Grand Tour of Slovenia & Italy’s Friuli Region

Arrival in Udine

Udine - This morning, you'll be introduced to the city in which we'll spend the beginning of our tour, Udine. Like much of Italy's northeast, it isn't wholly Italian. Legend has it that Hungarian leader Attila the Hun founded a town here and its proximity to the borders of Slovenia as well as its past rulers - Venice and Austria - give the culture here extra flavour.

Today, Udine is known for its Venetian charm with ancient buildings and beautiful piazzas, such as Piazza della Libertà - often called “the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland”. Two medieval canals flow through the town centre, sometimes hidden underground, and there are many luxuriant gardens, leafy piazzas and parks to enjoy. There's plenty to explore in this compact city including its hilltop castle, which houses a collection of excellent museums, including an art gallery with works by Caravaggio and Tiepolo.
During time at leisure, you could stroll the charming Via Mercatovecchio with its tall, narrow buildings and browse its arcades or follow the passage of the small waterways that flow through the city. Art lovers could enjoy an impressive 20th-century collection in the city's Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Or perhaps, simply share a glass of wine with your fellow explorers in a local osteria and savour the Friuli tradition of drinks with friends in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.

Trieste - After breakfast, we'll drive through rolling countryside to the region's cosmopolitan capital, Trieste, with the snowy peaks of the Julian Alps never too far off in the distance.

Beautifully situated on the Gulf of Trieste overlooking the Adriatic Sea, we'll arrive in the city and begin a walking tour of the area. Notably, the seafront Piazza Unità d’Italia – Europe’s largest sea-facing square - features smart cafés, with inspiring sea views that were once frequented by literary figures, such as James Joyce and Sigmund Freud.

Splitting into smaller groups for our tour, our local guide will introduce us to Trieste’s highlights and a splendid mix of architectural styles in its largely pedestrianised old town. Up above the hill, overlooking the harbour, stands a medieval fortified castle, which remains remarkably preserved as it has been miraculously spared any significant military activity.

At the foot of the hill lie the ruins of a striking Roman theatre, astonishingly they were only unearthed in 1938! It once had a magnificent proscenium decorated with ornate statues and archways looking out to the sea which, in Roman times, reached inland as far as the structure itself. Another must-see is the San Giusto cathedral, known for its dazzling Byzantine mosaics, reminiscent of those in Ravenna.
After our tour, you’ll have free time to wander at your own pace and see for yourself if Trieste lives up to its moniker, ‘the City of Cafés’. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, we recommend strucolo de pomi - the Triestine take on apple strudel, which is best paired with a cup of coffee, made by the well-known local brand: Illy.
Next, we'll follow the coastal road to Miramare Castle, built in 1860 for the Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife, Charlotte of Belgium. Set dramatically on a rocky promontory above the sea, this fairytale castle is a fine example of an aristocratic residence with remarkably preserved furnishings.

Entrance is included to the castle, so take a closer look at Habsburg life in the eclectic interiors or stroll through its immaculately landscaped park to admire the impressive variety of plants. If the beauty and serenity of the castle haven’t taken your breath away, the views over the gulf are sure to do the trick.

Mosaic School of Friuli - Take this morning to relax or explore the delights of Udine further.
This afternoon, we'll drive through lush countryside to visit the Mosaic School of Friuli in Spilimbergo. Founded in 1922, this renowned training centre attracts students from all over the world. During our guided tour, we’ll dive into the finer points of this intricate art form and the various techniques used. We’ll walk the halls of the school’s gallery to admire the talented students’ finished works, creatively expressed in a kaleidoscope of colours, motifs and styles.
There’s free time after to discover the pretty little town of Spilimbergo. As you walk along cobbled streets between the elegant buildings, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. The town’s medieval castle comprises magnificent buildings in a fascinating combination of architectural styles – some buildings were set ablaze during upheavals in 1511, but fortunately, much of its wonderfully painted façades were saved. You can also see a 13th-century cathedral with frescoes, paintings and sculptures adorning its interior.

Aquileia & a rustic lunch - This morning, we'll discover Aquileia, one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Roman Empire. At its peak, the population exceeded 100,000, but today it’s a sleepy rural town peppered with ancient ruins – the most complete example of an early Roman city in the Mediterranean world. During the Middle Ages, a smaller town took its place, and a magnificent basilica was built. As we near the historic site, keep an eye out for the ancient remains flanking the road.

We'll take a guided tour of Aquileia’s early medieval Patriarchal Basilica, a World Heritage site recognised for its significance as a Christian hub in central Europe. Interestingly, this Romanesque Gothic building was built on the ruins of a 4th-century church, and the original floor, paved with mosaics, is a sight to behold.

Descending to the subterranean depths of the basilica to unearth its treasures, the excitement builds. Its Crypt of Frescoes boasts a 9th-century vault beautifully painted with 19 biblical scenes, while the Crypt of Excavations houses an astonishing collection of excavated gems from three different periods, including the remains of intricate mosaics, columns and a baptismal font.
After a fascinating morning, we'll drive to a rustic restaurant for lunch, sampling authentic Friulan fare made with fresh local ingredients.
Later, we'll return to Udine with the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city or relaxing at the hotel.

Cividale & wine tasting - After breakfast, we'll leave Udine and head to Cividale, nestled in the green hills bordering Slovenia. The town is split by the picturesque Natisone River, over which spans the town’s bridge – the so-called ‘Devil’s Bridge’ - which locals allegedly asked the devil for help to build! Cividale was founded by Julius Caesar as ‘Forum Iuli’ – from where Friuli gets its name – and grew in significance as the capital of the first Lombard duchy in Italy.
After time exploring Cividale, we'll continue to the critically acclaimed wine region of Collio Goriziano. This enchanting landscape of gentle hills is marked by hypnotic rows of verdant vines and dotted with grand villas and wine estates.

The unique microclimate, created by the area’s equidistance from the Adriatic Sea and the Austrian Alps, works perfectly with the marlstone soil to yield exceptionally fragrant grapes. Unsurprisingly, some of the world’s best white wines are produced here, so we'll visit one of Collio’s celebrated vineyards for a tasting of local wine and accompaniments.
To discover its fascinating history, we'll visit the Santa Maria in Valle Monastery to see the Lombard Temple, an outstanding example of art and architecture from the High Middle Ages. The well-preserved walls and ceilings of this hidden gem are intricately adorned with Byzantine frescoes and stucco decorations, and its 8th-century sculptures are some of the finest to survive in Europe.

We continue over the border to Slovenia and drive to Ljubljana for the second part of our tour.

Ljubljana - This morning, we'll begin our exploration in earnest. Splitting into smaller groups, we'll follow a local guide to explore Ljubljana's highlights as they entertain us with facts and personal anecdotes from life in this often-overlooked capital.

Our tour takes us through the enchanting pedestrianised Old Town nestled between the base of Castle Hill and the river. Towering above the thickly forested mound sits the 15th-century castle, which has endured as a fortress, a residence for the provincial governor, a barracks, and even a prison. The old town is a charming maze of white-walled, red-roofed buildings hiding a trio of squares, each home to some of the city's landmarks, including the Town Hall, the Hercules Fountain, the Church of St Florian, and the Sticna Mansion, famous for the remarkable Stična Manuscripts crafted by Cistercian monks. And let us not forget the breathtaking Church of St. Nicholas, a perfect example of Roman baroque architecture. (Be sure to glance inside for a glimpse of its ornate gilded interiors - one of our first "wow" moments of the tour.)

Ljubljana owes much of its beauty to the visionary Slovene architect Jože Plecnik. His 1920s replanning of the city redefined it as one of the most beautiful European capitals, opening up stunning vistas and creating lush green spaces. Among his many masterpieces, is the Tromostovje - or Triple Bridge, which we'll cross. As we do, stop and gaze up at the distinctive salmon-coloured Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, and the bronze statue of esteemed Slovene - the poet, France Prešeren - which stands in front of the elegant white façade of the Central Pharmacy building.
This afternoon is yours to explore. Don't miss Ljubljana's oldest department store Centromerkur. Standing pride of place on the city's central piazza, it occupies an impressive Secessionist building dating from 1903 and offers a nostalgic shopping experience.  

Alternatively, you might choose to relax on a riverboat cruise, or simply stroll the café-lined promenade – either way, be sure to look out for the Dragon Bridge as you go.  

Whatever path you choose, keep your eyes open for the subtle reminders of Communism scattered throughout the city. For example, if you look closely at the Art Nouveau wall panels of the Križanke monastery church, you'll spot hammers, sickles and red stars among the flower motifs. 
We’ve taken the hassle out of finding the perfect place to eat this evening with dinner at a historic restaurant at the foot of Ljubljana Castle. Share a drink with your fellow explorers and savour the unique flavours of Slovenia in a laid-back, homely atmosphere.

Lake Bled - One of our guests, Wendy, put it best: 'Lake bled is simple good for the soul'. Other guests have called it 'unspoilt', 'beautiful', 'romantic', 'picturesque' ... the list goes on. The lake's undeniable natural beauty makes today a real highlight - not just of your tour, but of your wider travels.

Journey north from Ljubljana through the undulating tree-covered countryside, including the Soca Valley. This captivating region serves as a perfect prologue to the wonders that await us: the glassy waters of Lake Bled, nourished by ancient underground springs, framed by forested hills, castle-topped cliffs and the mountains of the Julian Alps.

At the heart of this picturesque landscape lies the instantly recognisable Bled Island, a tiny tear-shaped gem crowned by the Church of the Assumption. As we glide across the crystalline waters in traditional Pletna rowing boats - canopied and full of history - we’re invited to experience the island's storybook charm to its full effect.

On reaching the island, you're free to explore. You tread the same path as local newlyweds, ascending the 99 steps of the south staircase - a romantic tradition where husbands carry their brides all the way to the very top. Perhaps you'll request permission to ring the wishing bell in the spired tower to ask for a special favour or lose yourself in the beauty of the remains of the 15th century frescoes and the gold alter inside the church. Alternatively, embrace serenity strolling the island's perimeter, soaking up a full 360 degrees of jaw-dropping views back across the lake.

We couldn’t possibly visit Lake Bled without sampling the famous bled cake – locally known as ‘kremšnita’. A local favourite since 1953, Bled cake features layers of puff pastry, custard, whipped cream and icing sugar. Once back on shore, we'll stop for a well-earned break at the home of the bled cake, enjoying a coffee and taste of the local delicacy whilst taking in the views of the lake.

Piran & Lipica - This morning sees us crossing to the other side of the country, to the tiny stretch of coastline at the Gulf of Trieste. Facing Venice across the Adriatic, seaside Piran mirrors its Italian neighbour with its Venetian-gothic architecture, pristine marble-paved square (which used to be the inner harbour), and its winding alleyways lined with a wishy-washy rainbow of shuttered houses.

You’ve got many works of Venetian art to meander between, including the 19th century statue of local violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini (who you can learn more about in the museum at nearby Tartini House), and depictions of St George by Venetian baroque painters in the town’s cathedral – a white-walled building that sits on a cliff beside the blue waters below. Piran even has its own ‘Venetian House’, an exquisite 15th century palace overlooked by the cathedral’s replica of St Mark’s bell tower in Venice.

Once you’ve perused this coastal town’s main landmarks, why not energise yourself with a walk up to the town walls, where you can scale the Gate Tower and walk along part of the parapet? Or simply stroll the harbour and promenade, perhaps stopping for a delicious seafood lunch made with ingredients that you’re unlikely to find fresher across the whole of land-locked Slovenia.
This afternoon we'll move on to nearby Lipica, where we'll enjoy the privilege of getting close to a rare and prestigious breed of horses. Originally bred for the Habsburg imperial court in Vienna, the tradition of breeding Lipizzan horses has thrived for over 450 years, uniting communities and fostering a profound sense of shared identity. This cherished practice holds such significance in local culture that it has earned a place on UNESCO's List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

During our visit to the Lipica Stud Farm, we'll see their beauty for ourselves and watch as these highly trained horses perform intricate routines - you don't have to be a hippophile to appreciate their incredible presentation. We'll then enjoy a guided tour of the 400-horse farm where there will be ample opportunity to learn about this distinctive white breed, as well as the rich history of the farm itself, which has stood for over 440 years.

Free day in Ljubljana - Today you have the whole day to explore the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, at your leisure.

Why not start with a gentle stroll along the banks of the Ljubljanica River? Thanks to the restriction of car traffic in the centre, its leafy banks are free for pedestrians and cyclists and, in summer, cafes set up terraced seating along the river - the perfect place to stop for a coffee.

From there you could stop in to see another Plecnik masterpiece: the colonnaded Central Market. Here, amidst the vibrant stalls of fresh fruit and vegetables, you’ll find yourself surrounded by locals, immersing yourself in the city's everyday life. Even if shopping isn't on the agenda, the Plecnik-designed building with its beautiful columns and arched windows is worth taking a look at.

If shopping isn't for you, head up to the castle for a birds-eye view of the city. You could enjoy a 10-minute walk uphill from the Central Ljubljana Market in Vodnik Square or ride the funicular from Krek Square. 

Alternatively, you could join our optional excursion to Postojna caves, a fascinating subterranean paradise shaped by tiny droplets over millions of years.
Personalise your holiday -
Explore the spectacular Postojna cave system on an underground train

Price: £69pp

The Postojna Caves, which are a magnificent 24km long were carved over millions of years by the Pivka river and are home to stalactites and stalagmites, the most famous of which is 5 meters tall. It was here, in these caves that the world’s first underground railway was opened in 1872 and your guided tour will allow you to explore 5km of these karst caves partially by train and partially by foot to get up close to these majestic ornaments.

Make sure to pack sturdy shoes and a coat at it is approximately 10°C in the caves. Please also note that whilst the majority of the tour is by train, there is a 1.5km walk once down in the caves.

Please contact us to add the above experience to your booking.

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