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Friuli-Venezia Giulia has lots to offer with its stunning scenery and beautiful mountains. Here are 5 ways to get lost and find yourself in some of the most enchanting corners of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, offering an opportunity to experience unique activities and emotions in this region of Italy.
1) TWO HEARTS AND A TREE HOUSE IN RAVASCLETTO
Who, as a child, didn’t dream of living in a tree house? Well today, if not for a lifetime but for at least one night, this experience is possible in the Dolomiti Village of Ravascletto! In this small village there is a little house, built on one floor around a beech tree, which can accommodate up to four people and is equipped with all necessary comforts. Made entirely of wood, it has a fitted kitchen, a living area crossed by tree trunks, and a bedroom with a loft and many windows from which to admire the landscape and hear the sound of the branches blowing in the wind. The context is that of a small tourist village born to stand a little “out of time” and rediscover the true contact with nature and its slow rhythms. The keywords here are wood (all the houses are made completely out of wood and refer to the traditional Carnic chalets), eco-sustainability, and mountains (it is located two kilometers from the ski slopes of Mount Zoncolan and allows easy access to all points of interest of Carnia, as well as Austria).
2) HEAD IN THE CLOUDS…
Another absolutely original and romantic activity is a hot-air balloon trip, allowing you to experience the thrill of observing everything as if you were on a cloud, feeling free in the sky and taking breathtaking photos. There are several itineraries to choose from with various departure points across Friuli-Venezia Giulia but weather and air currents are something to take into consideration for this activity. The tour includes three phases: inflation of the balloon (during which it is possible to give vent to all one’s curiosity), a pre-flight briefing and finally, the actual tour, lasting 50-60 minutes. This experience can be enjoyed as a couple or even in a group (up to 12 people). You will be accompanied throughout the journey by a pilot experienced in aerostatic flights, allowing you to travel and live the experience of the so-called ‘flight of poets’ in complete safety.
3) FOUR HORSE STEPS TO SAURIS
Set in the middle of the Carnic Alps is the ancient and characteristic village of Sauris, where trails and hikes through the surrounding woods and pastures are the order of the day. To enjoy this experience, why not do it on horseback? The Village of Sport and Wellness, with its riding school, offers such an opportunity. Whether it be for those who have never ridden a horse in their life or be it for the more experienced rider, treks in the countryside with an instructor, who will also double up as a guide, are available. Ranging from short walks for children on horses led by lead ropes, to one or two hours excursions offering the opportunity to discover Sauris’ natural views. For those who are more experienced and confident, treks to other villages are an option and usually last two to three days. If you want to celebrate an important anniversary or just give your loved one a unique experience, this is one of those unforgettable activities that can be shared together in Friuli-Venezia Giulia!
4) TRIP TO THE LAKES OF FUSINE
Pure, clean air, a forest of fir trees with imposing peaks that are reflected in turquoise waters, welcome to the lakes of Fusine. Two alpine lakes on the border with Slovenia and Austria, are among some of the most beautiful in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Ideal in the summer when they turn into a real paradise of changing colours, they offer an easy loop path connecting them as well as a path leading to the Zacchi refuge. The lakes are encompassed by the chain of Mount Mangart and one peculiarity they have is that, together with a fauna that includes migratory birds, deer, roe deer and chamois, they are surrounded by a flora which usually grows at a much higher altitude. If you want to enjoy these lakes at their fullest my advice would be to rent a rowing boat at the ‘Belvedere’ tavern in order to reach the centre of the lake, where you can admire everything from a privileged and dreamy point of view!
5) A NIGHT AT SPESSA CASTLE
The castle of Spessa in Capriva, boasts a history spanning across eight centuries. Illustrious guests such as the adventurer and writer Giacomo Casanova and the librettist of Mozart Lorenzo Da Ponte have stayed here. The castle offers a panorama immersed in the vineyards and hills of Friuli, a perfect place for an unforgettable weekend away for two. Among vintage suites, fine wines (the region’s specialty), golf, and sunsets in the park, the estate where the castle extends hosts various structures in which to stay, each with its own uniqueness. Together with three restaurants which offer strictly typical products of the area, a guided tour of the cellars with wine tasting is also available. Bicycles can be hired allowing you to discover the Collio of Gorizia, and a wellness centre specialised in antioxidant wine therapy treatments is soon to be inaugurated!
