Your perfect 14-days itinerary in Friuli Venezia Giulia
Friuli Venezia Giulia is a region that brings together very different populations and cultures that go far beyond the traditional dichotomy between Trieste and Udine.
Here is our suggested 14-days itinerary that should give you an idea of what to visit and how to organize your time in this beautiful region.
TRIESTE AND THE KARST - 3 DAYS
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| Trieste |
Trieste, forced into a thin strip of land between the Adriatic Sea and the Karst, has the typicality of a border town with a Habsburg atmosphere that makes it seem suspended in time. The city offers many historical landmarks, starting with the iconic Piazza Unità d'Italia with its famous cafés and the Molo Audace and continuing with the Cathedral of San Giusto and the adjacent Castle that dominate the city and offer a splendid view over the Gulf. Among the places to visit in town, it is also worth mentioning the Risiera di San Sabba, the only Nazi-Fascist extermination camp on Italian territory.
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| View from the Duino Castle |
A visit to Trieste, however, should also include some stops in its surroundings dominated by the Triestine Karst, a rocky limestone plateau characterised by caves, paths carved out of the rocks and cliffs that plunge into the Adriatic Sea. Not to be missed in the area: the scenic Val Rosandra and the mysterious Grotta Gigante, passing through the romantic gardens and elegant architectures of the Miramare and Duino Castles.
For more info about Trieste, check out our specific 1 or 3 days itineraries.
AQUILEIA, GRADO, STRASSOLDO AND PALMANOVA - 2 DAYS
All located relatively close to each others, these 4 towns are very important centres from an historical and artistic point of view and are certainly worth a stop while exploring the region.
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| Aquileia |
Aquileia with its Roman remains is one of the most important archaeological sites in Northern Italy. The Basilica contains some spectacular mosaics, remarkably preserved. The ruins of the river port and the Roman Forum complete the visit.
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| Grado |
Grado is a seaside town located on an island between the homonymous lagoon and the sea. It has a well-preserved historic centre where the Basilica of Sant’Eufemia stands out, together with the Baptistery. The medieval city centre is a delight and the beach offers the perfect spot for a romantic walk by the sea.
Strassoldo is one of the most fascinating examples of a perfectly preserved medieval hamlet, probably dating back from the end of 1100. The tiny city centre winds around the two castles (Castello di Sopra and Castello di Sotto) and their respective towers. It's the perfect spot for a walk in a place lost in time.
Palmanova represents one of the most successful models of ideal fortress city, actually built: a real jewel for lovers of military architecture and history. Its star shape, with nine points, is in fact a hymn to perfection and urban symmetry. Besides visiting the town centre, there are also 3 interesting walking trail following the ancient walls that will allow you to discover the history of the fortress town through its military architecture.
COLLIO, CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI AND THE NATISONE VALLEY - 2 DAYS
Collio Friulano is a hilly area famous for the production of high quality white wines. It extends from the hills of San Floriano to Cividale del Friuli passing through the border town of Vencò. From a panoramic point of view, these hills planted with vineyards and dotted with lovely little villages are very suggestive. In terms of gastronomy, this is a paradise for wine lovers and foodies.
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| Vineyards, Collio |
The area also offers nice trails to enjoy the beautiful views, such as the Sentiero delle Vigne Alte.
The Natisone Valleys, on the other hand, develop from the medieval town of Cividale del Friuli towards Slovenia and, as the name implies, follow the course of the homonymous river. This is the perfect destination for nature lovers; the apex of this area is certainly Mount Matajur, from whose peaks on clear days you can see the sea.
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| Cividale del Friuli |
The town of Cividale is somehow the meeting point of these two areas. It is an ancient Lombard capital and today a beautiful tourist destination at the foot of the Friulian mountains.
You can come here many times and you'll never get tired of walking among its narrow streets, crossing the Devil's Bridge over the Natisone river and visiting the splendid Longobard Temple.
DOLOMITES AND CARNIA - 3 DAYS
Carnia, located in the north-west of Friuli Venezia Giulia, is an area of extraordinary natural beauty. The landscape is filled with lively streams, beautiful lakes, large woods and green valleys that offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor lovers. It is also known for its picturesque villages such as Sauris, Pesariis and Sutrio.
The best way to visit Carnia, with its winding roads and inaccessible passes, is a fantastic road trip by car, calmly discovering all the hidden jewels of the mountains and the valleys.
The local gastronomy is also very interesting: Carnic cuisine has a peculiar character and you can find typical products of excellent quality, such as the delicious Sauris ham.
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| Carnia |
The Dolomites of the Friuli region are wild, with peculiar characteristics that are difficult to find in other areas of the Alps. They are protected by the Friulian Dolomites Regional Park, the largest in the region. It is an area of great geological, environmental and naturalistic interest. Here, in fact, thousands of wild animals have found their ideal habitat.
The Bell Tower of Val Montanaia is the symbol of these peaks. It belongs to the Spalti di Toro group and is located in the homonymous valley, in the municipality of Cimolais. Very famous among mountain enthusiasts, it is also known as "the stone scream".
Among the villages in the area, Erto e Casso, made sadly famous by the Vajont dam, is worth a visit.
UDINE AND THE FRIULI HILLS - 2 DAYS
A little over 20 km from Slovenia and about 60 km from Austria, the city of Udine, with its historic centre reveals marked Venetian influences. Piazza Libertà with the Loggia del Lionello and the clock tower with the two Moors who strike the hours are reminiscent of a glimpse of Venice on the mainland. The Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace with Tiepolo's frescoes evoke the religious spirit of the city. While the central Via Mercatovecchio with the intimate Piazza San Giacomo are the living heart of the city.
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| Udine |
The surrounding area of the Friuli Hills is the ideal destination for the slow tourist: elegant castles and cute villages, splendid landscapes on the morainic hills, history, culture, and gastronomic events. Excursions by bicycle or on horseback, golf, fishing and bird watching can be alternated with cultural visits to museums, frescoed churches, and historic villas.
Across the hills, you can reach the village of Fagagna, one of the most beautiful villages of Italy, and Tarcento with its Liberty villas. To the west, on the other hand, the Tagliamento river creates amazing landscapes, especially near Ragogna, where history buffs will also find some itineraries defined to accompany visitors through the history of the Great War. And, of course, one cannot talk about these hills without mentioning San Daniele del Friuli with its imposing cathedral and famous ham.
PORDENONE AND ITS PROVINCE - 2 DAYS
Pordenone is an elegant city that enchants the visitor with its charming historic centre, an authentic mosaic of 16th century palaces, Romanesque churches, arcades, frescoed facades, Gothic and Baroque buildings. A walk under the prestigious arcades of the Corso or a visit to the museums and temporary exhibitions will be the right way to immerse yourself in the local history and culture.
The surroundings of the Friulian capital are rich in history and art, and for this reason it is worth dedicating (at least) a day to discover them. In fact, near Pordenone there are some picturesque villages ranked among the most beautiful in Italy such as Cordovado, San Vito al Tagliamento, and Spilimbergo.
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