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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If you have seen Rome, beaten the crowds in Florence, and done Tuscany, this tour is for you! Friuli Venezia Giulia is NOT on the traditional tourist path- many Italians have never been here, either! 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 watery seaside Trieste, to the UNESCO Roman ruins of Aquileia, to the verdant rolling hills of the Colli Orientali, you’ll easily fall under its spell. 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 this morning 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 visit an “acetaia” where we learn about the tradition and history of the production of balsamic vinegar. You have the evening free after settling into our central village hotel, where we stay for the next 7 nights.
Day 2: Aquileia & Grado, Roman Legacy & the Adriatic Breeze
This morning we embark on a boat tour of the Grado lagoon, and enjoy a seafood lunch with local wine in a traditional trattoria, followed by time to stroll the Grado village and explore. This afternoon, 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. The evening is yours to enjoy.
Day 3: History & Culture by the sea in Trieste and Miramare Castle
We venture East for a guided 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. Later, our guided tour takes us through history in Trieste, with lunch on your own. This afternoon holds a special coffee experience in the city that made Illy famous! 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
Get ready to roll up your sleeves to learn how to make our lunch in Gorizia: three local dishes! We will enjoy the fruits of our labor together, accompanied by local wines. This afternoon we visit a small, boutique winery for a tasting and tour. Gorizia is right on the border with Slovenia. It’s a place where Italian, Slovenian, and Central European cultures blend together. With a rich history tied to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and both World Wars, Gorizia offers a peaceful, multicultural atmosphere and plenty of historical charm. The evening is yours.
Day 6: Medieval Magic, Prosciutto and Grappa - Discovering the heart of Friuli’s taste and tradition
We begin our day with a visit to a very special noble Friulian medieval residence, with its intact 16th century frescoes and floors, for a personal tour by the current Contessa of Arcano who will share anecdotes, stories, and family legends! Following our tour, we visit 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. Lunch will be on our own in Udine. This afternoon, we are treated to a special visit at Nonino Distilleries, a famous grappa and amaro producer run by women, for a tasting accompanied by sweet and salty finger food from the territory. The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Day 7: Preserved Alpine Culture in Sauris
We head up into the Carnic 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 - a short vibe check survey will be sent to you to make sure that we are a good fit for one another!
Pricing:
Double Occupancy - $7350 per person
Single Occupancy - $8325 per person
Deposit: $500 (non refundable)
This tour has a payment plan of your deposit plus 2 payments. Please review Terms & Conditions for cancellation policy. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance in case your plans may change.
Booking by Application Only - a short survey will be sent to you to make sure that we are a good fit for one another!
Extremely limited space ! Book by April 2027
9/9 - 9/18 women only departure: 10 women
9/21 - 9/30 co-ed departure: 12 guests
Activity level: Moderate. Walking in vineyards, on cobblestones, up/down stairs/hills, standing for cooking classes, tours and tastings.
Itinerary Subject to Change, and some itinerary days/activities may be moved around based on availability.