Our Friuli Venezia Giulia tour 2027 is a 14-day small group journey through northern Italy, exploring Trieste, Udine, the mountains and the Collio wine 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 wine 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 wineries showcasing Friuli Venezia Giulia’s fresh, elegant wines
Enquire about our Friuli Venezia Giulia Tour 2027
If you would like more information about our Friuli Venezia Giulia small group tour, please complete our enquiry form and we will be in touch.
14 day Friuli Venezia Giulia Itinerary
Days 1 – 3 Sacile and the foothills of the Friulian Dolomites
Your journey begins in Sacile, an attractive 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 western Friuli.
During these first days, you will visit the springs of the Santissima and the picturesque village of Polcenigo, followed by time beside the striking green waters of Lake Barcis. You will also explore Sesto al Reghena and its historic Benedictine abbey before spending the afternoon in Pordenone, known for its frescoed façades, arcaded streets and elegant historic centre. These early days offer a relaxed introduction to the landscapes, architecture and cultural heritage of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Days 4 – 6 Alpine landscapes, craft traditions and lakeside scenery
Leaving Sacile, the journey continues to Valvasone, a well-preserved medieval village, and Spilimbergo, home to the renowned Mosaic School. From there, you travel into the mountains and settle into your hotel in the peaceful area near Lake Cavazzo, an ideal base for exploring northern Friuli.
The following day takes you deeper into Carnia to visit Sauris di Sotto and Sauris di Sopra, two traditional villages surrounded by forested slopes and alpine pastures. Their distinctive architecture and enduring traditions offer an insight into life in this remote mountain community. You will also experience the beauty of the Fusine Lakes, where clear waters, woodland paths and dramatic peaks create one of Friuli’s most memorable settings. The afternoon allows for further exploration of the surrounding alpine region, with the program shaped by local and seasonal conditions. These days combine mountain scenery, village life and Friuli’s rich craft traditions.
Days 7 – 10 Udine, Cividale and the coast
On the way to Udine, you will visit Venzone, a beautifully restored medieval town surrounded by ancient walls, before continuing into the rolling vineyards of the Colli Orientali for a visit to a local winery. Arriving in Udine, you settle into a welcoming city of Venetian architecture, lively piazzas and graceful arcades. A guided visit introduces you to its historic centre, including the remarkable Tiepolo frescoes in the Museo Diocesano and landmarks reflecting Udine’s long connection to the Republic of Venice.
You will also visit a local producer of gubana, Friuli’s traditional spiral-shaped cake, and discover the story and flavours behind this regional speciality. Nearby Cividale del Friuli reveals UNESCO-listed Lombard heritage, medieval streets and its dramatic bridge over the Natisone River. Another day takes you to Aquileia to explore its extraordinary basilica mosaics, archaeological sites and Roman remains before continuing to the seaside town of Grado. Together, these days combine art, archaeology, local food traditions and the landscapes of inland and coastal Friuli.
Days 10 to 14 Wine Country, Borderland History and the Adriatic City of Trieste
Leaving Udine, you travel to Gorizia for a guided morning tour exploring a town shaped by Habsburg history, shifting borders and its close relationship with neighbouring Slovenia. From here, the journey continues through the vineyards and rolling hills of the Italian Collio and across the Slovenian border before arriving in Trieste.
With a local guide, you will discover Trieste’s elegant squares, grand waterfront architecture and historic cafés while learning about the city’s years under the Habsburg Empire and its enduring connections with Central Europe and the Adriatic.
On the final full day of the tour, you cross the border into Slovenia to visit Piran, a picturesque coastal town known for its Venetian architecture, narrow streets and beautiful position beside the sea. After returning to Trieste for your final evening together, the tour concludes the following morning with a transfer to Venice for guests continuing their travels or beginning their journey home.
Accommodation
We stay in carefully selected hotels throughout this small group Friuli Venezia Giulia tour, chosen for their comfort, character and convenient locations. From a historic riverside town and a peaceful alpine lake to the centres of Udine and Trieste, each hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding area. Room sizes and layouts may vary, particularly in historic and boutique-style properties. Hotels listed are indicative and may be replaced with similar accommodation of the same standard if required.
Sacile
In Sacile, we stay at the four-star Hotel Due Leoni, ideally positioned on Piazza del Popolo in the heart of the historic centre. Some rooms overlook the main square, while others enjoy views towards the River Livenza. The hotel’s central location makes it easy to explore Sacile’s waterways, Venetian architecture, cafés and restaurants on foot.
Lake Cavazzo
In the mountains, we stay at Hotel Trilago, a modern property in an exceptional position beside Lake Cavazzo. Surrounded by water, wooded slopes and mountain scenery, the hotel offers a peaceful change of pace and a convenient base for exploring Sauris, the Fusine Lakes and the alpine landscapes of northern Friuli.
Udine
In Udine, we stay at the four-star Astoria Hotel Italia, an elegant hotel situated on Piazza XX Settembre in the historic centre. Located immediately beside the pedestrian area, it provides easy access to Udine’s principal piazzas, arcaded streets, cafés and cultural attractions.
Trieste
For the final part of the tour, we stay at the elegant four-star Hotel Continentale in the heart of Trieste. Set on the pedestrianised Via San Nicolò, the hotel is surrounded by historic cafés, restaurants and shops and is within easy walking distance of Piazza Unità d’Italia and the city’s grand Adriatic waterfront.
What’s Included?
- Thirteen nights’ accommodation in carefully selected hotels in Sacile, Lake Cavazzo, Udine and Trieste
- Daily breakfast
- Ten meals (a combination of lunches and dinners) with wine included
- All land transport by private, air-conditioned mini-coach
- Admission to the museums, archaeological sites and other attractions listed in the itinerary
- Winery visits, tastings and food experiences specified in the itinerary
- Local guides at key destinations, including Udine, Aquileia, Cividale del Friuli, Gorizia and Trieste
- Group transfer from Venice at the beginning of the tour
- Group transfer to Venice at the conclusion of the tour
- Experienced bilingual tour leader throughout
What’s not included?
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance, which is mandatory
- Local city taxes, payable directly to the hotels
- Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities undertaken during free time
- Hotel transfers outside the scheduled group transfer times
Why travel to Friuli Venezia Giulia with Italian Tours?
Friuli Venezia Giulia has a special place in our lives. Luca was raised in the region, and it is also where we currently live. Over the years, we have come to know its towns, mountain communities, landscapes and food traditions intimately. This personal connection allows us to introduce our guests to a part of Italy that is often overlooked, sharing not only its celebrated sights but also the quieter places and local experiences that give the region its distinctive character.
Our Friuli Venezia Giulia tour 2027 reflects that familiarity. The itinerary brings together alpine landscapes, historic towns, Roman and early Christian sites, regional food and wine, and the fascinating borderland cultures of Italy, Austria and Slovenia. With a maximum of 12 guests, carefully chosen hotels and a relaxed pace, the tour offers a thoughtful and personal way to discover the region we know so well and are proud to call home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many people are in the group?
Our Friuli Venezia Giulia tour travels with a maximum of 12 guests. This keeps the experience personal and allows us to visit smaller towns, local producers and places that are less suitable for large tour groups.
Are international flights included?
No, international flights are not included. The tour begins and ends with scheduled group transfers from and to Venice, making it easy to arrive before the tour or continue travelling afterwards.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Solo travellers are very welcome on all our tours. The solo traveller price includes a private room throughout the tour.
What level of fitness is required?
A moderate level of fitness is required. Guests should be comfortable walking on cobbled streets, uneven surfaces and gentle slopes, as well as standing during guided visits. The itinerary is carefully paced and includes regular breaks.
Is this a walking or hiking tour?
No. This is a cultural small group tour rather than a dedicated walking or hiking holiday. It includes guided town visits, gentle walks and time in alpine settings, but the emphasis is on culture, history, landscapes and regional food and wine.
What kind of weather should I expect?
Conditions can vary considerably between the Adriatic coast and the mountains. Guests should bring layers, comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight waterproof jacket. We will provide more detailed packing advice before departure.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for everyone travelling with Italian Tours. Your policy should cover medical treatment, cancellation, personal belongings and disruption to your travel arrangements.
Where does the tour begin and end?
The tour begins with a scheduled group transfer from Venice to Sacile. At the conclusion of the tour, a group transfer is provided from Trieste to Venice. We will confirm exact meeting points and times in your pre-departure information.
Other small group tours in 2027
If our Friuli Venezia Giulia tour isn’t quite the right fit, you may want to explore some of our other small group tours through northern Italy. Our Dolomites and Trentino Tour, Journey Through the Veneto Tour, and Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta Tour each explores a distinctive part of northern Italy through carefully paced itineraries, authentic local experiences and small groups of no more than 12 guests.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE DOLOMITES TOUR
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JOURNEY THROUGH THE VENETO TOUR
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Explore the contrasts of north-western Italy, from the royal architecture of Turin and the celebrated vineyards of the Langhe to the Roman heritage and alpine landscapes of the Valle d’Aosta and the shores of Lake Maggiore.
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