Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Where Italy, Austria, and Slovenia converge in a blend of coffee, wine, and mountain air.
About Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Friuli-Venezia Giulia is Italy's most multicultural corner. In Trieste, the Austro-Hungarian coffee houses rival Vienna's, while the wine country around Collio produces some of Italy's finest whites just metres from the Slovenian border. This is a region of contrasts: the Dolomite peaks of the Carnic Alps give way to the gentle hills of the wine country, which slope down to the lagoons and beaches of the Adriatic. It's sophisticated yet unpretentious, and blissfully free of mass tourism.
Best Time to Visit
May to September for the best weather. The wine harvest in October is magical. Winter brings skiing in the Carnic Alps and the magic of Trieste's Christmas markets.
Local Tips
- Drink coffee like a Triestino.
Trieste has its own coffee vocabulary (a 'capo' is a macchiato). A local will take you through the historic literary cafés and explain why this port city is Italy's true coffee capital.
- Tour the Collio wine country.
The rolling hills along the Slovenian border produce extraordinary Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, and orange wines. A local knows the family cellars where you taste in someone's living room.
- Visit the border that isn't.
Gorizia and Nova Gorica share a square across the Italy-Slovenia border. A local can plan a cross-border day of Italian wine, Slovenian food, and a fascinating lesson in Cold War history.
Highlights
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Loris
Venice, Treviso +13
Hello fellow travellers! I'm Loris, from the Veneto region of Italy, and I've spent the last few years hopping between cities in Europe and Asia, always seeking new challenges and experiences. My latest stop has landed me in Zurich. I have an undeniable love for the outdoors and all things adventure. Whether I'm sailing across the crystal open waters of the Mediterranean Sea, exploring the underwater world through scuba diving, carving up the slopes on a snowboard, or hiking through breathtaking mountain trails in the Dolomites, I'm always seeking that next adrenaline rush. My passion for travel was ignited at a young age. My first trip abroad was to Thailand when I was just 3yo (thanks Dad), and I've been hooked ever since. That exposure sparked a curiosity within me to discover new places and cultures around the globe. For me travelling is more than sightseeing, it's about immersing yourself in the local way of life. I love wandering through bustling markets, inhaling the aromas of exotic spices, and savoring the unique flavors of local cuisine. I'm fascinated by connecting with people from different walks of life, learning about their customs and traditions, and gaining a deeper understanding of their world. So, are you ready to pack your bags and embark on an incredible journey? Let's explore the world together and create lasting memories, one adventure at a time!
Irene
Udine, Cividale del Friuli +5
My name is Irene, I have a master's degree in design but have been working in the restaurant industry for over 10 years. I'm half Slovenian, on my mother's side, while my father's work has allowed me to travel the world since I was little! I was born in Udine, in the heart of Friuli, but I've also lived in Berlin, Milan, and Modena. Yes, as a teenager, I wanted to escape my hometown because it felt too small, but as an adult, I wanted to return because I realized how special my entire region is, especially its borders! I have a special connection to Slovenia and consider Friuli a truly unique and strategic place for a wonderful vacation. My interests are varied: food, art, and the mountains are just the first that come to mind, and they're also the highlights of the area where I live! What I feel I can guarantee with my advice is definitely the authenticity of the experiences I offer! I'm also quite knowledgeable about western Sicily after almost 20 years of vacationing in Palermo.
Yelena
Trieste, Gorizia +1
I am Yelena, a guide in Trieste, Italy. I am in love with my job and my city and do not tolerate any hack work. I came to this profession with a lot of knowledge and great life experience, with desire and a burning look. And here is the paradox: I have liked it! I knew perfectly well that I could not live without traveling. I love Trieste very much and I want travelers to see this unique city through my eyes and fall in love with it.