I'm in the process of planning our 2nd trip to Northern Italy. Udine sounds like it might be a nice stop for a day or 2. Anyone spent any time in Udine and can comment on what it's like. Thanks

Speaking frankly, I would choose other destinations than Udine in Northern Italy, e.g. the Dolomites, Venezia, Padova, Verona. Or even C

Why Udine?

Well, we will be in Verona and Padova and the Dolomites for this trip. We've been to Venice many times including almost a week this past Spring. Also visited many of the other main cities, Vicenza, Bassana etc. Not sure what "C" is. Looking to add a few other towns/villages for next Spring trip. Udine just sounded like a small. interesting town that is less touristed, but if that isn't the case, we'll skip it.

Sorry, I meant "Istria" which would add a different country, different culture and different scenery to your trip.

I've also heard Udine is quite interesting, as are a number of other towns in that incredibly undertouristed but beautiful, unspoiled, unique part of Italy (where the wines in particular are legendary). I've never been, and I'm dying to go. I spend a lot of time reading about it on the internet.

You might ask your question over at the Slow Travel website. There are native Italians who post over there plus a few people who have been there within the past few years. You might even find some trip reports.

I honestly can't recommend it, because I've never been. But I'll probably go see for myself.

Might add some info for you:

http://www.lifeinitaly.com/tourism/friuli/

http://www.italiamia.com/region_fvg.html

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/love-...zia-giuli.html

http://www.fodors.com/news/story_2870.html

zeppole -- thanks so much for the websites -- I will certainly check them out. U really must plan a trip to that region. We absolutely loved it, thus our 2nd trip back. There is so much to see, its a beautiful region with great food and wine and its Italy minus all the crowds!

I completely agree that Udine and its surrounding area deserves a not short visit (ny car, of course).
We are in one of the sweetest regions of Italy and, really, great wines, great food and, believe me, great people.
As they are close to Udine, I strongly suggest to visit: Buttrio, Lignano Sabbiadoro (but not in summer) and Palmanova.
If you like prosciutto, you cannot miss San Daniele del Friuli.

Vincenzo

Thanks, vincenzod. We discovered
San Daniele ham last trip, so a visit to San Daniele del Friuli will get added to our trip. We will have a car so will certainly look into the places u suggest. Would you know of any small hotels or B&B's in the area? Looking for ones under 150 euros for 2 people.

yestravel,

I am planning a trip to that region! I had hoped for October, but then realized that was unrealistic, so I'm going to Campania instead because I think mid-November (the soonest I can do it) is just a tad too late for Friuli. But definitely within the year.

yestravel, Udine is nice but not spectacular, has a few good sights (Giambattista Tiepolo painted a lot there) in a small historical center. All in all, certainly worth a visit, but one day is absolutely sufficient. S. Daniele, while a hot spot for prosciutto addicts, no doubt (and I'm one of them), is not exactly a pretty village - rather, one of those totally destroyed in the terrible 1970s earthquake, and totally rebuilt in a vaguely "historical" style afterwards. If you're looking for another REALLY important sight, from the art lover's point of view, Cividale del Friuli is a must. This is one of Italy's most underrated treasures - a tiny Langobardic church, whose interior is perfectly preserved (the exterior has been changed so often that it's irrecognizable). GREAT sculpture, the very best of Longobardic art anywhere in Italy (and the Longobards were perhaps the most talented, speaking of art & architecture, among the "barbarians" of the barbarian invasions). And Cividale is a picture-perfect Italian small town too boot, extraordinarily nice and pretty.

All of those locales close to Udine are great suggestions. Palmanova is unique and I'd love to get an aerial view of the old town (Google it if you want to know what I mean).

I'd throw in Trieste, even though it seems more like you are in Croatia than Italy. Nonetheless, it's a great city. Not too big, but plenty to do and see (be sure to check out the views from San Guisto Cathedral and of course Piazza dell'Unita, especially at night). There are plenty of cafes - actually an overabundance - and a walk along the water in the evening is a must. I only spent two days there two summers ago, but it will be a stop every time I'm in that part of Europe again.

A smart and very sweet solution to dine and sleep in Buttrio is the D&B SCACCIAPENSIERI.
It is a lovely place and the owner, LAdy Marina Danieli, is also a wine maker. Look at its website: www.aziendagericolamarinadanieli.it .
You will enjoy, I am sure.
Feel free to e-mail me if you want further informations about the true typical restaurants in the small towns close to Udine.

Vincenzo

Why not Trieste? Realy more interesting than Udine.
http://www.promotrieste.it/offerta/venetia.aspx

And don't miss Miramare Castle and the Rilke path from Sistiana to Duino, just few km from Trieste.
http://www.cercaturismo.it/public/ab...&zoneid=38

Everyone thanks for all the suggestions -- very helpful.
vincenzod, the link u provided to the B&B doesnt work.

http://www.aziendagricolamarinadanieli.it/

Thanks, Zeppole, it was my mistake to type on the keyboard; what you wrote it works.
I apologize.

Vincenzo

Vicenzo thank you for that tip; I, too, have that region on my list for the future.

ttt

zeppole, thanks for the url. Its added to my list of places to possibly stay. now to start reading up pn all the suggestions. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions, but this is great.