A fun Trip to Trieste 29/4-04/5 2024
Embrace Life in Trieste – a celebration for all senses
TRIESTE, ITALY
It was not love at first sight when I first came to Trieste in 2021. I didn’t fancy the monstrous harbour complex with its gigantic cruise ships, the traffic and the magnificent buildings, which were beautiful but not very reminiscent of Italy. Everything seemed somehow too big and too bulky. There are also some architectural disasters in the hills above Trieste. I was even considering of leaving the next day. And yet, in the end, I stayed even longer than planned. Why? Because there is something about Trieste. Love at second sight, I would say. I can’t describe it, it’s something intangible. Maybe it’s the wild mixture that I am attracted to. To me, Trieste is not an obvious beauty; but multi-faceted and exciting through contrasts.
What I love about Trieste
What I love about Trieste is its location and the surroundings – the drive on the coastal road to Aurisina, the beach resort Bagno Castelreggio with the small beach bar and the view of Duino Castle. To walk the Strada Napoleonica high above the city, with its climbing rocks and beautiful viewpoints. The fact that I can have a Prosecco in the village of Prosecco. The possibility to visit the Venetian town of Piran and the Strunjan Moon Bay in neighbouring Slovenia in a short drive. The gleaming white Miramare Castle with its extensive park. And my highlight and greatest treasure: a day of hiking in Val Rosandra. A stunning nature reserve in the Karst region with canyons, viewpoints and sleepy villages.
Vienna by the sea
And that Trieste is somehow like Vienna by the sea. You can see that also in the numerous visitors from Vienna. You don’t have to get on a plane – at least from Austria. You can notice how the landscape slowly changes to mediterranean while driving. After a 5-hour ride, the top of the Karst plateau is reached and suddenly you see the Adriatic sea – and cypresses, oleanders and lemon trees. And in the end, there it is – the Italian way of life: the motorini, the chaotic traffic, Illy everywhere, pizza and pasta, gelato and Prosecco. And – since a few months – a branch of Cafe Sacher. Just like in Vienna…
Do you feel like discovering Trieste together?
About Trieste / Italy
Trieste locates in northeastern Italy, near the border with Slovenia. It is the capital of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region and has a population of approximately 204,000 people. Trieste has a rich history and a unique cultural blend influenced by its proximity to various European Regions.
Historically, Trieste has been a significant port city and a major centre of trade and commerce. Its strategic location on the Adriatic Sea contributed to its development as a thriving maritime hub. Different cultures have influenced Trieste throughout history, including Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Austrian and Italian. That heritage can be found in its architecture, cuisine and customs.
History & architecture
One notable aspect of Trieste is its architecture, which showcases a mix of styles, such as Roman, Gothic, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau. The city’s most famous landmark is the Piazza Unità d’Italia, a spacious square facing the sea and surrounded by elegant buildings.
Trieste also boasts impressive historical sites such as the Castello di Miramare, a beautiful castle on a rocky promontory overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Trieste features a vibrant cultural scene with numerous museums, art galleries, theatres, and music venues.
Adriatic Sea & Karst Plateau
Geographically, Trieste is nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Karst Plateau, offering beautiful coastal landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities. The city’s surroundings feature stunning cliffs, caves, and nature reserves, providing ample options for hiking, biking, and exploring the region’s beauty.
Trieste is a captivating city with a rich history, cultural diversity, and picturesque surroundings. It offers a blend of historical charm, maritime traditions, and a vibrant contemporary lifestyle, making it an appealing destination for visitors.
Activities in and around Trieste, Italy
Besides activities in Trieste, we discover the charming Venetian town of Piran and the Nature Park Strunjan with its Moon Bay in neighbouring Slovenia. Moreover, we spend an entire day in the Val Rosandra Nature Reserve for a hike.
For whom
A Trip to Trieste is for everybody who wants to explore Trieste and its surroundings in a group of like-minded spirits. For people who are fond of nature, love tasty food & drink and like to chat and have fun together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. My philosophy is to be together as a group and to offer as much space and individual freedom as needed.
Itinerary
Monday: arrival day; time to settle in and explore the neighbourhood; meeting at Molo Audace & dinner together in one of the local restaurants to get to know each other and talk about the schedule.
Tuesday: 9.00 breakfast together. Visit of Castello di Miramare and its park (fee for guided tour € 12,00). We go there by public bus. After the visit, we take a walk back to Trieste along the beachfront (Barcola) for as long as we wish. Stop for a swim or lunch if the weather allows it – or take the bus back any time you feel like it. Afternoon free to explore Trieste or relax as you please. Dinner together (optional).
Wednesday: 9.00 breakfast together. We take the bus to Val Rosandra and spend a hiking day in the Nature Reserve. Bring a backpack, water & snacks and sun protection. Hiking boots are essential! Swim suit recommended for a dip in the river. Lunch and/or dinner on the spot. Walking time approx. 3.5/4 h (km). You may want to read our Tips & Tricks.
Thursday: 9.00 breakfast together. Exploring Trieste in the morning, walking to Colle di San Giusto (visit of museum possible, optional), the old town and its surroundings. After lunch, we take the bus to Opicina and walk the hiking trail via Monte Grisa to Prosecco. Of course, we MUST have a glass of Prosecco there, before we continue the easy walk back on the Strada Napoleonica. Walking time approx. 2.5/3 h (km) Dinner together (optional).
Friday: 9.00 breakfast together. Excursion to the charming Venetian town of Piran (approx. 1h drive from Trieste), exploring the city, time for shopping, having a cup of coffee, walking to the historical defence system with amazing views on the city and the sea. In the afternoon, drive to Strunjan Nature Park. Beautiful walk to the Moon Bay and its beach (approx. 30 min one way). Time to unwind at the beach. Walk back to the starting point; dinner on spot or in Trieste.
Saturday: 9.00 breakfast together (optional); departure – good bye Trieste!
The itinerary is flexible and subject to change according the needs of the participants, weather conditions, availability of transportation, etc.
Climate
Spring: hopefully already mild and sunny!
Minimum / Maximum number of attendees
Minimum / Maximum number of attendees: 4 persons / 7 persons.
Good to know
Traffic and parking are a nightmare in Trieste. Try to find accommodation with parking facilities or park in one of the public car parks. Most of the inner city is short-term parking, but where the zone starts and ends is poorly marked or communicated.
Arrival Trieste / Italy
- Flixbus
- Car
- Train
The drive to Trieste from Vienna takes about 5 hours and is quite scenic in parts. Especially the section through Slovenia is beautiful with the green rolling hills and mountains in the distance. Arrival at the Karst Plateau with the first glimpse of the Adriatic sea and the city is impressive and always gives me goosebumps of joy. From there, the road winds down in narrow, steep switchbacks into Trieste.
Accommodation Trieste / Italy
There is a wide choice for every budget; if you require assistance please contact me. You can find rooms and apartments on platforms like Booking and Airbnb. Triest is a very popular destination, it is recommended to take care of your accommodation in a timely manner.
Cost & Payment
Organisation, hosting and guiding as described in the itinerary: € 385 per person (bank transfer). Additional fees for the excursion to Piran and Strunjan only if we are more than 4 people (I can take up to 4 people max in my car; if we are more people I organize a van with driver. Cost for that: € 92 – 110,– per person, depending on group size.
Payable in EUR. The customer is responsible for covering any transaction fees associated with payments. Prices are valid for payment via bank transfer. Payment with a credit card is subject to a non-refundable service fee. If you prefer payment with a credit card, I will provide a secure payment link (Stripe). You receive the payment details/payment link after registering.
A down payment of € 200 per person is due within 7 days after completing the online booking process. The remaining balance must be settled no later than March 31, 2024. When making a short-term booking between the 60. and 30. day before the start of the retreat, the total amount is due immediately.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 30 days before the start of the retreat. After that, or in case of a no-show, we cannot grant any refund. If we must cancel the activity due to the minimum number of participants not being reached, you will receive a full refund. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for detailed information.
Included:
- Program as described in the itinerary
- Organisation of transportation within Trieste if necessary
- Being your host and guide for the entire time of your stay
- Info & support with room booking
- Helping to find a room-mate if you want to share your room.
- Info evening in Vienna for all interested parties in August and/or Zoom Call if you have any questions beforehand
Not included:
- Accommodation & meals
- Cost for transportation/transfers
- Entrance fees (Miramare Castle, museums)
- Insurances*
Disclaimer: Participation in the hikes is at your own risk and responsibility. It is highly recommended to take out *travel insurance including mountain rescue.
Cost estimate (prices from 2023):
- Accommodation: Single room starting from € 55,– per night
- Breakfast: from € 15,–; Lunch/Dinner: from € 20,– (Prices in restaurants are similar or slightly higher compared to Vienna)
- Flixbus: Round trip from Vienna to Trieste: From € 100,– (prices depend on booking time & season and may vary greatly)
- Public transfer to hiking destination: € 3,– each time/private taxi for full-day Piran excursion: € 92-110,–/depending on group size. Carpooling alternatively if group size allows it
- Entrance fees: € 12.00 (Miramare Castle)
This is an estimate and not binding. It should help you to calculate the approximate cost for your travel.
REGISTER NOW – CLOSING DATE 31.03.2024
BANK TRANSFER
€ 385,– per person