieste. Arrival and hotel check-in.

Trieste, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, is an elegant and cosmopolitan city, famous for its historic port, spacious squares, and historic cafés that reflect its Central European past.

Overnight stay in Trieste.

Day dedicated to discovering the city of Trieste, to be enjoyed in complete freedom: you can choose among the dedicated and suggested experiences to organize your time according to your interests.

Trieste

Trieste is a unique city, a perfect blend of Central European charm and Mediterranean spirit. The magnificent Piazza Unità d’Italia overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by historic cafés where you can enjoy coffee in true Viennese style. The narrow streets tell stories of a cosmopolitan past, while the underground passages of San Giusto Castle reveal hidden mysteries. Trieste is a journey through culture, history, and intense flavors that linger in the heart.

Suggested experiences:

Historic walking tour of Trieste

A guided visit through the vibrant heart of Trieste, among elegant squares, hidden alleys, and historic cafés where Central European culture can be felt at every corner. Discover stories and anecdotes while admiring architectural masterpieces such as Piazza Unità d’Italia, the Roman Theatre, and the evocative Borgo Teresiano.

Secret Trieste: underground tour of San Giusto Castle

An unusual experience leading through hidden tunnels beneath San Giusto Castle, among ancient walls and secret passages. An exciting journey to discover medieval defenses and mysteries hidden beneath the city for centuries.

Guided tour of Miramare Castle and Park

Visit the fairy-tale Miramare Castle, with its sea-facing rooms and lush park filled with exotic plants and breathtaking views. Easily reachable by train and on foot, it is a perfect oasis of history and nature for a relaxing day.

Trieste street food tour with a gastronomic guide

A journey through the authentic flavors of Trieste: from jota, the traditional local soup, to baked ham in crust, and the sweetness of gubana. Paired with selected local wines, this tour is a deep dive into the city’s culinary traditions.

Karst wine tasting in a historic wine bar

Discover the richness of the Karst territory through its fine wines, tasted in historic wine bars such as Bischoff or Urbanis. A sensory experience combining history, nature, and a passion for wine.

Bike rental and coastal itinerary

Cycle along a scenic seaside bike path linking the city to Miramare and the picturesque Barcola district. An active yet relaxing way to enjoy breathtaking landscapes.

Overnight stay in Trieste.

Departing from Trieste, you can dedicate the day to discovering Gorizia, freely choosing among the proposed experiences to explore the city’s most characteristic places according to your interests.

Gorizia

Gorizia is a fascinating city on the border between Italy and Slovenia, a crossroads of cultures, histories, and traditions that make it truly unique. Its elegant and compact historic center reflects a rich past with strong Central European influences, visible in its neoclassical palaces, lively squares, and monumental churches. The city’s charm is enhanced by a high-quality food and wine scene, thanks to the renowned wines of the Collio region and traditional Friulian products.

Guided walking tour of Gorizia’s city center

A walking tour through the heart of Gorizia to admire neoclassical palaces, vibrant squares, and historic churches. The guide will share anecdotes and curiosities about the city’s cultural and social development, highlighting its role as a European cultural crossroads.

Guided visit to the Castle of Gorizia and the Museum of the Great War

Discover the city’s thousand-year history with a guided visit to the majestic Castle of Gorizia. Explore the rooms of the Museum of the Great War, where artifacts, photographs, and documents bring to life the events of the First World War and the city’s strategic role.

Food and wine tour in the Collio wineries

Enjoy a sensory experience among the vineyards and wineries of the Collio, a renowned Friulian wine region. Take part in guided tastings of prestigious white wines such as Friulano, Sauvignon, and Ribolla Gialla, paired with local specialties. Discover the secrets of winemaking and the passion of local producers in a refined and welcoming setting.

Overnight stay in Trieste.

The final day of your itinerary has arrived. After breakfast, depart for the recommended airport, return the vehicle, and board your return flight.