by InTrieste
As November ushers in crisp autumn days and the scent of roasted chestnuts fills the air, Italy’s historic trains are back on track for the final months of 2024, inviting passengers on a nostalgic journey through some of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s most scenic and culturally rich landscapes. The program, which includes excursions to sacred World War I sites, lively cheese markets, and enchanted Christmas villages, has drawn record crowds this year, with 90% of the trains sold out.
In an age of high-speed rail and busy schedules, these restored “Centoporte” vintage carriages — wooden-paneled relics from the 1930s, elegantly restored to retain their original charm — offer a pause, an invitation to slow travel, and an immersive look into Italy’s rich regional heritage. Each journey, meticulously curated and guided by local experts, brings passengers face-to-face with the stories, flavors, and traditions that have shaped this corner of northern Italy.
A Journey Back to the Great War
The season’s schedule kicks off on November 4 with a journey to Redipuglia, Italy’s largest war memorial. Passengers will board in Trieste on the Treno della Grande Guerra, or Great War Train, and wind their way through the misty landscapes of Friuli Venezia Giulia to Redipuglia, where solemn ceremonies will commemorate Italy’s National Unity and Armed Forces Day. This journey offers both a chance to reflect on the costs of conflict and an opportunity to explore the evocative historic sites with the help of knowledgeable guides.
Tasting the Heart of Italy: From Cheese Markets to Medieval Villages
For food lovers, the Treno del Formaggio — the Cheese Train — on November 10 promises a journey as rich in flavor as in history. Departing from Sacile, the train heads to Gemona, a town known for its annual Gemona, Cheese… and Surroundings fair, a vibrant market celebrating local dairy artisans and regional specialties. Passengers will have a chance to sample gourmet cheeses, take guided tours of local dairies, and explore Italy’s passion for artisanal food.
Later in November, on the 24th, the program shifts gears with an excursion to Pordenone’s rural heartland. Onboard, passengers will delve into Italy’s literary heritage with a tour of Casarsa, where poet and filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini spent much of his early life, before visiting San Vito al Tagliamento, a medieval gem with art and architecture reflecting Italy’s ancient past. The journey ends in Cordovado, a village that frequently ranks among “Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages,” with its medieval walls and noble palaces.
Christmas Traditions and Festive Sights
As December draws near, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s historic trains get into the holiday spirit. On December 5, the Treno dei Krampus, or Krampus Train, departs from Trieste for Tarvisio, taking passengers to a celebration of Saint Nicholas Day, where they’ll encounter the centuries-old Krampus parade, an eerie yet thrilling spectacle of masked, fur-clad figures that roam the town.
Then, on December 15, the Treno dei Presepi e dei Mercatini di Natale, or Nativity and Christmas Markets Train, will connect the towns of Gemona, Poffabro, Polcenigo, Maniago, and Sacile, transporting passengers into the heart of Italy’s holiday traditions. From elaborately crafted nativity scenes to festive Christmas markets brimming with handmade goods, this journey is a family-friendly immersion into Italy’s Christmas magic.
Slow Tourism at Its Best
This historic train initiative, a collaboration between the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, the FS Foundation, and PromoTurismoFVG, reflects a growing trend toward sustainable, “slow” tourism. With special fares (starting at €5 for electric and diesel trains and €15 for steam-powered ones) and free guided tours included, organizers aim to make the region’s rich cultural heritage accessible to all. Additionally, visitors are welcome to bring bicycles on board, expanding options for eco-conscious travelers.
The demand has been so high that tickets, available on Trenitalia’s website and at local stations, sell out weeks in advance. Each train accommodates up to 250 passengers, and while modern conveniences like heating may be absent, the authenticity of the experience makes up for any perceived lack of comfort.
As Friuli Venezia Giulia prepares to close this year’s historic train season, each remaining journey becomes a moving celebration of Italy’s landscapes, villages, and heritage. It’s a chance to step off the beaten path, to discover not just places but moments that embody Italy’s cultural soul.
Tickets and Information
For details on routes, fares, and tickets, visit PromoTurismoFVG’s official website or Trenitalia.com. Passengers should dress warmly and prepare to step back in time as Italy’s history rolls by outside the window.
