April 16th & 17th, 2026 | Grado, Italy
The event “Interreg Italy–Slovenia OSI: Synergies and Complementarities bridging Europe” is organised by the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia Programme, in collaboration with the Operations of Strategic Importance ADRIONCYCLETOUR, Kras-Carso II and POSEIDONE.
The initiative brings together representatives of European, national and regional institutions, Managing Authorities, Interreg Programmes and stakeholders, with the aim of strengthening synergies among programmes and discussing the prospects of territorial cooperation in the post-2027 period.
Programme of the two days
The first day is dedicated to cooperation models developed within the framework of the Operations of Strategic Importance of the Italy–Slovenia Programme. Following the institutional opening, thematic sessions will explore sustainable cross-border tourism, shared governance for sustainable territories, and blue and green infrastructure for biodiversity. The day will conclude with a round table on macro-regional strategies and the future of territorial cooperation, followed by networking opportunities and field activities.
The second day focuses on the next generation of Interreg, featuring a discussion among Programmes, European institutions and stakeholders on post-2027 synergies, multi-programme coordination and youth engagement. Interactive workshops and the drafting of a shared tool to strengthen future complementarities are planned.
Participation
The event is reserved exclusively for recipients of an official invitation from the Interreg Italy–Slovenia Managing Authority and is not open to the public.
Participation is free of charge, subject to prior registration via the form sent by email. Registration is valid only upon formal confirmation by the organising secretariat.
Speeches will be delivered in Italian, Slovenian and English. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided, except for the afternoon workshops on the second day, which will be held exclusively in English.
For information: info.itaslo@regione.fvg.it
STUDY VISITS - 16 April 2026
Tour A - Study visit to the Valle Cavanata Regional Natural Reserve
Excursion along the bike and cycle-pedestrian path from Grado (Palazzo dei Congressi – event venue) to Fossalon (Visitor Center), along the international cycle route FVG2 Adriabike.
Participants will be divided into 4 groups of about 15 people, each accompanied by a cycling tour guide. The guided visit in the Valle Cavanata Nature Reserve will be in English and will last about one hour.
The visit includes:
- Visitor Center,
- Birdwatching observation points
- The route along the Averto canal up to the panoramic embankment overlooking the sea.
Difficulty and accessibility: easy and suitable for people of all ages. However, it is not accessible to people with mobility disabilities.
Means of transport: trekking bicycles (not electric - e-bikes). In case of bad weather: transfer will be made by bus.
Special requests: for organizational and insurance reasons, participants will be asked to provide their height and tax code or first name, last name, place and date of birth.
Recommended clothing:
- Comfortable sports or casual clothing suitable for outdoor movement
- A windbreaker waterproof jacket is recommended in case of variable weather
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Distance: 10 km (flat track with no gradients)
Duration: approximately 2 hours (30 minutes of cycling and 1 hour of guided visit)
About the site of the visit
The Valle Cavanata Nature Reserve in Fossalon (GO) is a protected area established in 1996 and covers 341 hectares, including a marine section. Within the Oasis, visitors can access the Visitors’ Centre, use the birdwatching hides, and walk along the Averto Canal up to the panoramic embankment overlooking the sea.
For more information:
Riserva naturale Valle Cavanata – Una riserva disegnata dall'acqua e dall'uomo
The OSI project ADRIOCYCLETOUR and the study visit
The OSI project finances the lightning along the cycle route FVG2, on the bridge connecting Grado with the mainland. The route is connected to other routes along which the OSI and other Interreg IT-SI projects financed cycling infrastructures and services.
For further information on ADRIONCYCLETOUR
Tour B - In the Kras-Carso Geopark for Views, Stories and Flavours of the Karst
A guided tour of the northern part of the Kras-Carso Geopark. From one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Slovenia, you will enjoy panoramic views stretching across seven natural landscapes: the Karst (Kras), the Adriatic Sea, the Vipava Valley, the Po Plain, the Dolomites, the Alps and the Trnovo Plateau. The participants will also visit a cave to discover stories written by the First World War.
Difficulty and accessibility: The tour is considered easy and suitable for most participants with average physical fitness. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, as parts of the route include unpaved gravel sections, stairs and natural terrain. Portions of the tour follow forest paths and rocky surfaces that are uneven.
Means of transport: Bus transfer from Grado to the Cerje Peace Memorial and then to Pečinka cave (1,5 km) will be provided.
Abbigliamento consigliato:
Recommended clothing:
- Comfortable sports or casual clothing suitable for outdoor movement
- Long trousers, as some parts of the path pass through shrubs or natural undergrowth
- Neutral-coloured clothing is recommended if you wish to focus on observing nature and wildlife, as bright or fluorescent colours may disturb animals
- Footwear: hiking boots or sturdy sports shoes with a profiled sole, suitable for gravel, roots and slightly uneven terrain; avoid shoes with smooth soles
Duration: The study visit is expected to last approximately 1.5 hours, including the guided tour of the Peace Memorial, a short walk through the Karst landscape, refreshments, and a visit to Pečinka Cave.
About the site of the visit
The 25-metre-high Peace Memorial Cerje, erected in memory of all defenders of Slovenian land, stands in a memorial park amid the remains of the First World War, which permanently marked the Karst landscape along the Soča Front.
The striking architecture of this fortress is set within a natural amphitheatre, offering panoramic views of seven natural landscapes: the Karst, the Adriatic Sea, the Vipava Valley, the Po Plain, the Dolomites, the Alps and the Trnovo Plateau.
The Memorial is also one of the three information centres along the Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic and serves as a starting point for exploring the Soča Front experience, combined with visits to five Karst caves, including Pečinka Cave. These natural caves were adapted by the army into shelters during wartime. Today, the cave has two exits and ascends through natural tunnels to a scenic viewpoint.
For more information:
The OSI project Kras-Carso II and the study visit
Within the framework of the project, approximately 150 km of a circular cross-border cycling route called the Trail of Stone and Bora is being established. The route passes in the immediate vicinity of the Peace Memorial Cerje and Pečinka Cave. The project financed the preparation of technical documentation and the marking of the trail on site, using both stone sculptures and a unified signage system.
For further information on Kras-Carso II
Tour C – Visit to Isola della Cona – Regional Nature Reserve of the Isonzo River mouth
Guided visit of the Regional National Reserve of the Isonzo River in Isola della Cona in groups of 25/30 people. The study visit will be held in English with Italian/Slovenian translation provided. In the event of light rain, the visit will be regularly organised, thanks to the availability of numerous covered observation points.
Difficulty and accessibility: easy and suitable for people of all ages. However, it is not accessible to wheelchair users as the path includes few steps to climb and a wooden boardwalk to cross.
Means of transport: The transfer from Grado to Isola della Cona and back is guaranteed.
Distance: 2 km loop trail
Duration: approximately 2 hours
Recommended clothing:
- Comfortable sports or casual clothing suitable for outdoor movement
- Long trousers are preferrable as protection against insects and scratchy vegetation along the trails).
- Layered clothing and a windbreaker waterproof jacket are recommended in case of variable weather
- Neutral tones are recommended (green, brown, beige, grey, dark blue, black). Avoid neon or bright colours to facilitate wildlife observation
- Footwear: hiking boots or trail shoes (avoid smooth-soled footwear)
To pack in your backpack: Binoculars and insect/mosquito repellent
About the site of the visit
The Isonzo Mouth Regional Nature Reserve was established in 1996 and since the 80s it has been a biodiversity hub. Through nature-based engineering techniques and EU funding, approximately 200 hectares of freshwater marshes, wet grasslands, and reedbeds have been restored and they are maintained also by the grazing of Camargue horses. The area is nowadays home to 323 bird species and over 650 botanical species. Thanks to its position along migratory routes, it is one of Italian best birdwatching sites, awarded with the Green Globe Award in 2010.
For more information:
Isola della Cona – Riserva naturale regionale della Foce dell’Isonzo
The OSI project POSEIDONE and the study visit
The OSI project POSEIDONE, within the naturalistic area of Isola della Cona, located in the Municipality of Staranzano, financed the purchase and re-naturalization of an agricultural area near the reserve likely to become a wetland. Furthermore, POSEIDONE financed the construction of an observation tower for birdwatching as well as monitoring activities for habitats and local fauna, with a specific focus on bird species.
For further information on POSEIDONE
Venue
Palazzo dei Congressi di Grado (Regional Conference Palace of Grado), located between the thermal baths and Parco delle Rose and within walking distance of both the seafront and the town centre, will serve as the venue for the event.
Address: Viale Italia 2, 34073 Grado (GO), Italy
Travel – how to get there
Grado is well connected and accessible through several transport options. Several private transport services operate in the region, offering shuttle connections and transfers to and from airports and major railway stations. Participants may independently consult available providers.
By car
Grado can be reached via the A4 Venice–Trieste or the A23 Tarvisio–Venezia motorways, exiting at Palmanova and continuing along road 352 for approximately 28 km. Travellers arriving from Trieste should take the Redipuglia–Monfalcone Ovest exit and follow the SR14–SP19 junction to the Monfalcone–Grado SP19 road.
By train
The closest railway stations are Trieste Airport – Ronchi dei Legionari (22 km) and Cervignano–Aquileia–Grado (19 km). Frequent buses connect both stations to Grado. Timetables are available on Trenitalia and TPL FVG website. The Trieste Airport station offers convenient links to major cities and features extensive parking facilities.
By plane
The nearest airport is Trieste Airport, located 22 km from Grado. All flight and service information is available on the airport’s website.
Please note that if you travel by train, the Cervignano Aquileia Grado station is about a 25 minutes drive from Grado, so additional transport will be needed.
Car hire
Car rental is available at Trieste Airport as well as in Udine and Trieste. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during high season.
By bus
Regular bus services link Grado with major cities in the region, including Gorizia, Udine and Trieste. Timetables are available on the TPL FVG website.
More options here: https://grado.it/en/discover-grado/how-to-reach-grado
In this section, updates, in-depth materials and a photo gallery of the two days will be published.