Flavours of Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Trieste to the vineyards

Celebrate the cultural crossroads and culinary traditions of Italy’s undiscovered northeast

Private Itinerary
6 Days

Journey Highlights & Signature Inclusions

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of Italy’s most intriguing and diverse regions – a true crossroads of Latin, Slavic, and Germanic cultures, offering a rich tapestry of history, languages, and traditions. Explore the elegant Habsburg-influenced architecture of Trieste, wander through the medieval lanes of Udine, and sample world-class wines in the Collio hills. A path less travelled than other Italian regions, Friuli-Venezia Giulia rewards the curious with authenticity, depth, and surprising beauty.

  • 5 nights in elegant 4-star hotels
  • 5 breakfasts (B)
  • Private guided walking tour of Trieste, including historical cafés with tastings and entrance to Miramare Castle & Gardens
  • Winery tour and tasting in the Collio wine region with local cheese and charcuterie pairing
  • Guided tour of Cividale del Friuli, including the UNESCO-listed Lombard Temple
  • Traditional Gubana pastry cooking demonstration and tasting
  • Artisanal prosciutto tasting with wine pairing in San Daniele
  • Return high-speed train tickets between Venice and Trieste
  • Port and train station transfers on arrival or departure, as indicated
  • Note: hotel city taxes, if applicable, are not included

Discover The Itinerary

Explore your itinerary in detail, featuring carefully selected hotels, unique experiences, and premium inclusions designed to elevate your travel experience.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

Day 1: Venice (Fusina) – Trieste

Transfer to Venice train station to board your high-speed train to Trieste. On arrival transfer to your hotel and welcome to this fascinating port city which sits at the crossroads of Latin, Slavic, and Germanic cultures. Once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, its grandeur is still visible in the elegant architecture and stately piazzas. Settle into your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Starhotels – Savoia Excelsior Palace

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Day 2: Trieste

Explore Trieste on a guided walking tour, discovering its storied past through grand boulevards, seaside promenades, and historic coffee houses. Visit the romantic Miramare Castle and its lush gardens, once home to Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria and enjoy tastings at two historic cafés that echo Trieste’s rich coffee culture.

Starhotels – Savoia Excelsior Palace

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

Day 3: Trieste – Udine – Capriva del Friuli

Travel inland to Friuli’s vibrant wine country. Stop in Udine for a short, guided visit through its charming medieval centre, where Venetian influences meet Alpine character. Continue to Capriva del Friuli for a private tour and tasting at a prestigious local winery, where the region’s acclaimed white wines are paired with artisan cheese and cured meats. Check into your countryside estate, surrounded by vineyards.

Castello di Spessa

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

Day 4: Capriva del Friuli

Enjoy a full day at leisure at your villa in Capriva del Friuli. Explore the surrounding vineyards, unwind at the spa, or simply relax and admire the panoramic views of the Collio hills, one of Italy’s most prized winemaking regions.

Castello di Spessa

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

Day 5: Capriva del Friuli – Cividale del Friuli – Azzida – San Daniele del Friuli – Capriva del Friuli

Discover the eastern Friuli region, beginning with a guided visit to UNESCO-listed Cividale del Friuli, founded by Julius Caesar and later the capital of the Lombards. Visit the Lombard Temple of Santa Maria in Valle before heading to Azzida for a private demonstration of gubana, a traditional Friulian pastry. Continue to San Daniele, renowned for its PDO Prosciutto. Visit an artisanal ham producer for a tasting paired with local wine, rounding out a delicious day of heritage and flavour.

Castello di Spessa

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

Day 6: Capriva del Friuli – Trieste – Venice

Return to Trieste for your train to Venice and your ongoing journey.

Breakfast

Meals Included

Upcoming Departures

Enjoy your private itinerary

Experience the ultimate in personalized travel with Ormina Tours’ private itineraries. Tailored to your preferences, these journeys offer complete flexibility, from your choice of destinations and activities to your pace of travel.

  • Depart on any date you choose
  • Fully Customisable
  • Unique Activities
  • Comfort and Privacy
From $3.990 AUD PPFIT: Private driver

Upgrade Options

  • Private arrival and departure transfers by deluxe sedan, in lieu of train
  • Extend to include a Venice City Break

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Ormina Tours provide?

Ormina Tours provides land services in Europe. We cover most of Europe and are continually expanding. If your destination is uncommon, please contact us to confirm availability.

We offer Small Group Journeys on set departure dates (max. 10 guests for 2025 and max. 12 guests for 2026), tailored private journeys (full F.I.T. services), and booking and coordination of accommodation. From airport transfers to fully customized European travel, we cover everything, except flights

Where is Ormina Tours based, and do you serve clients worldwide?

We are an Australian company with offices in Sydney and Perth, as well as a team in Europe to ensure seamless service delivery. While based in Australia, we cater to clients globally and partner with over 250 travel agents across Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.

When is the best time to visit Europe, and do your tours operate year-round?

Europe offers charm year-round. May and September are popular for Australians, while beach destinations are busiest in August. Most Small Group Journeys run between April and October, while private journeys are available year-round. Early planning (at least 6 months) is recommended for busy regions like the Amalfi Coast.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes, we require all clients travelling to have travel insurance as this is a requirement for Tour Operators Insurances, otherwise guests must sign a release and discharge of liability waiver for us to accept the booking. If you need assistance arranging insurance, just ask.

Do you cater to travellers with mobility challenges?

We tailor all journeys to our client’s travel preferences and needs, including any mobility challenges whether it is special vehicles, travel scooters, hotel rooms with accessible showers and hoists. We also have expertise on most attractions and towns to know which are more accessible than others.

With our Small Group Journeys, any significant mobility challenge requires an accompanying minder/helper to attend on the tour as it is not always possible for our Tour Directors, drivers and guides to offer continuous care in a group environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

What is the group size, and what happens if only two people book the tour?

Our Small Group Journeys are designed for a maximum of 10 guests (12 guests in 2026) to ensure an intimate experience. A minimum of 2 guests is required to guarantee departure (4 guests in 2026).

Should fewer than four guests be booked, you will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy the same itinerary as a private journey at a preferential rate, giving you the confidence and certainty to book in advance. If you do not wish to undertake the small group journey itinerary as a private journey and we advised within the require deadline as disclosed, we will provide you with a full refund.

What is included and excluded in a Small Group Journey?

Our itineraries include accommodation, transportation, guided activities, and meals as marked – B (breakfast), L (lunch), or D (dinner). Exclusions typically include flights, city taxes, personal expenses, and any items not explicitly listed in the itinerary.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is optional but appreciated for exceptional service. After booking you will be provided with some tipping guidelines should you choose to do so.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each guest can bring one standard checked bag and one carry-on. Please inform us if you need to bring extra luggage.

What is a private journey?

Private journeys (named City Breaks and Regional Discoveries) are not tours with other people. They are suggested itineraries for the city/region that can be fully customised with prearranged services, allowing independent exploration.

Can I choose my hotel?

For private itineraries, we recommend hotels in our itineraries, we can certainly work to accommodate your preferences.

Hotels are set for Small Group Journeys but you can opt to upgrade your room.

What currency are your tours priced in?

Tours (that is our Small Group Journeys) are priced in AUD for Australian residents, NZD for New Zealand residents, and USD for US residents. Other nationalities will pay in AUD unless otherwise arranged.

Prices are fixed once paid in full. In rare cases of significant currency fluctuations, unpaid bookings may be subject to price adjustments. If this occurs, we will contact you or your travel agent to advise you and you will have the option to either pay the full tour price by a certain date or accept the increase.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, though credit card fees may apply. Domestic wire transfers are also accepted.

What deposit is required?

Deposit amounts vary on the size of the booking and whether the booking includes tickets and admissions that maybe non-refundable or non-transferable after purchase. Full payment is due 3 months before your first service date.

Can I change or cancel my booking after making a deposit?

Changes incur a $100 fee per request unless additional services are added. Cancelling more than 50% of services is considered a cancellation, and fees will apply.
Any cancellation made by you prior to your travel (including any changes to your departure date) will result in the following cancellation fees:

Days of notice from notification to first date of service:

  • 91+ days: Loss of deposit
  • 90–75 days: Loss of Booking Deposit and 50% of the balance of the Tour Price
  • 75 days or less: Loss of Booking Deposit and 100% of the balance of the Tour Price

We always advise our clients to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations.

What are Ormina Tours’ COVID-19 guidelines?
  • Follow local laws, wear masks, and maintain social distancing as required.
  • Do not travel if you are symptomatic, recently exposed, or COVID-positive.
  • Stay updated on airline and country-specific protocols.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Reach out to our team for personalised assistance and start planning your next European adventure with Ormina Tours.