ITALY BY TRAIN: Friuli-Venezia Giulia

At the border between Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, Friuli Venezia Giulia is a land of extraordinary variety: mountains, sea, hills, and plains intertwine with diverse languages, traditions, and histories. Here, Italian, Friulian, Slovenian, and German coexist, 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, every dish tells an ancient tradition. The wines, such as Friulano and Refosco, are renowned worldwide for their quality and character.

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

Arrival in Trieste, check-in at the hotel, and overnight stay in the city.

Departure by train from Trieste to Udine (approx. 1h30). Hotel check-in.

Udine is the vibrant cultural capital of Friuli, boasting a rich and varied 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 a coffee outdoors among splendid historic buildings. Udine is also a city to be savored at a relaxed pace: traditional osterias, local markets, and gourmet restaurants showcase Friulian food and wine excellence, featuring cheeses, cured meats, fine wines, and traditional desserts.

Included experience:

Udine walking tour

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

Suggested but not included experiences:

Tasting of Friulian prosciutto and cheeses in central Udine

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

Overnight stay in Udine.

Suggested and bookable train departure: Cividale del Friuli.

Departure by train to Cividale del Friuli (approx. 30 minutes).

Cividale del Friuli is an authentic treasure chest of history and culture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding 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 along the ancient walls and historic palaces, visitors can feel a timeless atmosphere that weaves together centuries-old traditions, local legends, and a deep sense of cultural identity.

Suggested experiences:

Guided tour of Cividale

A journey back in time in Cividale del Friuli, where every corner tells ancient stories. Strolling through the evocative medieval alleys, you will discover the enduring traces of the Lombard past, with unique artistic and architectural masterpieces such as the renowned Tempietto Longobardo, a jewel of sacred art nestled within the monastery walls.

Visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Cividale

Immerse yourself in history at the National Archaeological Museum of Cividale, home to precious artifacts from the Lombard civilization and earlier periods. From armor to everyday objects, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the past, with collections that tell the story of life and traditions in these lands.

Visit to a DOC Colli Orientali del Friuli winery

Discover the fine wines of the Colli Orientali area by visiting local wineries, where you can taste outstanding vintages surrounded by enchanting landscapes.

Guided cycling tour from Cividale through Friulian vineyards and villages

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

Overnight stay in Udine.

Suggested and bookable train departure: Palmanova.

Departure by train to Palmanova (approx. 20 minutes).

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 along its orderly streets and spacious squares, visitors can breathe in the history of a place built to protect but also to impress—today a cultural heritage site to be discovered slowly and with curiosity.

Suggested and bookable experiences:

Guided tour of the star-shaped city

A fascinating journey through the fortress walls and gates, led by 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 wartime events and daily life within the fortress.

Cycling tour along the walls of Palmanova

A dynamic and evocative way to explore the bastions and surroundings of the star-shaped city, cycling along a scenic route that embraces the fortress and the surrounding landscapes.

Overnight stay in Udine.

Suggested and bookable train departure: Sacile.

Departure by train to Palmanova (approx. 30 minutes).

Sacile is a charming town located in Friuli Venezia Giulia, known for its Venetian 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.

Suggested experiences:

Guided visit of the historic center of Sacile

A guided tour through the heart of Sacile, including 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 the official Sacile tourism website.

River excursion on the Livenza

A unique experience that allows you to explore Sacile from a different perspective: aboard small boats, you will navigate along the Livenza River, passing under ancient bridges and alongside 16th-century palace façades. This excursion offers a full immersion in the history and natural beauty of the town.

Overnight stay in Udine.

Departure by train from Udine to Trieste (approx. 1h30). Hotel check-in.

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

Included experience:

Historic walking tour of Trieste

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

Suggested experiences:

Secret Trieste: underground tour of the Castle of San Giusto

An out-of-the-ordinary experience leading through hidden tunnels beneath the Castle of San Giusto, among ancient walls and secret passages. An exciting journey into the medieval defenses and long-hidden mysteries beneath the city.

Guided tour of Miramare Castle and Park

Visit the fairytale Miramare Castle, with rooms overlooking the sea and a 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 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.

Tasting of Karst wines in a historic wine bar

Discover the richness of the Karst region 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 connecting the city to Miramare and the picturesque district of Barcola. An active yet relaxing way to discover breathtaking landscapes.

Overnight stay in Trieste.

Suggested and bookable train departure: Gorizia.

Departure by train to Gorizia (approx. 50 minutes).

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 intimate historic center reflects a past rich in Mitteleuropean influences, visible in 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 area and traditional Friulian products.

Suggested experiences:

Guided walking tour of Gorizia’s historic center

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

Guided visit to Gorizia Castle and the Great War Museum

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

Food and wine tour in the Collio wineries

Enjoy a sensory experience among the vineyards and wineries of Collio, a celebrated Friulian wine region. Take part in guided tastings of fine 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 an elegant and welcoming setting.

Overnight stay in Gorizia.

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.