Head to the Unspoiled Northern Italian Gem
Nestled in Italy's far northeastern corner, the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region attracts travelers looking for discounted rail fares throughout the country, thanks to initiatives like those offered by PromoTurismoFVG. For those who aren't yet satisfied, the region offers free museum admission, discounted public transportation, and more, courtesy of the local tourism board.
If two overnights aren't enough, there's no shortage of ancient art cities, mountains, sprawling wine regions, and Italy's finest beaches to explore.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia's tourism board, PromoTurismoFVG, will reimburse visitors arriving in Trieste and Udine, as well as coastal destinations like Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro. A regional train pass is included in the package, with the rail fare deducted from the total cost as a discount. Guests also receive a free FVG card, offering free or discounted museum access and guided tours.
Travelers can take advantage of Trenitalia's state-run trains, from regional lines to Intercity services and high-speed trains. To get the most out of the promotion, guests must book a hotel package, which includes a two-night stay in an eligible hotel, with the train fare discounted from the overall price.
So, where should you go? Trieste has a rich history, with a mix of Italian and Austrian influences. Though it may not have an overtly Italian feel, the city boasts a popular Viennese-style coffee culture. Visitors will find the oldest areas of Trieste, complete with Roman ruins.
Interculturally, Udine was once a part of the Venetian and Austrian empires. It is now the center of the Friuli region's culture, with a castle transformed into a museum and housing works by Caravaggio and Tiepolo. The city's 13th-century cathedral also stands as a must-see attraction.
Of the two coastline destinations, Grado is hailed as the 'Mother of Venice' and is located about 75 miles northeast of La Serenissima. Lignano Sabbiadoro, famed for its 1969-designed Terrazza a Mare, is one of the Adriatic Coast's premier beach resorts.
For those traveling to Trieste or Udine, the FVG Tourism Board provides 48-hour and one-week FVG cards offering free or discounted admission to top museums and guided tours. Additional discounts on services range from swimming pool facilities to theater performances and special exhibitions, such as the Banksy exhibition in Trieste running from November to April.
For those visiting Grado or Lignano Sabbiadoro, the FVG Tourism Board still has a card to offer, but with fewer museum options available on the coast.
When planning your trip, it's important to note that both return tickets and an overnight stay at a participating hotel are required. Ticket bookings must be made through one of the five participating train stations: Latisana-Lignano-Bibione, Cervignano-Aquileia-Grado, Trieste Airport, Trieste Centrale, or Udine.
If you have the time, don't miss out on tourismofvg.it/trenitalia.
image caption: Grado, one of the participating travel destinations
Note: In an earlier version of this article, information on the protected Slovenian minority and double-language street signs in Udine was found to be inaccurate. These features are located outside the city center, in the northwestern part of the former Udine Province. The province once belonged to both the Venetian and Austrian empires.
Cited Sources
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The above sources were consulted but do not provide specific promotional offers for Trieste, Udine, Grado, and Lignano Sabbiadoro. For the most up-to-date information, check the official websites of museums and train services in the mentioned cities, or contact local tourism information services.
