Carnia and its Valleys

In the afternoon, arrival in VENZONE, elected the most beautiful village in Italy in 2017. Guided tour of the historic center and the impressive defensive system skillfully reconstructed after the 1976 earthquakes, including the Cathedral, the Chapel of San Michele which houses the Museum of Mummies of Venzone, and the Town Hall. Proceed to ARTA TERME, accommodation at a 3-star hotel, welcome drink.

BREAKFAST, DINNER, AND OVERNIGHT STAY IN HOTEL

After breakfast, departure for TOLMEZZO, an elegant town with its arcades, the 15th-century “Borgat” district, the Porta di Sotto, the church of Santa Caterina, Casa Janesi, and the Cathedral of San Martino. Guided visit of the Carnic Museum of Popular Arts in Tolmezzo, housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Campeis, one of the most important ethnographic museums in Europe. In the afternoon, ascent to the Pieve di San Pietro, located in a strategic position on a hill overlooking the Bût valley, still honored today with the title of Cathedral of the other eleven Pieves in Carnia. Visit to the ancient mother church, a charming Gothic-style building. Afterward, stop at the botanical garden “Giardino dei Semplici,” where over 1000 different plant species can be seen. Proceed to CERCIVENTO to admire the mosaics, murals, and frescoes that have transformed this village into “A Bible Under the Sky.” Walking through the streets of the village, visitors will discover images of biblical passages that mark the journey of humankind.

BREAKFAST, DINNER, AND OVERNIGHT STAY IN HOTEL

LUNCH IN RESTAURANT IN TOLMEZZO

Breakfast and departure for SAPPADA, a famous mountain resort at 1,250 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Dolomites, and recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

The visits begin at Cima Sappada with a walk through the typical village, discovering the photographic and sculptural exhibition (hay sculptures) that illustrates the life and trades of the past. Visit to the Casa Spangler, a 1600s building.

A stroll through the historic center offers views of a crown of Dolomite mountains, passing through some of the most beautiful hamlets with houses in traditional “Blockbau” architecture, adorned with balconies full of flowers that create a spectacle of colors.

In the afternoon, proceed to Pesariis, located in the Valley of Time, to visit the charming village, where you can admire 15 large clocks scattered along the streets. Each clock has its own unique system of operation, including water-powered turbines, balancing water vessels, the planetary clock, a chessboard clock, a water-tank clock, giant paddle clocks, a planisphere clock, and a giant perpetual calendar clock.

Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

BREAKFAST, DINNER, AND OVERNIGHT IN HOTEL

LUNCH IN SAPPADA RESTAURANT

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the return journey, following the western side of the Tagliamento River. Stop at the Cornino Lake Nature Reserve, known for its emerald-colored waters. Continue to SAN DANIELE DEL FRIULI for a guided tour of the historic center, including the prestigious Guarneriana Library (external visit), the historic center, the castle with a panoramic view over the Friulian plains, and the church of Sant’Antonio, with its beautiful 16th-century fresco cycle. At the end, visit a Prosciutto Factory and enjoy lunch in the adjacent restaurant, with a tasting of the famous San Daniele prosciutto, known for its delicate taste, recognized since 1996 as a DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) product.

End of the tour.

BREAKFAST IN HOTEL

TASTING LUNCH IN A RESTAURANT IN SAN DANIELE DEL FRIULI