Around the world

Magical Carnia: Authentic Villages and Flavors of Friuli

When:
28 AUGUST 2026
Price:
420
Departure:
ANCONA
Unplug for an off-the-beaten-path weekend and discover a secret side of Friuli. Spend three days in the heart of Carnia, surrounded by alpine peaks, untouched traditions, the charm of time in Pesariis, and the woodworking art of Sutrio. Experience the magic of Sauris, all framed by the rich Friulian culinary tradition, featuring tastings of PGI cured ham, frico, and cjarsons.

Tour plan

Day

1

AUGUST 28: ANCONA / UDINE / ZUGLIO / PIANO D’ARTA

Departure by luxury GT coach from Ancona/Senigallia towards Friuli Venezia Giulia, with optional rest stops along the way and independent lunch at a highway service station. Upon arrival in Udine, meet the local guide for a city tour. The itinerary includes a walk through the historic center, starting from the hill where the original settlement rose—steeped in a mysterious blend of legend and history—up to the Castle, the ancient seat of the "Friulian Parliament" and residence of the Venetian governors. We will then walk through the main squares and streets, including Piazza Libertà with the famous Loggia del Lionello (one of the oldest and most important historical buildings in Udine) and Piazza Matteotti, ending at the Cathedral.

In the afternoon, we will board the coach and head towards Carnia, framed by the Carnic Alps on the border with Austria. This region boasts pristine nature, villages steeped in history, and exceptional gastronomy. We will arrive in Zuglio, a small town built on the site of the northernmost Roman city in Italy, located near one of the key roads connecting Aquileia, Concordia, and the Roman province of Noricum (in present-day Austria). Enjoy a guided tour of the Museum, which houses many pre-Roman, Roman, and early medieval artifacts, followed by a visit to the archaeological excavations of ancient Iulium Carnicum, featuring the remains of the Roman forum, a basilica, a temple, and a portico. Transfer to the hotel in Arta Terme for dinner and overnight stay.

Day

2

AUGUST 29: SAURIS

Breakfast at the hotel before setting off to discover Carnia, the mountainous heart of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Our journey begins along the shores of Lake Maina, nestled in a picturesque landscape dominated by its impressive dam.

Upon reaching Sauris di Sopra, we will immerse ourselves in the charm of the village with a stroll among its traditional wooden and stone architecture, including a visit to the historic Church of San Lorenzo. The morning continues with a guided tour of the Wolf Cured Ham Factory: a journey through history and craftsmanship to discover the secrets behind the production of the famous Prosciutto di Sauris PGI. The visit culminates in a rich tasting of local delicacies: A platter of Prosciutto di Sauris PGI, Speck, and Wolf Sauris cured meats, artisanal breadsticks, local cheeses, water, Sauris beer or wine, and an artisanal dessert.

In the afternoon, we will move to Sauris di Sotto. Together with our guide, we will admire the wooden sculptures that decorate the village and visit the Sanctuary of Sant’Osvaldo, which houses a precious altarpiece dating back to 1524. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day

3

AUGUST 30: PESARIIS / SUTRIO / ANCONA

After breakfast, depart by coach for Pesariis, a tiny village whose beautifully preserved urban layout offers a unique glimpse into the historical and ethnographic heritage of traditional village life—a true showcase of "time lived." Enjoy a guided tour of the Pesarina Clockmaking Exhibition, exploring an open-air museum of time-keeping mechanisms that make Pesariis famous as the "Village of Clocks."

We will then proceed to Sutrio, a small town belonging to the "Authentic Villages of Italy" association and likely one of the oldest settlements in all of Carnia. For centuries, Sutrio has been renowned for its master furniture makers and woodcarvers. With our guide, we will visit the Wood Museum and the Teno Nativity Scene. Handcrafted by Gaudenzio Straulino, this masterpiece features mechanical gears that animate numerous characters around the Nativity, depicting the traditional customs, attire, and trades of the people of Sutrio.

Enjoy a traditional farewell lunch with the following menu:

Pumpkin Flan with Montasio Cheese Fondue

 Cjarsons (traditional sweet-savory ravioli)

 Baked Mushroom Lasagna

 Polenta

 Frico (crispy cheese and potato pancake) and Sausage

Served with:

Mixed salad and French fries

Apple Strudel

Wild berry Panna Cotta

Water, wine, and espresso coffee

After lunch, depart for the return journey to Ancona, with arrival expected in the evening.

Magical Carnia: Authentic Villages and Flavors of Friuli


DAY 1 • AUGUST 28: ANCONA / UDINE / ZUGLIO / PIANO D’ARTA


Departure by luxury GT coach from Ancona/Senigallia towards Friuli Venezia Giulia, with optional rest stops along the way and independent lunch at a highway service station. Upon arrival in Udine, meet the local guide for a city tour. The itinerary includes a walk through the historic center, starting from the hill where the original settlement rose—steeped in a mysterious blend of legend and history—up to the Castle, the ancient seat of the "Friulian Parliament" and residence of the Venetian governors. We will then walk through the main squares and streets, including Piazza Libertà with the famous Loggia del Lionello (one of the oldest and most important historical buildings in Udine) and Piazza Matteotti, ending at the Cathedral.

In the afternoon, we will board the coach and head towards Carnia, framed by the Carnic Alps on the border with Austria. This region boasts pristine nature, villages steeped in history, and exceptional gastronomy. We will arrive in Zuglio, a small town built on the site of the northernmost Roman city in Italy, located near one of the key roads connecting Aquileia, Concordia, and the Roman province of Noricum (in present-day Austria). Enjoy a guided tour of the Museum, which houses many pre-Roman, Roman, and early medieval artifacts, followed by a visit to the archaeological excavations of ancient Iulium Carnicum, featuring the remains of the Roman forum, a basilica, a temple, and a portico. Transfer to the hotel in Arta Terme for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 2 • AUGUST 29: SAURIS


Breakfast at the hotel before setting off to discover Carnia, the mountainous heart of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Our journey begins along the shores of Lake Maina, nestled in a picturesque landscape dominated by its impressive dam.

Upon reaching Sauris di Sopra, we will immerse ourselves in the charm of the village with a stroll among its traditional wooden and stone architecture, including a visit to the historic Church of San Lorenzo. The morning continues with a guided tour of the Wolf Cured Ham Factory: a journey through history and craftsmanship to discover the secrets behind the production of the famous Prosciutto di Sauris PGI. The visit culminates in a rich tasting of local delicacies: A platter of Prosciutto di Sauris PGI, Speck, and Wolf Sauris cured meats, artisanal breadsticks, local cheeses, water, Sauris beer or wine, and an artisanal dessert.

In the afternoon, we will move to Sauris di Sotto. Together with our guide, we will admire the wooden sculptures that decorate the village and visit the Sanctuary of Sant’Osvaldo, which houses a precious altarpiece dating back to 1524. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 3 • AUGUST 30: PESARIIS / SUTRIO / ANCONA


After breakfast, depart by coach for Pesariis, a tiny village whose beautifully preserved urban layout offers a unique glimpse into the historical and ethnographic heritage of traditional village life—a true showcase of "time lived." Enjoy a guided tour of the Pesarina Clockmaking Exhibition, exploring an open-air museum of time-keeping mechanisms that make Pesariis famous as the "Village of Clocks."

We will then proceed to Sutrio, a small town belonging to the "Authentic Villages of Italy" association and likely one of the oldest settlements in all of Carnia. For centuries, Sutrio has been renowned for its master furniture makers and woodcarvers. With our guide, we will visit the Wood Museum and the Teno Nativity Scene. Handcrafted by Gaudenzio Straulino, this masterpiece features mechanical gears that animate numerous characters around the Nativity, depicting the traditional customs, attire, and trades of the people of Sutrio.

Enjoy a traditional farewell lunch with the following menu:

Pumpkin Flan with Montasio Cheese Fondue

 Cjarsons (traditional sweet-savory ravioli)

 Baked Mushroom Lasagna

 Polenta

 Frico (crispy cheese and potato pancake) and Sausage

Served with:

Mixed salad and French fries

Apple Strudel

Wild berry Panna Cotta

Water, wine, and espresso coffee

After lunch, depart for the return journey to Ancona, with arrival expected in the evening.

Ecco la traduzione professionale, chiara e adatta a un pubblico di madrelingua inglese, mantenendo intatta la formattazione originale.

INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION FEE: € 420


FROM AUGUST 28 TO 30, 2026

Minimum group size: 25 participants

Single room supplement: € 30

* Please note:

At the moment, these are the only rooms available at the hotel. Single rooms are equipped with a small single bed.
Double rooms for single use (DUS) must be taken from the remaining available double rooms, if needed.
The hotel also has 1 room with a double bed plus a bunk bed, and 2 triple rooms that can be added (currently not held/optioned).


THE FEE INCLUDES:

  • Travel by luxury GT coach
  • Driver’s room (single) and board
  • Accommodation in double/twin/matrimonial rooms at a 3-star superior*** hotel in Arta Terme for 2 nights
  • Sweet and savory buffet breakfast
  • 2 four-course dinners at the hotel, drinks included (1/4 wine + 1/2 water, beer, or soft drink)
  • Local tourist tax
  • Italian-speaking tour guide services: half-day on Day 1 in Udine
  • In-house guide at the Zuglio Museum (entry to the Museum and Archaeological site included)
  • Local municipal guide in Sauris
  • In-house guide at the Pesariis Municipal Museum (entry to the Clock Museum included)
  • Guide for Sutrio, the Wood Museum, and the Nativity Scene (entry included)
  • Light lunch with Prosciutto tasting in Sauris
  • Farewell lunch featuring a traditional menu at a local restaurant
  • Medical and luggage insurance
  • Audio headsets for the entire duration of the trip


THE FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE:


Tips, lunch on Day 1, any other entrance fees not explicitly mentioned, trip cancellation insurance, and anything not expressly listed under "The Fee Includes".
CANCELLATION INSURANCE:
Optional trip cancellation insurance valid for non-pre-existing and/or non-chronic medical conditions: € 16 (in the event of cancellation, a claim must be opened within 3 days with a valid medical certificate).


REGISTRATION:


OPEN UNTIL JUNE 21 (or until fully booked). Info at  +39 0549 960454