Discover the beauty of Trieste city and fairytale Miramare and Old Duino Castles

The guide will pick you up at Cruise Ship Port of Trieste or at your hotel in Trieste. After 30 minutes of the scenic drive along the coast of the Gulf of Trieste, you will arrive to the first castle to be seen – the impressive Old Duino Castle. Duino Castle (Castello di Duino) is a fourteenth-century fortification located in Duino (municipality of Duino-Aurisina), near Trieste, Italy, on the cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. The building commenced in 1389 at the order of the Wallsee family. The ruins of an older castle built in the eleventh century by the Patriarch of Aquileia are located on the grounds. In the nineteenth century, it became one of two residences for Prince Alexander von Thurn und Taxis and his wife Princess Marie of the Czech branch of the House of Thurn und Taxis. While not the wealthiest of the Thurn und Taxis line, Alexander and Marie supported artists and writers, among these, included Bohemian-Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke.

After the visit to this Italian residence of an old aristocratic family, you will go to the next stop -Miramare Castle. The Strada Costiera (Coastal Road) from Duino Castle is the most spectacular route to Miramare Castle. This majestic white castle overlooks the sea and surrounded by a large park full of unique and exotic tree species. The fairy tale beauty of the castle and the park, together with the sad and romantic story of the young imperial couple who owned this castle, still attracts tourists from all over the world and has made it one of the most visited destinations in Europe. After the guided tour of the castle, you will have a short break for some snacks or light lunch in the cafe nearby with a wonderful view.

Drive back to Trieste to have a 1-hour walking tour in the historic center of the city and see the main sights. Realized between 1754 and 1766 by Matteo Pirona, the Canal Grande was a key element of the new urban plan that led to the construction of Borgo Teresiano. Located in the heart of the historic old town, not far from the Piazza Unita, the Grand Canal is a small waterway that has stood to allow boats direct access into the city to unload their cargo. Approximately 200m in length, the canal stretched from the Riva Tre Novembre to the Via S. Spiridione and ends at the Piazza Sant’Antonio Nuovo and the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo. This pleasant waterway is crossed by three bridges and has numerous boats moored at each side.

Molo Audace, formerly Molo San Carlo, is a place dear to the hearts of Trieste's inhabitants. This walkway extending about 200 metres out to sea is a magical place for a stroll and a breath of fresh air at any time of day and in any season, a place of enchanting autumnal sunsets, when the buildings on the shores are tinged with red. If you fancy a real challenge you can run to the wind-rose at its far end, and try to remain standing against the Bora winds of up to 100 km/h! The pier was built between 1743 and 1751 on the wreck of the San Carlo, a ship that sank in the harbour. Originally 95 metres long and connected to land by a small wooden bridge, the pier has been gradually lengthened and now measures 246 metres.

This colossal square lies at the forefront of the historic old town and faces out towards the Adriatic Sea. Due to its immense size, the Piazza Unita Italia is known as the largest square situated next to the sea in Europe. Several prestigious and important buildings line the square including the Town Hall, the Palazzo del Lloyd Triestino, the Palazzo del Governo and the Palazzo Pitteri – Each of which features a stunning design and beautiful architecture. Aside from the buildings, there is also several impressive monuments and statues placed at various intervals in the square – In particular, the two iron sculptured columns that frame the entrance of the Piazza.

Designed by architect Giuseppe Bruni, Trieste's City Hall was built between 1873 and 1875 on the site previously occupied by the Magistrate's Palace and the Loggia with a bell tower, for use by the city council with a gallery for the public. The eclectic style facade gives the building a monumental grandeur, forming a beautiful scenic backdrop of a stage, open to the sea. The clock tower rises from the central section with two bronze Moors (sculpted by Franco Asteo and replaced by copies in 1972) that locals call "Michez and Jachez striking the hours". The two wings, somewhat simpler, complete the building in a tight game of fornices and chiaroscuro.

Trieste has a long history and everywhere in the city, there are various pieces of bygone eras. One such relic is the Roman Amphitheatre that is located on the Via del Teatro Romano In the center of the historic old town and only a stone’s throw from the Piazza Unita Italia. This ancient structure is in a fantastic condition and the original seating and stage area is still visible together with various columns and walls. Original statues from the theatre are now on display at one of the local museums but some are still visible at the sight. When walking through the city of Trieste, this theatre is a must-see and is a fine example of Roman architecture. The tour will end at Cruise Port or near your hotel.