Ferrovia della Val d’Orcia – Ph. Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane/flickr
Italy as seen through the window of a train, an alternative and somewhat romantic way to discover some gems of our beloved peninsula
Exploring Italy by train offers a unique opportunity to discover the country from a different perspective. The tracks pass through breathtaking landscapes, connecting art cities, picturesque villages and hidden corners that often escape classic tourist itineraries. In short traveling by train allows you to experience many more emotions, if then the routes are scenic and allow you to reach unfamiliar spots, the train ride becomes an unforgettable experience.
Before starting the journey, it is best to get comfortable. It is a good habit to have with you a book, a computer with a good VPN extension for Chrome, to navigate safely, a body care kit, a travel pillow, snacks and water.
But which routes to choose in Italy? Here are the most beautiful ones to travel by train.
The Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy
The train departs from Sulmona, a town famous for Sulmona’s sugared almonds, and arrives in Isernia. A route that crosses Abruzzo and Molise to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the Abruzzo Highlands, which according to Luciano Zeppegno, a Gente Viaggi journalist, are reminiscent of the Siberian steppes. During the 128-km-long journey, stops are planned within the Majella Park and Abruzzo National Park, at ancient villages and famous tourist sites such as Roccaraso.
The journey takes place inside a historic train and climbs more than 1,000 meters above sea level; at some points, which are extremely scenic, the gradient reaches 28 percent.
‘SPECIAL’ STOP: Pescocostanzo, village known to be one of the most beautiful in Italy. Located at 1395 m, it is a must-see destination in both summer and winter.
Pescocostanzo – Ph. Stefano_Valeri/shutterstock
Cinque Terre Express
A regional train that runs between Levanto and La Spezia. Its special feature is that it stops in the 5 best-known villages of the Cinque Terre. During this route, it is possible to observe from the window the wonderful views offered by the Ligurian coast, including picturesque villages, sheer rocky coastlines and scenic points of the Ligurian Sea.
The train operates only from mid-March to early November, but for those who love the sea in winter, you can travel the same route by regular regional train.
‘SPECIAL’ STOP: Riomaggiore, a small village characterized by the pastel colors of its buildings and the presence of fishermen’s boats. The combination of colors, scents, sounds makes this village a hidden gem among the hills.
Riomaggiore – Ph. Vincenzo Landino/Unsplash
Val d’Orcia railway
This train line connects Asciano, a town in the province of Siena, to Monte Antico, a small hamlet in the province of Grosseto. It is an ancient route built in 1872, which has been reopened as a tourist railway since 1996.
Passengers travel 51 kilometers on a steam train through the typical landscapes of Tuscany, characterized by hills, vineyards, olive groves and medieval villages. Those who choose this route also have the opportunity to taste local products, especially the famous red wine of Montalcino.
‘SPECIAL’ STOP: Buonconvento. Small town of about 3,000 inhabitants surrounded by medieval walls. The most characteristic spot is the historic center. When you walk through the streets of this small village, it feels like going back in time.
Buonconvento – Ph. katuka/shutterstock
The Train of the Gods
A train that can make people appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of southern Italy. The route covered is from Paola (Province of Cosenza) to Lamezia Terme. On this route you can see white beaches, coves, villages perched on fortresses and headlands.
The route is covered by a historical train, and in addition to Tropea, village of the villages of 2021, other small towns characteristic of the Calabrian lands are touched upon. There are two possible routes to choose from Paola-Tropea and Tropea-Reggio Calabria. You can check and find cheap tickets on Omio.
‘SPECIAL’ STOP: Amantea, an interesting village both for its historic center, but also for its location, stands in fact, on a rock.
Amantea – Ph. ggennarino/flickr
In addition to these special routes, it is always possible to take a regional or high-speed train to appreciate some wonderful Italian landscapes. Just study the map of Italy, choose your favorite landscape, buy your ticket, and don’t remember to look out the window.
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