📍 Italy

FRIULI DISCOVERY: UDINE, FORTRESSES AND MOUNTAIN CHARM

Venetian arcades lining squares, Palmanova's star fortress crowning the plain, mountain villages preserved. Friuli, hidden soul.

≈ 8
Days
247
Km
8
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Walk through Udine and its arcaded squares, then approach Palmanova and its star-shaped fortress traced like a drawing. In Spilimbergo, watch mosaicists at work, then stop at San Daniele del Friuli for its gourmet heritage. Venzone closes the march with its alpine stones and fortified village atmosphere.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Palmanova

perfect star fortress geometry

Palmanova - Photo 1Palmanova - Photo 2Palmanova - Photo 3Palmanova - Photo 4Palmanova - Photo 5Palmanova - Photo 6Palmanova - Photo 7Palmanova - Photo 8Palmanova - Photo 9Palmanova - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Fortress of Palmanova - Venetian fortified city with a 9-pointed star polygonal plan, masterpiece of military architecture
2
Bastions of Palmanova - bastion enclosure accessible on foot offering views of the geometric structure
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the ramparts to appreciate Venetian defensive architecture
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 54 km
Travel time: 1h04
2
Day

Passariano

villa estate near palmanova

Passariano - Photo 1Passariano - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Villa Manin - monumental baroque residence of the last doge of Venice, inspired by Versailles
2
Park of Villa Manin - vast park with fountains and statues surrounding the stately home
🎯

Activities

→
Visit to the historic salons where the Treaty of Campoformio was signed
→
Stroll through the French-style gardens
3
Day

Udine

venetian piazza arcaded city

Udine - Photo 1Udine - Photo 2Udine - Photo 3Udine - Photo 4Udine - Photo 5Udine - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Piazza della Libertà - monumental square with the Loggia del Lionello in white and pink stone, seat of the Venetian town hall
2
Loggia di San Giovanni - Renaissance loggia with Torre dell'Orologio overlooking the square
3
Loggia del Lippomano - elegant portico leading to the castle through the Arco Bollani designed by Palladio
4
Castello di Udine - palace-fortress on the hill housing the Civic Museums with panoramic terrace
+5 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Strolling through the Venetian historic center with elegant palaces and loggias
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 34 km
Travel time: 41min
4
Day

Spilimbergo

mosaic village stone tradition

Spilimbergo - Photo 1Spilimbergo - Photo 2Spilimbergo - Photo 3Spilimbergo - Photo 4Spilimbergo - Photo 5Spilimbergo - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Centro storico di Spilimbergo - medieval town renowned for the art of modern mosaics
2
Palazzo Dipinto - facade entirely decorated with colorful 15th-century frescoes in the castle complex
3
Castello di Spilimbergo - medieval fortified complex overlooking the town
🎯

Activities

→
Discovery of mosaic craftsmanship, a technique invented locally
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 24min
5
Day

Clauzetto

mountain village wine terraces

Clauzetto - Photo 1Clauzetto - Photo 2Clauzetto - Photo 3Clauzetto - Photo 4Clauzetto - Photo 5Clauzetto - Photo 6Clauzetto - Photo 7Clauzetto - Photo 8Clauzetto - Photo 9Clauzetto - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Pozze del fiume Arzino - natural pools with emerald green waters carved into the rock
2
Cascate dell'Arzino - small waterfalls accessible by marked forest trail
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming in natural pools with crystal-clear waters (very cold)
→
Hiking along the watercourse through the forest
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 16 km
Travel time: 19min
6
Day

San Daniele Del Friuli

prosciutto town mountain gateway

San Daniele Del Friuli - Photo 1San Daniele Del Friuli - Photo 2San Daniele Del Friuli - Photo 3San Daniele Del Friuli - Photo 4San Daniele Del Friuli - Photo 5San Daniele Del Friuli - Photo 6San Daniele Del Friuli - Photo 7San Daniele Del Friuli - Photo 8San Daniele Del Friuli - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
San Daniele del Friuli - small hilltop town famous for its PDO cured ham
2
Biblioteca Guarneriana - one of Italy's first public libraries with illuminated codices and ancient texts
3
Fiume Tagliamento - Friuli's longest river with wide bed and intertwined channels, natural beaches
4
Pinzano al Tagliamento - panoramic viewpoint from the bridge and Monte di Ragogna
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Prosciutto di San Daniele tasting in local establishments
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 47 km
Travel time: 57min
7
Day

Forgaria Nel Friuli

alpine valley wine tradition

Forgaria Nel Friuli - Photo 1Forgaria Nel Friuli - Photo 2Forgaria Nel Friuli - Photo 3Forgaria Nel Friuli - Photo 4Forgaria Nel Friuli - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Lago del Cornino - lake with exceptional turquoise waters in the heart of a protected natural reserve
2
Riserva Naturale del Lago di Cornino - protected area with griffon vulture conservation project
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking on the natural reserve trails (swimming prohibited)
→
Observation of griffon vultures in their natural habitat
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 19 km
Travel time: 23min
8
Day

Venzone

earthquake rebuilding mountain village

Venzone - Photo 1Venzone - Photo 2Venzone - Photo 3Venzone - Photo 4Venzone - Photo 5Venzone - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Centro storico di Venzone - fortified town rebuilt identically after the 1976 earthquake
2
Piazza del Municipio - central square with Palazzo Orgnani Martina housing exhibition on the earthquake's history
3
Duomo di Sant'Andrea - cathedral faithfully reconstructed after the earthquake
4
Cappella Cimiteriale di San Michele - chapel preserving natural mummies preserved by a fungal process
🎯

Activities

→
Discovery of the history of the reconstruction of the medieval town
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 57 km
Travel time: 1h08

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🛡️ Travel advice - Italy

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, ideal touring conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere, beach season, festival time.

Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, harvest season, wine tourism, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors, culinary focus.

Winter (November-March): Mild southern weather, Christmas markets, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Italy?

Cultural masterpiece with incredible art, cuisine, and historical heritage from Rome to Venice. Experience Renaissance treasures, regional diversity, and authentic Italian lifestyle. The country offers cultural immersion with culinary excellence and artistic heritage. Italy provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and natural beauty.