Here is an opportunity to join a small group of fellow travellers for an exploration of one of Italy’s least touristed regions. Tucked away in the far northeast of Italy, the autonomous Friuli-Venezia Giulia region is popular with neighbouring countries but is otherwise relatively unknown and far removed from mass tourism; yet this border region incorporates stunning scenery, a fascinating history, dramatic alpine landscapes, wonderful wine and cuisine along with an intriguing blend of Slovenian, Croatian, Austrian and Italian cultures. Upon discovering this unique region, strategically located at the crossroads of Central Europe, travellers fall under the charm of the unspoilt landscapes and warm welcome and find themselves returning time and time again.
For our exploration of the region, we will be based in Trieste, which is unlike other Italian cities. Often referred to a ‘little Vienna by the sea’, Trieste has spent more time as Austrian city than as an Italian one and being at the crossroads of so many empires over the years, the city and region as a whole has played an important role as gateway to central Europe, thanks to the strategic location of its ports. This history will brought to life by our excellent local guides during our relaxed walking tours and guided excursions during which we will visit the famous stud farm in Lipica, Slovenia, explore Medieval San Daniele and enjoy a tasting of the iconic ham, tour the unique Castle of Miramare, enjoy a gourmet dinner and special opera performance at the Castle of Spessa and explore the karst plateau.
We have chosen the boutique, five-star Grand Hotel Duchi’ d’Aosta as our base for our week-long exploration which is ideally located in the Piazza Unita' d’Italia and the perfect residence to which to return to and relax after a day of exploring this charming region.
Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta
Standing proudly in Trieste’s most beautiful square, Piazza Unità d’Italia, the Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta offers splendid views of the Gulf of Trieste and the Adriatic Sea and offers a masterful blend of tradition and modernity. This exceptional five-star hotel’s central location makes it a perfect base for our exploration of this atmospheric city and the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Trieste, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight to Venice. On arrival transfer to Trieste and check in to the Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta. After some free time to settle into your room we meet for a welcome drink and dinner this evening. (D)
Day 2 Trieste.
This morning we will enjoy a tour of Trieste which, tumbling down to the Adriatic from a wild, karstic plateau and almost entirely surrounded by Slovenia, is geographically and culturally isolated from the rest of the Italian peninsula. As such, it preserves its own unique border-town mentality and retains a fascinating air of fluidity encapsulated in the “Triestino” dialect, a strange mix of Italian, Austrian-German, Croatian and Greek. As we step out of the hotel onto Piazza Unita’ d’Italia – Italy’s largest sea-facing piazza – we will witness this elegant triumph of Austro-Hungarian town planning and contemporary civil pride. We continue to Trieste’s 19th century city hall which, flanked by the city’s grandest palazzi, including Palazzo del Municipio, is a good place to stop for a drink or simply for a quiet moment staring out at ships on the horizon. After our walking tour we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by an afternoon and evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 3 Lipica, Slovenia & Muggia.
This morning we cross the border for a short drive into Slovenia to Lipica, the village giving its name to the Lipizzan horse breed. We will visit the Lipica Stud Farm, one of the very first farms to develop the Lipizzan breed in the 19th century, for a guided tour to learn more about their majestic horses. After our visit, we cross the border back into Italy for a stop in the village of Muggia. Sitting at the northeasternmost tip of Italy, Muggia is the only Italian port town in Istria, and it is still showing traces of its Venetian traditions and origin as evident in the dialect, the gastronomic traditions, the Gothic-Venetian style of some houses, the narrow “calli” and the main square, a true Venetian “campiello”. We will stop for a seafood lunch in one of the town’s restaurants after which we return to Trieste to enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 4 Palmanova & San Daniele del Friuli.
After breakfast we depart by coach in the direction of San Daniele del Friuli. Travelling through the Friulan countryside, we arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Palmanova. Part of the former Venetian Republic defence system and the only example of a nine-pointed foundation citadel still intact in its form, Palmanova is one of the most important models of military architecture in the modern age. We will stop for a walk in the town and some free time to explore independently or enjoy a coffee in the central square. Rejoin the coach and continue on to the small town of San Daniele del Friuli, renowned for its production of the San Daniele ham, a local protected type of cured “prosciutto” which rivals the more widely known Parma ham in terms of quality and taste, only produced in the area following strict regulations. Enjoy a San Daniele ham tasting and lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards, join a walk to discover the Medieval town centre of San Daniele before transferring back to Trieste. (B, L)
Day 5 Castle of Miramare & Opera at Castle of Spessa.
After breakfast, join the coach for a short transfer along the coast to the Castle of Miramare, located on the northern point of the Adriatic Sea. Formerly the home of Emperor Maximillian and based on a design by Carl Junker, its interior is unique as each room resembles a different passion. The extensive 22 hectare castle grounds and gardens are rich and lush and feature thriving tropical species of trees and plants. Return to Trieste for an independent lunch and some free time. In the late afternoon we depart towards the Castle of Spessa, an enchanting 13th century historic residence, golf and wine estate immersed in the hills around the town of Gorizia. Enjoy a gourmet dinner at the castle restaurant, La Tavernetta, followed by a special performance of Giacomo Puccini’s “Le Villi” in the romantic setting of the castle’s garden theatre. Return to Trieste after the performance. (B, D)
Day 6 Trieste.
Enjoy a full day at leisure for independent exploration or to relax Italian style. Meet this evening for dinner. (B, D)
Day 7 Karst Plateau.
The Karst Plateau is a geographical area extending across the border of southwestern Slovenia and northeastern Italy and is characterised by a type of landscape where the dissolving of the bedrock has created sinkholes, sinking streams, caves, springs, and other characteristic features. After breakfast we will transfer to the Trieste Karst, a natural area that surrounds the city of Trieste and extends to Slovenia, unique in terms of morphology and vegetation. We will walk in a characteristic karst village and stop at a farm to sample authentic karst products, including the famous Terrano wine. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure before meeting the group tonight for the farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 8 Trieste to London.
Check out of the hotel this morning and transfer to Venice airport for our return scheduled flight to London. (B)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 26 June to 3 July 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Classic double | £3795 | |
| Superior double | £4095 | |
| Deluxe double | £4395 | |
| Classic double for sole use | £4995 | |
Tour Reference Code: LATRIESTE
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights accommodation at the Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • Drinks with included lunches & dinners • Excursions as described with local guide • Opera performance at Castello di Spessa • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel Insurance.
Group Size: We are restricting the group size to just 25 participants.
NB: This tour will involve being on your feet for some long periods and traversing a number of cobblestoned streets and uneven paths.
Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta
Standing proudly in Trieste’s most beautiful square, Piazza Unità d’Italia, the Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta offers splendid views of the Gulf of Trieste and the Adriatic Sea and offers a masterful blend of tradition and modernity. This exceptional five-star hotel’s central location makes it a perfect base for our exploration of this atmospheric city and the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
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Hotel Directory
Hotel Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the hotel or click on the booklet to download.
Standing proudly in Trieste’s most beautiful square, Piazza Unità d’Italia, the Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta offers splendid views of the Gulf of Trieste and the Adriatic Sea and offers a wonderful blend of tradition and modernity. This exceptional five-star boutique hotel’s central location makes it a perfect base for our exploration of this atmospheric city and the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
ADAPTORS
A limited number of adaptors can be loaned from Reception.
ADDRESS
Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta
Piazza Unità d’Italia, 2/1
34121 Trieste TS
ItalyAIR-CONDITIONING
Air-conditioning is available in all rooms and public areas of the hotel.
COMMUNICATIONS
If you wish to contact the hotel please call + 39 040 7600011. This is an Italian number so calls to this number are charged at an international rate. There is a phone in your room, which has access to an outside line. You can make room-to-room calls free of charge (see section on Telephone Calls). You can contact the hotel by email at info@duchidaosta.com
DAILY PROGRAMME
Your Tour Manager will confirm the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities the previous evening.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free or low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although the hotel will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once you have checked in to the hotel, please speak to the Concierge or Chef to reconfirm your requirements.
DINING & DRINKING
Breakfast is served at Harry’s, which is accessed from inside the hotel. Upon request, there is the possibility of having breakfast outside in the “dehor” facing Piazza Unità D’Italia. Dining at the hotel is of a very high standard with options including Harry’s Bistro and Harry’s Piccolo, a Two-Star Michelin fine dining à la carte restaurant, both part of Arrigo Cipriani’s “Harry’s” brand. The Harry’s Bar is open every day 11.00 am to midnight, to enjoy excellent wines, aperitifs and cocktails any time of the day.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event that an emergency should occur during your stay, we ask that you remain calm and follow the instructions of the staff. We request that as soon as you enter your room, you carefully read the safety instructions fixed on the inside of your hotel room door.
END OF STAY QUESTIONNAIRE
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you by your Tour Manager.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
A laundry and dry cleaning service is available in the hotel. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the wardrobe in your hotel room. Please fill in the laundry list and leave it together with the bag of items to be laundered on your bed to be collected.
LIFT
There are two lifts within the hotel.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you check out, please check your hotel room to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact the hotel or Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
MAIL
Letters or postcards can be left at Reception for postage. Please ask at Reception for more information on purchasing stamps or postcards.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
A hospital is located within ten minutes taxi ride from the hotel. A doctor, if available, can also be called to visit a hotel guest.
PUBLIC AREAS
The Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta features a cosy spa, Thermarium Magnum, inspired by the ancient Roman baths and featuring an indoor swimming pool and wellness area.
SAFE
In the closet of your room is an electronic safe which can be programmed with a personal code. Should you require any assistance, please contact Reception.
SMOKING
Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta offers a smokefree environment. Smoking is only permitted outside of the hotel and the hotel requests that smokers consider the comfort of other guests.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Calls to other rooms can be made free of charge by dialing the room number. You can make an external telephone call from your room. Costs are available from Reception and charges are automatically billed to your room account. Reception – Dial 9 from any phone in the hotel. Room Service – Dial 7 from any phone in the hotel. In case of an Emergency – Dial 112 from any phone in the hotel.
TOILETRIES
A range of complimentary toiletries can be found in your en-suite bathroom including shampoo, shower gel, soap, shower caps, vanity set and tissues. WAKE UP CALL Wake up calls can be requested through the Concierge.
WATER
Water from the taps in your room is safe to drink. Wi-Fi Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000