
Trieste (Venice), Italy
Tucked in the country's northeast corner on the Adriatic Sea and once the flourishing port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Trieste became a largely forgotten borderland after World War I. But today, those who visit find a blend of cultures and languages of Europe, with a rich literary legacy - a city that's lured great authors from Ranier Maria Rilke to James Joyce.
Waves from the Adriatic lap its elegant promenades. It lies below the Karst, limestone cliffs that are a popular destination for nature lovers and where vineyards produce wines that taste of sea and stone.
Legend has it Jason and the Argonauts - with the golden fleece - sailed in from an underground river. A well-preserved Roman theater, that once seated up to 6,000 spectators, is testimony that in antiquity, this was a thriving city. Gilded mosaics in San Giusto Cathedral are evidence of Byzantine influence.
Trieste offers endless opportunity for exploration not only in the town and surroundings, but also to neighboring Slovenia and not so far distant Venice.
Points of Interest
- Piazza Unita' d' Italia
- Miramare Castle
- Aquileia
- Wine Tasting
- Venice
- Caves of Postumia (Postojna)
- Ljubljana
- Lipica Stud Farm
EASY TRIESTE
Enjoy a leisurely get-acquainted tour of Trieste with little or no walking. Some of the highlights include a stop at Piazza Unitá d'Italia, Trieste's bustling main square, and a panoramic drive past the Roman Theater, the Greek Orthodox Church and St. Giusto Cathedral with photo stops along the way.
Easy Activity
$69.95
TRIESTE & MIRAMARE CASTLE
Set off on an exhilarating get-acquainted tour of Trieste. Explore magnificent Miramare Castle and St. Giusto Cathedral. Enjoy outside visits of the Orthodox Church of San Nicolò, the Jewish Ghetto and the ancient Roman Theater. And stroll the impressive Piazza Unita d'Italia, the largest sea-facing square in Europe.
Moderate Activity
$119.95
THE CAVES OF POSTUMIA
Explore the wonders down under in Slovenia's Postumia Caves by an open-air electric train and on foot. This subterranean world of jaw-dropping stalactites and stalagmites is best known for the 16-meter-high Skyscraper and as the site of the world's only underground post office.
Moderate Activity
$149.95
AQUILEIA & REDIPUGLIA
Travel through time with a visit to the Roman city of Aquileia for a tour of its Basilica, famed for its beautifully preserved mosaic floor. Then fast forward to the early 20th century to see Italy's largest war monument -the Redipuglia Memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fell in WWI.
Moderate Activity
$159.95
PANORAMIC SLOVENIAN COAST & FARMERS MARKET
Admire the stunning scenery of the Slovenian coastline with a fun and relaxing excursion. Known as the Slovene Riviera, it's dotted with historic Venetian towns, fishing villages and olive groves. Enjoy stops in Piran, regarded by many as the most beautiful town in Slovenia, and a farmer's market in Padna.
Moderate Activity
$169.95
BEST OF SLOVENIA
Discover the dazzling sights of Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital city and its environs by coach and on foot. Admire the city's Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings as you follow your guide along the picturesque streets. Behold the beauty of Lake Bled and enjoy time to explore on your own.
Moderate Activity
$169.95
CASTLES OF TRIESTE & WINE TASTING
Experience that pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming feeling when you walk the grounds of two fairytale castles tucked in the Italian countryside. Explore Duino Castle, a private residence for royalty for over 420 years. While visiting the medieval Spessa Castle known for its top-quality wines, you'll be treated to a sampling of wine.
Moderate Activity
$189.95
LIPICA STUD FARM & HORSE PERFORMANCE
Watch a performance by the famed Lipizzan stallions at the world-renowned Lipica Stud Farm in Slovenia. Enjoy meeting them face-to-face during a visit to the stables and learn about the farm's breeding achievements during a fascinating presentation. En route, you'll travel through Karst-an amazing phenomenon that dots the countryside.
Moderate Activity
$219.95
DEBARK: A WALKING TOUR OF VENICE & TIME ON YOUR OWN WITH AIRPORT TRANSFER
Make the most of disembarkation day with a guided walking tour of Venice. Enjoy an outside visit to the 14th century Doge's Palace, stroll St. Mark's Square, view the legendary Bridge of Sighs and marvel at the spectacular St. Mark's Basilica before traveling to the airport for your flight home.
Moderate Activity
$249.95
VENICE, DOGE'S PALACE & TIME ON YOUR OWN
Enjoy a walking tour of Venice, the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage Site built upon the water. Prepare to have your breath taken away with a tour of Doge's Palace. Marvel at the stunning St. Mark's Basilica as you stroll through St. Mark's Square with time to explore on your own.
Moderate Activity
$319.95