JOIN US FOR A JOURNEY TO
A Taste of Friuli Venezia
Explore Friuli Venezia Giulia beyond the guidebook through food, wine, countryside, local producers, and traditions—with someone who calls it home.
June 12 - June 19, 2027
Eat. Explore. Connect. Savor.
Join us for a week of exceptional food and wine, local traditions, and meaningful connections as we experience Friuli through the people and places that make this region so special.
Welcome to Friuli Venezia Giulia
A Week of Food, Wine & Italian Countryside
Tucked into the northeastern corner of Italy, Friuli Venezia Giulia is a region where Italy meets Central Europe. Bordering Austria and Slovenia and stretching from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea, its landscape is remarkably diverse—from mountain villages and rolling vineyards to the lagoon and coastline.
Its location has shaped everything from its food and wine to its culture and traditions. This is a region of exceptional producers, distinctive wines, celebrated prosciutto, artisan cheeses, and culinary traditions influenced by the many cultures that have passed through its borders.
We’ll travel through this lesser-known corner of Italy, experiencing the vineyards, food producers, countryside, and Adriatic coast that make Friuli so unique—and discovering a side of Italy that many travelers never get to see.
Discover Friuli Venezia Giulia. Discover the Italy beyond the guidebook.
What You’ll Experience
For travelers who want to discover a different side of Italy.
A week of food, wine, countryside, and local connections across Friuli Venezia Giulia—from renowned prosciutto and cheese producers and traditional kitchens to the Marano Lagoon and the vibrant city of Trieste.
Day 1: Benvenuti in Venezia
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Arrive independently in Venice and make your way to our hotel. Your room will be ready for you to settle in and begin your Italian adventure.
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Spend the day wandering Venice at your own pace—discovering its winding streets, canals, and iconic sights before we meet each other in the early afternoon.
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That evening, we’ll gather at a cozy local bacaro for an aperitivo, raising a glass and getting to know our fellow travelers before settling in for a restful evening ahead of the week to come.
Day 2: The Art of Venetian Glass
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Begin the day with a glimpse into one of Venice’s most celebrated artisan traditions, visiting a local glassmaker to see the craftsmanship and artistry behind Venetian glass.
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Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and savor one last taste of Venetian cuisine before we continue north.
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After lunch, we’ll travel north by train to Udine, the historic heart of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Once we arrive and check into our hotel for the week, we’ll take a leisurely walking tour through the city, getting our first taste of its historic center and local character, with a stop along the way for an aperitivo before enjoying a free evening.
Day 3: Prosciutto & A Taste of Home
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Spend the day discovering one of Friuli’s most celebrated food traditions with a visit to a local prosciutto producer, where we’ll learn how this iconic product is made and meet the people behind it.
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Sit down to a traditional lunch and taste the flavors of the region in the very place where its food traditions come to life.
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In the evening, we’ll gather in a local home for a hands-on cooking experience with a friend of Anna’s. We’ll prepare traditional Friulian dishes together before sitting down to share dinner around the table.
Day 4: From Farm to Table
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Start the day with a morning walk through the countryside before visiting a family-run farm to discover the tradition of Montasio cheese. Meet the makers, enjoy a tasting, and sit down for lunch featuring local specialties.
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Return to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon. Take a swim, relax by the pool, or simply enjoy some time to yourself before we head out again.
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In the evening, we’ll head to the ancient town of Cividale del Friuli for a sunset stroll through its beautiful historic center, followed by a special dinner showcasing the region’s celebrated food.
Day 5: A Day in Trieste
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Spend the day discovering this captivating Adriatic city, shaped by its Italian, Austrian, and Central European influences. We’ll take you around to experience some of Trieste’s highlights, with plenty of time to wander and explore on your own if you prefer.
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Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a beloved local buffet, known for its traditional Triestine dishes and generous, home-style cooking. It’s a chance to experience the city the way locals do.
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After lunch, continue exploring Trieste with us as we show you more of the city, or spend the afternoon wandering on your own. We’ll meet back up for light bites and an aperitivo before heading back to Udine.
Day 6: The Marano Lagoon
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Set out by boat into the Marano Lagoon, exploring its quiet waterways and unique coastal landscape.
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Enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring fresh local seafood before returning to the countryside.
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After a full day on the water, the evening is yours to relax and unwind as you choose.
Day 7: A Toast to Friuli
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Spend the day in Friuli’s wine country, visiting a local vineyard for a tasting and learning more about the region’s celebrated wines. Then sit down for a leisurely lunch featuring local flavors, surrounded by the countryside, as we raise a glass and toast farewell to Friuli.
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After lunch, we’ll take the train back to Venice and settle into our hotel for our final evening.
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Gather for one last aperitivo and light bites in Venice, raising a glass to the friendships, flavors, and experiences we’ve shared throughout our week in Friuli.
Day 8: Arrivederci
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Depart Venice at your own pace and make your way to the airport for your journey home—or continue your Italian adventure.
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Want to see more of Italy or explore your Italian roots? We’re happy to help you plan an extension to another part of Italy or to your ancestral town for a separate fee. We’re also offering a trip to Sicily if you’d like to join.
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Leave Friuli Venezia Giulia with new memories, meaningful connections, and a deeper appreciation for this beautiful corner of Italy—and perhaps a little piece of Friuli to carry with you.
8 Days / 7 Nights
What’s Included
Shared Room — $3,150 per person | Early Bird: $2,950
Private Room — $3,650 per person | Early Bird: $3,450
Early Bird savings: $200 per person | Limited time only
Our itinerary, taking place June 12 - June 19, 2027, is designed for a small group to experience Friuli Venezia Giulia through its food, wine, countryside, traditions, and local connections. This isn’t a checklist of Italy’s most famous sights. It’s an invitation to slow down, meet the people behind the region’s food traditions, and discover a side of Friuli that many travelers never experience—with a local host who calls the region home.
✓Accommodation
7 nights across two distinctive stays:
2 nights in Venice at Rialto Dream B&B
Stay in a classically decorated Venetian home, where we know the owner and guests are welcomed like family.
5 nights in Udine at Hotel Clocchiatti
Stay in the charming historic city of Udine, our central home base for exploring Friuli, with a pool to enjoy during your free time.
✓ Transportation
Travel from our Venice hotel to Udine, with transportation provided throughout the itinerary for all planned destinations and experiences, including our return to Venice. Airport transfers to and from Venice are not included.
✓ Meals
Daily breakfast and lunch throughout the journey, plus 4 aperitivo experiences with light bites and 2 dinners.
Dinner is on your own on one evening: after our full-day boat excursion, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely evening after a full day on the water.
✓ Experiences
All planned experiences are included: Venice glass blowing, prosciutto farm visit and lunch, Montasio cheese farm experience, hands-on cooking experience with a local, Marano Lagoon boat excursion, wine tasting, and a day exploring Trieste. Entrance fees and planned transportation for all included experiences are covered.
✓ Hosts & Guides
Co-hosted by Christina and Anna, bringing a shared love of Italy, food, and travel. Anna is a native of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and this is her home region. Her Italian language skills and local relationships help us connect with the people, traditions, and communities that make Friuli so special, while we’re both there to make the journey welcoming and seamless.
Flights Not Included
Flights to and from Venice are not included. Travelers are responsible for booking their own flights and meeting the group at our Venice hotel.
Passport & Visa Not Included
A valid passport and any required travel documents are the responsibility of each traveler. Check current entry requirements before traveling.
Personal Expenses Not Included
Personal expenses, including shopping, souvenirs, additional drinks, meals, and activities not specifically listed as included, are not covered. Gratuities for hotel staff, and other service providers are also not included.
READY TO JOIN US?
Limited spots available. Reserve your spot now!
Reserve your spot with a $500 deposit.
Payment plans available. Final payment due 30 days before departure.
Traveling solo but interested in sharing a room with another solo traveler? Contact us before booking at hello@christinaminutillo.com and we’ll do our best to arrange a room share.
Your Hosts
We hope you’ll join us
We’re Christina Minutillo & Anna Maria Zilli, and we invite you to share our love of Italy, food, travel, and creating meaningful experiences around the table.
We’re not just your trip organizers—we’ll be traveling alongside you. We’ll be there throughout the journey to help things run smoothly, introduce you to local experiences, and create the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes traveling together feel like traveling with friends.
I’m Christina, and my Italian roots have inspired my cookbook, travels throughout Italy, and a hosted retreat in my ancestral town of Castel Morrone outside Naples. I’m passionate about sharing the food, traditions, and lesser-known places that make Italy feel like more than a destination. I’m hosting these trips with Anna Maria Zilli.
Anna Maria is originally from Friuli Venezia Giulia. Now living in New Orleans, she regularly shares Italian traditions through her involvement in the Italian American community.
Want something different?
TRACE YOUR ROOTS
Walk the paths of your ancestors
We’ll help you trace your family’s hometown, meet locals who share your surname, and explore the streets, churches, and landmarks that connect you to your heritage. A journey that turns travel into homecoming.
Interested in tracing your roots? Email me at hello@christinaminutillo.com
JOIN OUR SICILY JOURNEY
Explore our Sicily Journey
Travel with us through Northwestern Sicily May 29-June 6 2027, experiencing vibrant markets, coastal towns, Mediterranean landscapes, local traditions, and unforgettable meals—from Palermo to the islands and the sea.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR ESCAPE
Create a trip that’s all your own.
From private cooking experiences to countryside hikes and coastal day trips, I’ll tailor the journey to your pace, passions, and interests—giving you the freedom to experience Italy your way.
FAQs
What is the payment schedule?
A deposit is required to secure your place. We’ll offer payment plan options so you can spread out the remaining balance, with full payment due 60 days before the trip.
What is your cancellation policy?
Because we make advance commitments to our hotels, transportation providers, and local hosts, trip payments are non-refundable and cancellations are not permitted. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage.
Do you offer a solo traveler rate?
Yes! We welcome solo travelers. You can choose our shared-room rate and be paired with another guest, or select our solo traveler rate if you prefer a private room.
How many people are in the group?
We keep our journeys intentionally intimate, with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 guests. This allows us to create a more personal experience and connect more meaningfully with the people and places we visit.
Do I need to know Italian to participate?
Not at all! All experiences are designed for English-speaking guests, and we will guide you every step of the way. You’ll enjoy authentic connections and experiences without any language barriers.
Can I travel with a friend or partner?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to join with a friend, partner, or family member. If you're traveling with someone, you'll share your accommodation with them.
What happens if you need to cancel the trip?
Your deposit and payments are fully refundable if we have to cancel the trip. Our minimum group size is 6 guests, and we will communicate with you as soon as possible if the trip cannot operate.
Will we visit my ancestral town if I have Italian roots?
Not as part of the scheduled Friuli itinerary, but we’d love to help you plan a personalized extension to visit your ancestral town before or after the trip. Custom ancestral travel planning is available for a separate fee.
How active is the trip?
The itinerary includes walking, light hiking, and time outdoors, but you don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy the journey. We’ll balance active experiences with plenty of time to relax and explore.
What if I want to keep traveling outside of your retreat offering?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to extend your Italian adventure. We can help you explore another part of Italy or create a personalized journey around your interests for a separate planning fee. Be sure to check out Campania travel itineraries for curated trips and hidden gems. You can easily combine your trip with more exploration, creating a truly unforgettable Italian experience.
