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Coast of Italy Between Venice and Trieste

We're talking about a vacation in mid-September and looking at a map of Italy because we LOVE Italy -- the people, the culture and, of course, the food. We've never been to that northeastern part of the country and we'd love to get some "insider" perspectives. What we like to do is rent a small apartment or home, or find agriturismo accommodations, rent a car and take day trips to explore the area. We enjoy shopping in the local markets and cooking, as much as we do dining at the small, local restaurants.

Is this an area we should consider for a week's vacation? And, if so, is there a particular area we should call "home"? Thanks!

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  1. Sure, Friuli is wonderful, a special place. Great food and wine. Wonderful people. A certain mix between Italian and Austro-Hungarian and Slovenia. All delightful. If it's warm you can even take an easy day trip to Grado on the coast.

    2 Replies
    1. re: allende

      Thanks. Are there any towns in particular that you'd recommend for a home base?

      1. re: CindyJ

        Not really. There are so many great towns (and Udine), that you'll just have to make up your mind as to what you want. There is a ton of information on the net.

    2. I think if you do a search in the upper right hand corner box for "FVG" you wlll come up with several threads. When the result comes up increase the date range and there will be more. Several very enthusiastic threads on this area.

      1. I visited that area over 15 years ago, so I cannot make any specific dining recommendations. I do remember a bowl of linguini & clams I had in the coastal town of Grado, but I have forgotten the name of the place.

        I can recommend visiting the Duomo in Aquileia to see the incredible mosaic tile floor there.

        Cividale del Friuli is another wonderful town with much to see. I can remember an all mushroom dinner there.

        1. From everything I've read, here on CH and a few other places, it sounds like FVG will make a wonderful vacation destination for a week or so. I've already purchased a copy of "Osterie & Locande D'Italia" and it appears to be a wonderful resource. But I would love an insider's recommendation for a place to stay that will give us a true "sense of place." Ideally, we'll have living space that includes a kitchen and an outdoor eating area. We'd like to be near enough to a town that we can shop for food (and wine) at the local markets when we feel like doing our own cooking. Our accommodations need not be luxurious, but comfort, cleanliness and a private bathroom are among our requirements. Most of all, an opportunity to meet locals and other travelers would be wonderful.

          A farmhouse or agritourismo would be lovely. Does anyone have a recommendation?

          2 Replies
          1. re: CindyJ

            please remember that accomodations are offtopic for this board, and discussions of same tend to get deleted resulting in upsets. While people can offer recommendations about places to base for eating and places like agriturismi where food is offered, you might want to look at travel boards agrituriso and b&b sites (or the locanda guide) if your main need is for a place to stay.

            1. re: jen kalb

              Yes, I do understand. The Locanda guide has a lot of good info, but it's always a plus when a recommendation for food or accommodations comes first hand.

          2. We had a wonderful, super fresh, seafood platter in Aqueleia, on the main road to Grado. The restaurant, with out door seating, is called Ai Due Leoni.
            Very friendly service at an off-the-beaten-path place.

            Also, here's an informative article about the food in the area.

            3 Replies
                1. re: wally

                  No... I hadn't seen that post. Thanks!!!!