by InTrieste
This October, travelers in Friuli Venezia Giulia, a picturesque region in Italy’s northeastern corner, can embark on a unique journey that combines the region’s rich history with its culinary and cultural heritage. A series of three special trips on vintage “Centoporte” trains, known for their century-old wooden carriages, will transport passengers not only through scenic landscapes but also back in time.
The initiative, part of the “Historical Trains” program, provides a chance to discover Friuli Venezia Giulia in a way that few modern travelers experience. Each journey offers not only the stunning autumn colors of the Italian countryside but also guided tours of charming villages, traditional food festivals, and historical landmarks. This autumn’s train journeys reflect a renewed interest in “slow tourism,” encouraging people to reconnect with the past while embracing sustainable travel.
An Immersive Culinary Experience
The season’s first journey, the “Autumn Flavors Train,” departs on Sunday, October 6, connecting the city of Treviso to Cavasso Nuovo. This trip coincides with the 10th annual “Autumn Festival,” which celebrates two of the region’s standout local products: the slow food-certified Red Onion of Cavasso Nuovo and pumpkins from Val Cosa. At the festival, passengers can sample a variety of traditional dishes and learn about the history and cultivation of these regional specialties.
Beyond food, the festival offers visitors a rich cultural experience, with exhibitions, concerts, and craft stalls lining the streets of Cavasso Nuovo, all set against the backdrop of the town’s autumnal beauty. “The flavors of this region are so deeply tied to its history, and this train journey allows people to experience both,” says a representative of PromoTurismoFVG, the organization coordinating the event.
Tracing Rural Traditions
On Sunday, October 20, another vintage train, the “San Simone Fair Train,” will whisk passengers from Treviso to Codroipo, where the historic San Simone Fair has been held for centuries. This event originally attracted farmers from across the region for the largest livestock market in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Today, it celebrates the region’s agricultural roots through a festival filled with food, drink, and community spirit.
At Codroipo, travelers can explore the area’s cultural landmarks, including the Museum of Historical Carriages and the grand Villa Manin, a former residence of the last Doge of Venice. The journey will also offer optional bicycle and walking tours, allowing participants to immerse themselves further in the local landscape.
A Walk Through Medieval Italy
The final autumn journey, on Sunday, October 27, is perhaps the most visually striking. The “Venzone Discovery Train” takes passengers from Trieste to Venzone, a small town known for its perfectly preserved medieval architecture. Named Italy’s “Borgo dei Borghi” (Village of Villages) in 2017, Venzone is an architectural gem, painstakingly rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1976.
During the visit, travelers will explore Venzone’s Romanesque-Gothic cathedral and walk through narrow streets flanked by ancient stone walls. “It’s as if you’re stepping back into the Middle Ages,” says a local historian. The guided tour, included with the train ticket, highlights the town’s history, offering a glimpse into Italy’s medieval past.
An Authentic Journey
These historical train journeys are part of a broader effort by the Friuli Venezia Giulia region to promote slow tourism, which emphasizes sustainable travel and deep cultural experiences. The “Historical Trains” program, a collaboration between the regional government and Fondazione FS, aims to encourage tourists and locals alike to explore the region by rail, fostering a deeper connection with the land.
At a time when modern comforts dominate travel, these vintage trains provide a welcome change. “The beauty of this journey is its simplicity,” notes a PromoTurismoFVG spokesperson. “You get on board a train from the 1930s, without Wi-Fi, without air conditioning, and you rediscover the joy of the journey itself.”
Tickets are priced affordably to encourage participation, with fares starting at just €5 for a one-way trip on electric or diesel trains. For the full vintage experience, passengers can opt for a steam-powered train, with round-trip tickets costing €15. Children under 4 travel for free.
While the trains lack modern conveniences such as heating and air conditioning, passengers are invited to dress appropriately for the weather. The trains accommodate up to 250 passengers, and bicycles are welcome, although space is limited.
A Revival of Tradition
The “Historical Trains” program will continue through December, with a total of five scheduled trips remaining this year. These journeys, on carriages dating back to the 1930s, offer not just a mode of transportation but a deeper connection to Friuli Venezia Giulia’s past. From UNESCO heritage sites to gastronomic festivals, the experience is designed to be a window into the rich history, culture, and flavors of the region.
As slow tourism gains popularity worldwide, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s vintage trains provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the rhythm of the past while appreciating the present. For travelers looking to experience a more meaningful and sustainable way to explore Italy, these journeys offer the perfect opportunity.
Tickets for the upcoming train trips can be purchased through Trenitalia’s online portal or at train stations across the region.
For more information, visit PromoTurismoFVG’s website: www.turismofvg.it/it/treni-storici.
