Join Us!
Join us in Friuli and Slovenia for a deeply immersive culinary journey with our founder, Chef Jeff Michaud, and guest chef Michael Schwartz. From intimate meals and cooking experiences to vineyard visits and unforgettable dining, this week offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Europe’s most captivating regions through the lens of two celebrated chefs.
Guided by a shared love of honest cooking and exceptional ingredients, Jeff’s expertise in Italian tradition and Michael’s dedication to seasonal, farm-driven cuisine come together to create an experience that is both inspiring and deeply authentic.
Discover Traditions
Explore Trieste
A day trip in the capital, with its waterfront lined with portentous neoclassical architecture, designed to discover cultural crossroads and the pleasure of good living in one of UNESCO World Heritage site
From Pasture to Plate
In Friuli, cheese lies at the heart of the region’s cuisine, most famously in the traditional dish frico. Experience its rich heritage through the organic creations of Fattoria Zoff
Alpine Village of Sauris
We will uncover this unspoiled landscape by soaking in the breathtaking views of the turquoise Lake Sauris and savoring the foods of this little corner of Italy in the Dolomites
Your Experience
A Wine Resort for us only right in the heart of Friuli's top wine region. A magical hideaway resting on top of the suggestive Venica Family cellar
An experience at Hiša Franko transcends dining—an intimate expression of the Soča Valley in a three-Michelin-starred setting, led by Ana Roš, ranked second best chef in the world
A lively half day in Venice exploring the ritual of cicchetti and a rowing lesson in Cannaregio
Explore Friuli’s distinctive flavors through cooking classes, where traditional dishes are prepared alongside our chefs
Itinerary
Day One
We meet Jeff and Michael at Venice Airport and begin our journey with a Venetian rowing lesson through the quiet back canals of Cannaregio. After this one-of-a-kind introduction to the city, we ease into Venice’s beloved aperitivo culture at a traditional bacaro, savoring the ritual of cicchetti & ombre. A selection of classic bites—sarde in saor, braised baby octopus, and baccalà mantecato on crostini—are paired with small glasses of local wine, offering a delicious first taste of the region.
In the afternoon, we continue to Friuli, arriving at an extraordinary wine resort set among the rolling green hills of Collio, near the Slovenian border. Family-owned since 1938, the Venica estate spans 100 acres of vineyards and has been thoughtfully transformed into an intimate retreat, complete with elegant lounges, gardens, a pool, tennis court, and walking paths that wind through the vines. This serene setting will be exclusively ours for the week.
After settling into our rooms, we begin to take in the quiet beauty of the landscape. Early in the evening, Giampaolo Venica welcomes us with a private tour of the winery, accompanied by a tasting of the estate’s finest wines.
Later, we head to a local osteria favored by winemakers for a relaxed dinner that reflects Friuli’s unique cultural crossroads. Drawing from Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian traditions, the menu features authentic dishes from Collio and neighboring Brda, offering a rich introduction to the region’s culinary heritage.
Day Two
Want to bring the flavors of Friuli into your own kitchen? Tie on an apron and join a cooking class led by chefs Jeff Michaud and Michael Schwartz alongside Anna, our local home cook, who shares her cherished family recipes. In the kitchen of a nearby agriturismo, we prepare and then savor traditional dishes such as crispy frico with Montasio cheese and wild radicchio, buckwheat pasta with seasonal vegetables, cjarsons filled with smoked ricotta, and classic apple strudel.
In the afternoon, we set off on a Vespa ride through the vineyards, winding along quiet country roads and taking in the region’s rolling hills, fragrant air, and gentle breezes.
Back at the resort, there is time to relax before we gather for our first Michelin-starred dinner at Ristorante Al Cacciatore. Set in the hills above Cormòns and surrounded by vineyards, this beloved restaurant blends rustic charm with understated elegance. This evening, we enjoy a thoughtfully composed tasting menu that celebrates Friuli’s culinary traditions with refined creativity. Signature dishes highlight local ingredients and time-honored recipes—such as mlinci, a delicate homemade pasta served with a white ragù of locally raised goose—alongside seasonal produce, mountain herbs, and expertly sourced meats. Each course is paired with outstanding Friulian wines, offering a memorable introduction to the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Day Three
After a leisurely breakfast, we head north into the Carnia region of the Dolomites. In this secluded mountain landscape, self-sufficient communities have lived in harmony with nature for centuries, preserving traditions shaped by Friulian, German, and Austrian influences. Wild mountain herbs infuse local specialties—from Cuorealpino cheese to the region’s distinctive homemade digestivi.
Our destination is the alpine village of Sauris, renowned for its exceptional cured hams. Here we meet Elvis, who introduces us to the time-honored craft of curing meats and shares the traditions behind this celebrated local specialty.
We then continue to a nearby malga, where our friend Rocco welcomes us for a memorable alpine lunch. Set against the dramatic mountain backdrop and overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Sauris, we enjoy rustic dishes that reflect the region’s simple, hearty flavors.
As we wind our way back through the mountains, we pause to take in sweeping views of Lake Sauris and the surrounding alpine landscape.
In the evening, we gather for a cozy dinner at our friend Francesco’s welcoming frasca, where he prepares a feast of traditional dishes using local ingredients. The warm, convivial atmosphere makes for an authentic and intimate experience—you’ll feel right at home.
Day Four
This morning, we head to a nearby kitchen where, alongside Jeff and Michael, you’ll take part in a cooking experience dedicated to the flavors of Friuli. Together, we prepare a selection of traditional recipes, learning the techniques and stories behind the region’s beloved dishes before sitting down to enjoy the meal we’ve created.
After our culinary morning, we return to our wine resort for a relaxing afternoon—time to unwind by the pool, stroll through the vineyards, or simply take in the peaceful beauty of Collio.
In the evening, we make our way to Trattoria Da Nando, one of Friuli’s most beloved historic trattorias. Family-run since 1930, this elegant countryside restaurant is renowned for preserving the region’s culinary traditions with exceptional ingredients and timeless technique.
Here we meet our friend Valter of Scarbolo Winery, whose family has long been devoted to Friuli’s indigenous grape varieties—from Friulano and Sauvignon Blanc to Merlot, Cabernet, and Pinot Grigio. He guides us through a tasting of his expressive wines, each thoughtfully paired with a menu curated by chef Ivan, a master of Friulian cuisine. Expect beautifully prepared regional classics—perhaps delicate cjarsons, slow-cooked meats, seasonal vegetables, and traditional desserts—creating a memorable evening that celebrates the depth and richness of Friuli’s culinary heritage.
Day Five
Today we meet some very special friends of ours. We begin with Laura of the Zoff family at Azienda Agricola Zoff, pioneers of organic farming in the region. Using milk exclusively from their own animals, they craft exceptional cheeses—from fresh mozzarella and ricotta to their prized Fossa cheese. We enjoy a convivial lunch featuring their specialties, ending with their irresistibly creamy gelato.
In the afternoon, we cross into Slovenia and arrive in the vineyard-covered hills of Goriška Brda. Bathed in Adriatic breezes and Mediterranean sunshine, this region is home to some of the country’s most celebrated wineries. Here we are welcomed by our friend, renowned winemaker Marjan Simčič, who shares the story of his family estate through elegant pours of Rebula, Sauvignon, and Pinot.
Along the way, we take in the beauty of the Soča Valley, with its emerald waters and dramatic landscapes, perhaps pausing near the Tolmin Gorges for a short walk among waterfalls and rushing rivers.
This evening, we arrive at Hiša Franko, a gastronomic oasis in the lush Soča River valley. Awarded three Michelin stars and a Michelin Green Star, and ranked among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, it is one of Europe’s most celebrated dining destinations—a true bucket-list experience.
At its helm is visionary chef Ana Roš, recently named the second-best chef in the world, whose cuisine is deeply rooted in the surrounding landscape. Her imaginative dishes—crafted from foraged herbs, alpine dairy, river fish, and seasonal mountain ingredients—create a profoundly personal tasting experience that is sure to be a highlight of the journey.
Day Six
Today we venture beyond the countryside to the elegant port city of Trieste, once the principal seaport of the Habsburg Empire and a historic crossroads of European culture, literature, music, and cuisine.
Enjoy time at leisure to explore the city’s grand streets, historic cafés, and boutiques, or join our chefs Jeff and Michael for a stroll through local markets and specialty shops to discover Trieste’s beloved food artisans.
We gather for lunch overlooking the majestic Piazza Unità d’Italia, the grand seafront square opening onto the Adriatic, where Central European traditions meet Mediterranean flavors. In the afternoon, our local guide brings the city’s rich history to life, from the Roman Theatre and the hilltop of San Giusto to the historic Jewish quarter, known for its antiquarian charm and food shops.
As we return to Collio, the landscape softens into rolling vineyards and quiet villages. This evening, we gather for our final dinner al fresco at the Sirk family’s bistro, where the cuisine reflects Friuli’s unique cultural crossroads, blending Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences with exceptional local ingredients.
After dinner, we return to our wine resort to savor a final evening together—relaxed, reflective, and filled with memories of an unforgettable week.
Day Seven
After a final breakfast and quiet moments in Friuli, we depart for the airport, carrying with us the flavors, friendships, and memories of the week—arrivederci.
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What You Need To Know
Read our FAQs below. Or email us at travel@laviagaia.com.
What does the price include?
Six nights at the Venica & Venica Wine Resort (accommodations in double occupancy); private van with driver for all trips and excursions in itinerary; arrival and departure airport group transfer (see arrival & departure details below); private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners with with beverage; gratuities.
What does the price not include?
International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; transportation to the trip’s starting point; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service, and hotel personal bar tabs.
What are the arrival & departure details?
The trip starts and ends at the Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). We recommend that you arrive on or before Saturday, June 5th, 2027. On Sunday June 6th, we’ll meet as a group at 9am at the Venice Airport. Additional meeting point will be also arranged at Venice Tronchetto. The last day of our culinary trip is Saturday, June 12th, 2027. You should schedule flights home after 11 am from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE).
Who is going on this trip?
We limit the group to no more than 16 travelers, hosted by Jeff Michaud and special guest Chef Michael Schwartz. Our culinary journeys focus on food, culture, and local traditions, bringing together a diverse group of like-minded guests—solo travelers, couples, and friends traveling together. This experience is recommended for travelers 18 years and older.
Who is leading this trip?
This trip is led by our founder, Chef Jeff Michaud, who has traveled extensively through the region, forged wonderful friendships, and thoughtfully crafted your itinerary for the week. Our special guest is James Beard Award–winning chef and author Michael Schwartz. Throughout the journey, we’ll also be joined by local expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable about the region’s culture, customs, and history, and are passionate about sharing it with us.
What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel on or before January 7th, 2027 and receive a full refund minus the $1,500 per person non-refundable initial deposit. If you cancel on or after January 8th, 2027, a 50% cancellation fee will apply. Cancellations made on or after March 8th, 2027 are non-refundable (100% cancellation fee). We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy for family or medical emergencies or trip cancellations. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.
What Travel documents are needed?
U.S. citizens are required to show a valid US passport. It is recommended that your passport be valid for 6 months after your travels end. Starting soon, U.S. travelers will also be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization prior to entering most European countries, including Italy. This is a simple online application linked to your passport and should be completed before departure. More information can be found here: ETIAS.
Can this itinerary be booked for a private group?
Of course! We can customize this trip and itinerary at a time that is most convenient for you and your friends. The minimum number of participants for a private trip is 10. For more information contact us at travel@laviagaia.com.
Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer single-room occupancy on this trip. If you are interested in sharing a room with another solo traveler, please contact us and we will do our best to assist with arrangements.
Still have questions?
Email us at travel@laviagaia.com
