Transborder journeys between Italy and Slovenia – Time for Train Project

IT’S TIME FOR THE TRAIN

Cross-Border Journeys Between Italy and Slovenia

Spring 2026

Discover — or rediscover — a cross-border region through three experiential itineraries connecting Italy and Slovenia. Designed around major spring events, including festivals, performances, flavours and nature, each route takes you on an authentic and immersive journey. Easy to enjoy and fully accessible by public transport, they are designed to be explored independently: a new way of travelling across the territory, without borders.

The 3 itineraries:

• Tracing History (Gorizia–Nova Gorica–Bohinj) – May & June 2026
• Across Two Wine Regions (Venice–Gorizia–Nova Gorica–Vipava) – 29–31 May 2026
• In the Theatre of Time (Venice–Gorizia–Nova Gorica–Ajdovščina–Bohinj) – June 2026

Itinerary 1: Tracing History

Gorizia – Nova Gorica – Bohinj

A cross-border train journey connecting Gorizia, Nova Gorica and Bohinj, where every stop reveals a new layer of the region’s history. From cultural heritage and stories of ever-changing borders to Alpine landscapes shaped over centuries through the dialogue between people and nature, the itinerary comes alive through a series of spring events that showcase its most authentic identity.

When: May & June 2026

Programme – Highlights

In Gorizia

• èStoria (25–31 May) | A unique open-air history festival featuring talks, debates and cultural events (mostly free of charge) | More information
• Gorizia Castle | Admission: €10 | More information

In Nova Gorica

• EPIC Interpretation Centre | Interactive exhibition on borders and identities | Admission: €8 | More information
• Smuggling Experience | An immersive and engaging guided tour across the Italian-Slovenian border | Price: €39 | More information

In Bohinj

• International Wild Flower Festival (22 May – 7 June) | Botanical excursions, markets, workshops, gastronomy and outdoor experiences | Price: €0 – €50 | More information
• Excursion through blooming Alpine landscapes | More information

Historic Train (23, 24, 31 May & 6, 13, 14, 20, 21 June)

Experience a journey aboard a historic steam train along the Transalpina Railway on selected dates in May and June 2026, as part of the celebrations marking the 120th anniversary of the railway line. | More information

Travel Information

Venice / Trieste ↔ Gorizia / Nova Gorica Railway Station (ŽP)

• Regional trains (~2–3h from Venice / 50 min from Trieste)
• Direct Venice – Nova Gorica trains available on weekends only
• Timetables: trenitalia.com
• Price: €15–20 from Venice; €4–6 from Trieste
• Tickets available online or at the station

Gorizia ↔ Nova Gorica Railway Station (ŽP)

• Bus (~15–20 min) | Timetables: gobybus | Price: €1.70 | Tickets available on board

Nova Gorica Railway Station (ŽP) ↔ Bohinjska Bistrica

• Bohinj Scenic Railway (~1h30) | Timetables: potniski.sz.si | Price: €5.80 | Tickets available online or at the station

Bohinjska Bistrica ↔ Lake Bohinj or Event Venues

• Local buses to Lake Bohinj and the Vogel cable car valley station (Ribčev Laz or Ukanc stops) | Timetables: arriva.si / promet.bohinj.si | Prices: up to €3 | Tickets available on board (cash only for Arriva) or online/at stations for seasonal shuttle services.

Itinerary 2: Across Two Wine Regions

Portogruaro – Gorizia – Nova Gorica – Vipava

Programme – Highlights

In the Province of Venice (Caorle & Pramaggiore)

• Cantine Aperte (30–31 May) | Open wineries weekend featuring wine tastings, vineyard walks and meetings with producers | Glass/kit: €15–20 | More information

In the Vipava Valley

• Okusi Vipavske (29–30 May) | Gastronomic festival at Lanthieri Mansion and throughout the Vipava Valley featuring local chefs and producers | Admission: €30 per day | More information

Travel Information

Venice ↔ Portogruaro-Caorle

• Regional trains (~1h) | Timetables: trenitalia.com | Price: €6.50–7.50 | Tickets available online or at the station

Gorizia ↔ Portogruaro-Caorle

• Regional trains (~2h) | Timetables: trenitalia.com | Price: €8–11 | Tickets available online or at the station

Portogruaro-Caorle ↔ Pramaggiore Bus Station

• Local bus, route 104 (~20–25 min) | Timetables: mobilitadimarca.it | Price: €3.10 | Tickets available online or at the station

Venice / Trieste ↔ Gorizia / Nova Gorica Railway Station (ŽP)

• Regional trains (~2–3h from Venice / 50 min from Trieste)
• Direct Venice – Nova Gorica trains available on weekends only
• Timetables: trenitalia.com
• Price: €15–20 from Venice; €4–6 from Trieste
• Tickets available online or at the station
• Note: Venice access fee (€5–10 depending on the date)

Gorizia ↔ Nova Gorica Railway Station (ŽP) ↔ Nova Gorica Bus Station (AP)

• Cross-border bus (~20–25 min) | Timetables: gobybus | Price: €1.70 | Tickets available on board (card payment accepted)

Nova Gorica Bus Station (AP) ↔ Vipava

• Local bus (~45 min) | Timetables: nomago.si | Price: €3.30 (weekend) / €4.50 (weekday) | Tickets available on board (cash only)

Bohinjska Bistrica ↔ Nova Gorica Railway Station (ŽP)

• Transalpina Scenic Railway (~1h30) | Timetables: potniski.sz.si | Price: €5.80 | Tickets available online or at the station

Portogruaro/Caorle ↔ Pramaggiore Local Bus Station

• Local bus Portogruaro/Caorle – Pramaggiore (15–25 min) | Timetables: mobilitadimarca.it | Price: €2–4

Itinerary 3: In the Theatre of Time

Venice – Gorizia – Nova Gorica – Ajdovščina – Bohinj

This journey follows a cultural narrative thread that ranges from contemporary performance to historical re-enactment. The cross-border rail route connects Venice, Gorizia, Nova Gorica, Ajdovščina and Bohinj, weaving together a series of spring and summer events where history and culture come to life through performances, re-enactments and iconic locations.

When: June 2026

Programme – Highlights

In Venice

• Biennale Teatro (7–21 June) | Contemporary theatre performances staged throughout the city, turning Venice itself into a stage | Admission: €25 | More information

In Ajdovščina (Vipava Valley)

• Ad Fluvium Frigidum (20–21 June) | Living history festival where the Vipava Valley is transformed into a 4th-century Roman battlefield | Free admission | More information
• Roman Heritage Experience | Guided tour of the Castra Fortress | Price: €39 | More information

In Bohinj

• Museums | Cultural venues connecting nature and history | Admission: €7 | More information
• Guided visits to cultural and historical sites | Ajdovski Gradec ancient settlement, Church of St. John the Baptist, Vogel archaeological trail | More information

Historic Train (23, 24, 31 May & 6, 13, 14, 20, 21 June)

Experience a journey aboard a historic steam train along the Transalpina Railway on selected dates in May and June 2026, as part of the celebrations marking the 120th anniversary of the railway line. | More information

Travel Information

Venice / Trieste ↔ Gorizia / Nova Gorica Railway Station (ŽP)

• Regional trains (~2–3h from Venice / 50 min from Trieste)
• Direct Venice – Nova Gorica trains available on weekends only
• Timetables: trenitalia.com
• Price: €15–20 from Venice; €4–6 from Trieste
• Note: Venice access fee (€5–10 depending on the date)

Gorizia ↔ Nova Gorica Railway Station (ŽP) ↔ Nova Gorica Bus Station (AP)

• Cross-border bus (~20–25 min) | Timetables: gobybus | Price: €1.70 | Tickets available on board (card payment)

Nova Gorica Bus Station (AP) ↔ Ajdovščina

• Bus (~45 min) | Timetables: nomago.si | Price: €2.60 | Tickets available on board (cash only)

Nova Gorica Railway Station (ŽP) ↔ Bohinjska Bistrica

• Transalpina Scenic Railway (~1h30) | Timetables: potniski.sz.si | Price: €5.80 | Tickets available online or at the station

Bohinjska Bistrica ↔ Attractions around Bohinj

• Local buses to Lake Bohinj and the Vogel cable car valley station (Ribčev Laz or Ukanc stops) | Timetables: arriva.si / promet.bohinj.si | Prices: up to €3 | Tickets available on board (cash only for Arriva) or online/at stations for seasonal shuttle services.

Information

• www.ita-slo.eu
• www.euro-go.eu/spf