Tour Type:

Private Group Tour

Comfort Rating:

Casual/Premier

Activity Level:

Really Easy

Duration:

7 Days

Join Go Get Lost as we journey across two countries and immerse ourselves in the gorgeous landscapes, fascinating culture, exquisite food and excellent wine! We’ll start in the far northeast of Italy in one of their most famed wine regions of Friuli. Although the region is relatively small compared to the rest of Italy, it ranks among the best for producers of several types of wine. It’s also home to countless iconic cities and towns. We’ll wander through charming small villages like Cividale and Aquileia, and explore Udine and Trieste, two of the most fascinating medieval cities of Northern Italy!

Then we’ll cross into Slovenia, an unknown gem with stunning mountains, picturesque valleys, incredible food and wine…and very few tourists! Discover the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, an historical gem straddling a picturesque river, then continue into the rolling countryside of Slovenia’s wine region, which rivals that of anything to be found in Europe. As you explore the cities, towns and countryside, you’ll begin to appreciate the wonderful Slovenian culture, scenery and people. From the vineyards of the Wine Road to the stately buildings of the capital, you’ll be enchanted by this delightful country.

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Day 1 - Udine

When you arrive at Udine airport you'll make your way to your 4 star hotel in the city center. Udine has a provincial, genteel atmosphere that explains its laid-back vibe, seemingly unaffected by tourism. Winding streets with fun little wine bars, sidewalk cafes galore, and shops of every kind provide plenty of opportunities for wandering and people-watching.
We'll meet our local guide later this afternoon for an orientation party and then head off to a welcome dinner in a local trattoria. Here you're in for a treat with your first taste of local, traditional produce paired with local wines. From world famous prosciutto crudo, (a delicacy from San Daniele), to frico, a melt in the mouth potato, onion & melted cheese dish, a perfect example of "cucina povera" from nearby Carnia in the Julian Alps. Enjoy with a crisp white Friuliano or a peppery Schiopettino...mmmm!!

Day 2 - DOC Collio

Collio’s spectacular winescape is situated in Mittleuropa and continues through the lush wine country of Slovenia. The area is home to some extremely interesting native grape varieties (as well as international ones) which you will become familiar with during your trip. These include whites such as Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia and Picolit and reds such as Schiopettino and Pignolo.

After breakfast you'll board your private coach for a picturesque ride to DOC Collio, home to some of the best white wines in the world. The first stop, considered one of the pillars of Friulian wineries, is family run and contemporary in style. Enjoy a guided tour by the producers themselves followed by a winetasting carefully paired with typical products all set in a stunning location. You will then visit a breathtakingly beautiful Abbey before you head for a Michelin star lunch at one of the best restaurants in the region (featured on Stanley Tucci's "Searching for Italy!"). We will enjoy a tasting menu which is carefully paired with some of the best local wines. In the afternoon enjoy a second winery visit and tasting at an emerging boutique family winery that produces both reds and whites, particular attention and innovation is however given to their whites. This, in addition to their incredible location, makes this visit unforgettable! Complete your evening with a stroll through Udine, taking a seat at one of the numerous osterias or trattorias and soaking up the local atmosphere! Salute!

Day 3 - Friuli Grave

Following breakfast begin your day with a guided visit of a local polenta mill in a quaint village, with a tasting of course! Historically polenta has been a staple of northern Italian cuisine, and still figures prominently in dishes even today. Next up is a stop at a local castle, still home to the original family who has an important WWII story to share, attested to by the fascinating museum they have in the castle grounds. The estate also boasts lush parkland, tennis courts, swimming pool, and rose gardens. We'll enjoy our picnic lunch today in their vineyard. Tonight you'll have a marvelous adventure as you'll have the option to spend the night in the castle, the guest house or on the hill or amongst the vines.

Day 4 - DOC Friuli Aquileia & DOC Carso

After breakfast make the short journey to the ancient Roman city of Aquileia for guided tour to start your day. Later you'll visit an up-and-coming winery run by a very warm & welcoming charismatic couple with a modern and refreshing vision. As their guests you'll enjoy a tasting of their excellent wines and then sit down to a light lunch. Later you'll head eastwards to the Adriatic coast towards the city of Trieste. Walk the famous, effortless and stunning Rilke Trail with views of the Gulf of Trieste followed by a visit to the romantic Austro-Hungarian Miramare Castle. By now you'll be ready to relax. so we'll head to our 4 star hotel in Trieste city center. This evening your tour guide will introduce you to this fine and multicultural port city...all the culture without the crowds of Venice or Florence. Be transported into "Mittleuropa", a heady mix of Italian and Austro-Hungarian history, with influences from bordering Slovenia, Croatia and beyond. Stroll through the old Jewish ghetto, the charming Viennese coffee houses and along the seafront while enjoying a sunset aperitivo! Weather permitting, you will dine in an “osmiza” – family run and found only in Trieste and Slovenia... these are traditional places in picturesque, rural settings where traditionally everything sold is usually produced on site, indicated by an olive branch. Enjoy local wines native to the Trieste area like Vitovska and Terrano, along with cheeses, cured meats, olives and eggs - a quintessentially local experience

Day 5 - Goriska Brda

Slovenian Collio - a taste of one of Europe’s most up and coming food & wine destinations. Begin your day with a traditional Triestino coffee tasting experience in one of the most famous Viennese coffee houses. Then head to the Brda region of Slovenia renown for its wineries most of which are located close to the border with Friuli Venezia Giulia. Experience this family run, fresh but full-bodied winery. Here the family will proudly insist we taste between 5 and 7 wines, some of which have been nominated as exceptional blends of international and native varieties. Later we'll enjoy a relaxing evening back in Trieste, take a stroll through the city or along the seafront to enjoy the sites for some well-needed down time.

Day 6 - Ljubljana and Postojna Caves

This morning we'll have a guided tour of the amazing Postojna Cave, at 24 km long, the largest cavern in Europe and the second longest in the world! Carved by the Pivka river over millions of years, the unique underground cavern is filled with breathtaking rock formations and surreal landscapes. Afterwards we'll have lunch at the nearby castle, then head off into the nearby Vipava valley to visit one of our favorite wineries. The Vipava valley is renowned as one of the most productive wine valleys in all of central Europe, and we'll get a chance to taste the vintages they produce.

After properly appreciating the local products, we'll make the short journey to Ljubjlana, the small but delightful capital of Slovenia. It's a charming city full of artists, museums, and galleries, and has always been proud of its unique heritage. Its blend of German, Mediterranean, and Slovenian culture is exhibited in the old town architecture with its overlap of Medieval, Baroque, Renaissance and Art Nouveau buildings. It's always a joy to explore this delightful and buzzing little city that lies on the river of the same name. Later this evening we'll experience the city at sunset on a river boat cruise followed by a Slovenian enoteca for your pre-dinner aperitivo. Tonight you're free for dinner...there are literally dozens of restaurant choices lining the riverfront or clustered in the downtown squares....a vast array of stylish, trendy, innovative & delicious places.

Day 7 - Go Get Lost Day

This morning after breakfast we'll have a short walking tour of Ljubljana, and by midmorning you'll be free for the day! Shopping, siteseeing, and getting lost are the goals for today!
Later this afternoon/early we'll meet again to visit a picturesque Ljubljana Castle for a tour... followed by dinner at the castle restaurant. We'll celebrate all the wonderful times we had while exploring the amazing landscapes and towns of Italy and Slovenia! Farewell dinners are always bittersweet...new friends become lifelong friends, and plans are made to travel again!

Day 8 - Arrivederci

Your Go Get Lost adventure will end at the hotel this morning after breakfast.

• 2 nights accommodations in a 4/5 star hotel in Udine.
• 1 night accommodations in a castle estate
• 2 nights accommodation in a 4 star hotel in Trieste
• 2 nights accommodations in a 4 star hotel in Ljubljana
• 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches and dinners from Michelin star restaurants to luxury vineyard picnics & other local eateries
• Guided tour and wine tasting in 3 Wineries in DOC Collio & Colli Orientali
• Guided tour and wine tasting in 1 Winery in DOC Friuli Grave
• Guided tour and wine tasting in 1 Winery in DOC Friuli Aquileia
• Guided tour and wine tasting in Brda Winery, Slovenia;
• Guided tour of the Abbey in Doc Collio
• Guided visit and polenta tasting in a historical polenta mill
• Guided tour of a historical Castle and museum near Udine
• Guided tour of Aquileia
• Guided tour of caves in Postojna
• River boat cruise of Ljubljana
• Enoteca aperitif in Ljubljana
• Entrance & guided tour of Ljubljana Castle
• City taxes
• All gratuities such as group meals, drivers, local day guides, EXCEPT for your primary local Tour Leader
• Coach with private driver
• Go Get Lost professional Tour leader for the entire tour

• Meals not specified in itinerary
• Beverages at meals unless specified in itinerary. All meals include water and local wine
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Medical Insurance (strongly recommended), call for details
• Single supplement charge
• Items of a personal nature; phone calls, laundry, etc.
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Airfare package
• Gratuity for your primary local Tour Leader