Our 9-day Dolomites & Friuli Small Group Tour is a journey in one of Italy's best-kept secrets, a captivating region where diverse cultures and stunning landscapes blend harmoniously, from the majestic Alps to the sparkling Adriatic Sea. 

Embrace the essence of slow travel from the pristine Lake Misurina in the breathtaking Dolomites to the alpine hamlet of Pesariis with its monumental clocks. We visit the renowned International School of Mosaics in Spilimbergo, Cividale del Friuli, the iconic Miramare Castle, and Udine, filled with lively piazzas, Venetian-inspired architecture, and cozy osterias.

Splurge into luxurious accommodations, including a captivating stay in a medieval castle nestled in Friuli's picturesque wine region. Experience the echoes of World War I and the Slovenian border as we wander through vineyards where battles were fought. Relish wine tastings featuring Pinot Grigio, Ribolla, and Friulano from the celebrated Collio wine region and the distinctive Karst Plateau.

In Trieste's elegant streets, we visit the Great Synagogue and get a taste of the Habsburg influence, with a stop in a historic coffee house where intellectuals, merchants, and artists from different corners of Europe used to gather.

We savor the delectable Prosciutto from the village of San Daniele, artisanal balsamic vinegar, and a Michelin-starred dinner, indulging in handpicked culinary delights.

Join us on our Dolomites & Friuli Small Group Tour, where you can escape the busy tourist spots and enjoy a peaceful, authentic experience of Northeast Italy for an unparalleled travel journey.

• The tour is confirmed with at least 6 participants

• A 30% down payment is required in order to confirm the reservation.

• The remaining balance is due 45 days before the tour.

Cancellation policy:

• There shall be a 250€ non-­refundable processing fee (per person) on any cancellation request, regardless of the time frame within which the cancellation is submitted;

• From 90 days to 46 days before the performance of the Tourist Package, by paying a penalty equal to 30% of the price;

• From 45 days before the performance of the Tourist Package, by paying a penalty equal to 100% of the price

Travel insurance is not included in this tour package, and we strongly advise you to purchase one of your choice as soon as possible.

While each insurance company has different deadlines and policies, our partner Global Rescue allows customers to purchase its best insurance package (IMG Signature Plus), which includes the "Cancel-for-any-reason" policy, within 20 days of initial deposit. Other less-inclusive memberships can be bought until the date of departure.

Meals included: dinner

Accommodation: Dolomites

Our journey begins at Venice Airport, where our friendly and knowledgeable tour manager will greet you in the arrival hall and assist with loading your luggage into a comfortable small bus or van.

To ensure a smooth start, we highly recommend arriving in Venice a day early, minimizing the risk of airline delays and disruptions. See below the Flights, Transfers, and Luggage section for more information.

Join us on the Dolomites & Friuli Small Group Tour as we cross the picturesque plains of the Veneto region, quickly revealing the breathtaking beauty of the Alps. In just about two hours, we'll arrive in the enchanting Dolomites' Cadore district, famous for its dramatic mountain slopes, charming alpine villages, and stunning vistas.

You'll check in for two nights in the delightful town of Auronzo di Cadore, nestled beside a serene small lake. After settling in, enjoy a stroll through town with our tour manager, culminating in a warm welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where we'll raise our glasses to the exciting journey ahead. Indulge in alpine specialties paired with exquisite local wines, setting the perfect tone for your small group adventure.

Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Dolomites

We start our day with a hearty breakfast and pack an extra layer, as today we reach higher elevations where the air is always crisper!

A scenic drive through pine woods and meadows leads us to the stunning Lake Misurina, one of the Dolomites' most iconic treasures, nestled in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You have the choice to follow our tour manager for a picturesque walk along the lakeshore, or leisurely sip a warm cup of coffee at a charming local café while taking in the majestic Dolomite peaks reflecting on the lake's pristine water.

Next, our comfortable bus will take you along a restricted traffic road to the breathtaking Auronzo Refuge***, at an elevation of 2,300 meters (about 7,550 feet). Here, you'll gaze upon the awe-inspiring Tre Cime di Lavaredo – three striking, battlement-like peaks that transform in color throughout the day and across the seasons. Whether you visit in summer or fall, you will be captivated by this stunning natural masterpiece and the peaceful landscapes that surround it.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at this cozy mountain hut, then relax and capture memorable photos.

In the afternoon, we'll begin our leisurely descent toward Auronzo di Cadore, allowing you to spend the rest of the day at your own pace. Dinner will be at your leisure, allowing you to choose your culinary experience.

*** Should inclement weather prevent access to the Auronzo Refuge, we will instead head to the vibrant town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, renowned for its international atmosphere and host of the recent 2026 Winter Olympics. In this case, a delightful lunch will be arranged in Cortina. 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Accommodation: Friuli’s wine region, near Udine

After checking out, our journey is still framed by the stunning views of the Dolomites as we head to the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. We stretch our legs in the village of Sappada, a popular ski resort for families, before continuing our descent into the wilder Carnic Alps.

Prepare to be amazed by a true gem of Friuli—the charming village of Pesariis, where large buses cannot venture, ensuring a peaceful, slow travel experience. This quaint alpine hamlet is the birthplace of Solari. The renowned company invented "split-flap" clocks seen in major airports and train stations worldwide, from JFK to Tokyo. 

Strolling through Pesariis' cobbled streets, we can spot its 15 monumental water clocks and ancient sundials, immersing ourselves in a serene atmosphere defined only by the soothing tick of history.

For lunch, we'll visit a local cheese producer to gain insight into the making of Montasio, Latteria, and other traditional dairy treasures, before relishing a delectable light lunch that will tempt your taste buds.

In the afternoon, we arrive at the rolling hills of Friuli's wine region, where we'll check in for three nights. This evening, we'll indulge in an introduction to some of Friuli's exceptional wines paired with a three-course dinner, creating a refined culinary experience.

Meals included: breakfast, tastings, and dinner

Accommodation: Friuli’s wine region, near Udine

Experience a remarkable day in the heart of Friuli's captivating wine region, where the enchanting Natisone River flows alongside artisan producers and dedicated local families who uphold time-honored traditions.

We kick off our adventure in the aging room of a renowned balsamic vinegar producer, immersing ourselves in the fascinating methods of fermentation and reduction of cooked must. This unique experience includes a technical tasting, featuring various stages of aged vinegar paired with exquisite local products and delicious appetizers.

Afterward, a short drive takes us to Cividale del Friuli, a picturesque town famed for its ancient stone bridge and the stunning canyon along the river. Enjoy a stroll through this charming locale and take a seat in the main piazza to relax and soak in the atmosphere, embracing "la Dolce Vita" alongside the locals.

In the afternoon, we visit a boutique producer of Pinot Grigio and other exquisite local wines, all while perched on a breathtaking terrace overlooking the Collio wine region, with the Slovenian border as a backdrop.

After a break at our hotel, we set out for an unforgettable dining experience at a Michelin-star restaurant, where a full tasting menu awaits to tantalize your taste buds. Please note that wine is not included with the meal at this prestigious venue. 

Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in a day filled with culture, flavor, and unforgettable experiences!

Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Friuli’s wine region, near Udine

Our captivating Dolomites & Friuli Small Group Tour today focuses on the western side of the region along the Tagliamento River. This journey celebrates the art of slow travel and reveals some of Italy's best-kept secrets.

Our adventure begins in the medieval town of Spilimbergo, home to the world's most prestigious mosaic school. Here, you will discover how its talented graduates have created breathtaking works for iconic places such as the Paris Opéra Garnier, the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and the Ground Zero subway station in New York City.

Learning about the use of the martellina (traditional hammer) to hand-cut stones, you'll gain insights into the craft's evolution—from replicas of Roman works to cutting-edge contemporary designs. This experience promises to be much more than history; it will awaken your senses and leave you inspired.

Next, we'll take a short drive to the quaint town of San Daniele, renowned for Italy's most tender and sweet prosciutto. You'll visit an artisanal producer that cures hams by the gentle breeze of the Tagliamento River valley. Enjoy a delightful lunch at their restaurant (vegetarian options available).

After some time relaxing at the hotel, we'll head to Udine in the late afternoon. As Friuli's second-largest city, Udine offers a unique blend of Venetian charm and vibrant life, thanks to its youthful university population. We stroll through picturesque piazzas, enjoy some free time  to wander through independent shops nestled between stunning Venetian-influenced architecture.

Our knowledgeable tour manager will guide you to charming osterias for sampling wines and Venetian tapas, as locals do, as well as traditional restaurants for dinner at your leisure.

After a delightful evening, we'll return to the hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this remarkable journey. 

Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Trieste

Prepare yourself for a profound journey as we head east toward the Slovenian border, where the rolling Collio hills cradle the storied village of Oslavia.

This landscape carries a heavy silence; once the front line of the Great War, Oslavia was entirely leveled by shelling, leaving only a landscape of craters and memories. Today, that very soil—a unique, flaky marl known as ponca—has been reclaimed by visionary winemakers who have turned tragedy into a liquid masterpiece.

We will visit an intimate, family-owned estate to uncover the secrets of their world-renowned "Orange Wines." Here, the local Ribolla Gialla grape is treated with ancient reverence; rather than being pressed immediately, the skins are left to macerate for weeks or even months.

This patient process yields a wine of astonishing amber hue, and complex flavor. As you swirl your glass, you’ll hear the family’s narrative of survival and their radical dedication to natural, skin-contact viticulture. It is a toast to the "vignaioli" who refused to let their heritage be buried by history.

After a meaningful surprise stop that bridges the past and present, we continue our adventure to the cosmopolitan Trieste. Luxury awaits at our historic Grand Hotel, positioned perfectly to capture the city’s imperial elegance.

Before dinner on your own, join our tour manager for an orientation around the city and a photo in Piazza Unità d’Italia, Europe’s largest sea-facing square. As it transforms under the glow of its nightly illumination, with the neoclassical palaces reflecting off the dark Adriatic waters. It is the perfect, captivating end to a day of deep discovery.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Trieste

After a sumptuous breakfast served at the famous Harry's, overlooking Piazza Unità d'Italia, our local expert meets us at our hotel for an exploration on foot of Trieste.

As the former main seaport of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, its streets are lined with neoclassical palaces that whisper of a golden imperial age, although Trieste always maintained its cultural independence. 

The incredible clash of Greek, Jewish, Germanic, and Slavic influences that met in the city during the golden age left a treasure trove of hidden gems that our local guide will bring to life.

We visit the Great Synagogue, one of the largest in Europe, boasting Romanesque-Middle Eastern design, and dive into the city's legendary coffee culture. In historic "literary cafés" once frequented by James Joyce, we'll learn the art of the master roasters famous for their "secret recipes" that balance the strengths of different beans. A guided tasting in one of the city’s iconic cafè awaits before lunchtime.

Today lunch and dinner are on your own among a wide array of local "buffet", where traditionally only mixed boiled meats are served, and restaurants of all levels.

For your free afternoon, you can book the hotel's spa (not included), get lost in Trieste's shopping streets, or follow our tour manager to the upper Castel San Giusto for views over the city and the harbor from a higher perspective.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Trieste

On the last day of exploring the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, we leave Trieste's city center and drive to the surrounding hills, known as the Karst Plateau. Here, a limestone landscape has been modeled by subterranean rivers that carved out cathedral-like caves, and where the fierce Bora wind yields the rugged, stone-walled vineyards of the Vitovska grape.

We visit a small wine producer for a tour of their underground cellar and wine tasting paired with a selection of salami, cheese, and other local products.

In the early afternoon, we descend toward the sea, and visit the iconic Miramare Castle. This shimmering white Istrian stone marvel is perched precariously over the turquoise Adriatic, surrounded by lush botanical gardens that offer the ultimate panoramic view of the gulf. We learn about the history and the love story within the castle's walls before returning to Trieste.

It’s time to raise one more glass, this time to celebrate the end of the Dolomites & Friuli Small Group Tour, in a local restaurant, steps away from our hotel.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: n/a

After breakfast, check out and say goodbye to northeast Italy.

Until we meet again!

Please refer to the paragraph “Flights and Airport transfer” for more details about transferring to Trieste or Venice airport.