Highlights

• Six Day Self Drive Gourmet Experience
• Udine, Palmanova, Aquileia, Trieste
• Prosciutto tasting ( Dry Cured Ham)
• Taste Excellent wines of the Collio area
• HIstorical Coffee houses of Trieste
• Tour Code:ITFR212

Friuli–Venezia Giulia, Italy’s northeastern corner, remains one of the country’s most undiscovered and under-traveled regions. Framed by the majestic Alps, the Venetian plains, and the Adriatic Sea, it offers a peaceful and authentic setting for a tranquil holiday.

This region provides endless ways to spend your days, especially for those seeking experiences away from the usual tourist paths. Trek or ski in the Alps, relax on sandy beaches, or cycle through rolling plains dotted with vineyards, castles, and charming towns.

For history enthusiasts, Friuli–Venezia Giulia is rich with Roman ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and remarkable archaeological treasures—most notably Aquileia, once one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire.

If food is your passion, the local cuisine is unlike the traditional dishes most associate with Italy. Influenced by nearby Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia, the region is celebrated for its cheeses, olive oils, exceptional wines, and its renowned PDO dry-cured hams.

With its delightful villages, warm hospitality, and exceptional cultural and culinary offerings, Friuli–Venezia Giulia is truly a must-visit destination for your next journey to Italy.

• Itinerary - click for more

  Day 1 – Venice → Udine (120 km)

  Arrive at Venice Airport, pick up your rental car, and drive north to Udine. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing walk through the historic city center.
  Udine is known for its Venetian-style squares and elegant buildings, including Piazza Libertà—often called the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland—and Piazza Matteotti, an open-air living room lined with arcades and colorful façades.
  Dinner in Udine – Suggested Restaurants:

  1. Ristorante Vitello d’Oro – Historic 19th-century building set against the 13th-century city walls.

  2. Ristorante Agli Amici 1887 – Two-Michelin-star restaurant run by the Scarello family (approx. 3 km from city center).

  ---

  Day 2 – Cividale del Friuli & Collio Wine Region

  09:00 – Depart for Cividale del Friuli (16 km / 20 min)
  09:30–11:30 – Explore Cividale, a UNESCO World Heritage town dating back to the Lombards and founded as Forum Iulii by Julius Caesar. Optional 90-min guided tour available.

  Continue into the Collio DOC wine region, home to some of Italy’s finest white wines. This area’s ideal microclimate supports vineyards producing Pinot Grigio, Friulano, Sauvignon, Ribolla Gialla, Merlot, and more.

  Wine Tasting Options:

  1. Castello di Spessa (Capriva del Friuli) – Visit historic cellars dating to the 1200s, including underground aging rooms built within a 1939 bunker. Bistro Il Gusto di Casanova available on-site.

  2. Russiz Superiore – Marco Felluga – Estate dating to the 13th century, known for its noble heritage and exceptional wines.

  Lunch Suggestions (Gourmet):

  1. Ristorante Al Cacciatore della Subida – 1 Michelin Star; cuisine blending Friulian and Slovene flavors.

  2. La Tavernetta (Castello di Spessa) – Refined meat and fish dishes at the foot of the castle.

  After lunch, visit Rosazzo Abbey for panoramic views over the Colli Orientali wine hills. Return to Udine for the evening.

  ---

  Day 3 – Palmanova, Aquileia & Grado

  09:00 – Depart Udine (25 km / 30 min)
  09:30 – Arrive in Palmanova, the famous star-shaped fortress city (UNESCO).
  Coffee break at Caffetteria Torinese, ranked among Italy’s best bars.

  10:45 – Depart for Aquileia (18 km / 20 min)
  11:10–12:45 – Visit Aquileia, one of Italy’s most important Roman archaeological sites (UNESCO). Don’t miss the Basilica and its extraordinary mosaics. Optional 90-min guided tour.

  12:45 – Continue to Grado (12 km / 10 min).
  Enjoy an aperitif by the harbor and lunch in the historic center. Afterwards, stroll through this elegant seaside town with Venetian-style lanes and fishermen’s houses.

  Lunch Suggestions:

  1. Ristorante All’Androna – Creative cuisine in the old town.

  2. Antica Trattoria Alla Fortuna – Historic, well-regarded restaurant in the center.

  Return to Udine (50 km / 50 min). Overnight.

  ---

  Day 4 – Spilimbergo & San Daniele del Friuli

  09:00 – Depart for Spilimbergo (32 km / 35 min)
  09:40–10:15 – Coffee break and short stroll through this medieval/Renaissance town.

  10:30–11:30 – Visit the famed Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, an international mosaic school active since 1922.

  11:30 – Transfer to San Daniele del Friuli (18 km / 20 min), renowned worldwide for its San Daniele DOP Prosciutto.
  Lunch in a traditional prosciutteria with tasting and optional factory visit:

  1. Casa del Prosciutto

  2. Prosciuttificio Bagatto

  14:30 – Transfer to Distilleria Pagura (30 km / 30 min) for a grappa tasting. Founded in 1879, it offers traditional distillation and personalized hand-decorated bottles.

  Return to Udine for a leisurely evening. Option to visit sites featuring masterpieces by Tiepolo in the Gallerie del Tiepolo, the Cathedral, and the Chiesa della Purità. Experience Udine’s taverns for a traditional tajut (glass of local wine).

  ---

  Day 5 – Udine → Trieste (70 km)

  Check out of your hotel.
  09:00 – Drive to Trieste.

  10:00 – Visit Miramare Castle, dramatically perched over the Gulf of Trieste. Built by Archduke Maximilian of Austria in the mid-1800s, it features romantic architecture and sweeping sea views.

  Transfer into Trieste for check-in and lunch.

  Suggested Restaurants:

  • Harry’s Bistrò / Harry’s Piccolo – 1 Michelin Star

  • Hostaria Malcanton

  Optional 90-min guided walking tour of Trieste
  Highlights include Piazza Unità d’Italia, historic cafés, Habsburg-era architecture, Roman ruins, and the city’s beloved Viennese-style coffeehouses frequented by writers such as James Joyce. Visit classics like Caffè Tommaseo, Caffè degli Specchi, Caffè Tergesteo, or Caffè San Marco.

  Overnight in Trieste.

  ---

  Day 6 – Duino Castle & The Karst

  Morning visit to Duino Castle (20 km / 30 min), a 14th-century fortress overlooking the gulf. The castle has hosted notable guests including Rilke and Empress Elisabeth (“Sissi”).

  Continue into the Karst plateau for a wine tasting at a local osmiza—a simple, traditional farmhouse eatery with regional wines and cold cuts.

  Return to Trieste for your farewell Arrivederci Dinner.
  Suggestions:

  1. Le Terrazze – Hotel Riviera Maximilian

  2. Bris – Gourmet Restaurant

  Overnight in Trieste.

  ---

  Day 7 – Departure

  Breakfast at the hotel. Travel to the airport and return your rental vehicle.
  End of services.

• Six nights Accommodation 3 or 4 night stay in Udine 2 in Trieste
• Self Drive Car rental vehicle duration of itinerary
• Optional guided city tours
• Vat Taxes

• Vehicle Rental Details - click for more

  Car Rental Includes:

  • Unlimited Mileage
  • Third Party Liability (RCA)
  • Collision Damage Waiver Reduction (CDW)
  • Theft Protection Reduction (TP)
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI);
  • Super CDW – Super TP
  • 18% Airport Charges
  • 14% Railway Fee
  • Domestic One-way Drop-off Charge
  • Road Tax
  • 22 % VAT

  Car Rental Does Not Include:

  • Administrative cost of invoice
  • Administration fees in case of accident (GMU) and fines (GRV)
  • Whatever not mentioned in the inclusions

Not Included

• International Air Travel
• Full Board
• Local Guides
• Entrance fees not mentioned in inclusions
• Items of personal nature and Items not listed in the inclusions

Hotels or Similar

• 4* Hotels Udine and Trieste

As a general rule the scheduled hotel for each departure will be one of the above listed. The final list of the hotels will available  15 days prior to departure.

2026 Rates - Custom Tour - Per Person Double

The CAD ($) rate is indicative of Euro price and subject to change.
Price per person in CAD $ Dollars.