Ten fun ways to enjoy one of Italy’s most interesting regions.
1. Be King of the Castle.
Friuli’s castles have long been some of the region’s best loved attractions, and most are protected and promoted by a local consortium that can help with planning itineraries and offer a wealth of information on local restaurants, wineries and food festivals. - www.consorziocastelli.it
2. Mind the Cycle Paths.
Half way between Venice and Trieste lies the little islet of Grado. Pack a picnic, hire a bike and follow the cycle paths to all manner of beautiful beaches, lagoons and the local WWF nature reserve. When hunger strikes, choose a likely looking beauty spot to enjoy lunch.
3. Play Happy Families.
If what you’re looking for is a family farmhouse holiday with great food and wine – much of which is produced on the property, kiddie play areas, congenial hosts (including Oliver the Dalmatian), then Agriturismo Casa Del Conte in Montereale is just the place for you! - www.casadelconte.com
4. Port Out!
The town of San Daniele produces some of Italy’s finest prosciutto crudo, and many local trattorie offer delicious dishes featuring this prized product. Prosciutteria DOK is a great place to stock up and also enjoy a tasty plate of tortelli. Al prosciutto, of course! - www.prosciuttificiocastello.com
5. Be a Duke for The Day
A weekend at the Duchi D’Aosta hotel in Trieste’s Piazza Unità is a fabulous way to experience the town and soak up its unique Middle European atmosphere. After a hard day’s sightseeing, enjoy an unforgettable dinner at the hotel’s Harry’s Grill. - www.grandhotelduchidaosta.com
6. Sign up for an Espresso.
What better way to learn Italian than to combine language classes with regional food and wine courses? Italiano Espresso Language School in Udine will help you brush up on your Italian between cooking lessons and trips to wineries and local food producers. - www.italianoespresso.com
7. Respect your Elder (flowers!).
One of Friuli’s specialtiesis products made from elderflowers. Look out for champagnes, syrups, risottos and a variety of sweets, all infused with the fragrance of these creamy white blossoms.
8. Fill up on Felluga.
The renowned wine producing family of Livio Felluga has recently opened a beautiful restaurant with rooms where you can simply pop in for a glass of wine, hang around for an excellent lunch or dinner or, better still, take advantage of their tasting packages that include dinner with an overnight stay. - www.terraevini.it
9. Grab some Goulash.
Friuli’s geographical position at the doors of Slovenia makes for some very particular local gastronomy. Gostilna Devetak in San Michele del Carso is one of the regions’ award winning trattorie here dishes have a strong central European influence. Excellent goulash! www.devetak.com
10. Join the Bar.
Trieste is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful historic bars. The century-old Caffè Pirona was James Joyce’s favourite haunt during his time in Trieste and is the perfect place to enjoy an excellent coffee along with some of the town’s most delicious desserts. - www.pirona.it
