Friuli Venezia Giulia invites you for a visit and buys you a train ticket

Here is a chance to travel cheaply and sustainably while discovering an off-the-beaten-track corner of Italy

The tourism board of Friuli Venezia Giulia has partnered with Trenitalia, the Italian state railways, to offer free return tickets to people who would come to visit the region as tourists. In order to qualify as a tourist, you would have to book a stay of minimum of 2 nights in accommodation facilities of the local hospitality sector.

What’s more, if you decide to venture out keep in mind that your train ride must originate from a point located somewhere in Italy – likewise, it should return there, too. The available train destination cities in the region are Trieste, Udine, Lignano Sabbiadoro and Grado.

Additionally, the whole journey, including tickets and accommodation must be booked through one licensed regional tour operator.

Where is Friuli Venezia Giulia anyway?

The great thing is that the offer is available all the way until the start of the summer season next year – more specifically until 31 May 2023. This means it gives you plenty of opportunities to indulge your adventure traveller side – the one who explores lesser-known destinations in low tourist seasons.

Many of you might be asking yourself what is there to see in Friuli Venezia Giulia, to begin with. Located in the northeastern corner of Italy, this region often gets overshadowed by the perennial classics of Rome, Naples, Tuscany, Venice and the Alpine lakes. But, just like any Italian destination, it has irresistible charms that beckon the visitor.

Also known as FVG in short, this region concentrates most of Italy’s central European flavour. In fact, its lands formed part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War I. Trieste is a city that was hotly contested between Italy and Yugoslavia. It is small but surrounded but sitting at the head of the Adriatic Sea it commands some charming Classical architecture and beautiful vistas.

The Grado Lagoon amazes just by the fact that it exists. Somehow, apart from the Venice Lagoon that we all know there has been another similar water body in the Adriatic, also with its own unique history that has somehow escaped the world’s attention. Isn’t it marvellous to know that wondrous discoveries like these can still happen?

Plus, apart from the free ticket, the travellers will get an FVGcard, which will grant them free or reduced admission to theme parks, cruises, monuments, museums, caves, churches, guided tours and significant discounts on experiences, tastings and local transport.

And now, you might as well pack those suitcases!