Grand Tour of Friuli-Venezia Giulia: history, culture, and gastronomy

The first day of your journey will take you to Cividale del Friuli, a city of timeless charm, founded by Julius Caesar under the name Forum Iulii, from which the name Friuli originated. Your adventure will begin with a guided tour that will reveal the rich historical and artistic heritage of the city, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2011. Among the sites you'll discover, the Longobard Temple will delight you with its ancient and refined elegance.

After the visit, you’ll enjoy a delightful break by tasting "gubana," an irresistible pastry from the Natisone Valleys, accompanied by a glass of local wine. This dessert, rich in dried fruits and intense flavors, will offer you an authentic taste of Friulian culinary tradition.

Next, you'll head to the splendid Villa de Claricini, where you'll be transported into a bygone era. This elegant residence, built around the mid-17th century by the noble de Claricini-Dornpacher family, is now the vibrant center of a cultural foundation, established by the family's last heir, Countess Giuditta de Claricini.

Finally, you'll travel to Udine, where an evening of total relaxation awaits you.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel

You'll start the day with a delicious breakfast, followed by a meeting with your guide for an unforgettable exploration of Udine's historic center. You'll admire the Venetian-inspired squares and ancient palaces that tell centuries of history. As you stroll through the splendid Piazza Libertà, considered "the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland," and the charming Piazza Matteotti, or Piazza delle Erbe, with its lively atmosphere, you'll be immersed in 18th-century Udine, where Giambattista Tiepolo found inspiration and reached the pinnacle of his artistic career.

This immersive experience will conclude with a classic Friulian aperitif: a "Taj di Vin" in a comfortable osteria, where you can experience the authentic conviviality of the region.

In the afternoon, you'll continue your journey to Palmanova, a fortress city that will take your breath away. With its star-shaped layout and imposing defensive structure, Palmanova is a masterpiece of Venetian military architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017. The guided tour will take you to the heart of the fortress, through the 17th-century underground tunnels, illuminated only by torchlight, creating an atmosphere full of mystery and intrigue.
As the cherry on top, your adventure will conclude at the historic Lunetta Napoleonica, where you'll delight your palate with a refined tasting of local honeys, accompanied by dried fruits and typical cheeses, for a finale that will stimulate the senses and nourish the spirit.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel

After a satisfying breakfast, you'll set off for Aquileia, an extraordinary UNESCO gem that will transport you back to the grandeur of the ancient Roman Empire. This city, once rich and prosperous, was renowned for its port and imposing defensive walls. During your guided tour of the archaeological area, you'll explore the remains of the Roman forum, the river port, the late ancient markets, and the "Sepolcreto" necropolis.
Be sure to visit the entrance to the patriarchal Basilica, where you'll find Europe's largest floor mosaic, dating back to the 4th century AD. Afterward, you'll discover the Crypt of the Frescoes, a place steeped in Christian history, featuring the evocative Holy Sepulchre. To conclude this cultural experience, enjoy a delicious tasting at a renowned chocolate factory.

In the afternoon, you'll head to Grado, a lovely town connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. As you stroll through its charming alleys and small squares, surrounded by the characteristic fishermen's houses, it will feel like you're traveling back in time to a place where the past still lives on in the present.
You'll visit the splendid Basilica of Santa Eufemia, with its Paleochristian Baptistery and the evocative Lapidarium, followed by a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Finally, you'll enjoy a relaxing walk through the heart of the historic center and along the romantic promenade by the seafront.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel

Be sure to start the day with a satisfy breakfast before preparing you to discover Spilimbergo, a village of rare beauty with roots in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. As you walk through the narrow streets of the historic center, you'll be immersed in the atmosphere of an ancient era, with the medieval layout still intact.
The lively Piazza del Duomo, once the bustling heart of commerce, will welcome you with its historic splendor. Here, you'll visit the renowned Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, an institution of artistic excellence founded in 1922 and now celebrated internationally.

Next, your journey will continue to San Daniele del Friuli, a gem often referred to as the "little Siena of Friuli." This town is a true treasure chest of history, art, and authentic flavors. You'll be captivated by the beauty of the 18th-century Duomo and the frescoes of the former Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, which tell stories from a distant past.

But San Daniele is also a haven for flavors: here, you’ll have the chance to taste smoked trout and the inimitable San Daniele prosciutto, which has made this region famous. After exploring the historic center, you’ll enjoy a delightful tasting at a traditional prosciutto factory, and will try the authentic taste of this delicacy.

The day will conclude with this extraordinary sensory experience, leaving you with unforgettable memories of a unique journey.