Group tour operator for holidays to Northern Italy
Friuli Venezia Giulia – Italy’s Land of Contrasts
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Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy - Castello di Miramare © ArchivioTurismoFVG
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Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy © ArchivioTurismoFVG
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Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta - Aquileia-Friuli Venezia Giulia © ArchivioTurismoFVG Massimo Crivellari
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Centro storico Basilica Sant'Eufemia Grado, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy © ArchivioPromoTurismoFVG, Gianluca Baronchelli
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Barche da pesca ormeggiate Grado, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy © ArchivioPromoTurismoFVG, Massimo Crivellari
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Castello - Spilimbergo Friuli Venezia Giuliam, Italy © ArchivioPromoTurismoFVG, Elio e Stefano-Ciol
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Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy - Costiera Tramonto © ArchivioTurismoFVG, Anja Cop
From the snowy Alps of the north, to the sandy beaches of the Southern Shoreline - Discover Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy's North-Eastern Gem
As you can tell by it’s name, The region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, is a concoction of different cultures and traditions packed into Italy’s most North-Easterly corner. So it may not come as a surprise to see the landscape perfectly mirror the cultural contrast of this region. One day you are packing your Salopettes, as you head for the snow-capped mountains of the Eastern Dolomites and the next, you’re packing your swim wear, ready to bathe in the tranquil warmth of the Adriatic Sea. With plenty to explore in this truly beautiful region, explore why Friuli Venezia Giulia is so undeniably complex and intriguing as this region is sure to ignite the travelers sense of wonder inside of you.
Read moreMouth-watering history is waiting to be discovered
From the Roman ruins of Spilimbergo to Austro-Hungarian palaces of Trieste, empires have traversed this landscape leaving a trail of cultural and architectural jewels along the way. During this tour, you will soon learn despite this region being less popular than Italian heavy weights of Tuscany and Veneto, there certainly isn’t a lack of cultural heritage waiting to be discovered.
Spectacular Scenery and uncharted wilderness
The mountain scenery of the Eastern Dolomites are truly spectacular: the Carnia and the Julian Alps, in addition to the lakes, valleys and protected areas, are sublime example of uncharted wildness. From its boundary with Veneto up to Monfalcone on the Slovenian border, the coast is trimmed with lagoons and long sandy beaches, with several tourist resorts like Lignano Sabbiadoro. Lignano is divided into: the historical centre; Lignano Sabbiadoro, the wonderful, green zone; Lignano Pineta and the calm oasis; Lignano Riviera. Take advantage of all the region has to offer but be sure to make some to time to relax on some of the finest golden sand. Thus, making Lignano Sabbiadoro, without a doubt, the number one destination to base your tour of this region.
The Cities of Region
The medieval Trieste, the capital city of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region is a fascinating port city, with a rich historical and cultural background that played a strong role for the economy of the Hapsburg Empire and later Austro-Hungarian monarchy. A walking tour will show you the beautiful Catholic and Orthodox churches and one of the most beautiful synagogues in Middle Europe, built in a Syrian style. You’ll see palaces of remarkable architecture in Neo-Classical style and Italy’s largest square overlooking the sea, Piazza Unità d’Italia and the ruins of the Roman Theatre. Trieste is also known as the home of coffee culture in Italy and there will be plenty of time to enjoy a real Italian cappuccino in one of the many historical Cafes.
Udine, a town of character with the essence of Venetian charm. The characteristics are extenuated by collage of ancient buildings that can be found across the town. From the Piazza Libertà, often considered “the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland”, to Piazza Matteotti which, all surrounded by porticos, can only be compared to an open-air lounge; you can observe the ancient and colourful historical buildings which impart the spirit of Udine.
Collio Goriziano; Italian White Wine Haven
The border city of Gorizia offers a unique atmosphere, and is a melting pot of European cultures. The city is at the crossroads between the Latin Europe, Slavic Europe and Germanic Europe and it was here the last wall between Eastern and Western Europe fell in 2004. However, it is the areas surrounding Gorizia that offers an enchanting and relaxing landscape of gentle hills that are dotted with wineries and vineyards that produce some of the best white wines in the world as well as full-bodied reds. Here, you are never far from the mountains or the sea that brings fresh breeze and a wide temperature range creating a completely unique micro-climate. This climate along with the Collio soil makes it ideal for vine growing.
From the mountains to the sea, you can find itineraries to explore the quality wine and good food in the entire region, roaming between vineyards and farms where you can taste typical specialties and products, including the famous prosciutto of San Daniele, or Montasio cheese.
Video
Check out the video below to see what is on offer in this wonderful region
Video courtesy of PromoTurismoFVG
Dates
Dates throughout 2023
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Italy
Fly from your local airport to Venice Marco Polo. Upon arrival, you will met and transferred to your hotel in the Lignano Sabbiadoro, where you will enjoy a welcome drink.
Day 2
Trieste and Miramare Castle
This morning travel to Trieste, the capital of the Friuli region and enjoy a walking tour. You’ll see palaces of remarkable architecture in Neo-Classical style and Italy’s largest square overlooking the sea, Piazza Unità d’Italia and the ruins of the Roman Theatre. At the end of walking tour, we’ll take some time to enjoy a real Italian cappuccino in one of the many historical Cafes. Afterwards, we’ll continue just few kilometres away, to the castle of Miramare. Miramare castle was a romantic residence of Maximilian from Hapsburg and his wife Charlotte of Belgium. Surrounded by a wonderful park with rare botanical species, the castle is a wonderful example of a noble residence of the mid-seventeenth century.
Day 3
Spilimbergo and San Daniele
After breakfast depart by coach with our escorted tour to Spilimbergo. Enjoy a short walking tour of the town, with a visit to the historical centre, that rises around the city walls and the cathedral, built in the Friulian Gothic style, but the highlight of the visit is the local mosaic school, that preserves this antique Roman, Byzantine and Venetian art. It is possible to see the students coming from all over the world work, assembling tiny stones obtained in the close by river Tagliamento. Afterwards, leave Spilimbergo to visit San Daniele, known all over the world for its ham. Enjoy a visit a tour and tasting of this regional delicacy.
Day 4
Aquileia and Grado Lagoon
After breakfast, begin by travelling to Aquileia, an Ancient Roman town that dates back to 181 BC, once one of the biggest cities of the Roman Empire. Your guide will show you all the sights of this riverside settlement, the highlight of which has to be the cathedral with its Crypta. Built in a Romanesque style, it’s an unmissable landmark that comes carpeted with beautifully-preserved mosaics. You’ll also see some open-air Roman ruins, believed to be the largest Roman city to be fully excavated. In the afternoon, proceed to the popular holiday resort of Grado to take a boat for a trip across the lagoon to the Island of Barbana, a small island in the Grado Lagoon, and it used to be, in fact, connected to the rest of island of Grado until several centuries ago. Home to the Marian sanctuary, every first Sunday of July the famed Perdon de Barbana a large crowd of pilgrims gathers.
Day 5
At leisure
Spend a day exploring the sights of Lignano Sabbiadoro, perhaps visit the historical centre or enjoy a relaxing day on the beach.
Day 6
Slovenia and Lipica
After breakfast, head to Slovenia, explore an amazing network of underground caves on board an electric train. The Postojna caves are indeed one of the top tourist attractions in Slovenia: 5.3 kilometres of cave are open to visitors, the longest publicly accessible depth of any cave system in the world. To cover this distance you will be able to take advantage of an electric train that smoothly takes you from stalagmite to stalactite. Look out for a curious creature called the olm, a blind amphibian that has adapted to living in pitch darkness and has made the caves its home. In the afternoon the tour proceeds to Lipica. This is the home of the elegant Lipizzaner horse, the pure white breed that is used in Vienna’s Spanish school of riding. Watch a display of these remarkable and graceful animals being put through their paces.
Day 7
Udine and wine tasting in the Collio
After breakfast, depart for Udine, a town with squares of Venetian charm and ancient buildings, enjoy some free time to explore and observe the ancient and colourful historical buildings which impart the spirit of Udine. We then proceed to Cividale. This city has been in the past the capital of the Longobards kingdom, with its temple, a sign of Lombard art, its historical centre with its medieval houses and the famous Ponte del Diavolo (Devils Bridge), on the Natisone river. On the way back to your hotel explore a panoramic tour of the Collio wine producing area, before enjoying an end-of-tour tasting with Collio wines and snacks before returning to the hotel.
Day 8
Depart
Time permitting, enjoy some final sightseeing before saying ciao to the Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It’s time to leave this blissful piece of paradise behind and be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
We have wide selection of 3/4* star hotels available to suit your budget
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| Dates | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| Dates throughout 2023 | From £890.00 per person | From £75.00 per person |
Price by coach is also available on request
