📍
Italy
FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA: ROMAN RUINS AND ALPINE VILLAGES
Imperial squares rising majestic, Roman ruins of Aquileia, lagoon villages of Grado. Northeastern Friuli in all its soul.
≈ 13
Days
549
Km
12
Stops
Enter Trieste and its grandeur as port of empire, then reach Gorizia at the crossroads of cultures. In Aquileia, walk among Roman traces and basilicas, before slowing down in Grado's lagoon gentleness. Lago di Cornino brings mineral breath, between limestone cliffs and calm reflections of northeast Italy.
- Trieste: imperial seaside grandeur
- Gorizia: hill town cultures
- Aquileia: roman basilica ruins
- Grado: lagoon medieval village
- Cornino: limestone lake reflection
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Historic center of Trieste - architecture and history linked to the sea and maritime trade
2
Trieste buffets - traditional osterias for quick meals at the counter, Central European tradition
Activities
→
Tasting of pane con baccalà mantecato - bread with Venetian-style creamed cod
→
Panino con prosciutto cotto in crosta - sandwich with ham in bread crust with kren (horseradish)
→
Discovery of patate in tecia and gnocchi di pane col gulash - Austro-Hungarian specialties
+1 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
149 km
Travel time:
2h59
2
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Grotta Gigante - world's largest single-chamber tourist cave, Guinness record
2
Main hall - 100-meter high cavity with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites
Activities
→
Guided tour of about 1 hour with descent and ascent of numerous stairs
→
Discovery of millenary limestone concretions in the karst cave
→
Exploration of Carso triestino - limestone plateau with unique landscapes
+1 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
4 km
Travel time:
5min
3
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Castello di Miramare - residence of Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg on a promontory facing the gulf
2
Richly decorated interiors - rooms with ornate ceilings and period furniture from the 19th century
3
Parco di Miramare - vast botanical garden transformed from karst moorland into a green oasis
Activities
→
Visit to the castle and discovery of the tragic history of Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico who was assassinated
→
Walk through the large park with numerous tree species, ponds and gardens
→
Panoramic view of the Gulf of Trieste from the castle promontory
Next stop
Distance:
10 km
Travel time:
12min
4
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Piazza della Transalpina - symbolic square where the last wall between East and West Europe fell
2
Former wall route - line of bricks on the ground marking the old border, like in Berlin
3
Stazione Transalpina - railway station on Slovenian territory, symbol of the city's division after 1947
Activities
→
Discovery of the history of Gorizia, a city cut in two by the Treaty of Paris after World War II
→
Visit to the preserved fragment of the wall that separated the city until Slovenia's entry into the EU
→
Reflection on the symbol of a united Europe and the end of the Iron Curtain
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
42min
5
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Riserva Naturale Foce dell'Isonzo - one of Europe's most important wetlands
2
Isola della Cona - reserve favored by ornithologists with free-roaming white horses from Camargue
Activities
→
Observation of migratory and resident birds in the nature reserve
→
Bike ride along Valle Cavanata on the cycling path
→
Observation of white horses living freely on the island
+1 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
29 km
Travel time:
35min
6
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Grado - island connected to the mainland by a thin artificial strip over the lagoon, former port of Aquileia
2
Historic center of Grado - maze of Venetian calli bearing witness to ties with the Serenissima
3
Basilica of Sant'Eufemia - Romanesque basilica at the heart of the historic center
Activities
→
Tasting of boreto - traditional fish soup from Grado in downtown restaurants
→
Boat excursion to the Sanctuary of Barbana - Marian sanctuary on a lagoon island 25 minutes away
→
Walk along the lungomare and fine sand beaches, ideal for families
+1 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
19 km
Travel time:
23min
7
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Aquileia - Roman city once second only to Rome, major archaeological site
2
National Archaeological Museum - modern museum presenting the treasures of the ancient city
3
Basilica of Aquileia - patriarchal basilica with extraordinary early Christian mosaics
Activities
→
Visit to the Roman Forum and the ancient river port
→
Ascent to the bell tower for exclusive panoramic view of the site and the lagoon
→
Discovery of the basilica's mosaics among the most important in the ancient Christian world
Next stop
Distance:
75 km
Travel time:
1h30
8
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Lago di Cornino - small lake of glacial origin with crystal-clear waters of incredible turquoise
2
Riserva Naturale del Lago di Cornino - reserve housing a griffon vulture reintroduction project
Activities
→
Lake tour on an easy trail suitable for all levels
→
Observation of grifoni (griffon vultures) in the large aviaries of the visitor center
→
Discovery of the vulture reintroduction program in natural habitat
Next stop
Distance:
12 km
Travel time:
14min
9
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Pesariis - mountain village in Carnia, birthplace of the world-renowned Solari clock factory
2
Museo dell'Orologeria - museum dedicated to clockmaking in the land of clocks
3
Tour of the 15 monumental clocks - circuit through the village discovering the giant clocks
Activities
→
Visit to the clockmaking museum tracing the history of this local industry
→
Walk in Val Pesarina in search of monumental clocks
→
Discovery of Solari clocks present in train stations and airports worldwide
Next stop
Distance:
111 km
Travel time:
2h13
10
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Grotte di Pradis - karst phenomenon in the heart of the Carnic Prealps, inhabited since prehistoric times
2
Museo della Grotta - Neanderthal remains discovered at the site
3
Orrido di Pradis - gorge carved by torrents with waterfalls, natural arches and cavities
Activities
→
Visit route of approximately 1 hour through the caves and the orrido
→
Discovery of prehistoric traces of Neanderthal man at the museum
→
Bring suitable shoes for slippery terrain and jacket for temperature differences
Next stop
Distance:
57 km
Travel time:
1h08
11
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Diga del Vajont - dam witness to the tragedy of October 9, 1963 which claimed 1917 victims
2
Erto e Casso - evocative villages above the dam, witnesses to the catastrophe
3
Landslide site - slope of Monte Toc from which the giant landslide broke away
Activities
→
Guided tour recommended to understand the tragedy and its context
→
Discovery of the history of Longarone, town razed by the wave at the bottom of the valley
→
Contemplation and reflection on this major industrial catastrophe of the 20th century
Next stop
Distance:
48 km
Travel time:
57min
12
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Sacile - nicknamed the garden of the Serenissima for its close ties with Venice
2
Centro storico - developed on two islands crossed by 16 bridges over the Livenza river
3
Piazza del Popolo - elegant main square bordered by porticoes
Activities
→
Stroll through refined alleyways offering romantic views of the river
→
Discovery of the 16 bridges spanning the Livenza in the historic center
→
Photos of picturesque and instagrammable panoramas from the ponticelli
+1 Optional activities
🗺️ Itinerary map
🗺️ Nearby itineraries
🛡️ Travel advice - Italy
Check official recommendations
❓ 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 10 and 16 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.