by InTrieste
This summer, the historic trains of Friuli Venezia Giulia are back on track, offering passengers a unique way to explore the region through culture, nature, and relaxation. Running throughout July and August, the program includes nine stops that combine local events with slow tourism experiences—an invitation to discover the area at a different pace, aboard vintage “Centoporte” carriages.
The summer initiative, part of the broader regional push to promote sustainable tourism and heritage travel, weaves together a variety of experiences: from village festivals and cultural events to guided hikes, bike excursions, and even yoga and holistic massage sessions in the woods.
These excursions aboard early 20th-century trains are organized in collaboration with Fondazione FS Italiane and regional tourism bodies, providing a nostalgic yet contemporary approach to exploring northern Italy.
The season kicks off Sunday, July 6, with the first historic train departure. The date also marks Friuli Venezia Giulia’s appearance on national television, featured in the second episode of Signori si parte – Treni storici in giro per l’Italia on LA7, airing at 11:45 a.m. The program showcases various scenic train journeys across the country, with a spotlight this week on the landscapes and communities of northeastern Italy.
Each journey offers more than just a ride: destinations along the routes will host local markets, open-air concerts, food tastings, and excursions tailored to highlight the natural beauty and cultural identity of the region. The blend of slow travel and immersive activities aims to appeal to tourists seeking an alternative to traditional summer holidays.
The full itinerary for July includes scenic rides through the countryside and into lesser-known towns, offering passengers both a journey through space and time.
With vintage locomotives and wooden-seated carriages setting the scene, the historic trains continue to serve as a moving stage for rediscovering the region’s charm—one stop at a time.
