The Vipava Valley is the perfect base to explore northern Italy. We take you through its hotspots.
From the Vipava Valley, you are in Italy in no time. Within about an hour, you can drive to towns full of character where you immediately dive into the Italian atmosphere. Perfect for a day of different culture, cuisine and surroundings. Our three favourites:
Udine - elegant city with Italian flair
Udine is one of those cities you drive to without expectations and then are surprised by its charm. Under the arcades in the city centre, you will find stylish cafés, small boutiques and squares that feel almost Venetian. For a nice overview of the city, or beautiful sunset, be sure to walk along the Piazzale del Castello. The castle on this hill is also home to several museums and can be visited, see The Castle. The pace in the city is pleasantly slow: ideal for a day of strolling, an aperitivo in Piazza della Libertà and a leisurely Italian lunch before driving back to the Vipava Valley.
Trieste - where central Europe meets the sea
Trieste feels like a cross between Vienna and the Mediterranean. At the grand seaside piazza, sip a coffee in a historic coffee bar such as Caffè degli Specchi while ships enter the port. In the city, there is no escaping coffee. Italy's coffee capital, almost all coffee destined for Europe used to arrive here. This lively port city exudes literature and ancient glory - with the sea and the white silhouette of Miramare Castle always in the background. There are two routes from the Vipava Valley: a scenic route through the valley gets you there within an hour, or drive via the Adriatic coast and be rewarded with a beautiful coastal road with sea views and a totally different atmosphere.
Treviso - Venice's quiet little sister
A little over an hour away, but definitely recommended for a day trip. Treviso is a compact town with canals, bridges and frescoed facades - as if you were walking into a quiet, local version of Venice. In the centre you will find cosy osterias, prosecco from the surrounding hills and, above all, lots of locals. And don't forget the tiramisù! In fact, Treviso is the birthplace of this dessert. We have not yet eaten this dessert here, but according to the locals you can eat it at restaurant Le Beccherie ’tasting ’the original'. So for those who want an Italian atmosphere without the crowds, Treviso is a lovely city to visit from the Vipava Valley.
Good to know
- Besides by car, these three cities can also be easily reached by train. The easiest way is to catch the train from Gorizia, just across the border at Nova Gorica.
- Just outside the city centre, you will find several car parks where you can park your car. The centres are pedestrianised and everything is easily accessible on foot.
- These cities can be visited all year round. Each season has its own charm. Christmas decorations in winter, crowded terraces in spring, summer and autumn, but you will never be overwhelmed by mass tourism here.
- If you want to know more about these cities, be sure to contact us for even more tips!