Those who Friuli-Venezia Giulia know that this region in northeastern Italy is one of the most versatile yet least crowded areas in the country. Between the Alps, the Adriatic Sea, and the Slovenian border, vineyards, river valleys, medieval villages, and cities unfold, telling a history that shifts between Venetian influence, Austrian rule, and Italy's postwar years. Travelers who take their time here find something that the well-known destinations of southern Italy can rarely offer anymore: tranquility, authenticity, and encounters with people who still shape the character of their own communities.
That is precisely the idea behind the program Ausflug in die Dörferorganized by the regional tourism authority PromoTurismoFVG in collaboration with local municipalities and community stakeholders. Through December 2026, four historically captivating towns are inviting visitors to guided tours, tastings, and local encounters: Strassoldo, Muggia, Valvasone Arzene, and, starting in September, Polcenigo.
Strassoldo and the Moated Castles
Strassoldo is located in the province of Udine and ranks among the best-preserved historic villages in the region. Its defining features are two medieval moated castles, around which the town developed over the centuries. The estates remain in the possession of the same noble familythat commissioned their construction in the 11th century, and they are used today for guided tours, exhibitions, and private events.
The guided tours of Strassoldo begin at the castles and continue through the village's narrow lanes. Additional points of interest include an old mill that is still in working order and the church of Santa Maria in Vineis, notable for its fresco decoration. The next scheduled date is July 11, 2026, with further tours in September, October, and November.
Muggia: the Venetian gem on the Adriatic
Muggia lies south of Trieste on the Adriatic coast, just a few kilometers from the Slovenian border. As the only municipality in the region situated on the Istrian coast, Muggia was under the rule of the Republic of Venice for centuries, and that legacy remains clearly visible in the townscape today. Colorful houses, a historic harbor, a Venetian town hall, and a 14th-century castle form the heart of the town.
The guided tour of Muggia begins at the harbor and winds through narrow alleyways, across small squares, and up to the castle. First-time visitors are often struck by how strongly the Venetian character still resonates. Upcoming dates include July 19, as well as August 2, 16, and 23, 2026.
Valvasone Arzene: the medieval heart of the region
Valvasone Arzene in the province of Pordenone is officially recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, the Borghi più belli d'Italia. The town has largely preserved its medieval layout. The central landmark is the Castello di Valvasone, which has stood here since the 13th century and remained in the hands of the same noble family for generations. The cobblestone lanes of the old town, a restored aristocratic residence, and the historic cathedral, home to one of the oldest functioning organs in Italy, make a visit well worthwhile.
Two walking tours are offered: the first, on July 18, 2026, focuses on the village and the castle. The second, on September 26, combines a historical tour with a wine tasting at the Borgo delle Oche winery. Those interested in the region's wines will find broader context and background on Friulian viticulture in the article on Italian wine and its 20 regions, which ranks among the most elegant white wine-producing areas in Italy.
Polcenigo on the Livenza River
Polcenigo lies at the foot of the Carnic Prealps and joins the program starting in September. The town is considered one of the most unspoiled in northern Italy and is also listed among the Borghi più belli d'Italia. Its character is defined by a medieval castle, several manor houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, and the source of the Livenza River, which springs up directly within the town limits.
The guided tours in Polcenigo combine cultural and natural highlights: they begin in the historic center, continue to the castle and manor houses, and conclude at the riverbank and its springs. The route is family-friendly and serves as a good starting point for further trekking excursions in the surrounding area.
Why Friuli-Venezia Giulia is worth the trip
Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of Italy's quietest regions when it comes to international tourism. For those who have experienced Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or the Cinque Terre and are looking for an alternative, this region offers landscapes and towns of comparable quality, but without the mass tourism. Friuli's wine regions rank among Italy's finest white wine areas, the coast around Grado and Muggia offers an unexpectedly serene stretch of the Adriatic, and the proximity to Slovenia and Austria lends the region a distinct cultural depth.
The Ausflug in die Dörfer program is an excellent way to get acquainted with the region at a relaxed pace. The guided tours are generally available in Italian and German or English, and bookings can be made through the official PromoTurismoFVG website. First-time visitors to Friuli-Venezia Giulia will find a rewarding combination of historic villages, excellent wine, and a region that has not yet been shaped around mass tourism. Those who prefer to explore the alpine side of the region rather than its villages will find further inspiration in the article on alpine lakes and hiking in Friuli-Venezia Giulia .
