Rugged Karst landscapes, cliff-hugging coastal roads, remote villages, and small towns with a cuisine that bears the influence of centuries of Italian and Austrian heritage. That’s what awaits you on this Alfa Romeo journey to Friuli-Venezia Giulia, with detours into Slovenia and Croatia.
In the late morning, we will pick you up from Trieste Airport and take you to the lesser-known hinterland of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. After checking in, you’ll have the chance to meet your fellow travelers over a light snack, followed by a comprehensive driver briefing. Then, you’ll be introduced to the Nostalgic Alfa Romeo fleet and can choose your favorite car for the day. On the afternoon drive, you will pass through San Daniele del Friuli, known as the “capital” of the local cured ham, a small town of nearly 8,000 residents that was devastated by the 1976 earthquake. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the delicious Prosciutto Crudo San Daniele!
After check-out, we’ll start our journey on quiet country roads towards Trieste. The route takes us through picturesque small towns like Cividale del Friuli, known for its medieval Devil’s Bridge. Explore the timeless old town alleys, with their charming Italian bars. Heading south, we’ll reach the scenic coastal road along the Istrian Karst mountains. Lunch will be served on a terrace with a sea view, featuring Neptune’s delicacies on your plate. After lunch, we’ll cross the border into Slovenia and Croatia, where you’ll stay overnight at the elegant Kempinski Adriatic. Dinner will be served in a nearby croatian restaurant.
Today, we’ll drive along the picturesque yet challenging coastal roads of the Istrian peninsula, heading south through Porec to Rovinj. Known as the “Portofino of Croatia,” Rovinj is one of Istria’s main attractions, with its romantic harbor and charming old town alleys, perfect for a lunch break with views of the azure sea. After returning to the hotel, you can relax by the pool or on the beach before we gather for an aperitivo followed by dinner on the hotel terrace.
Today, you’ll explore Trieste, a city with a vibrant and illustrious history. Often referred to as an early New York due to its diverse ethnic and religious communities, Trieste, the “Queen of the Adriatic,” has been a strategic location since ancient times and flourished as the Holy Roman Empire’s gateway to the Mediterranean. After the Congress of Vienna, the city experienced a remarkable rise, evidenced by its grand imperial architecture. Trieste is renowned for its high quality of life, with research and development facilities having replaced the old steel and shipbuilding industries. It remains a coffee roasting hub, with the famous Illy Cafe as a local highlight. After a guided tour, we’ll accompany you to your hotel or Trieste Airport for your individual departure.
The region is renowned far beyond its borders for its culinary specialties. San Daniele ham comes from the town of San Daniele del Friuli. This exquisite ham is made from high-quality pork and is known for its tender texture and rich, salty flavor. It matures in the cool mountain air of the area and is often served thinly sliced as an appetizer. Another specialty enjoyed worldwide but originally from Friuli Venezia Giulia is Prosecco, a light, sparkling wine with fruity aromas and a pleasant acidity. Prosecco is often served as an aperitif and is also perfect for making mixed drinks and cocktails like the “Spritz.”
Tocai Friulano is perhaps the most famous and characteristic grape variety of the region. This wine is known for its lively acidity and flavors of almonds, flowers, and yellow fruits. Friuli Venezia Giulia produces some of the best Pinot Grigio wines in the world. The regional grape variety Ribolla Gialla produces wines with vibrant acidity and flavors of green apples and citrus fruits, which are a hallmark of the region.
Trieste boasts a rich cultural diversity due to its varied history. It was a significant port of the Habsburg Empire and hosted various population groups, reflected in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and cultural identity. One of Trieste’s most famous landmarks is the majestic Miramare Castle. Located by the sea, this castle was built in the 19th century for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria and his wife Charlotte of Belgium, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. The main square of Trieste, Piazza Unità d’Italia, is considered the largest square directly by the sea in Europe. Many events and concerts take place here, and the surrounding buildings, including the town hall and the opera house, add to the splendor of this location.
The Istrian Peninsula spans parts of Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, and is characterized by its picturesque coastline, crystal-clear waters, and charming towns. The nature of Istria is diverse, from Mediterranean coastal stretches to green hills and vineyards. The region is known for its top-quality truffles, olive oil, fresh fish, and outstanding wine. Historic towns like Pula, Rovinj, and Poreč enrich the region with impressive Roman ruins, picturesque old towns, and charming squares. The Karst mountains are a unique limestone region marked by karst caves, underground rivers, and karst springs. The karst caves are particularly fascinating, including the famous Postojna Cave and the Škocjan Caves in Slovenia, which offer impressive underground worlds full of stalactites and stalagmites.
Discover what our guests say about this tour. Real experiences from drivers and travelers who have explored Europe’s most beautiful roads with us.
Babilis
Hollywood
Neverland
London
Book a short consultation to begin your classic journey. In just 15 minutes, we’ll discuss your interests, answer your questions, and help you discover the Nostalgic experience that suits you best.
"*" indicates required fields
