Overview
The dreamy Adriatic port of Trieste, the vine-clad hills of the Collio region, and the grandeur of the Friuli Dolomites are on this journey into an under-the-radar region of northeast Italy. Coastal trails lead us along the Gulf of Trieste, a splendid bay on the Adriatic, and in the sunny wine country of the Collio, we hike right from our castle-hotel into high vineyards. We’ll then hop over to historic Kobarid, Slovenia, to hike mountain trails past forts used by the Italians in World War I. Top-of-the-world trails bring us to the Jôf di Montasio Plateau, to crystalline waterfalls in Austria, and to a 16th century Italian pilgrimage site. Journey’s end finds us exploring hidden corners of Venice from our palazzo-hotel.
The complicated history of the area, coupled with endless natural beauty, was amazing. The trip itinerary and guides brought both home to us.
— Mary L., Jamaica Plain, MA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Trieste
In Trieste, with its Hapsburg heritage, we walk along the panoramic Strada Napoleonica to the town of Prosecco and hike through olive groves along the Gemina Trail for views out to the deep-blue Adriatic.
Days 3-5
Rilke Trail / Collio Wine Country / Kobarid, Slovenia
High above the Bay of Sistiana, we walk the Rilke Trail to the historic castle at Duino, where poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote his haunting Duino Elegies, then head to the World Heritage Site of Aquileia to see marvelous Roman mosaics. In the rolling hills of the Collio, our trail leads from our 13th century castle-hotel to the high vineyards of this unique wine region. We’ll slip across the Slovenian border to Kobarid for a mountain hike with insights into the famous World War I events on the Soça Front (immortalized by Hemingway in A Farewell to Arms).
Days 6-8
Friuli Dolomites / Jôf di Montasio Plateau / Lake Ossiach, Austria / Tarvisio, Italy
We’ll head back to Italy for a hike amid mountain-ringed glacial lakes on the lofty Jôf di Montasio Plateau and into Austria on a gorgeous balcony trail above Lake Ossiach. Our hotel is in the ancient town of Tarvisio, cradled in the impressive mountain triangle of Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, a region graced with hilltop castles and the cultures and cuisines of three alpine countries.
Days 9-10
Venice / Palazzo Giovanelli
From our fabulous hotel, with its own private deck on the Grand Canal, we’ll walk to the exquisite Ca’ Rezzonico, a palazzo that allows us to step into the world of 18th century Venice, with an evening cruise by private boat through charming back canals. Depart on Day 10.
From Trieste to Venice
