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- A Culinary Journey in Northern Italy
A Culinary Journey in Northern Italy
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Select Your Trip Details
Cooking Vacations in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Journey to the northeastern most region of Italy – Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a mouthful of a name for the region that is known for its varied landscape, impressive mountains, charming historical villages, and its production of world class wines. The region also has a rich history of connecting Italy with the rest of Central and Eastern Europe culturally, economically, and gastronomically. This leads to delectable flavors and dishes that are utterly unique to the area.
Starting in the fall of 2026, we will be partnering with the small cooking school that is home to our Roman Countryside Discovery tour to introduce our culinary travelers to this fascinating region!
Your small group cooking vacation will take place in the village of San Vito al Tagliamento, about an hour north of Venice. This elegant town lies near the Tagliamento River, and as such was a medieval crossroads. This led to the medieval walls and castle that survive to this day and that are but one of the fascinating cultural sites you will find.
San Vito developed under the tutelage of the patriarchs of Aquileia and then the Venetian republic. As such it became a center of culture and agriculture in the area. Here you will find seasonal ingredients, Venetian influences, and a uniquely proud Friulian identity. This is a land unknown to most Americans but full of hospitality, history, rich cuisine, and world-class wines.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia Trip Highlights
One of the highlights will surely be staying the restored 18th-century Palazzo in the town of San Vito al Tagliamento. The palazzo will also house a large teaching kitchen, which is where your cooking classes will take place.
Other highlights will include explorations of the local products, including prosciutto di San Daniele and the fabulous regional Friulian wines.
Itinerary
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Day 1 - Sunday - Arrival
- Your northern Italy cooking vacation begins with transfers from Marco Polo Venice Airport.
- Check in and enjoy a welcome aperitivo.
- This afternoon, set off on a guided walk that will familiarize you with the medieval historical village of San Vito al Tagliamento.
- Enjoy dinner together, and overnight.
Day 2 - Monday - Portogruaro - Cooking Class
- Breakfast at your accommodation.
- Next, head to the town of Portogruaro, a historical town in the neraby Veneto region. It is known for its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance art and architecture, as well as its canals and watermills.
- Stop at a cheese factory to sample the local cheese, then head to the town of Spilimbergo in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia to enjoy lunch.
- This afternoon, around 4 pm, meet for your first cooking class, dedicated to local desserts.
- Dinner tonight in the dining room, and overnight.
Day 3 – Tuesday - Trieste, Miramare Castle, Cooking Class
- Breakfast at your accommodation.
- Drive to the port city of Trieste, capital of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, where you will visit the 19th century Miramare Castle. Stroll through the gardens and view the preserved culture of the ancient castle. Then continue your coastal drive to the harbor, where you will stop for lunch at the famous Eataly, where all of Italy’s food culture is gathered for you to enjoy. You will choose where/what to enjoy for lunch.
- Return to your accommodation and enjoy your next cooking class, where you will prepare a Friuli Venetian four-course meal, followed by an enjoyable dinner with wine.
- Overnight.
Day 4 - Wednesday - San Daniele Prosciutto, Cooking Class
- Breakfast.
- Next, head out for a visit to a prosciutto producer in the town of San Daniele. This is the “Parma” ham of the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region, and in Italy, the prosciutto San Daniele is as famed as the prosciutto di Parma.
- Enjoy lunch of prosciutto, porchetta, or another local cold cut.
- Return to your home away from home for a bit of relaxation before your next cooking class, preparing a 4-course meal.
- Dinner to follow, and overnight.
Day 5 - Thursday - Wine Tour, Cooking Class
- Breakfast.
- Head out to visit the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria in Silvis, a monastery in the Pordenone district that was founded during the first half of the VIII century.
- Then, head to a winery in Grave del Friuli, famous for its fine wines.
- You will have the chance to see one of the vineyards, visit the cellar, and learn about the making of these fine wines, including Friuli wine, Prosecco, and the regional dessert wine. End with a tasting – of course!
- Afterwards, head to a nearby town for lunch.
- Head back for your next cooking class. Dinner with wine to follow.
- Overnight.
Day 6 - Friday - Market Visit and Pizza Class
- Breakfast, then head to the local farmer’s market in town. You will see the area’s rich agricultural traditions on ready display at the market stalls.
- Time at leisure to shop, explore, or pack.
- This evening, enjoy a classic pizza class, where you will learn to make authentic Italian pizza for your farewell dinner.
- Overnight.
Day 7 - Saturday - Departure
- Breakfast and early departure for the Venice Marco Polo airport.
Northern Italy Culinary Vacation Trip Details
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Included in the 6-night Northern Italy Culinary Vacation
Accommodations6 nights accommodation in at private villa/palazzo
Food & BeveragesAll meals are included
Classes & InstructorsYour cooking classes in Italy will take place in the teaching kitchen the restored 18th-century Palazzo in the town of San Vito al Tagliamento and will be led by the palazzo’s head chef.
Excursions- Visits of Portogruaro and Spilimbergo
- Excursion to Trieste, the capital city of Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- Visit and tasting at a San Daniele prosciutto maker
- Visit of the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria in Silvis
- Grave del Friuli winery visit and tasting
- Visit to the local market
Transfer Details- Group arrival and departure transfers included from/to the Venice Marco Polo Airport at pre-arranged times.
Accommodation Information
Accommodations will be in a beautiful, 18th century Palazzo which is undergoing complete restoration to have it ready for opening this year. the palazzo will have 12 guest rooms, each with en suite bath and either a king or 2 twin beds. The large gourmet kitchen at the palazzo is where your cooking classes will be head, led by the palazzo’s head chef.
We will have pictures to share in the coming months!
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Friuli-Venezia Giulia Cooking Vacations Pricing & Tour Dates
See pricing and dates for our northern Italy culinary vacations in Friuli-Venezia Giulia below, and contact us for availability or to book your trip.
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2026 Pricing
See moreUS$2850 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$700 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!2027 Pricing
See moreUS$3150 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$700 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!Northern Italy Culinary Vacation in Friuli-Venezia Giulia Tour Dates
See moreOur Northern Italy Cooking Vacation is available select weeks.
2026
August 30-September 5 – Sold out
September 6-12
September 13-19
September 20-26
September 27-October 3
October 4-10
October 11-17
October 18-24
October 25-31
November 1-7
November 8-14
November 15-21
November 22-282027
Please inquire for availability!
We can help plan your authentic northern Italy culinary vacation!
Whether you need help with additional nights or tours in northern Italy, transportation, or more, we are always here to help you plan the ultimate cooking vacation.
We might not be able to pack for you, but there are many things we can help with to make your Italian cooking tour that much better.
