Italy by train

Top booked trips to Italy and Sicily

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Epic adventures to Italy by train

The Rhaetian Railway

Zürich, Milan, Florence, Pisa, Turin, Chambery

The most scenic route to Italy is by way of the UNESCO Rhaetian Railway, one of the most spectacular mountain railways in the world.

Italy to Sicily by train

Zürich, Rome, Naples, Reggio Calabria, Catania, Syracuse, Palermo, Messina and Milan

Italy’s ancient cities meet island escapism. Stop off through Italy and travel along the Tyrrhenian coastline, crossing the Strait of Messina to Sicily. 

Through Italy to Greece

Zurich, Bologna, Bari, Corfu, Ancona, Milan

By way of Italy and an overnight sailing from Bari, reach the UNESCO Heritage town of Corfu on Greece’s verdant Ionian Island, 100% flight-free.

City breaks to Italy by rail

Turin city break

Chambéry, Turin, Paris

Travel via Paris and Chambéry for a regal taste of La Dolce Vita. Uncover unsung Turin: authentic, green, and one of UNESCO’s official creative cities.

Milan city break

Paris, Milan, Zürich

Fashion capital, thriving financial hub and home to some of Europe’s best nightlife. Go for the Duomo, stay for off-beat museums and underground bars.

Venice city break

Venice, Paris

By way of the Nightjet sleeper, wake up in the heart of the city of love. Our advice? Go off-season for fruit-studded panettone crisp canal jaunts, coffee in hand.

Top Italian beach trips by train

Amalfi Coast

Paris, Naples, Amalfi, Florence, Milan, Chambery

Above the buzz of fine seafood and aperitif spots carved into the cliffs, the Monti Lattari lead up into green landscapes of citrus trees and umbrella pines.

Cinque Terre

Zürich, Milan, Monterosso al Mare, Turin, Chambery, Paris

The five towns of the Cinque Terre National Park are strung together by the Cinque Terre Express. Freely hop on and off for freshwater dips and a bite.

Italian Riviera

Turin, Alassio, Menton, Paris

Sheltered by the Ligurian hills, Alassio is a resort town on the Riviera delle Palme, once favourite spot of Hemingway, and home to Liguria’s longest beach.

Cultural trips to Italy

Tasting Italy

Turin, Naples, Rome, Bologna, Milan, Paris

Because food is culture. Discover the slow-food movement in Turin, and take the train from Naples to Rome, tasting your way through the birthplace of Pizza and the home of Bolognese.

When in Rome

Turin, Rome, Catania, Naples, Milan, Paris

Get under the skin of Italy’s most remarkable Roman ruins as you head through Rome to Naples by train, before crossing the the Strait to Sicily.

Italy’s art cities

Zürich, Milan, Venice, Florence, Paris

Walk the halls of the Palazzo Morando in the fashion capital, marvel at the Venetian masters, and rub shoulders with the Medici family at the Uffizi.

Natural landscapes in Italy and Sicily

Rural Tuscany

Paris, Turin, San Gimignano, Florence, Munich

Weave through rural Tuscany to reach the hilltop town of San Gimignano, overlooking miles of cypress-studded countryside and rolling vineyards.

Lake Como

Basel, Lugano, Varenna, Paris

Head through the Swiss canton of Ticino before a glacial sailing across to Varenna, a medieval town on Lake Como flanked by the Grigne mountains. 

Sicilian sunsets

Turin, Rome, Cefalù, Messina, Naples, Turin

Catch Sicilian sunsets on an overnight sailing through the volcanic Aeolian islands to Sicily. Pairs perfectly with grapefruit granita and a battered novel. 

How long does it take?

Here’s the minimum time you’ll need for a relaxed round trip starting from London. We do other departure stations, too!

Italian regions

  • Sicily

    History buffs and sun lovers, this Mediterranean island is for you.

  • Northern Italy

    Spectacular mountain vistas, vast lakes, and captivating historic cities.

  • Riviera

    For coastal train journeys and a dose of glamour.

  • Italian cities

    Italy’s top cities for art, food and culture, 100% flight-free.

5 Spectacular rail journeys in Italy


Trains to Italy and onwards to its cities, lofty mountains and sun soaked Mediterranean coastline operate on spectacular routes. Soak up dreamy vistas and feel good about choosing a sustainable travel option to explore Italy’s highlights.

The Amalfi Coast

Embark on a scenic coastal rail journey for your Amalfi Coast holiday. Italia trains from Naples to Salerno offer a vision of pastel-coloured villages perched on hillsides, and dramatic cliff top views across the shimmering azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The Cinque Terre

If you want the most enchanting Italy holiday by train, look no further than the Cinque Terre region, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Ligurian coast. Hop on and off local trains that connect the fishing villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso and soak up views of colourful cliffside houses, terraced vineyards, and the sparkling Ligurian Sea.

The Circumetnea in Sicily

Embark on a remarkable journey aboard the Circumetnea railway for your holiday in Sicily. Traverse the scenic hilltop landscapes, passing through postcard-pretty stations like Catania Borgo, Randazzo and Riposto, and soak up the awe-inspiring vistas of Mount Etna.

Reggio Calabria to Sicily

Take the train from Rome to Naples or Reggio di Calabria, where you can connect to Villa San Giovanni, where the train boards a ferry for a short trip crossing the Strait of Messina, which separates mainland Italy from Sicily. Once you arrive for your Sicily holiday, the train continues to various cities including Messina, Catania, Palermo or Siracusa.

The Bernina Express

Experience the Swiss-Italian Alps on better alternative to the Bernina Express from Tirano, Italy. This panoramic train journey takes you through dramatic mountain passes, breathtaking glaciers, and charming alpine villages. Along the way, take in engineering marvels like the circular viaduct of Brusio and stunning snow-capped peaks and jewel blue lakes.

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