Bordano: Butterfly House Guided Tour with Lunch

Visiting the Butterfly House in Bordano offers a rare chance to step into a world alive with vibrant colors, delicate wings, and fascinating insect displays. This 2.5-hour guided tour combines close encounters with butterflies from around the globe, an educational journey into their lifecycle, and a taste of local Italian cuisine. Set in the scenic Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, it’s an experience that balances entertainment, learning, and genuine moments of natural beauty.

One feature we particularly appreciate is the expertise of the guides—they’re not only knowledgeable but also passionate, making each segment of the tour both engaging and informative. The greenhouses are thoughtfully arranged to replicate habitats from Africa, Asia, and the Amazon, which makes you feel as if you’ve traveled across continents without leaving Italy. However, it’s worth noting that the greenhouses are quite warm, around 35°C, so comfortable clothing, along with water, are advisable.

This tour suits travelers who love nature, insects, or simply want a relaxing day exploring a unique cultural and ecological site. Families with children, curious nature enthusiasts, and those interested in conservation will find this experience particularly rewarding. It’s also excellent for anyone seeking a blend of education and leisure, topped with a hearty Italian lunch.

Key Points

• Immersive Guided Experience: Learn about butterflies from Africa, Asia, and the Amazon with expert guides.
• Unique Exhibits: Discover Italy’s first butterfly museum and the stunning ‘6-legged Jewellery’ insect display.
• Close Encounters: Observe butterflies feeding, resting, and interacting in lush greenhouses.
• Educational Focus: Explore the full lifecycle of butterflies, from egg to adult, with fascinating insights.
• Biodiversity & Conservation: Walk through pollinator-friendly gardens and learn about the importance of pollination.
• Delicious Local Lunch: Cap off your visit with a hearty, regional meal at the Butterfly Kitchen, highlighting local products.

Arrival and Orientation

Located just north of Udine, the Butterfly House in Bordano is easy to reach—roughly a 10-minute drive from the Gemona Osoppo motorway exit and about five minutes from Lake Cavazzo. The site is beautifully positioned on the banks of the Tagliamento River, providing a peaceful setting that complements the tranquil experience inside.

The tour begins with a guided entry—your guide, often a knowledgeable local like Francesca or Marco, will welcome you and set the tone for the adventure ahead. The small group sizes ensure a personal experience, allowing plenty of opportunity for questions and close-up observation.

Touring the Greenhouses

You’ll spend approximately 45 minutes exploring three greenhouses, each designed to mimic the natural habitats of butterflies from different parts of the world. These greenhouses are warm—around 35°C—and humid, creating an environment perfectly suited for butterflies to thrive.

The African habitat features lush, exotic plants and larger butterflies with bold patterns. The Asian section showcases a variety of species with intricate wing designs, while the Amazon greenhouse is bursting with vibrant colors and tropical foliage. Expect to see over 1,000 butterflies fluttering freely, which creates a truly magical atmosphere.

Your guide, often a local expert, will point out specific species, explain their feeding habits, and share tidbits about their behaviors. We loved the way guides like Marco brought enthusiasm and clarity, making it easier for visitors to appreciate the diversity of species around them.

Close-Up Encounters and Learning

One of the highlights is observing butterflies up close—watching them feed on nectar, rest on leaves, and sometimes even mating. The guided commentary enhances this, revealing details about butterfly wings’ legendary powder and their astonishing lifespan.

The ‘Butterflies. 4 lives, 1,000 stories’ exhibit offers a detailed look at the full lifecycle, from tiny eggs to vibrant adults. It’s a captivating educational component that’s especially engaging for children and those new to entomology. For instance, you’ll learn how butterflies select certain plants for laying eggs, which adds insight into the interconnectedness of ecosystems.

Artistic Insect Displays

Next, the tour moves into the ‘6-legged Jewellery’ exhibition—an inventive display of insects like beetles and mantises, arranged as if they were gemstones. This showcase emphasizes the incredible artistry of nature’s designs and offers a different perspective on insects often overlooked. Reviewers have commented on the “dazzling” nature of these displays and how they help reframe perceptions of insects from pests to marvels of evolution.

Italy’s First Butterfly Museum

A visit to the MUFFFA (Museo delle Farfalle e delle Falene) is a real treat. This curated collection exhibits both Italian and exotic butterfly species, sharing stories of how these delicate creatures are collected, preserved, and studied. It’s a chance to see some rarer specimens and appreciate the scientific effort behind conservation.

Pollinator Garden and Conservation

Moving on to the PolliNation garden, you’ll find a living showcase of flowers and plants that attract pollinators. Each section highlights the specific plant-pollinator relationships, revealing the importance of biodiversity and ecological health. It’s a peaceful stretch of the tour, perfect for appreciating the often invisible work of insects in our environment.

Dining at the Butterfly Kitchen

The tour concludes with a delicious Italian lunch at the Butterfly Kitchen—an area dedicated to serving regional specialties. Expect hearty, authentic flavors made from local products, giving you a taste of this part of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The meal is a lovely way to relax and reflect on your experience, and reviews note that the quality of the food matches the high standards of the tour.

Practical Details and Tips

The entire experience, including the greenhouses, exhibits, and lunch, costs $59 per person—an excellent value considering the depth of information, the variety of exhibits, and the inclusive nature of the tour. The guided approach ensures you’re never lost or bored, and the small group size fosters a more personal connection.

Since the greenhouses are warm, lightweight clothing and water are recommended, especially on hot days. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers, families, or anyone curious about insects and biodiversity. It’s especially suited for travelers interested in education, conservation, and authentic local culture. The combination of stunning visuals, engaging guides, and regional cuisine makes it a memorable outing.

It’s also a good choice if you want more than just a snapshot—you’ll walk away with knowledge, new perspectives, and some beautiful photos of fluttering butterflies.

This tour offers a delightful mix of education, beauty, and regional flavor. It’s a rare chance to see such a large collection of butterflies in a naturalistic setting, guided by experts who bring enthusiasm and clarity. The greenhouses are carefully designed to animate the habitats of Africa, Asia, and the Amazon, making this a truly global butterfly experience without leaving Italy.

The inclusion of Italy’s first butterfly museum and the insect jewelry exhibition adds layers of depth and interest. And the local lunch ties the whole experience together, rooting it firmly in regional culture. For the modest price of $59, this tour delivers a well-rounded, engaging, and visually stunning day out.

This experience is best for travelers seeking a family-friendly activity, those passionate about ecology, or anyone wanting a peaceful, educational escape. It’s particularly suited to folks who appreciate guided insights and enjoy observing nature’s intricate beauty in a relaxed environment.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is engaging for children and offers a close-up look at butterflies and insects, making it a fun and educational outing for young explorers.

How long does the tour last?
The guided experience lasts around 2.5 hours, including visits to greenhouses, exhibits, and the museum, plus the lunch.

Are the greenhouses hot?
Yes, the greenhouses are maintained at approximately 35°C to keep the butterflies comfortable. Dress accordingly and stay hydrated.

What is included in the price?
The $59 fee covers the guided tour, entry to the Butterfly House, access to all exhibits and greenhouses, visit to the museum, garden stroll, and a regional lunch.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there free time to explore on my own?
The tour is structured around the guided visits, but the self-guided garden stroll and museum visit are included in the schedule.

Do guides speak both English and Italian?
Yes, guides are available in both languages, ensuring clear communication.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for warm greenhouses, a hat, water, and your camera to capture the vivid sights.

Is this experience good for a solo traveler?
Absolutely. The small group setting fosters interaction and makes it easy to connect with others.

In summary, the Bordano Butterfly House guided tour with lunch offers a charming, educational, and visually stunning experience that showcases the beauty and diversity of butterflies and insects. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting to learn about ecology while enjoying regional cuisine, all within an accessible and thoughtfully curated setting. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and curious travelers alike, it promises a memorable day among the fluttering wings of the world’s most delicate creatures.