Travel expert Jürgen Linnenbürger explores an Italian region where golf, culture and Adriatic charm blend into a unique experience.
Discovering Authentic Italy
While Venice conjures images of gondolas and canals, just a short drive east reveals a different side of Italy. In Friuli Venezia Giulia, rolling hills, vineyards and sweeping views await. About 90 minutes from Venice Marco Polo Airport lies the Villaverde Hotel & Resort near Udine, a modern four-star superior hotel directly connected to the Golf Club Udine.
The resort features open, modern architecture with large glass fronts overlooking the hills. All rooms have balconies with fairway views, and the 1,000-square-meter spa offers pools, saunas and steam baths for post-travel relaxation.
Golf, History and Adriatic Views
The Golf Club Udine, established in 1970 and later expanded, offers a classic parkland layout surrounded by oak and beech forests. The 18-hole, par-72 course demands precision but remains fair, with gently contoured fairways and strategically placed hazards. After a round, enjoy local white wine on the clubhouse terrace with views of the autumn-colored landscape.
Nearby, the ancient Roman city of Aquileia—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site—offers a deep dive into history. Founded in 181 BC, it was once a major trade hub. Highlights include the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta with its stunning 4th-century mosaics and a museum filled with Roman artifacts.
Continuing to the Adriatic coast, the Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Wellness Resort & Spa offers five-star luxury above a private bay. With 58 sea-view rooms, elegant limestone architecture, and a panoramic infinity pool, it’s a haven for relaxation. Six restaurants and bars cater to every culinary desire.
Trieste and the World’s Largest Sailing Regatta
Just 30 minutes from the resort lies the historic Golf Club Trieste, the region’s oldest course. Designed by Giacomo Cabrini in 1954, the par-70 course sits 350 meters above sea level and offers sweeping views of the Gulf of Trieste. The ever-present Bora wind adds a unique challenge to the narrow fairways and well-guarded greens.
Trieste itself is a cultural gem, blending Italian charm with Austro-Hungarian elegance. The Piazza Unità d’Italia and classic cafés like Caffè degli Specchi evoke a timeless atmosphere. For fine dining, Chimera di Bacco offers fresh seafood, handmade pasta and regional wines in a historic setting.
Each October, Trieste hosts the Barcolana, the world’s largest sailing regatta by number of participants. In 2025, over 1,865 boats competed, with the Arca Sgr of the Fast and Furio Sailing Team taking the win. Whether on the water or watching from shore, the colorful sails and festive ambiance make it an unforgettable spectacle.
After the excitement, unwind at the resort’s beach club or stroll the marina’s boutiques and cafés. Enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza at L’Oro di Napoli, where the sea breeze and harbor lights create a perfect Mediterranean evening.