Discover Friuli with your own private guide
Scopri il Friuli con la tua guida privata
Entdecken Sie Friaul mit Ihrer eigenen Fremdenführerin
Ontdek Friuli met je eigen gids
What to Do Near Venice? Discover Friuli with a Private Licensed Guide
If you're wondering what to do near Venice, consider venturing just beyond the lagoon to discover Friuli Venezia Giulia — one of Italy’s most culturally rich and beautifully undiscovered regions.
Located only 90 minutes from Venice, Friuli offers a refined and authentic Italian experience: elegant historic towns, layered architectural influences shaped by Italy, Austria and Slovenia, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, celebrated wine regions and remarkable natural landscapes — all without the intensity of mass tourism.
A holiday in Friuli allows you to explore at a comfortable pace. You might spend the morning visiting a medieval city center, the afternoon in a historic wine estate, and the evening enjoying regional cuisine in a quiet piazza. Here, travel feels thoughtful, personal and unhurried.
For travelers seeking depth, beauty and meaningful cultural experiences, Friuli is an enriching extension — or alternative — to Venice.
Why Visit Friuli Venezia Giulia?
Friuli lies at the crossroads of Latin, Slavic and Central European cultures. This unique position has shaped its art, architecture, cuisine and traditions for centuries.
Here you can:
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Explore Roman ruins and Venetian palaces
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Visit UNESCO sites and historic castles
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Discover refined wine traditions in family-run estates with a wine tasting experience
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Experience Alpine landscapes and Adriatic coastlines within a short distance
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Combine Italy with nearby Austria or Slovenia in one journey
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Friuli was even named “Italy’s Region of the Year” by Olive Tree Escapes — and once you visit, it’s easy to understand why.
Easy Day Trips from Venice
If you're searching for what to do near Venice, Friuli is easily reached in abaout 1.5 /2 hours by train or car from:
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Venice Marco Polo Airport or Train Station
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Treviso Airport or Train Station
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Friuli has its own airport called Trieste Airport
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Private transportation from Venice to Udine or Trieste can be arranged upon request.
Many travelers choose to stay in Friuli and visit Venice for a day, enjoying Venice’s beauty while retreating to a quieter and more authentic setting. Others add Friuli to their Venice itinerary for a deeper cultural experience beyond the usual routes.
Private Guided Tours in Friuli Venezia Giulia
If you are looking for a professional, officially licensed tour guide in Friuli Venezia Giulia, I would be delighted to assist you.
I offer private walking tours in Udine, Trieste, Gorizia and Pordenone, as well as thoughtfully curated experiences in UNESCO sites, historic towns and wine regions. My tours are designed for travelers who appreciate context, storytelling and cultural insight — not just sightseeing.
With more than 25 years of living in Friuli, I know the region intimately and enjoy sharing its history, traditions and hidden corners with international guests.
To explore the full range of my cultural experiences, you can view my complete Cultural Tours program here.
Friuli Venezia Giulia offers an intimate and culturally layered Italian experience — elegant, authentic and refreshingly uncrowded.
If you are planning your trip and considering what to do near Venice, I would be happy to help you discover this remarkable region.
Arrivederci,
Elbrich
Licensed Tour Guide in Friuli Venezia Giulia
Elbrich, your licensed tour guide in Friuli Venezia Giulia
Caves
not only above the
ground Friuli is beautiful
Friuli Venezia Giulia is not only nice and interesting above the ground but also underneath! There are many caves, from small to large. Especially in the area of Trieste, here the landscape is made of karst rocks (rich in limestone), also known as il 'Carso'.
This ensures that the water easily passes and caves are formed.
The most famous cave is the giant cave, 'la Grotte Gigante "in Sgonico,
near Trieste. The great room is so huge that one jokes that the Dome of St. Peter's church in Rome fits into it. It is even in the Guinness book of records. " Click for more information on the link to go to the site of the cave.
San Daniele
famous for its raw ham but not only....
20 kilometers west of Udine, located on top of one of the hills around Udine, you will find the village of San Daniele. The village is famous for its raw ham "prosciutto crudo" which has been produced here for centuries using a special way of preparing thanks to the micro-climate. Yet the village is also worth a visit for other reasons. How about the beautiful inside of the little church "Sant'Antonio Abate" containing such beautiful 16th century frescoes that it's called the Sistine Chapel of Friuli. Or visit the oldest public library of this region
"La Guarneriana" containing books starting from the 11th century. For more info on the San Daniele ham, click on this link.
The Alps
go mountainbike,
hike and ski
This region has beautiful mountains. In the north of Friuli Venezia Giulia you will find the Alps and even part of the Dolomites. They are divided into Alpi Giulie (northeast) and Alpi Carniche (north) and Friuli Dolomites (north west). They are the perfect scenery for hiking or mountain biking during all seasons, but especially in the fall when the nature colors itself with spectacular colors. In these mountains you will find two protected natural parks, rich of hiking and biking trails. In the winter you can ski in one of the many ski areas that the region offers and do nothing under for their Austrian competitors. More on that can be read in the chapter 'skiing' on this site. Need more information about the parks then click on the link below.