STORICO

Historical and Cultural origins of FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN GRADO Transfer from the airport (Venice, Treviso, Triest, Ljubliana, Klagenfurt) to our Hotel in Grado. Dinner and overnight. Depending on the arrival time of the group, there is the possibility to integrate today's programme with a visit to the surroundings area, such as the Villa Manin (the last Venice Doge's Villa), Sesto al Reghena (in this city of ancient origin there are a number of interesting sites, including the Abbey which can be reached after crossing a stream, the Basilica of Sesto, Villa Freschi, the Venchieredo Fountain, the All Saints Church of Bagnarola, and the small Church of St Pietro. There are many small votive chapels scattered throughout the territory, such as the Church of St Urbano, the Oratory of St Chiara and the Church of St Antonio).	The island of Grado, where is located the Hotel.
The "Longobard Temple". The Aquileia's archeological area.	DAY 2: AQUILEIA - CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI (UD) Breakfast in Hotel. Departure by our Deluxe Coach to AQUILEIA and visit of the town. Aquileia was built as a military settlement by the Romans in 181 BC and became an important commercial center for its road network and large river docks.The town has been known for the production of glass, amber and gem stones since the times of the Roman Empire. The symbol of this town is the Abbey, the first Christian Monument to be erected by the Bishop Teodoro in 313 AC. Museums to visit include the National Archaeological Museum, the Paleochristian Museum and the Civic Patriarchate Museum. In connection with the importance of the town in Roman times, you can see the Foro, the Sepolcreto, the Roman Houses, the Great Mausoleum, and the River Port, the ancient economic heart of the town. After a visit of Aquileia, we are going to have lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon we proced to CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI sightseeing. The origins of this town, date back to 50BC; in this year Julius Caesar founded the city who called it 'Forum Julii'. Its origins have made the town of great interest to tourists. Monuments to visit here include the Devil's Bridge, the Medieval House, the Monastery of St Maria in Valle, the Cathedral, the Christian Museum, the Longobard Temple, the Orsoline Nativity Scene, the Celtic Hypogeum and the National Archaeological Museum. Religious buildings to see: the Cathedral of St Maria Assunta, the Church of St Silvestro, the Church of St Maria dei Battuti and the Church of St Nicolò. Return for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: CASTLE OF MIRAMARE AND TRIESTE Breakfast in Hotel. Departure by Deluxe Coach to Trieste. In the morning guided tour of the Miramare Castle and its gardens. This Castle was built between 1856 and 1860 by Maximilian of Habsburg (later to become Emperor of Mexico), and planned by Carl Junker. The extensive park (22 hectares) is located on the seashore and was designed by the Archduke Maximilian. The Visitors of the Castle will be able to see: Maximilian's chambers and those of his consort, Carlotta of Belgium; the guest rooms. An information room telling the history of the Castle and the Park's construction; all the rooms have the original furnishings. The Park offers the public a chance for an interesting stroll among botanical species and an important collection of sculptures. Lunch in a characteristic restaurant in Trieste.	Miramare Castle
In the afternoon visit of Trieste: a small walk throught the "Borgo Teresiano", "le Rive", "Piazza Unità d'Italia", and the "Canale and Teatro Romano". Visit of orthodox church, the "Colle di San Giusto" with its Cathedral where you can have a beatiful view; visit of the "Porto Nuovo" and the "Risiera di San Sabba". On the way back to our Hotel we pass by Redipuglia, where there is the majestic monument dedicate of victims of the First World War. Dinner and overnight.
Palmanova's landscape.	DAY 4: PALMANOVA - UDINE Breakfast in Hotel. Departure by Deluxe Coach to Palmanova and a visit of the town. Palmanova was built in 1593 by the superintendents of the Republic of Venice, who wanted to leave a clear message about the function and importance of the new fortress - as a limit to Turkish invasions. Palmanova had been a Venetian dominion for over 200 years (1593-1798), when General Bonaparte conquered it. After the Treaty of Campoformido the fortress became part of the Austrian Empire (1798-1866); and then was conquered by the Kingdom of Italy (1866). Lunch on your own. In the afternoon visit of Udine. Here you can see the "Piazza Libertà" (the square situated in the historical centre of the city where we also see several buildings of different periods such as are the Loggia del Lionello, displays clear Venetian qualities, and the Loggia di San Giovanni, directly opposite; a popular gathering-place for locals, the square is a gracious remainder of the Renaissance period).
Near the square is located the Castle which has a Museum, and the romantic Matteotti Square (called Piazza delle Erbe). In Udine you can see many buildings of Palladio and the Tiepolo's wall painting in the Palazzo del Patriarcato. Return to the Hotel. Dinner and overnight.
"Square of Freedom" Udine.	Map of Friuli.
DAY 5: DEPARTURE Breakfast in Hotel. Transfer to the airport.