WALK OF PEACE: historical routes in the Gorizia region
5 days/ 4 nights 
50 km in 3 days 
medium/hard Nicknamed the ‘Habsburg Nice’ due to its architectural treasures and historical atmosphere, at the end of the 19th century Gorizia was a popular holiday destination for the aristocracy. However, in 1915 everything changed. The city suddenly found itself at the centre of the Isonzo Front, and the surrounding mountains of Sabotin, Calvario and San Michele became the sites of bloody battles. One hundred years later, the paths that criss-cross these heights are still a tragic testimony to suffering, heroic deeds and resistance. Nevertheless, they also stand for peace, hope and the coexistence of peoples across borders. The paths and monuments are managed today by the Walk of Peace foundation.
Walk of Peace: walking through history
A UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate, the Walk of Peace is a historical trail that encompasses the major sites of the First World War’s Isonzo Front. The trail winds its way through the Upper Soča Valley, Gorizia and the Karst up to Trieste and the shores of the Adriatic Sea, bringing together territories, people and a rich cultural and natural heritage. An exciting journey along old military roads, walkways and trenches, exploring the iconic sites of great battles made famous by Ernest Hemingway, Giuseppe Ungaretti and Rudyard Kipling.
Route and details
Starting point
Gorizia/Nova Gorica
Finish location
Gorizia/Nova Gorica
Self-guided program
Day 1
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Arrival in Gorizia/Nova Gorica
Your adventure begins in Gorizia/Nova Gorica, where you will spend the first night. Declared the “European Capital of Culture 2025”, the border towns of Gorizia and Nova Gorica are imbued with a typical frontier atmosphere. Gorizia is the older of the two cities, and has long been influenced by its position at the crossroads of different civilisations, and once played a key role in the history of Central Europe. Nova Gorica, on the other hand, is a modern university town whose interesting contemporary history dates back to the Treaty of Paris in 1947. The symbol of the two city centres is the Transalpine Square, which was physically divided until 2004 but is now a space of cooperation, where you can walk with one foot in Italy and one in Slovenia. There are many interesting places to visit: the castle and the various historical mansions of Gorizia, the parks in Nova Gorica and the museums on both sides of the border. For an introduction to the events of the Isonzo Front, visit the Museum of the Great War in Gorizia, where you can gain an understanding of how the war impacted the city and surrounding mountains through objects, artefacts and models.
Day 2
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Mount Calvario and the Charnel House at Oslavia
Enjoy a pleasant daytrip to the green heights surrounding the town, where you can find some of the most iconic sites of the Isonzo Front. Departing on foot from the town centre, you will cross the Soča River to climb Mount Calvario, which was once the heart of the first Austro-Hungarian defence line. Today, nothing remains of the original military posts, but an obelisk and several memorial stones commemorate the Italian soldiers who fought here. From the top of the mountain, you can admire a splendid view over the cities of Gorizia and Nova Gorica and the course of the Soča River. The route then descends back into the valley, following a path shaded by the wood. Once you have reached the Groina stream and the Vallone delle Acque (Valley of Waters), you will continue up the opposite slope following a path which has been made more accessible by the addition of steps and wooden bridges. You will notice how the landscape changes rapidly, and is soon taken over by the vast Collio vineyards that cover and make artful “lines” across the hills. Here, the imposing Charnel House of Oslavia dominates the landscape, pristine and majestic. This memorial contains the remains of thousands of soldiers who perished in the battles fought around Gorizia, and consists of towers, underground tunnels and crypts. Outside, the “Chiara” bell rings every day at sunset in honour of the fallen. From Oslavia, the route then returns to Gorizia/Nova Gorica following the well-maintained paths of Piuma Park along the banks of the Soča.
Day 3
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Sabotin Ridge: The park of peace
We will spend the whole of today exploring Mount Sabotin and its Great War relics, which are some of the best-preserved to be found on the Walk of Peace. The excursion is also very interesting for nature-lovers, and will take you from the city centre to the top of the mountain, which at 609 metres high dominates the Soča plain, the Collio and Gorizia. From this peak, the city was fiercely defended by Austro-Hungarian troops until the Italian conquest in 1916 during the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo. The mountain, which is now the national border between Italy and Slovenia, is a veritable open-air museum, boasting paths that lead to a number of trenches, caves and tunnels. Near the summit, you will find a mountain hut containing a small museum, while the ridge offers spectacular panoramic views of Gorizia, Mt. Calvario and the Charnel House of Oslavia. As you follow this beautiful circular route back down the mountain, you can also admire the Solkan Viaduct, the longest single-arch bridge in the world. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Viaduct is still considered a masterpiece of engineering. Circular route with departure and arrival in Gorizia/Nova Gorica.
Day 4
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
From Redipuglia Memorial to the Monfalcone Theme Park
A transfer will take you to Redipuglia, where you will find Italy’s largest military memorial, containing the remains of over one hundred thousand soldiers who fell during the Great War. From here, the Walk of Peace will take you to the Karstic heights, which saw constant bloody fighting from the first Battle of the Isonzo through to the end of the war. The first open-air museum you will encounter is the Dolina dei Bersaglieri, an area which was conquered by Italian troops as early as 1915 and subsequently transformed into a command post featuring a small military hospital, the ruins of which are still visible today. You will also be able to see a number of trenches, and the remains of several military barracks. Next, the route continues to Mt. Sei Busi, where we can still see a section of the so-called Trincerone Italiano, the great fortified defence line that began at Mt. San Michele and stretched as far as Doberdò del Lago and Monfalcone. After passing through the village of Doberdò del Lago and Mount Cosici, you will reach the heights above Monfalcone, where you’ll find the Great War Theme Park. With a total area of 4km², the park is made up of three different thematic areas, characterised by an intricate system of trenches, artillery positions and air raid shelters. You will finish this moving visit near Monfalcone railway station, where you can catch one of the frequent trains back to Gorizia.
Day 5
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Goodbye Walk of Peace!
After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and our tour package will come to an end. You can spend the whole day exploring the cities of Gorizia and Nova Gorica: perhaps you’d like to admire them from the top of the ancient castle of Gorizia, or visit some of the numerous museums. On the other hand, if you’d prefer a relaxing day, you should visit the Panovec forest, which is located very close to the urban centre of Nova Gorica. From these two towns, you can either continue your journey to other destinations in Italy or Slovenia or return home. In any case, the Walk of Peace will leave you with unforgettable memories of a journey through the past, present and future, discovering the places and people of the Soča Valley.
What we love about this tour
Transalpina square and the border that doesn't exist
Reflecting on peace on the Sabotin Ridge
The imposing Redipuglia steps
The silent trenches of the Gorizian Karst
Experiencing the Gorizia of Hemingway's Farewell to Arms
Price per person
490,00 €
Group size
Minimum 2
Price includes
Accommodation in double room; scheduled meals: 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners drinks included (choice between two first courses, choice between two main courses with side dish, ½L water, 1 drink (choise between; 1 small beer, ¼ wine, drink), dessert, coffee); parking area; GPX files for all the stages; transfer from Gorizia/Nova Gorica to Redipuglia Memorial; helpline during the tour.
Price excludes
Travel to/from Gorizia/Nova Gorica; meals not mentioned above (4 lunches); train ticket from Monfalcone to Gorizia (approximately 3,00 €); medical insurance; tourist taxes to be paid directly on site; tips, expenses and personal extras; anything not expressly mentioned above.
Information
Important information
→ An adequate physical condition is required to support 4,5 – 6 walking hours per day with sure footing; only recommended for children aged 12 and over.
→ Please disclose any food intolerances at the time of booking.
What to bring
Valid ID for crossing the border; backpack with rain cover; good hiking boots; water; sunscreen; anti-tick repellent; appropriate clothing (sun hat, cagoule, waterproof jacket, etc.), camera.
Mobility
This tour is not suitable for those with reduced mobility.
Other self-guided trips
Walk of Peace:
→ WALK OF PEACE: Kobarid and the mountain battles of the Isonzo Front
In Friuli Venezia Giulia:
→ CIRCULAR TRAIL OF FRIULIAN DOLOMITES
→ TRIESTE AND THE KARST REGION: Soft hiking in the borderlands
Alpe Adria Trail:
→ ALPE ADRIA TRAIL: the Three-Nation Loop
→ ALPE ADRIA TRAIL: Triglav National Park and the Soča Valley
→ ALPE ADRIA TRAIL: walking through wine country
→ ALPE ADRIA TRAIL: from the Karst paths to the sea
Juliana Trail:
→ JULIANA TRAIL: walk the path of lakes and traditions
→ Slow travel between Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj
Booking
30% of the total amount must be paid at the time of booking. The balance is due 30 days before departure. In the case of a reservation being made within 30 days of the departure date, payment of the full amount is required. Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card.
Cancellation policy
In the case of cancellation by the client, the following fees will be applied:
→ 59 to 30 days prior to departure: 10% of the cost of the trip to cover the management costs
→ 29 to 15 days prior to departure: 50 % of the cost of the trip
→ 14 to 7 days prior to departure: 75 % of the cost of the trip
→ less than 6 days prior to departure: 100% of the cost of the trip
PHOTO: www.slovenija.info – Alen Kosmač; Ernad Ihtijarević; ZTKMŠ Brda.