Italy: Friuli Venezia Giulia : Including Trieste, Udine, the Julian Alps and Carnia

This thoroughly updated second edition continues Bradt's coverage of lesser-known but increasingly popular Italian regions.

Forming much of the hinterland of Venice, Friuli Venezia Giulia is a convenient and fascinating destination for spending time on the beach, in the Alps or relaxing in the countryside. The region is celebrated for its wines and distinctive cuisine, which are attracting worldwide attention. Written by long-time travel authors and Italy specialists Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls, and updated by Mediterranean afficionado Julian McDonnell, this guide offers detailed background and practical information about this ethnically and culturally diverse region.

Ten easy-to-follow chapters provide in-depth city guides to Trieste and Udine, alongside coverage of the Trieste coast and the Carso, the Friuli coast, Gorizia and the Collio, Pordenone and Western Friuli, and the mountains: the Friulian Dolomites, Carnia and the Julian Alps. Explore everything from the Alps to coastal resorts, unspoiled wetlands and lagoons, medieval towns like Cividale del Friuli to the Megredi—a strange desert steppe—and the lovely wine region of Il Collio. Discover caffeine-mad Trieste, where there are 67 different ways of ordering a cup of coffee, and Gorizia, one of the biggest battle fronts of World War I, which survives almost intact with miles of trenches and fortifications open for exploration.

New elements of this edition include itineraries covering food, wine and culture. Eat authentic cured meats in San Daniele del Friuli or Montasio cheese in the natal region of celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich. For something different, enjoy antiquities such as the Lombards Temple, marvel at the Roman ruins of Aquileia, explore karst caves and villages on the Carso plateau, board a boat for birdwatching on the Grado lagoon, cycle through the green wilderness to Magredi Natural Park or ski in the Dolomites. Whatever your holiday interests, this guide offers everything you need for a successful trip.