FRIULI-VENEZIA-GIULIA
The province of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, occupying the north-east corner of Italy, is an area of great scenic variety, bordered by the Alps, the flatlands of the Veneto and, to the south, by the Adriatic. Our survey of the region’s patrimony will be distinguished by privileged visits to a number of villas, castles and palaces, and we will enjoy private hospitality at such rare delights as Villa Piccolomini, Palazzo Lantieri and Castello di Villalta.
From the post-Roman era come the province’s remarkable early-Christian basilicas at Aquilieia and Grado, with their splendid mosaic floors, and the small but fascinating Tempio Longobardo at Cividale, with its Byzantine stucco decoration. The mediaeval period is represented by the cathedrals of Venzone and Gemona, and the abbey of Sesto al Reghena. The Renaissance manifests itself in many places, including the Castello in Udine and in the townscape of towns such as Pordenone. There are grandiose Baroque interiors to be seen in various palaces and villas, and the work of Italy’s greatest 18th century painter, Giambattista Tiepolo, will be studied in his superb frescoes in Udine’s duomo and archbishop’s palace.
We will also spend time in Trieste – until 1918 the chief port of the Austrian empire – where the townscape is predominantly 19th century, although the ancient cathedral retains beautiful mediaeval mosaics.
The four-star Astoria Hotel Italia, housed in an elegant residence in the historic centre of Udine, will be the base for our tour. Udine, the capital of the province, enjoys an exceptionally agreeable appearance, as one would expect from a town that was once ruled by Venice.
This tour will be led by Roger White, MA (Cantab), FSA, architectural and garden historian. Roger frequently writes on buildings and gardens of the 17th and 18th century and is former secretary of the Georgian Group and Garden History Society.
Itinerary
Day 1Depart Gatwick 0740 on British Airways for Venice, arriving 1050. Transfer to Astoria Hotel Italia, Udine, for six nights.
Day 2Udine: Palazzo della Provincia (Baroque salone), Palazzo Arcivescovile (Tiepolo frescoes), Monte de Pieta (Baroque chapel), then on to Cordovado (private lunch at Villa Piccolomini) followed by Benedictine abbey at Sesto al Reghena.
Day 3Venzone (duomo) and Gemona (duomo, Casa Antonelli, light lunch). Free afternoon in Udine followed by private dinner at Palazzo Lantieri, Gorizia (16th century frescoes and astonishing garden on medieval town walls).
Day 4Morning in Udine: 16th century Castello (frescoes, pinacoteca) and Palazzo Valvason-Morpurgo. Afternoon: Villa Manin and Pordenone (duomo, townscape).
Day 5Trieste: walking tour including duomo followed by Aquileia (mosaic-filled basilica), Grado (basilicas of Sant’ Eufemia and Santa Maria delle Grazie). Free evening.
Day 6Cividale: duomo, Tempio Longobardo (8th century church) and private visit to Palazzo Brosadola (delightful 18th century frescoes) followed by remarkable medieval cave church at Pulfero and 17th century Villa de Claricini. Evening: private dinner at Castello di Villalta.
Day 7Udine: Palazzo Mangilli del Torso, duomo (Tiepolo frescoes), Oratorio della Purità (Tiepolo frescoes). Transfer to Venice for 1740 departure, arriving Gatwick 1845.
Cost includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, five dinners & three lunches, excursions & admissions.
Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £150.
