by InTrieste
Travelers looking for a slower pace this summer will once again be able to explore Friuli Venezia Giulia aboard restored historic trains, as a regional program offers 10 excursions throughout July and August linking cultural festivals, medieval towns and some of northeastern Italy’s most scenic landscapes.
The initiative, promoted by the Friuli Venezia Giulia regional government in partnership with FS Treni Turistici Italiani and supported by PromoTurismoFVG, aims to encourage sustainable tourism by combining heritage rail travel with guided visits to destinations across the region.
Many of the excursions use the restored “Centoporte” carriages from the 1930s, offering passengers a nostalgic rail experience while connecting them to local festivals, historic sites and natural attractions.
July’s program begins on July 5 with the Folkest Historic Train, departing from Trieste for Gemona del Friuli and San Daniele during the international Folkest folk music festival. Additional excursions include journeys through the Friulian Dolomites, visits to the Val d’Arzino and Pinzano al Tagliamento, and a trip to the Fortress of Osoppo and Gemona del Friuli commemorating the 50th anniversary of the devastating 1976 Friuli earthquake.
The August schedule opens with the Tempus Express on August 1, a nighttime service to Gemona del Friuli during the medieval festival Tempus est Jocundum. Other excursions will take passengers to Pordenone, the International Folklore Festival in Aviano, the borderlands around Tarvisio and Cave del Predil, several of Italy’s officially recognized “Most Beautiful Villages,” and the medieval celebrations in Cordovado.
The broader 2026 program includes 38 historic train journeys, with particular emphasis on events marking the earthquake anniversary and preparations for Pordenone’s designation as Italian Capital of Culture in 2027.
Round-trip tickets remain priced at €10 for adults on diesel and electric trains and €15 for steam-powered services, with discounted fares for children. Tickets go on sale approximately two weeks before departure through Trenitalia sales channels, subject to availability. Each train accommodates up to 250 passengers.
Organizers note that while the restored carriages preserve their original character, they do not offer all modern amenities, including air conditioning, and travelers are encouraged to dress appropriately for summer conditions. Bicycles are permitted onboard in limited numbers, and onboard staff from PromoTurismoFVG provide visitors with excursion information and assistance throughout the journey.
