07/11/2026
Friuli Venezia Giulia Tour 2027 – Between the Mountains and the Sea.
Our Friuli Venezia Giulia tour 2027 is a 14-day small group journey through northern Italy, exploring Trieste, Udine, the mountains and the Collio w**e region while discovering remarkable landscapes, rich borderland history and warm local hospitality.
Tour Dates and Prices
9 – 22 September 2027
30 September – 13 October 2027 – fully booked
AUD 10, 150 per person (double/twin-share)
AUD 11, 780 per person (solo traveller)
Join us on a 14-day small group tour of Friuli Venezia Giulia 2027, exploring the distinctive corner of northern Italy where the Alps meet the Adriatic. From elegant Trieste and welcoming Udine to mountain villages, Roman mosaics and the vineyards of the Collio, this carefully paced journey reveals a region shaped by Italian, Austrian and Slovenian influences.
Our tour begins beside the waterways of Sacile before travelling into the Friulian foothills and the dramatic landscapes surrounding Monte Lussari and the Fusine Lakes. We then continue to Udine, Cividale del Friuli and Aquileia before concluding amid the seafront architecture, historic cafés and cosmopolitan character of Trieste.
Along the way, you will meet local producers, taste the region’s celebrated food and w**e and explore places that remain beyond the usual Italian touring routes. With no more than 12 guests, the itinerary offers a friendly atmosphere, thoughtful guiding and the freedom to experience each destination at a relaxed pace.
Highlights of our Friuli Venezia Giulia Tour 2027
• Exploring the mountain landscapes of Friuli, including Sauris, a traditional alpine village surrounded by the peaks and pastures of the Carnic Alps
• Time beside alpine lakes, including the clear waters of the Fusine Lakes and the peaceful lakeside setting of Barcis
• Exploring picturesque towns and villages, from the mountain hamlet of Valbruna and the riverside town of Sacile to the historic streets of Cividale del Friuli
• Discovering Udine, the former capital of the Friulian Patriarchate, with its elegant piazzas, graceful arcades and remarkable Tiepolo frescoes
• Spending time in Trieste, a former Habsburg port city known for its grand seafront architecture, lively cafés and blend 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 regional delicacies to w**eries showcasing Friuli Venezia Giulia’s fresh, elegant w**es
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION STAY ❖ 3 nights in Sacile in the Hotel Due Leone - a charming hotel in the historic centre ❖ 3 nights at the peaceful lakeside Hotel Trilago at Lago di Cavazzo, surrounded by alpine scenery ❖ 4 nights in Hotel Astoria Italia, a centrally located hotel in Udine, close to cafés, piazzas and museums ❖ Finish the tour at the Hotel Continentale in Trieste (3 nights) Final hotel selections may differ, but will be of a similar standard.
INCLUSIONS âť– Luca Ros, owner of Italian Tours and a native of Friuli, will be the tour leader for this tour âť– Accommodation on a twin-share basis as listed above âť– Breakfast daily âť– Ten meals (lunches or dinners, with w**e included) in restaurants chosen for their authenticity and quality âť– All land transport in Italy is by private, air-conditioned mini-bus âť– Admission to all museums, galleries and sites in the itinerary âť– Expert local guides at key locations WEATHER Autumn is a superb time to visit Friuli Venezia Giulia. Days are generally mild to warm, especially in the plains and along the coast. At the same time, evenings in the foothills and mountains can be refreshingly cool.
14 day Friuli Venezia Giulia Itinerary
Full Itinerary
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA Welcome to Italy’s northeastern corner, where the Alps meet the Adriatic and Italian, Austrian and Slovenian cultures come together. Our tour begins in the elegant riverside town of Sacile, known as the Garden of the Serenissima for its Venetian heritage and graceful waterways. A complimentary group transfer is available from Venice Marco Polo Airport or Venice Mestre train station, while those who prefer may arrive independently. After settling in, we gather for a welcome aperitivo and dinner to meet your fellow travellers and tour leader. Overnight: Sacile
DAY 2 - HILLTOWNS AND LAKES AROUND POLCENIGO Our first full day explores the foothills north of Sacile. We begin at the remarkable spring of Gorgazzo before continuing to nearby Polcenigo, one of Italy’s officially recognised Borghi più belli d’Italia. Its narrow lanes, stone houses and spring-fed canals capture the timeless character of rural Friuli. After coffee in the village, we travel into the mountains to Lake Barcis, where turquoise waters sit beneath forested peaks. Following lunch, we drive through the spectacular Friulian Dolomites before stopping at the Vajont Dam, site of one of Italy’s most significant twentieth-century tragedies, returning to Sacile in the late afternoon. Overnight: Sacile
DAY 3 - MEDIEVAL VILLAGES, AN ANCIENT ABBEY AND PORDENONE Today we explore the fertile Friulian plain, shaped by rivers, agriculture and centuries of Venetian influence. Travelling along quiet country roads, we arrive in the medieval village of Cordovado, one of Italy’s officially recognised Borghi più belli d’Italia, where there is time for a relaxed morning coffee. A short drive brings us to nearby Sesto al Reghena, home to one of northern Italy’s most important Benedictine abbeys, renowned for its Romanesque architecture and medieval frescoes. After lunch, we continue to Pordenone, whose elegant arcaded streets, painted palazzi and lively cafés make it one of Friuli’s most attractive towns before returning to Sacile. Overnight: Sacile
DAY 4 - MOSAICS AND HILLTOP CHARMS This morning we farewell Sacile and travel north to the medieval village of Valvasone. Dominated by its castle and cathedral, it offers the perfect setting for a relaxed stroll and morning coffee. After lunch we continue to Spilimbergo, the City of Mosaics. We explore its historic centre before visiting the renowned Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, where this centuries-old artistic tradition continues today. Later, we travel through the rolling hills towards Lake Cavazzo, the largest natural lake in Friuli Venezia Giulia and our peaceful base for the next three nights. Overnight: Lago di Cavazzo
DAY 5 - SAURIS AND THE HEART OF THE CARNIA Today we venture into Carnia, one of northern Italy’s most distinctive mountain regions. Our destination is Sauris, an isolated alpine community where a unique German dialect and centuries-old traditions have survived to the present day. Timber houses, flower-filled balconies and spectacular mountain scenery create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Friuli Venezia Giulia. There is time to explore both Sauris di Sopra and Sauris di Sotto before enjoying lunch featuring local mountain specialities, including the area’s celebrated smoked ham. We return to Lake Cavazzo in the afternoon with time to relax by the water or enjoy a gentle stroll. Overnight: Lago di Cavazzo
DAY 6 - THE JULIAN ALPS Today we journey into the spectacular Julian Alps, following broad valleys towards the Austrian and Slovenian borders. Our first stop is Lago di Fusine, where crystal-clear lakes reflect the surrounding peaks, followed by a gentle lakeside walk and coffee. We then continue to Camporosso, where a cable car carries us to the pilgrimage village of Monte Lussari. For centuries, pilgrims from Italy, Austria and Slovenia have travelled here to visit its sanctuary. After lunch there is time to enjoy the mountain views before descending and returning to our lakeside hotel. Overnight: Lago di Cavazzo
DAY 7 - VENZONE AND THE COLLIO Leaving Lake Cavazzo behind, we begin with a visit to Venzone, one of the most remarkable restoration stories in modern Italy. Almost completely destroyed by the devastating 1976 earthquake, the medieval town was painstakingly rebuilt stone by stone, preserving its Gothic streetscape for future generations. Today it stands proudly among Italy’s most beautiful historic villages. From Venzone we continue through the gentle hills east of Udine, passing vineyards, orchards and small rural villages before enjoying a leisurel lunch at a traditional countryside osteria. During the afternoon, our scenic drive explores the Colli Orientali, one of Italy’s most respected w**egrowing regions, where native grape varieties flourish on sunlit hillsides. By late afternoon we arrive in Udine, the historic heart of Friuli, where elegant piazzas, Venetian architecture and a lively café culture await. We settle into our hotel for the next four nights. Overnight: Udine
DAY 8 - UDINE, THE HEART OF FRIULI Today, we discover Udine, a city that combines Venetian elegance with a distinctly Friulian identity. Accompanied by our local guide, we explore the historic centre, including the graceful Piazza della Libertà , often regarded as one of the most beautiful Venetian squares on the mainland. We also visit the Cathedral, the Oratorio della Purità and the Museo Diocesano e Gallerie del Tiepolo, home to Giambattista Tiepolo’s magnificent frescoes, among the finest works of eighteenth-century Italian art. Those who wish may also visit Udine Castle for panoramic views across the city. The remainder of the afternoon is free to browse boutiques, relax in a café or explore the city’s quiet streets at your own pace. Overnight: Udine
DAY 9 - SLAVIA FRIULANA AND CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI Today’s journey takes us into Slavia Friulana, where Italian and Slovenian traditions have blended for generations. We begin in Azzida with a visit to a family-run producer of the region’s famous gubana, learning about this much-loved local speciality before enjoying a tasting. Later we arrive in Cividale del Friuli, founded by Julius Caesar and later the capital of the first Lombard Duchy in Italy. After free time for lunch, our guided visit explores its medieval streets, Devil’s Bridge and one of its outstanding Longobard monuments, part of the town’s UNESCO World Heritage listing. Overnight: Udine
DAY 10 - AQUILEIA AND THE SEASIDE CHARM OF GRADO We travel south to Aquileia, one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire and later a major early Christian centre. Its strategic position at the head of the Adriatic made it a crossroads of trade, culture and religion. A guided visit reveals the extraordinary fourth-century mosaics of the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, among the finest in Europe, depicting biblical scenes, symbolic imagery and early Christian iconography across an immense mosaic floor. We also visit the archaeological area, with remains of the ancient forum and river port that hint at the city’s former grandeur. In the afternoon, we continue to Grado, a graceful seaside town with Venetian-style houses, sandy beaches and narrow lanes perfect for strolling before returning to Udine. Overnight: Udine
DAY 11 - GORIZIA, THE BORDERLANDS AND FRIULIAN W**E Leaving Udine, we travel east to Gorizia, one of Europe’s great border cities. During our guided visit we discover a place where Italian, Slovenian and Central European cultures have met for centuries. The city’s fascinating history reflects the shifting frontiers of the twentieth century, while its castle offers sweeping views across both Italy and neighbouring Slovenia. After free time for lunch, we continue to Lis Neris, one of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s most highly regarded w**eries. Here we learn about the region’s exceptional white w**es and the unique soils and climate that have earned Friuli an international reputation for quality. A guided cellar visit and tasting provide a fitting introduction to one of Italy’s finest w**e regions. Later in the afternoon, we continue south to Trieste, our final base overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Overnight: Trieste
DAY 12 - ECHOES OF EMPIRES IN TRIESTE Trieste’s layered history unfolds on today’s guided tour. Once the main port of the Habsburg Empire, the city retains a Mitteleuropean elegance with broad boulevards, neoclassical facades, and the magnificent Piazza Unità d’Italia, which opens onto the sea. We visit the literary Caffè San Marco, a historic meeting place for writers such as James Joyce and Italo Svevo, and learn how Trieste’s role as a major coffee trading port shaped its identity and cultural life. The afternoon is free to explore Trieste at your own rhythm, perhaps visiting Miramare Castle, browsing elegant shops, or simply enjoying the Adriatic view with a glass of local Malvasia. Overnight: Trieste
DAY 13 - COASTAL STROLLS IN PIRAN AND MUGGIA A short drive across the Slovenian border brings us to Piran, one of the Adriatic’s most picturesque coastal towns. Once part of the Venetian Republic, its narrow lanes, Gothic palaces and attractive harbour retain a distinctly Venetian character. There is plenty of time to wander through the old town, admire Tartini Square, browse local shops or simply enjoy a coffee overlooking the sea. After free time for lunch, we return to Trieste where the remainder of the afternoon is yours to revisit favourite places, enjoy some last-minute shopping or simply relax before our final evening together. Overnight: Trieste DAY 14 - DEPARTURE After breakfast, our journey through Friuli Venezia Giulia comes to an end. We provide a group transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport and Venice Mestre train station. As you travel onward, you will carry with you memories of alpine valleys, Roman mosaics, vineyards and coastlines, along with the warmth and character of this fascinating region. Overnight: Trieste
Contact us for full information [email protected] or call 0398240898.
