Wow, no one really knows how this summer is going to pan out. Theoretically “the worst is over” but then there are concerns of a “second wave”. Right now we are living in this world of contrasts wondering if plans made long ago should still be fulfilled. Many of us hoping to see family overseas (requiring significant air travel) are putting it off. Many have been informed by their travel agents that reservations are canceled or postponed indefinitely, others insist things will be fine. In the end we each have to decide for ourselves what are summer holidays are going to look like and how much risk we’re willing to take.

In the meantime, one local travel agency is helping us to make the most of the summer inspite of the questionable travel situation. CIVIDIN, a historic Triestine travel agency with decades of experience, both locally and globally, has come up with a tantalizing bouquet of local options on how to spend your summer.

Branded, Favolosi, Verdi e Gustosi  (Get it? FVG as in Friuli Venezia Giulia) Serena Cividin and her indefatigable team have come up with 6 “staycation” packages for those of us still eschewing more daring summer travel plans.

The chosen locations include stays at some of the most iconic and acclaimed sites  (the Favolosi part) in the region celebrating the bucolic beauty of the area (the Verdi part) and famed for Michelin starred cuisine, unparalelled wineries and wonderful local products (the Gustosi part).

First stop is LA SUBIDA, a beautiful resort nestled in Cormons in the heart of wine country.

1 night stay in the “glamping” cabins on the property surrounded by lush ferns and towering trees.

1 three course dinner at their Michelin starred restaurant

Tasting of the famous Sirk vinegar in the Acetaia

Stocked picnic basket to enjoy in the vineyards

Tour of the medieval cantinas and wine tasting.

Next stop is the CASTELLO DI SPESSA, just outside of Gorizia;

The CASTLE package includes;

a one night stay in one of the historic suites

Three course meal in the highly rated restaurant

Stocked picnic basket to enjoy in the vineyards

Tour of the medieval cantinas and wine tasting.

Bicycles available on request

TAVERNETTA and FARMHOUSE Packages include

One night stay in either the Tavernetta or Farmhouse

3 course meal in the highly rated restaurant

Stocked picnic basket to enjoy in the vineyards

Tour of the medieval cantinas and wine tasting.

The Castle also boasts a lovely golf course which you can book separately.

Pordenone’s VILLA LUPPIS also deserves special consideration…

A monastery dating back to the 11thC, it was deconsecrated by Napoleon and purchased by the Chiozza-Luppis family and transformed into a luxurious country retreat.

This package includes:

One night stay

Three course meal

Stocked picnic basket to enjoy in the bucolic setting

Wine tasting in the cantina in the former medieval Ghiacciaia. aka “cold storage” room

Bicycles available on request

If instead you’re looking to head to the mountains, the CHALET RIKHELAN is your best bet.

Located in Sauris, a beautiful mountain town famous for its cured meats (Prosciutto di Sauris rivals any of its competitors!) and cheeses.

This package includes:

One night stay in the esclusive Chalet with breakfast included

One “Á la Carte” meal

Stocked picnic basket to enjoy in the bucolic setting

Cheese sampling

Sunbathing terrace

Evening Fire Pits and star gazing

Another lovely mountain getaway is CASA OBERRICHTER in Malborghetto.

If ever there was a “fairytale setting” this might be it. Not one inch is wasted in the decoration of these rooms stocked with “bric à brac” evoking mountain life.

The package includes:

One night stay in one of the fairytale suites

Three course meal followed by “a surprise…”

Stocked picnic basket to enjoy in the bucolic setting

Light tasting menu of local homemade products

Bicycles available on request

And the final “getaway” is targeted at the beachlovers care of the boutique hotel, LE OCHE SELVATICHE, in Grado. This eco-sustainable 7 room hotel is situated on the famous lagoon and wild life preserve at the mouth of the Isonzo river. Enjoy the views of pink flamingoes and swans in the natural marshes and blazing sunsets.

One night stay in room with water views plus breakfast.

Dinner at CASONE restaurant

Rooftop Solarium and Pool

Bicycles available on request

The Grado golf course is just next door and can be booked separately.

Truly the FVG region offers a vast and diverse ecosystem; from mountains to sea and everything in between. So let’s make the most of this summer and deep-dive into our lovely surroundings.

For more information, contact CIVIDIN VIAGGI at Tel. 040-3789111

info@cividinviaggi.it

-Via Imbriani, 11 Trieste-

Call ahead for office hours.

(All photos courtesy of CIVIDIN VIAGGI)