Undiscovered Italy
Friuli Venezia Giulia - adventure through Northeastern Italy in September 2027
Women Only: Sept 9 -18, 2027
Co Ed: Sept 21-30, 2027
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Friuli Venezia Giulia is 100% NOT on the traditional tourist path- many Italians have never been here, either! If you have seen Rome, beaten the crowds in Florence, and have already been to Tuscany, this tour is for you! A borderland of unspoiled nature and melting pot of cultures in Northeastern Italy, Friuli Venezia Giulia enchants with its lively mix of traditions and truly unique gastronomy. From the charm of the seaside port of Trieste, to the Roman ruins of Aquileia, to the rolling vine covered hills of the Colli Orientali, you’ll fall under the spell of Friuli. Ending in magical Venice, we dive deeply into authentic Friuli Venezia Giulia, visiting places and people throughout our journey whose artistry carries on the creativity of their ancestors. This trip will have you feeling as though you are in a dream- and may not want to wake up!
Our Itinerary
Day 1: Buongiorno, Italia! Arrival day
We will meet at the Venice airport for our drive into Friuli Venezia Giulia. Beginning our adventure with a welcome lunch, we dive headfirst into the local cuisine and wine! This afternoon we begin our adventure with a welcome lunch, diving headfirst into local cuisine and wine! You have the evening free after settling into our hotel for the next 7 nights.
Day 2: Aquileia & Grado, Roman Legacy & the Adriatic Breeze
This morning we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aquileia, one of the most important Roman archaeological sites in northern Italy, founded in the 2nd century BC. Its Basilica contains the largest and oldest floor mosaic in the world, dating back to the 4th century. We then embark on a boat tour of the Grado lagoon, and enjoy a seafood lunch with local wine in a traditional trattoria. This afternoon, we stroll the Grado village and explore. The evening is yours to enjoy.
Day 3: History & Culture by the sea in Trieste and Miramare Castle
We venture East for a visit to Miramare Castle, built as a residence for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife Charlotte of Belgium, along with its vast gardens full of rare plants, sculptures and ponds. You’ll lunch on your own in seaside Trieste, a crossroads of cultural influences, and once the home of writer Jamees Joyce. This afternoon, our guided tour takes us through history in Trieste, exploring Piazza Unità d'Italia, the Canal Grande, and stopping for a special coffee experience. The evening is yours to enjoy.
Day 4: A Food & Wine Immersion in the Collio
This morning we learn the secret of “Gubana delle Valli del Natisone”, a traditional fruit and nut filled cake related to strudel, in a hands on class. Next, we head to Dolegna del Collio for a vineyard walk with the winemaker, followed by a Friulian wine pairing lunch. Afterwards, we explore Cividale del Friuli to walk off our indulgence! Cividale is the second UNESCO jewel in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Born under the glories of Ancient Rome, once called Forum Iulii by Julius Caesar himself, Cividali stands on the banks of the Natisone river and its streets contain palaces and monuments from various eras. Your evening is yours.
Day 5: Hands on Cooking Class and a Grappa Experience
Get ready to roll up your sleeves to learn how to make our lunch: Gnocchi ripieni - "stuffed gnocchi" in Italian! It is a variation of the classic potato gnocchi where a filling is enclosed inside the potato dumpling before it is cooked. We will enjoy the fruits of our labor together, accompanied by local wines. This afternoon we visit a world famous grappa distillery run by women. The evening is yours.
Day 6: San Daniele and Udine. Discovering the heart of Friuli: history, taste and tradition
We begin our day with a visit to a producer of the world famous San Daniele prosciutto, where we will see how this elegant prosciutto is made and aged, and indulge in a tasting accompanied by Friulian white wine. We then head to a very special noble Friulian medieval residence, with its intact 16th century frescoes, floors and furniture, for a personal tour by the current Contessa of Arcano! Lunch will be on our own in Udine, where we will have time afterwards to explore. The evening is yours.
Day 7: Preserved Alpine Culture in Sauris
We head up into the Alps to visit Sauris, locally known as Zahre, a charming mountain village located at an altitude of 1,212 meters (3976 feet). This village is renowned for its unique cultural identity, the result of geographic isolation that has allowed the preservation of an archaic Germanic language and unique traditions over the centuries.
We start with a tour and tasting at an alpine prosciutto maker, followed by a cheese tasting with the owner of a company that refines, matures and markets the typical “Malga della Carnia” cheese, which has preserved its production procedures unchanged even after many centuries. Our included lunch will be a special experience at an Agriturismo, and there will be time to explore the nearby alpine village on foot before setting off for our hotel.
Day 8: Discovering the beauty of Venice
We say goodbye to the rolling Collio to say hello to watery Venezia! You’ll have time for lunch on your own upon arrival, and this afternoon we have a fabulous local Venetian guide who will introduce us to her special Venice. We will pop into a famous textile shop, and explore some historic landmarks. The evening is yours to enjoy.
Day 9: More Venice Secrets
Our wonderful guide will continue to show us her secret Venice this morning! Lunch on your own today, with free time to explore Venice this afternoon. We will raise our glasses to toast our amazing adventure at our farewell dinner!
Day 10: Arrivederci, Italia! Departure Day
Enjoy one last breakfast in Italy before saying Arrevederci. Catch a vaporetto or book a water taxi to the airport at your leisure. Remember, with Italy, it’s never goodbye- it’s always “See you soon!”
Arrival/Departure airport: Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
Pre and post nights in Venice can be arranged!
Booking by Application Only.
Pricing: Coming Soon….
Deposit: $500
This tour has a payment plan of your deposit plus 2 payments. Please review Terms & Conditions for cancellation policy.
Extremely limited space - women only departure: 7 women. Co ed departure: 12 guests.
Included meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
Activity level: Moderate. Walking in vineyards, on cobblestones, and up/down stairs/hills, standing for cooking classes and tastings.