Italy's northeastern corner is a great place for travelers seeking to leave the beaten path. Whether you like snow-capped mountains, warm sandy beaches, lagoons teeming with water birds, remote alpine hamlets, Roman ruins, palatial country villas, rocky coastal cliffs, bustling international seaports or picturesque fishing villages, your tastes will be thoroughly satisfied in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, one of Italy's most versatile regions.

History has marched back and forth across this region. Before even the Romans settled down, Celtics populations found here their home in prehistoric era. Aquileia was one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the early Roman Empire and now declared World heritage by UNESCO. Romans settled down all over the region and established the cities of Forum Iulii (later named Cividale), founded by Julius Caesar, and Iulium Carnicum (later named Zuglio), that served as trade post by the Alps.

As the Roman Empire started to decade the infamous Huns forced that fortified town's inhabitants to seek refuge by founding the town of Grado on an island in the lagoon, much as the less civilized tribes to the west had built the settlement we now know as Venice. For most of the ensuing centuries, shrewd local leaders managed to keep the region essentially independent.

The amazingly well preserved town of Gemona is a living example of the evolution from castle to fortified town. Already mentioned in documents dating back to 611 AD as an "inexpugnable castle", the town grew up around the castle hill, now surrounded by narrow medieval streets and a majestic cathedral started in 1290 in a wonderful position, backed by a rocky mountain and overlooking the city and the lower valley.

The nearby medieval town of Venzone is considered a jewel among medieval fortified town. The impressive gothic cathedral, the original buildings, the venetian city hall give to the visitor the allure of being introduced in an original medieval town During the Republic of Venice, which extended its domain through the region, towns and palaces were built.

Udine, the historical capital of Friuli, was under the Venetian Republic since 1420 and until 1797, when Napoleon invaded the region. Several buildings and architectural details in Udine show the ancient influence of Venetian style. The unique town-fortress of Palmanova, founded by the Venetians in 1593, reminds us of the Venetian political and economical power as well.

It’s amazing how in most towns of the region we can admire the signs left by Venetian architects several centuries ago!

A quick glance at the map shows why the Austrian Hapsburgs fought hard to control this region. Once under their dominion, Trieste was declared a free port and quickly became Mitteleuropa's gateway to the East. Immigrants flocked here from all over the Mediterranean, giving Italy's easternmost city a cosmopolitan air. Today, its spacious boulevards, handsome buildings and vaguely dowdy magnificence make it something of a Vienna-By-The-Sea. The Hapsburgs ruled here through the 19th century. But that was not to be until after the First World War, and even then it was short-lived, because a significant chunk of the territory to the east and south of Trieste was awarded to the state of Yugoslavia in recognition of its valiant fight against the Nazis in World War II. The region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia was not created until 1963, and many of its towns still bear vivid signs of Austrian and Slavic influence in their lifestyle, folklore and cuisine.

Last but not least, Friuli Venezia Giulia is not only a region of important historic sites, architectural masterpieces and cultural mixture, it hosts a unique variety of biomes. In a distance of 50 miles we find wetlands, karst and alpine forests, Mediterranean and continental European ecosystems. Several conservation projects and natural reserves have been established in the last years. Bird watching excursions in the wetlands, to look for migratory and nesting species, as well as hiking trips in the Karst and in the Alps, are unique experiences to combine with beautiful historic sites, gourmet foods and selected wines.

We have designed for you itineraries that combine the variety of beauty that you can find in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Roman archeological sites, Medieval art, architecture from the Venetian Republic and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, wild nature along the coast and in the Alps, superb local wines and delicious hand made food will delight your trip. We recommend this trip for those who want to experience all main aspects characterizing this region and that have various interests.

Families with kids can join these itineraries; as well as older people. They are designed to offer many different activities without planning a too intensive schedule.

Weather you choose our 3 days, 7 days or 14 days tour, you will return home with an unforgettable memory of this magic land and the wish of coming back soon!

• TRIESTE
• DUINO
• RILKE TRAIL
• GIANT CAVE
• KARST ECOSYSTEM
• CONA ISLAND NATURAL RESERVE
• GRADO
• CAVANATA NATURAL RESERVE
• STELLA RIVERMOUTH and VALLE CANAL NOVO NATURAL RESERVES
• AQUILEIA
• PALMANOVA
• GORIZIA
• GREAT WAR TRAILS BY THE ISONZO RIVER
• COLLIO AND ITS WINERIES
• CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI
• GRIFON VOLTURES CONSERVATION PROJECT
• SAN DANIELE AND ITS HAM
• SPILIMBERGO AND ITS MOSAICS SCHOOL
• UDINE
• GEMONA
• VENZONE
• JULIA ALPS REGIONAL PARK
• TARVISIO AND ITS FOREST
• FUSINE LAKE AND FOREST
• ILLEGIO
• TOLMEZZO
• PAULARO AND ‘LA MOZARTINA’ VIOLINS MUSEUM
• CARNIA
• GREAT WAR TRAILS BY THE AUSTRIAN BORDER
• SAURIS
• DOLOMITI ORIENTALI REGIONAL PARK
• CELLINA VALLEY

Please do not hesitate to contact us for our tour information!

If you prefer a different tour, just go to the ‘custom tours’ page.

If you want a tour focused on a special topic, please go to the ‘theme itineraries’ section.