4 Breathtaking Train Journeys Across Italy
Imagine watching the Italian coastline unfold outside your window, vineyards rolling past in golden waves, and ancient villages perched on cliffsides coming into view.
Train travel in Italy turns every journey into an adventure, blending comfort with some of the most stunning scenery on Earth.
Whether you crave coastal views or mountain peaks, these routes will steal your heart.
1. Cinque Terre Express
Picture five rainbow-colored villages clinging to rocky cliffs, each one more charming than the last.
That’s exactly what you’ll see aboard this coastal gem that hugs the Ligurian shoreline.
Vineyards cascade down hillsides like green waterfalls while the turquoise sea sparkles below.
Frequent stops mean you can hop off, explore cobblestone streets, sample fresh pesto, and catch the next train without stress.
This UNESCO World Heritage route turns sightseeing into pure magic, making every moment feel like a postcard come to life.
2. Bernina Express
Starting in the Italian town of Tirano, this engineering wonder climbs nearly 2,253 meters into the Swiss Alps without using a single cogwheel.
Talk about smooth sailing through mountain majesty!
Glaciers glisten in the sunlight, alpine meadows burst with wildflowers, and the famous Landwasser Viaduct will have you reaching for your camera.
Panoramic windows frame nature’s grandest theater, offering views that feel almost unreal.
Whether you’re a train buff or mountain lover, this UNESCO-listed route delivers jaw-dropping thrills at every turn.
3. Trenino Verde
Sardinia’s Little Green Train chugs through landscapes that time forgot, offering a nostalgic escape into the island’s wild heart.
Ancient villages appear around bends, their stone houses whispering stories from centuries past.
Dense forests give way to coastal vistas, and the slower pace invites you to truly absorb every detail.
Locals wave from hillsides, shepherds tend their flocks, and the rhythm of the rails becomes almost meditative.
If you’re craving authenticity over speed, this charming journey connects you with Sardinia’s soul.
4. Circumetnea Railway
Circling Europe’s most active volcano sounds thrilling, right?
This Sicilian route delivers exactly that, offering front-row seats to Mount Etna’s dramatic slopes and smoking craters.
Vineyards thrive in volcanic soil, producing wines with bold, earthy flavors you can taste in local towns along the way.
Small villages dot the landscape, each with its own character and history shaped by the mighty mountain.
Watching lava-scarred terrain transform into lush farmland is absolutely captivating, making this ride unforgettable for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
