Unexplored Northern Italy Tour: A Different Side of Italy

Situated in the Northeast corner of Italy, the town of Udine enjoys a unique position between mountains and sea and within an hours drive of both Austria and Slovenia. As you will notice on your first day in Udine, it is here that cultures collide and the mystery of the past is woven into the modern community you see today. Upon arrival, a charming guide will take you on a customizable walking tour of the main attractions as well as the secret cafes where you can sample the best of the local cuisine.

Udine sits amid the historical region of Friuli, a unique corner of Italy ringed by Alps and with the placid waves of the Adriatic to the South. This distinct identity will reveal itself to you on your first full day in this region through a day trip to the nearby communities of Spilimbergo and San Daniele del Friuli. In Spilimbergo, you will be able to survey the Gothic cathedral and 15th-century castle each presenting a vast array of artistic splendor. To slake your growing appetite, a trip to nearby San Daniele del Fruili will offer a taste of some of the best prosciutto in Italy.

From the landlocked beauty of Udine, you will now make your way south to Grado, a city perched on a precarious peninsula jutting into the sea. However, there is nothing precarious about Grado's lengthy history as a Roman port and stopover for trading vessels plying the waves of this beautiful coastline. After a short trip from Udine, you will have the remainder of the day to explore your new surroundings and enjoy the bracing atmosphere of this sea town.

After a leisurely wake up, your first morning in Grado will include an orientation in all things Roman. A short trip to the nearby ruins at Alquileia will show you the extent to which the Roman civilization expanded throughout the Mediterranean world. Crumbling columns and exquisite mosaics leave no doubt as to how this spot earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. After wandering these ruins, you will return to Grado where you can investigate the luxurious spas and other benefits of this resort town.

Your costal adventure continues as you make your way to the edge of Italy at Trieste. With Slovenia a stone's throw away, the cultural atmosphere of the city presents visitors with a transnational experience. After arriving at your luxury accommodations, you will have the remainder of the day to acquaint yourself with Trieste at your own pace. Whether you wish to kick your feet up after your travels or take to the streets in search of the many attractions to be found here, there is something for everyone is this cosmopolitan center.

Your first morning in Trieste will deliver a fortifying breakfast before replacing your unguided ramblings the day before with a in-depth look at the city on a private excursion with a local tour guide. First, you will dive into the Old Town where artisans ply their trades much in the same way as they've done for centuries. The architectural splendor of the city will come alive as you stroll along the sea front to the Piazza Unità d’Italia and town hall. Your informative tour will conclude at the nearby Miramare park where a stunning castle overlook the Gulf of Trieste.

Your final full day in Italy will include an immersion into the natural wonder of the country's Northeast. Departing the Trieste's city center, you will make your way up into the Carso plateau for an active exploration of the landscape and biodiversity of this stunning environment. As you make your way along rugged pathways through idyllic meadows, all it will take is to close your eyes and you will be transported to a time when dirt roads were the only routes connecting these off-the-beaten path communities. The sounds and smells remain much as they did centuries ago.

With the meadow dew still wetting your shoes, you will awake to your final day in this region unprepared to leave such natural and cultural beauty behind. After bidding the hotel staff "arrivederci" , the experienced hand of a private driver will ensure your safe and speedy arrival to the airport for your departing flight.