The region, located in the north of Italy will offer travellers the perks until 31^st May 2023, allowing visitors to discover the area which is home to historic churches, vineyards and the Dolomites. To take advantage of the new scheme, travellers will need to purchase a local train ticket to any of the four major cities within the region, encompassing Trieste, Grado, Udine and Lignano Sabbiadoro. The tickets will then be refunded by the Friuli Venezia Tourism Board.

To top it off, travellers who use the scheme will also receive a complimentary 48hr or week-long FGV Card, which grants the holder free or discounted public transport use for two days or more, as well as discounted entry to museums, exhibitions, historic sights, guided tours and other local attractions. Tickets will also be accepted for entry to swimming pools, beaches, certain theme parks and on local cruise trips.

The northern Italian region is offering the incentives in order to both promote tourism in the area and encourage sustainable travel. Friuli Venezia Giulia is one of the country’s least visited but most beautiful regions, situated between Austria and Slovenia. The coastal city of Grado is commonly known as Little Venice, due to its pretty canals, while Lignano Sabbiadoro has some of Italy’s best beaches. Trieste and its surroundings are also known as having some of the best vineyards in Italy. The area was recently voted as being an ideal location for digital nomads, due to its low cost of living and excellent gastronomy.

Rule to qualify

Travellers looking to make use of the new scheme are required to follow a few rules to qualify:

• Bookings must be made on the official website: turismofvg.it/trenitalia
• Travellers must stay in Friuli Venezia Giulia for at least two nights in any participating hotel or bed & breakfast. The full list of participating accommodation options can also be found via the above link.
• Visitors must buy a return ticket departing from anywhere in Italy, and arriving in one of the five main stations using Trenitalia lines (either Intercity or regional Frecce services). The stations are: Latisana-Lignano-Bibione, Cervignano-Aquileia-Grado, Trieste Airport, Trieste Centrale, or Udine. First class train tickets are not covered by the scheme.

Those staying in Trieste or Udine for two nights will receive the 48-hour card offering discounted attractions, while those who stay three days or longer will receive a week long FGV card. It is important to note that there will also be blackout dates for the offer, which occur during major holidays such as Christmas and Easter. Travellers should book tickets for the scheme no less than five days before their departure; any later than this and they will not be valid. The scheme has already begun, launched by the tourism board on 6^th October, making it an ideal time to take advantage of the offer for a winter getaway or to work remotely.