From 2 July to 3 September 2026, every Thursday you can take part in an exclusive guided tour from Grado to Gorizia and Nova Gorica, an itinerary that takes you on a journey of discovery through two cities that symbolise European culture and the picturesque landscapes of the Italian and Slovenian Collio regions.
The initiative, organised as part of the Crocevie d’Europa project, offers visitors the chance to spend a day immersed in history, culture, nature and traditions, accompanied by authorised tourist guides from Friuli Venezia Giulia who will provide insights into the area in several languages.
The day’s programme:
08.30
Departure from the coach station at Piazza Carpaccio in Grado.
08.45
Stops at the campsites in Grado:
Ca’ Laguna
Europa
Punta Spin
Tenuta Primero
09.30
Arrival in Gorizia and start of the guided tour.
Discovering Gorizia: The guided tour takes you into the heart of the city, through the streets and squares that tell the story of centuries of history. You will visit Borgo Castello, the oldest part of the city, Via Rastello, recently revitalised as a lively cultural and commercial hub, Piazza Vittoria, the Gorizia Cathedral and the Church of Sant’Ignazio, one of the region’s most iconic religious buildings.
In the footsteps of the border that no longer divides: The itinerary continues towards the landmarks symbolising the meeting of Italy and Slovenia. Participants will visit the multimedia exhibition Lasciapassare / Prepustnica, dedicated to the history of the border, and will reach the famous Piazza Transalpina, now shared between Gorizia and Nova Gorica and which has become a symbol of overcoming the barriers that separated the two communities for decades.
Through the vineyards of Collio and Brda: After lunch, the journey continues through the rolling hills of the Italian and Slovenian Collio. The excursion includes a stop to take in the views at San Martino / Šmartno, one of the most picturesque villages in the Slovenian Brda region, and a drive through Dobrovo, set amidst a landscape characterised by vineyards, orchards and stunning vantage points.
The route then follows the historic Strada di Osimo, crosses the Ponte di Salcano and reaches Valdirose, with a stop at the Jewish Cemetery, an important testament to the presence of the Jewish community in the Gorizia area.
Crossing the border again at Merna, the trip concludes with the return journey to Grado.
6.00 pm
Return stops at the campsites.
6.15 pm
Arrival at the coach station in Piazza Carpaccio, Grado.
Participation
Participation is free of charge, with booking required by the Tuesday before the excursion.
To book:
Email: crocevie.europa@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +39 335 7707746
The organising office is open from Monday to Friday, from 9.00 am to 11.00 am.
Bookings are now open and close every Tuesday preceding the date of the excursion.
Useful information:
Duration: 8 hours
Max 50 people
Languages: Italian and English.
In the event of bad weather, the organisational office of Gorizia City Council will decide whether to go ahead with the excursion or to postpone or cancel the visit. Those who have booked will be notified individually in good time via WhatsApp.
