San Floriano del Collio: Wine, Food, and Castle Tour

Planning a trip that combines Italy’s best wine, historic castles, and authentic local cuisine? This San Floriano del Collio tour, led by Contessa Isabella Formentini, offers a detailed peek into the region’s treasures over four immersive days. While it’s a significant investment—around $2,484 per person—the experience promises a blend of private visits, exquisite tastings, and scenic outings that are hard to beat for those craving a taste of Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s refined charm.

What truly makes this tour special are the personalized touches like a private dinner hosted in the Countess’s own home, exclusive visits to castles, and options for coastal adventures. It’s tailored for travelers who love history, wine, and authentic regional food, and who appreciate the comfort of a small, private group. The main consideration? It’s best suited for those able to handle some walking and who aren’t seasick-prone or seeking a very budget-friendly option.

If you’re after a curated, intimate experience that combines culture with culinary delights, this could be just the ticket. Let’s explore what this carefully crafted journey offers in detail.

Good To Know

• Exclusive Access: Private dinners with the Countess and visits to historic castles.
• Regional Focus: Emphasis on the Collio wine region and local wineries.
• Flexible Activities: Choices between coastal sailing or castle visits on the last day.
• Authentic Experiences: Tasting sessions, private tours, and regional gastronomy.
• Comfort & Convenience: Transportation included, small private group setting.
• Considerations: Not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or seasickness.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience Breakdown: An In-Depth Look

Day 1: Welcome to Friuli-Venezia Giulia and San Floriano del Collio

Your journey begins with an arrival at San Floriano del Collio, a charming village known for its high-quality wines. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink of Collio wine, immediately setting the tone for the trip’s focus on regional vineyards. The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed, perfect for settling in.

Next, a visit to the Counts Formentini castle offers a glimpse into aristocratic history, complemented by stunning architecture and panoramic views. The private tour here hints at the personal touch that runs through the trip. Post-visit, you’ll be transported to your accommodations—an authentic agriturismo that combines rustic charm with modern comfort.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to a renowned local winery for a tasting session. Guests have praised these tastings as being both educational and flavorful, giving insight into the distinct qualities of Collio wines. The day wraps with a private dinner hosted in the Countess Formentini’s house, where regional recipes are paired with exquisite wines, creating an intimate culinary experience. Reviewers have noted that these dinners are “a highlight,” offering a chance to interact with the host and learn about regional traditions firsthand.

Day 2: Gorizia’s Historic Heart and Regional Tastes

The second day kicks off with a visit to Gorizia Castle, which provides a commanding view over the city and insight into the area’s medieval past. The sightseeing tour of Gorizia is carefully curated, with guides sharing stories that bring the streets and squares to life.

Later, the focus shifts to exploring another local winery for a second tasting, allowing guests to compare different styles and qualities of regional wines. Guests have found these tastings to be “informative and well-organized,” often with the winemakers themselves sharing their passion.

In the evening, dinner takes place at a typical agriturismo, where you’ll experience the region’s rustic flavors in a warm, convivial setting. Guests appreciate the chance to relax and enjoy authentic dishes that showcase local ingredients, often paired with wines from the region.

Day 3: Choices—Seaside or Castle

The final day presents a flexible itinerary, catering to different interests.

Option 1: Cultural & Coastal Exploration
You can visit Duino Castle, perched dramatically above the sea, renowned for its breathtaking views and literary connections (notably the muse for Rainer Maria Rilke’s poetry). The visit offers a deep dive into aristocratic history, with well-preserved interiors and gardens. Afterward, a seafood lunch in a seafront fish restaurant near Trieste allows you to savor fresh catches with views over the Gulf.

Following lunch, a sightseeing tour of Trieste introduces you to its mix of Austro-Hungarian grandeur and Italian charm. The day ends with dinner at a local agriturismo on the Carso plateau, where regional specialties and wines continue the culinary theme.

Option 2: Coastal Sailing & Relaxation
Alternatively, guests can opt for a sailing trip aboard the schooner “Presque Isle”, which includes swimming in the sea. This option is appreciated for its relaxed pace and scenic beauty, with some reviewers noting “the chance to unwind and enjoy the Mediterranean’s calm waters.” Lunch is again seaside-based, and the tour concludes with a sightseeing trip of Trieste and dinner at a local agriturismo.

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Practical Details & What to Expect

Transportation & Group Size

Transportation is provided via minibus, ensuring comfort and efficiency, especially when moving between castles, wineries, and towns. With a private group of 6-8 people, the experience feels intimate but not cramped, allowing for personalized attention from guides and hosts.

Price & Value

At $2,484.31 per person, this tour is an investment that includes three nights’ accommodation, all meals, wine tastings, visits to castles and historic sites, private dinners, and sightseeing tours. Considering the exclusivity—private dinners with the Countess, private castle visits, and optional activities—the price aligns with the level of curated, personalized experiences offered.

What’s Included & What to Consider

Included in the package are all meals, wine tastings, transportation, and private visits. Dinks at meals are not included, so budget accordingly. The tour is designed for those who enjoy cultural and culinary immersion, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with certain mobility issues, or those prone to seasickness.

Timing & Flexibility

Tours run from Thursday to Sunday, and availability depends on pre-booking. The “reserve now, pay later” option offers flexibility, which is useful when planning a broader trip. The guide speaks Italian, German, and English, making communication straightforward for international visitors.

Authentic Touches & Unique Highlights

What makes this experience stand out is the personal involvement of Contessa Isabella Formentini herself. Guests often comment that the private dinners and castle visits feel more like stepping into a friend’s home rather than a standard tour. The detailed stories shared by guides and hosts bring the history alive, making the experience more memorable.

The choice between seaside sailing and castle visits on the last day allows travelers to tailor their experience. Both options showcase different facets of the region—one emphasizing history and scenery, the other relaxation and water-based fun.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for history lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those seeking a personalized, cultural experience. It caters to travelers who value authenticity, comfort, and exclusivity. It’s ideal for small groups who want to avoid large tour buses and enjoy more intimate interactions.

However, it’s not designed for travelers on a tight budget, those with mobility constraints, or people with seasickness issues. The focus on private dinners and castle visits means a certain level of physical activity and comfort is expected.

The Sum Up

This San Floriano del Collio: Wine, Food, and Castle Tour offers a curated way to explore one of Italy’s lesser-known but incredibly charming regions. From private dinners in the Countess’s house to exploring historic castles and tasting exceptional local wines, every aspect is crafted for those who appreciate quality and authenticity.

While it comes with a higher price tag, the experience’s personal touches and exclusive access are what elevate it beyond a typical sightseeing tour. It’s a fantastic option for travelers wanting an in-depth, relaxed, and luxurious taste of Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s culture and scenery.

If you’re eager to combine history, gastronomy, and scenic coastal views in an intimate setting, this tour will satisfy your curiosity and palate alike.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts for 4 days, with 3 nights included in charming agriturismos, providing a relaxed pace to enjoy each experience.

What’s the main focus of this trip?
The tour centers on wine tasting, castle visits, and regional cuisine within the Friuli-Venezia Giulia area.

Are meals included?
Yes, all meals are included, though drinks during meals are not. You’ll enjoy private dinners, tastings, and regional specialties.

Can I choose between activities?
Yes, on the last day, you can opt for a visit to Duino Castle and seaside lunch or a sailing trip on the “Presque Isle” schooner with swimming.

What’s the group size?
It’s a private experience with groups of 6-8 people, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is by minibus, making travel between sites comfortable and efficient.

Who is this tour best suited for?
Ideal for history buffs, wine lovers, and those seeking an authentic, small-group experience. Not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or seasickness.

What’s the cost and what does it include?
The cost is approximately $2,484 per person, including accommodation, meals, wine tastings, visits, and private dinners.

How do I book?
You can reserve with the “reserve now, pay later” option, giving you flexibility while securing your spot in this exclusive experience.

This tour promises a thoughtful glimpse into Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s hidden gems, perfect for travelers eager for more than just surface-level sightseeing.

You can check if your dates are available here: