Udine, the historical capital and second largest city in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, is an overlooked gem. With its Renaissance squares, Venetian villas and Tiepolo frescos, the city has an impressive artistic heritage, along with a vibrant contemporary edge thanks to its large student population and world class modern art museum. 

Its distinct Friulian culture – a wondrous mishmash of Italian, Austrian and Slovene influences – gives the city a unique ambience, best experienced in its cuisine, where world famous treats – San Daniele prosciutto, Bastianich wines – go plate in plate with the city’s more unusual offerings – frico and cjalsons – which are virtually unheard of outside the region.