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 as ‘little Vienna by the sea’, Trieste has spent more time as an 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 have played an important role as a gateway to central Europe, thanks to the strategic location of its ports. This history will be brought to life by our excellent local guides during our relaxed walking tours and guided excursions which include a visit to the famous stud farm in Lipica, Slovenia, an exploration of Medieval San Daniele and a tasting of the iconic ham, a tour of the the unique Castle of Miramare and a tour of the Karst Plateau.
We have chosen the grand, four-star Savoia Excelsior Palace as our base for our week-long exploration which is ideally located near the Piazza Unita’ d’Italia and provides the perfect residence to return to and relax after a day of exploring this charming region.
Savoia Excelsior Palace
A historic hotel on Trieste’s waterfront with sublime sea views, Savoia Excelsior Palace has an enviable location, close to the shops and many of the lively cafes and bars. Originally opened in 1911 to accommodate the Habsburg Monarchy, this luxury hotel was a key part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and has a timeless charm. Throughout its history, the hotel has hosted titled families, artists and diplomats and was a stop for the Grand Tourists that came to Trieste by land or sea. Its spacious public areas are decorated in Belle Epoque style; the high ceilings, a grand staircase and a vast skylight, the collection of original furniture, precious silks, sumptuous velvets and warm, subtle colours embody the atmosphere of a bygone era. The elegant rooms and suites have been recently renovated and many offer breathtaking views of the beautiful panorama of the Gulf of Trieste, extending almost as far as the castle.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Trieste, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight to Venice. On arrival transfer to Trieste and check in to the Savoia Excelsior Palace Hotel. 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. Around the corner from the hotel, we reach Piazza Unita’ d’Italia – Italy’s largest sea-facing piazza – and 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 to enjoy 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 Muggia & Lipica, Slovenia.
After breakfast we leave Trieste via water crossing the harbour to reach the pretty village of Muggia which, sitting at the northeasternmost tip of Italy, is the only Italian port town in Istria. The small town centre still shows 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 lunch, we will cross the border 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 16th century, for a guided tour and a show to learn more about their majestic horses. We return to our hotel in Trieste and the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B, L)
Day 4 Castle of Miramare, Italy.
After breakfast we will drive the short distance 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 an afternoon at leisure. We meet this evening for dinner. (B, D)
Day 5 Trieste.
Enjoy a full day at leisure for independent exploration or to relax Italian style. Meet this evening for dinner. (B, D)
Day 6 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 protected local type of cured “prosciutto” which rivals the more widely known Parma ham in terms of quality and taste. 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 7 The Karst Plateau.
The Karst Plateau is a geographical area extending across the border of southwestern Slovenia and northeastern Italy, characterised by a type of landscape where the dissolving of the bedrock has created sinkholes, sinking streams, caves, springs, and other geological 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| 20 to 27 May 2026 • 23 to 30 September 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Superior Twin/Double with sea view | £4195 | |
| Deluxe Twin/Double with sea view & balcony | £4495 | |
| Classic Double for sole use | £4995 | |
| Superior Double for sole use | £5295 | |
Tour Reference Code: LAFRIULI
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights accommodation at the Savoia Excelsior Palace, Trieste • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • Drinks with included lunches & dinners • Excursions as described with local guide • 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.
Savoia Excelsior Palace
A historic hotel on Trieste’s waterfront with sublime sea views, Savoia Excelsior Palace has an enviable location, close to the shops and many of the lively cafes and bars. Originally opened in 1911 to accommodate the Habsburg Monarchy, this luxury hotel was a key part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and has a timeless charm. Throughout its history, the hotel has hosted titled families, artists and diplomats and was a stop for the Grand Tourists that came to Trieste by land or sea. Its spacious public areas are decorated in Belle Epoque style; the high ceilings, a grand staircase and a vast skylight, the collection of original furniture, precious silks, sumptuous velvets and warm, subtle colours embody the atmosphere of a bygone era. The elegant rooms and suites have been recently renovated and many offer breathtaking views of the beautiful panorama of the Gulf of Trieste, extending almost as far as the castle.
Also of Interest
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Rosa Grand Milano Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
- Milan / La Scala/ Cremona / Castello Sforzesco / Brera
Secrets of the Venetian Lagoon
A five night escorted tour to experience Venetian lagoon life staying at the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice
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Itinerary at a glance
- Venice / Burano / Torcello / Pellestrina Island / San Lazzaro / Sant’ Erasmo / Venissa Estate / Venice
A Week on Lake Maggiore
Discover the islands, lakes and gardens of Lombardy staying at the delightful Villa e Palazzo Aminta
Villa e Palazzo Aminta
Itinerary at a glance
- Lake Maggiore / Borromean Islands / Lago d'Orta / Rocca d'Angera / Ferrovia Vigezzina / Ricetto di Ghemme
Neapolitan Wonders
An escorted visit to Naples staying at the Grand Hotel Santa Lucia including a performance at the Teatro San Carlo
Grand Hotel Santa Lucia
Itinerary at a glance
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000