Trieste

Declared a free port in 1719, Trieste has long been a melting pot of cultures, languages and ethnicities, a juncture of east and west and gateway to the rest of Central Europe. You’ll feel it in the incredible variety of architecture – Orthodox cathedrals rub shoulders with ancient Roman remains and Italianate squares – and in the ubiquitous coffee houses, remnants from the days when this coastal city was the trading heart of the mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Spend your time here exploring the impressive neoclassical buildings and boulevards of the medieval core; the huge Piazza Unità d'Italia and Canal Grande, both of which bear more than a passing resemblance to their more famous Venetian counterparts; Viale Joyce – a street named for the Irish author James Joyce, who made Trieste his home for many years; and the nearby Miramare Castle, a 19th-century Gothic masterpiece situated on a rocky outcrop.

Explore the city

Notes for a self-guided walking tour included

Notes for a self-guided walking tour included

Trieste was one of the most important ports in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, and even today the historic centre is a vibrant hub with a glorious mix of architectural and ethnic styles.

Our self-guided city walking tour reveals different aspects of the city.

City by the sea
A large part of Trieste’s charm – and prosperity – lies in its coastal location. Indeed, the central Piazza Unità d’Italia is Italy’s largest sea-facing square – surpassing even Piazza San Marco in Venice. Wide and elegant, it is lined with enticing pavement cafés and Neoclassical palazzi, and is often referred to as the ‘living room’ of Trieste, being at the heart of daily public life. Like Venice, Trieste is also home to its very own Canal Grande, though this is the only canal in the city. Built between 1754 and 1756 on land formed by draining the coastal salt flats, this canal was once the commercial heart of Trieste; today, its banks are lined with squares, churches and historic cafés.

Also nearby is the Molo Audace pier – an 18th-century stone walkway which extends 200 metres out to sea. This makes a lovely place for a stroll, and provides good views back to the shore.

Europe’s coffee capital
When the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles VI, declared Trieste a free port in 1719, he changed the fate of the city forever. Being able to define their own taxes and tariffs gave the Triestini a distinct trading advantage, at the exact same time that the coffee craze was sweeping across Europe. Although many of the beans that passed through the city were destined for Vienna, coffee still made its mark on Trieste, with warehouses, roasteries and cafés springing up all over the city.

Even today, Trieste is very strongly associated with coffee – it remains the headquarters of Illy, and has retained many of its wonderful Belle Époque coffee houses – such as the iconic Caffè Tommaseo, which we strongly recommend you visit.

A literary hub
Perhaps it’s the inspiring blend of cultures, or the atmospheric setting on the shores of the Adriatic, but Trieste has long been a muse for writers. James Joyce spent two highly creative periods in the city (from 1904-1915 and 1919-1920), completing his collection of short stories, Dubliners, and writing some of the most significant chapters of his masterpiece, Ulysses. It is fascinating to retrace the great author’s steps through the city – visiting his numerous different homes, as well as many of the places that inspired him.

Roman settlement
Part of our tour leads you uphill via a series of narrow medieval streets to the San Giusto Hill, site of the first settlement of Trieste. You’ll find the excavated remains of a Roman forum and basilica here, and enjoy fantastic views over the city and coastline. At the foot of the hill, there is a well-preserved Roman theatre to explore – restored in the late 1930s, this is often used in the summer months to host concerts or exhibitions.
Beyond the City

Miramare Castle & Muggia

Miramare Castle & Muggia

Located on a rocky outcrop several kilometres to the north of Trieste, the splendid 19th-century Miramare Castle was once the residence of Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian. The interiors are wonderfully eclectic – there’s a silk-lined throne room, Chinese and Japanese salons, and an office designed to look like the cabin of the frigate Maximilian once commanded as head of the Austrian Navy. The extensive gardens are also well worth a visit, being home to an impressive number of tropical plants and trees.

Muggia, meanwhile, a small port town just to the south of the city, very close to the Slovenian border, can be reached by a short boat trip. The historic centre is enclosed by medieval walls and overlooked by an ancient castle, and is a fine place for lunch.

Accommodation

We offer a choice of two hotels, both ideally located for exploring the city. Please state your preference when booking.

We provide suggestions for where to eat out in the documentation that we send you prior to your holiday.

2 nights
Savoia Excelsior Palace
Trieste
This magnificent seafront hotel enjoys wonderful views over the Gulf of Trieste, and is just a stone’s throw from the central Piazza Unità d’Italia – perfect for exploring the city. Built in the last few years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it exudes imperial splendour, with impressive columns, mirrors and Italian marble. The bedrooms are elegant in style, combining original furniture with contemporary features, and we recommend upgrading for a room with sea view.

Meal arrangements: breakfast only
2 nights
Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta
Trieste
Located on Trieste’s Piazza Unità d’Italia, this historic hotel could hardly be more central. A charming, old-world atmosphere reigns, enhanced by the sumptuous, traditional interior and impressive guestbook – Lord Nelson and Francis Ford Coppola are just two of the illustrious guests who have stayed here. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, small wellness area and the famous Harry's Bar-Restaurant, while bedrooms offer a fusion of modern comfort and antique furnishings. Please note our included Classic rooms do not face onto the square.

Meal arrangements: breakfast only

Prices

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Prices (£ per person based on 2 sharing)

Add-on price

Savoia Excelsior Palace, 2 nights: 01 April - 31 October 2019

Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

Starting	Add on 2 nights	Single supplement
1 April - 29 October	£180	£124

Includes accommodation and meals as described. No travel is included as it is assumed that you are travelling via the city as part of your main Inntravel holiday.

Getting between Trieste airport and the city (33km):
• Train: 30-minute journey, every hour
• Bus: 55-minute journey, every hour
• Taxi: 30-minute journey
More information on Trieste Airport >

If you are flying via a different airport and would like us to arrange connecting travel, please contact us for a quotation.

Room upgrades & extra nights

Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

Savoia Excelsior Palace
Deluxe with sea view & balcony: 01 Apr - 10 Oct 2019	£25
Deluxe with sea view & balcony: 11 Oct - 12 Oct 2019	£40
Deluxe with sea view & balcony: 13 Oct - 31 Oct 2019	£25

Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

Savoia Excelsior Palace (B&B)	Double room	Single room
01 Apr - 29 Oct 2019	£80	£135

Prices for other hotels

£ per person based on 2 sharing

Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta	Add on 2 nights	Single supplement
1 - 17 April	£168	£160
18 - 24 April	£220	£160
25 - 30 April	£168	£160
1 May - 29 October	£190	£184

Trieste City Add-On

Holiday information

Trieste

Sightseeing

Accommodation