Are you planning on visiting Italy?
Have you thought about going by train? There is a growing movement away from airplane travel where possible and train journeys are said to leave a lower carbon footprint.
That aside, train journeys can also be an enjoyable experience in their own right as the fabulous scenery goes past your window!
Italy boasts some of the most captivating and scenic train journeys in the world. Let’s embark on a virtual tour of these picturesque routes:
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- Cinque Terre Express:
- Route: This delightful rail journey hugs the coast along the Cinque Terre in Liguria. Starting from La Spezia, it gently winds its way above all five UNESCO-listed seaside villages: Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola.
- Scenery: Expect labyrinthine lanes, colourful houses, and pristine beaches. The sight of tiny village-crested bays and inlets will leave you enchanted.
- Attractions: Hop on and off to explore the villages, or simply soak in the views. The Cinque Terre Train Card grants access to hiking routes and unlimited train travel between the villages1.
Vivalto-cinque-terre-express-manarola. Image: Remontees, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
- The Bernina Express:
- Route: This UNESCO-listed route runs from Italian Tirano to St. Moritz. It’s considered one of the most spectacular rail journeys globally.
- Scenery: Clinging to mountainsides thousands of feet up, you’ll witness spiral viaducts, waterfalls, glaciers, and the ear-popping peaks of the Italian and Swiss Alps.
- Attractions: Autumn brings colourful leaves, while winter drapes the mountains in snow. Start from Tirano, linked to trains from Milan. Book panoramic carriage seats in advance1.
Berninabahn rail journey. Image: PechristenerFile:Switzerland location map.svg: NordNordWest, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
- Reggio Calabria to Scilla:
- Route: A short but delightful ride along the Calabrian coast. It takes just 20 minutes.
- Scenery: Enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea, coastal cliffs, and charming towns.
- Attractions: If you have time before catching the ferry to Sicily, explore the seaside town of Scilla1.
Scilla Castello. Image: Anna Majkowska, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
- Rome to Sicily:
- Route: A journey from the Eternal City to the island of Sicily.
- Scenery: As you travel south, watch the landscape change from rolling hills to rugged coastline.
- Attractions: Arrive in Sicily, where ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and delicious cuisine await2.
Torretta Pepoli. Erice, Sicily, Italy. Image: Norbert Nagel, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
- Venice to Florence:
- Route: Connecting two iconic Italian cities.
- Scenery: Glide through the Venetian lagoon, past vineyards, and into the Tuscan countryside.
- Attractions: Explore Florence’s Renaissance art, historic bridges, and charming streets2.
Grand Canal, Church of Santa Maria della Salute. Image: Sergey Ashmarin, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
- Milan to Bolzano:
- Route: From the fashion capital to the heart of the Dolomites.
- Scenery: Marvel at the Alpine vistas, lush valleys, and charming villages.
- Attractions: In Bolzano, discover a blend of Italian and Austrian culture, along with stunning mountain views2.
Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) – Milan. Image: Giorgio Galeotti, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
- Cinque Terre Express:
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Remember, these train journeys aren’t just about getting from one place to another; they’re immersive experiences that allow you to savour Italy’s diverse landscapes and rich history. So, grab a window seat, sip your coffee, and let the scenery unfold before your eyes!