Discover guided tours and excursions in the fascinating underground environments of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Explore mines and caves for extraordinary experiences that combine adventure, knowledge and discovery, along evocative and safe routes.
Are you looking for a real caving experience? Put on a helmet with a headlamp, wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and venture into the darkness of a natural cave, accompanied by an expert guide ready to take you on an exciting journey into the heart of the earth.
The Grotta Gigante, located in the Trieste Karst, is one of the most impressive and evocative natural caves in the world. Visiting it offers an exciting and unique experience with an 850-metre guided tour. The tour begins with a descent of 500 steps on safe ramps, leading to the majestic large cave, 80 metres below ground. During the tour, the guide will explain the limestone formations and the history of the cave, answering all questions and curiosities. Once at the bottom, you will climb back up along an exciting route. The visit culminates at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the large cavern at a height of 95 metres, followed by the natural exit near the car park. The route is made safe by solid railings and non-slip coverings and is suitable for all ages.
We will depart from Bar Panorama to explore the most important geological and underground heritage sites along the Geological Trail. We will visit the historic entrance to Grotta Nuova, get a taste of caving with an excursion to the historic Grotta Doviza, exploring the characteristic Ramo Superiore, and visit the Abisso Vigant. We will give due visibility to the ancient wash house, restored by local volunteers, and reach the Belvedere via the Sentiero degli Orti (Path of the Gardens). Finally, we will take part in the 22nd Sagra del Borgo Vigant (Vigant Village Festival), organised by Claudio Barcella, owner of Trattoria Ai Templari, together with the few inhabitants of this charming village hidden among enchanted woods!
On Sunday, 30 June, at 9:00 a.m., there will be an excursion along the Geological Trail, starting from Villanova delle Grotte. The entire 14-kilometre trail will be covered, passing through the municipalities of Tarcento and Nimis. This ancient trail leads through ruins, streams and historical sites, allowing visitors to explore the underground and geological wonders of the Upper Torre Valley. The itinerary will start from the Bar Panorama in Villanova, pass through pine forests and streams, and allow you to observe traces of ancient human presence until reaching Monte Pocivalo, the highest point of the excursion, rich in evidence of recent war history. From Borgo Tamar, through woods and "rock cities", you will reach the charming Borgo Vigant, where you can admire geological wonders such as the Abisso di Vigant and a section of the Grotta Doviza, offering a taste of caving. The excursion will end in Villanova, in the town's panoramic square.
A simple and interesting ring-route excursion within the Friulian Dolomites Park, which allows you to visit the imposing entrance to the Landre Scur cave and the site of the dinosaur footprints, located in the bed of a small stream not far from the Casera Casavento cheese factory, where it is possible to have lunch at the end of the excursion.
Discover the hidden gem of the Natisone Valleys. From the car park at the cave, in the locality of Antro, a picturesque path leads you to the steps that take you down to the cave, located 348 metres above sea level. Climbing down the 86 steps, you begin a mesmerising journey through history and nature. The Cave-Church of San Giovanni d'Antro is an “abyss of myths” and a treasure trove of art: the “Longobard loggia”, the Baroque altar, the magnificent late Gothic rock church, with fragments of frescoes that refer to mysterious presences from the Celts to the Templars. The cave, with its extraordinary stratification of history, art and mythology, offers a unique experience. The visit lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, of which the first 45 minutes are dedicated to a guided tour of the cave along the tourist-nature trail (approximately 300m) and 30 minutes of audio guide for an independent visit of the interior and exterior of the church.
The evocative Jasbine Cave is located in Stella di Tarcento, Udine. This speleological wonder is an experience not to be missed, especially if you are looking for a unique opportunity to celebrate the Easter holidays with an unforgettable adventure, immersing yourself in evocative rock formations and intricate underground labyrinths. Venture through tunnels lined with soft layers of sand, explore small rooms decorated with limestone formations and follow winding meanders that lead into the dark depths: although the Jasbine Cave may not be extensive, it is a true concentrate of everything that speleology enthusiasts love! Despite its small size, the cave offers an engaging labyrinth, perfect for testing your skills, especially if you have already had experience exploring other horizontal and easily accessible caves with us. This place, also known as Montenars Cave (although it is located in Stella) or Pipins Cave (the name of which will be explained during the visit), is easily accessible from Tarcento in a few minutes by car and a short walk through the woods.
If you are fascinated by caving but don't know where to start, we suggest an excellent starting point: exploring the Pre Oreak Cave with Insidefvg. This cave is located in the Cornappo River Gorge and is the terminal part of the larger complex upstream known as the Vigant Abyss, accessible from the other side, specifically from Villanova delle Grotte. The Pre Oreak Cave is a natural cavity, so it has no flooring or artificial lighting, but it is surprisingly easy to explore and is suitable for everyone. To reach it, you will cross a short ford in the Cornappo river. During the excursion, we will accompany you to discover the different branches of the cave until you reach the siphon, allowing you to observe its unique geological features.
With this experience, we offer an easy trek that will take you on a sensory reactivation experience in both natural caves and woods. A journey in search of symbols, geometries, messages and answers hidden in the elements we will encounter on our journey halfway between Forest Bathing, Green Coaching, Speleology and Cave Bathing. We will follow a scenic trail to the small village of Monteprato, which hides numerous caves underground that are well known to speleologists. We will experiment in the Monteprato Cave and during stops along the trail and in the woods with ways to reduce stress and anxiety. There will also be moments when you can be alone, communicate with yourself and your surroundings, and then try simple but important and meaningful exercises (called "invitations"). We will guide you safely on your journey inside and outside Mother Earth during this important period of transition from the darkness of winter to the light of the approaching spring. Who knows, you may return home with a few more answers and insights!
We want to celebrate the last day of 2023 in our favourite places with an excursion along the Geological Trail, which will then take you to the labyrinthine Doviza Cave, as rich in history as it is mysterious and fascinating! The Geological Trail is an ancient path used by villagers that crosses the main geological features of the area: you can observe the forms of external (epigean) karstification, deep sinkholes, the Vigant Abyss and understand, in the light of day, what happens under our feet thanks to the water in contact with the rocks. To experience first-hand what you can admire from the outside, we will take you to explore a historic cave known for over a century: the Doviza Cave. It is an authentic rocky labyrinth with multiple levels and several kilometres of passages. We will walk a few hundred metres in complete safety, enough to savour the underground world with its concretions, the relaxing sounds of water flowing through the veins of the earth and the bizarre environments created over thousands of years. We will find traces of the explorers who have studied it since the late 19th century and perhaps we will have the opportunity to glimpse small animals, now the only inhabitants of the cave. If the group is interested, we will be happy to let you experience the thrill of total darkness and silence! But don't worry, we'll leave you free to enjoy yourselves in the evening too: we'll meet in the square in Villanova delle Grotte, at the Bar Panorama (Villanova delle Grotte, Lusevera, Udine), at 10:00 p.m.!"
Caving excursion in a typical Karst cave. Wide tunnels and chambers with concretions, with easy rope descents on sloping ground and ascents using equipment on a prepared route (caving via ferrata). Access to the cave begins immediately with two short rope descents, where hikers can try the exciting caving technique of single rope descent. Everything is done in complete safety, with the continuous presence and supervision of the caving guide. The cave is unusual because just when it seems to be over, the fun begins. An easy ascent, facilitated by ropes and handholds, allows you to reach an ancient artefact that has pierced the cave, crossing the vault from one side to the other. Where does it lead and what is it for? Come and experience it for yourself to unravel the mystery. Excursion suitable for children over 15 years of age with average physical abilities. All equipment is provided, including helmet and headlamp, and complete caving harness. Location: Duino Aurisina - Trieste Length: 150 + 300 metres Elevation gain: 62 metres Difficulty: Medium - Easy Duration: 15-minute approach - 3-4 hours in the cave - 15-minute exit
Explore the underground world in the Julian Prealps Nature Park in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Our speleological guides will lead you on an adventurous underground journey inside the Doviza Cave in Villanova delle Grotte. Usually used for training courses for speleologists, this cave offers the perfect introduction to the underground world, allowing you to cross one of the internal canyons until you reach the famous "signature room". Here, you will have the opportunity to learn various speleological techniques, including the use of ropes, abseiling and opposition techniques. This fossilised environment, with no running water, maintains a constant internal temperature of around 13°C. We recommend wearing a tracksuit, T-shirt and fleece under your caving suit. For an ideal experience, please provide the guide with the height and weight of the participants in the booking notes. An underground adventure that combines training and discovery in an evocative and hidden natural setting.
Venture into the depths of history with an exciting caving excursion to the Cludinico Mine! Put on your caving helmet with headlamp and immerse yourself in a unique experience in the heart of Val Degano. This former coal mine, which was operational until the 1960s, reveals itself to you on an adventurous journey. Follow the caving guide through intricate corridors, discovering hidden secrets and the hard work of the miners. The mine, open exclusively to participants of this excursion, allows you to immerse yourself in a hidden world steeped in history. Get ready to explore the depths of the tunnels during this excursion with a helmet and headlamp. An unmissable opportunity for adventure and discovery in the depths of the earth.
If you are fascinated by caving but don't know where to start, we suggest an excellent starting point: exploring the Pre Oreak Cave with Insidefvg. This cave is located in the Cornappo River Gorge and is the terminal part of the larger complex upstream known as the Vigant Abyss, accessible from the other side, specifically from Villanova delle Grotte. The Pre Oreak Cave is a natural cavity, so it has no flooring or artificial lighting, but it is surprisingly easy to explore and is suitable for everyone. To reach it, you will cross a short ford in the Cornappo river. During the excursion, we will accompany you to discover the different branches of the cave until you reach the siphon, allowing you to observe its unique geological features.
A visit to the Slivia Tower Cave is an immersive experience that will take you on a journey into the depths of the earth. This cave, 101 metres deep, is one of the hidden wonders of the Karst, with a myriad of stalactites and stalagmites accompanying you along the guided tour, leaving you with unforgettable memories. The name of the cave is a tribute to the majestic "towers" that adorn the main hall of the cave, evoking the imagery of the Karst village of Slivia. To reach the entrance to the cave, you will board the Agribus, a special tourist carriage pulled by an authentic tractor. Once inside the karst cave, you will be accompanied by a guide to discover this place, walking along a path that has been made safe for public visits. The explanation is provided in Italian by the guide, but an audio guide is also available in English, German, Dutch, Spanish, Slovenian, Russian, Slovak or Chinese.
The Raibl International Geomining Park, together with the former mine, is located in Cave del Predil, at an altitude of 900 metres above sea level. The park is home to one of the most important former lead and zinc mines in Europe, dating back to Roman times but operational from the 18th century until 1991. This mine has been transformed into an eco-museum, allowing visitors to explore its surroundings. The guided tour includes a fascinating 1.3 km walk inside the mine and lasts about an hour. It is a journey deep into the heart of the earth, an opportunity to discover the various types of minerals present, the extraction techniques used over time and, above all, to understand the immense hardships faced by thousands of miners who worked in these tunnels for centuries.
