Explore One of Italy’s Best-Kept Secrets
You may not have heard of Friuli-Venezia Giulia before, but that’s part of what makes it so special. No, this isn’t where the city of Venezia, or Venice, is located–Friuli-Venezia Giulia is in the northeast of Italy, bordering both Austria and Slovenia.
One of the region’s charms is its wide variety of landscapes, including everything from mountains and vineyards to beaches and beautiful cities. The capital of Friuli-Venezia Giulia is Trieste, located in the Gulf of Trieste, which was part of the Habsburg Monarchy until the early 20th century. The area has had numerous rulers and inhabitants over the years, and its culture and architecture still show traces of German, Austrian, and even Turkish influence.
Some of the most significant attractions in Friuli-Venezia Giulia include the grand Castello di Miramare, once home to Archduke Maximilian of Austria. There’s the fascinating town of Udine. As well as museums and castles to explore in Trieste. The UNESCO-honored ancient Roman site of Aquileia has a forum, port, and ancient Basilica known for incredible mosaics, and the internationally-renowned mosaic school in Spilimbergo.
The local cuisine in Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a melting pot of Slavic, Central European, and Mediterranean flavors. There are mouthwatering dishes like the Ajvar pepper and eggplant sauce which originated in the Balkans. The cheese, onion, and potato dish, known as Frico, is served with polenta and high-quality ham like San Daniele prosciutto. This hearty alpine cuisine pairs well with local white wines such as Friulano and Ribolla Gialla. Enjoy a glass of tannic, fruity reds including Refosco, Schioppettino, and Pignolo.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia Travel Inspiration
There is so much for discerning travelers to enjoy in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region with its varied landscape and fascinating culture. You can easily spend an entire vacation there without getting bored. Start with the city of Trieste on the Adriatic Sea, where you’ll see evidence of the city’s Austro-Hungarian past. Visit grand castles and interesting museums alike before enjoying a coffee like the locals do–leisurely at a table rather than quickly at a bar like in the rest of Italy. Visit the historic town of Grado, known for its luxurious spas, and treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment and some beach time. Sip on local wines in the underrated Friuli-Venezia Giulia wine country, or visit interesting towns like Udine, Cividale del Friuli, Spilimbergo, Cormons, and more.
When you’re craving the mountains, head to Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s section of the Dolomites for outdoor adventures, where you can ski in the winter and hike in the summer. Cross the border into Slovenia to visit the country’s capital, Ljubljana, with its quaint Old Town centered around a hilltop castle.
Customized Friuli-Venezia Giulia Tours
When you book a trip to Friuli-Venezia Giulia with Luxury Italian Tours, you’re booking a completely personalized getaway that’s tailored to your Italian vacation desires. Whether you’re a foodie looking to experience the region’s best restaurants and wineries or after a relaxing beach vacation or mountain retreat, your itinerary will reflect that. As always, with Luxury Italian Tours you can expect authentic experiences that’ll help you get to the heart of the region and leave a greater appreciation.
Frequently Asked Question
If you’re searching for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Italy that offers a wide variety of geographical features, interesting history, and wonderful wine and food, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a great option. That’s because it’s much less visited than better-known destinations like Rome, Tuscany, or the Dolomites but also offers attractions that rival such places.
The Friuli-Venezia Giulia wine region can compete with the best of the Italian wine regions. Its most famous wines are probably the crisp and somewhat nutty Friulano, the sweet Picolit from Colli Orientali, and the orange wines from Carso. But there are lots of other wines from the region that are worth tasting on a private Friuli-Venezia Giulia wine tour.
When you book a trip to Friuli-Venezia Giulia with Luxury Italian Tours, you’re not getting a cookie-cutter tour but a fully customized vacation that includes all your favorite activities and accommodations that suit your tastes. You can rely on our decades of experience in creating seamless, bespoke vacations!
