A 14-day small group tour of Friuli Venezia Giulia in northern Italy, travelling from Trieste and Udine to the mountains and the Collio wine region, discovering remarkable landscapes, rich borderland history and warm local hospitality.
17 – 30 September 2026 – FULLY BOOKED!
AUD 9, 860 per person (double/twin-share)
AUD 11, 460 per person (solo traveller)
Tucked between the Adriatic Sea and the Carnic and Julian Alps, Friuli Venezia Giulia is one of Italy’s most fascinating and varied regions. This 14-day small group tour brings you through medieval towns, alpine valleys, Roman ruins, and one of Italy’s most celebrated white wine regions, all at a relaxed and unhurried pace.
Your journey begins in the charming town of Sacile, then continues into the mountains near Lake Cavazzo, then to the elegant provincial city of Udine, and ends with several days in the grand Adriatic port of Trieste. Along the way, you will experience a mix of landscapes and cultures that reflect Friuli’s unique position between Italy, Austria and Slovenia.
Expect excellent food and wine, time to enjoy each place without rushing, and the insight of local guides who bring the region’s layered history to life. As always, our small group size (maximum of 12 guests) ensures a warm and friendly atmosphere and allows us to include places that larger groups cannot.
Friuli Venezia Giulia Tour Highlights
- A visit to Monte Lussari, a historic mountain sanctuary with wide views across Italy, Austria and Slovenia
- Time at alpine lakes, including the clear waters of the Fusine Lakes and the peaceful lakeside setting of Barcis
- Exploring quaint villages such as the mountain hamlet of Valbruna, the riverside town of Sacile and the historic streets of Cividale del Friuli
- Discovering Udine, the former capital of the Friulian Patriarchate, with its elegant piazzas, arcades and remarkable Tiepolo frescoes
- Spending time in Trieste, a former Habsburg port city known for its grand seafront architecture, lively cafés and mix of Central European and Mediterranean influences
- Visiting Aquileia, one of Italy’s most important Roman and early Christian sites, with its impressive basilica and ancient mosaics
- Experiencing Spilimbergo, a medieval town renowned for its Mosaic School and long tradition of craftsmanship
- Meeting family-run producers, from makers of Montasio cheese and local cured meats to wineries that showcase the region’s fresh, elegant white wines
Friuli Venezia Giulia Itinerary
Days 1 – 3 Sacile and the foothills of the Friulian Dolomites
Your journey begins in Sacile, a small riverside town often called the “Garden of the Serenissima” for its Venetian influence. It is a gentle and welcoming place to settle in before exploring the wider region. Over these first days, you will visit the village of Polcenigo, known for its springs and clear waters, followed by a relaxed stop in Barcis, where you can enjoy coffee overlooking the lake’s striking green colour. There is also time to explore the historic town of Portogruaro, with its mills, arcaded streets and medieval atmosphere. These early days offer a calm introduction to the region, with short travel distances and plenty of time to take things in at an easy pace.
Days 4 – 6 Alpine landscapes, craft traditions and lakeside scenery
Leaving Sacile, the journey continues to Spilimbergo to visit the renowned Mosaic School, an important centre for this ancient craft. From there, you travel to San Daniele, known for its prosciutto and attractive town centre, before settling into your hotel in the quieter mountain area near Lake Cavazzo.
Over the following days, you will explore the alpine village of Valbruna, travel by cable car up to Monte Lussari to visit its centuries-old sanctuary, and enjoy views across three countries. You will also take in the beauty of the Fusine Lakes, with time for a gentle walk in this peaceful setting. Another morning is spent in Valvasone, a small medieval village with a well-preserved historic centre, before continuing to a local winery for a relaxed countryside tasting. These days combine mountain scenery, small towns, and a taste of Friuli’s rural traditions.
Days 7 – 9 Udine, Cividale and the coast
Arriving in Udine, you settle into a city shaped by Venetian architecture, lively piazzas and a welcoming atmosphere. A guided visit introduces you to its historical centre, including the impressive Tiepolo frescoes in the Museo Diocesano, as well as landmarks that reflect the city’s long connection to the Republic of Venice.
From Udine, you will visit Cividale del Friuli, a UNESCO site with Lombard history, medieval streets and a dramatic stone bridge across the Natisone River. Another day takes you to Aquileia, one of the most significant Roman and early Christian archaeological sites in Italy, followed by time in the seaside town of Grado. These days offer a rich mix of art, culture, and coastal views, with free time to explore at your own pace.
Days 10 to 14 Wine Country, Borderland History and the Adriatic City of Trieste
Leaving Udine, you travel through the Collio wine region along scenic roads lined with vineyards and cherry orchards. Several small hilltop villages punctuate the route, and you will enjoy a relaxed winery lunch that showcases the region’s fresh and elegant wines. In the afternoon, you continue to Gorizia, a town shaped by shifting borders and Habsburg history. A guided visit to its castle provides context for the area’s role during the First World War and its unique position between Italy and Slovenia. From here, the journey continues to Trieste, your base for the final part of the tour.
Trieste offers a mix of Central European grandeur and Mediterranean light. With a local guide, you will explore its elegant squares, waterfront boulevards and historic cafés, gaining insight into its time under the Habsburg Empire and its long standing cultural ties with the wider Adriatic world. On your final full day, you travel to the small Slovenian coastal town of Piran for a relaxed morning and coffee by the sea. Returning to Italy, you pause in Muggia for a leisurely lunch before heading back to Trieste for your last evening of the tour.
What our clients say about travelling with Italian Tours
“The tour was absolutely fantastic, and all that it is cracked up to be on your website. We were amazed at the beauty of Puglia and were stunned by the local food. The accommodation was first-rate. The group size is perfect for the sort of tour that you offer.
Our guide, Marco, …was greatly appreciated for his care and sense of humour. He introduced us to many Pugliese dishes and especially to Café Leccese, which became a great hit with the whole group. We are now making it at home!!
Paul and Sue, Puglia, The Road Less Travelled Tour September 2023