Best for... coastal views
Embrace the fresh sea air along the Italian Riviera as you journey te Ligurian coast at your leisure.
Genoa to Ventimiglia (Riviera dei Fiori, Liguria)
Route: Genoa → Ventimiglia (bordering France)
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Begin your journey from the heart of Italy’s Liguria region in fascinating Genoa. Perched on the azure coast of the Italian Riviera, Genoa is teeming with architectural history and culture.
Hugging the west coast along rugged cliffs and pristine beaches, this scenic route to the medieval hilltop town of Ventimiglia is the perfect base to explore coastal gems along the way. With views of turquoise waters, visit charming Mediterranean towns like Sanremo as you inch closer to the border of France.
Tip: Stop at Santa Margherita Ligure to visit Portofino or enjoy the beaches of Finale Ligure.
Best for… history lovers
Catch a glimpse of ancient Pompeii as you explore Italy’s archaeological wonders.
Naples to Pompeii and Herculaneum
Route: Naples Garibaldi → Pompeii Scavi/Villa dei Misteri or Ercolano Scavi (via the
Circumvesuviana line)
Duration: 30 to 40 minutes
Named after its route circling the base of Mount Vesuvius, few rail holidays to Italy pack in as much history as the
Circumvesuviana line from Naples. This short journey takes you to two of the most famous Roman archaeological sites destroyed by the eruption in 79 AD – the ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii.
Take the whole day to visit Herculaneum along the way, named after the Greek god Hercules. Pompeii is expansive, while Herculaneum offers a more intimate and better-preserved glimpse into ancient life.
Tip: Visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum before or after, home to a wide collection of artefacts and treasures rescued from the sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Admire ancient Roman mosaics, furniture and statues preserved from the ruins.
Best for… arts and culture lovers
Dive into the world of historic artists and explore countless museums and cultural highlights in picture-perfect Tuscany.
Florence to Siena (via Chianti region)
Route: Florence Santa Maria Novella → Siena
Duration: 1.5 hours
One of the cultural capitals of Europe, Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance. Home to Michelangelo’s
David, the Uffizi Gallery, and Brunelleschi’s Dome, there’s no shortage of world-famous masterpieces to tick off your bucket list.
During your stay, take a day trip to travel through the scenic vineyards of the Chianti region to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Gothic cathedral and the
Palio horse race.
While you can reach Siena easily in a day, we recommend setting aside a few days to soak up the tapestry of history between the ancient red brick cobblestones and rolling hills.
Tip: Explore the frescoes of the Siena Cathedral’s Piccolomini Library and the civic pride displayed in the
Palazzo Pubblico.
Best for… taking the scenic route
Embrace sweeping views of the Swiss Alps as you travel from Italy to Switzerland.
Bernina Express (Tirano to St. Moritz, Switzerland)
Route: Tirano (Italy) → St. Moritz (Switzerland)
Duration: 2.5 hours
A UNESCO World Heritage railway route, the Bernina Express crosses the Alps with views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and turquoise lakes. The Italian segment begins in Tirano, a charming alpine town.
Tucked into the valley connecting Italy, Switzerland and Austria, Tirano is as picturesque as it is welcoming. Explore cobbled streets nestled in the surrounding mountains and vineyards and visit the Basilica of the Madonna di Tirano before embarking on your Alpine adventure.
As you take in the views on the Bernina Express, it’s easy to hop off and mooch around along the way. Stroll the tranquil lake in Miralago or take a cable car up the Bernina Valley in Diavolezza. A true railway experience, travel through breathtaking scenery lifted right out of a fairytale.
Tip: Travel in panoramic coaches for uninterrupted views of the dramatic landscapes.
Best for… outdoor adventurers
Unlock the Gateway to the Dolomites as you travel from Milan to Bolzano, with a stop in fair Verona.
Milan to Bolzano (via Verona)
Route: Milan → Verona → Bolzano
Duration: 3 – 5 hours
Travel from the fashion metropolis of Milan to the snow-capped heights of the Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for hiking, climbing, skiing, and mountain biking. This journey can take anywhere from three to five hours depending on which scenic route you choose, passing through dramatic alpine views and medieval towns.
This route also travels through historic Verona. Why not break up your journey and explore the city that inspired Shakespeare’s
Romeo and Juliet? Discover Verona Arena, built in 30 AD, and walk the cobbled streets where so many hearts have been captured.
Continue your journey to Bolzano, where sweeping mountain views and a charming town square invite you in as the excitement of the Dolomites beckons just beyond. Rich in both history and excursions, Bolzano has something to offer every traveller, ideal for adventures in the nearby Val Gardena or Alpe di Siusi.
Tip: Thinking of extending your adventure? Bolzano is an excellent base to head north through the Alps to Austria via the scenic Brenner Pass.
Best for… luxury living
Step back in time to a world of glamour and elegance on the Orient Express.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Route: Venice to Paris (and beyond, with Italian legs connecting Venice, Verona, and Florence).
Duration: Overnight (Classic route)
Embrace stunning views of northern Italy, the Alps, and European landscapes on the world-famous Orient Express. This iconic train epitomizes old-world elegance, with Art Deco interiors, gourmet dining, and impeccable service. Enjoy a journey through the Italian countryside in a setting reminiscent of the 1920s.
One of our favourite rail holidays Italy has to offer, this route begins in Venice and whisks you away on a relaxing journey in incomparable luxury to Paris. Step aboard and settle into your own comfortable cabin before enjoying an exquisite three-course lunch with countryside views.
Tip: The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train requires smart daywear for lunch and formal evening attire for dinner, so make sure to pack your finest ensembles.
Best for… romance
Explore the unforgettable beauty of Tuscany among vineyards, cypress trees, and hilltop towns.
The Apennine Express (Tuscany)
Route: Bologna to Prato and Florence
Duration: 1 hour
This scenic route takes you through Tuscany's idyllic rolling hills, dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and charming medieval villages. The peaceful and picturesque surroundings create an intimate atmosphere for couples.
Teeming with heritage and medieval beauty, Bologna is known for its stunning panoramas and captivating city life. And let’s not forget, Bologna is a dream for foodies. Birthplace of the Bolognese, sample authentic cuisine from family-run
trattorias (casual eateries) with a glass of the finest red wine.
Meanwhile, swap red brick Bologna for Tuscany’s second-largest city, Prato. Sister city to Florence, Prato is known for being the largest textile centre in Europe, making for a wonderful shopping excursion.
Finally, known for its endless charm and cultural gravitas, return to Florence and capture the very essence of romance in Tuscany.
Tip: See Florence from a new perspective with a romantic sunset river cruise along the Arno River.
Best for… experiencing hidden gems
Discover Calabria along the Ionian Railway in the foot of Italy’s boot.
The Ionian Railway (Calabria)
Route: Sibari to Reggio Calabria
Duration: ~5 hours.
This coastal journey follows the Ionian Sea from the seaside town of Sibari, with stunning views of unspoiled beaches, ancient ruins, and rural Calabria. Perfect for exploring the quieter side of southern Italy.
Explore the Calabrian region at a slower pace, ending your journey in Calabria’s largest city, Reggio Calabria. Highlights along the way include the dramatic coastline and archaeological sites like Locri Epizefiri.
Perched at the foot of Sicily, Reggio is often overlooked en route to Messina. But there’s so much more to Reggio Calabria than a stepping stone to Sicily. Take a walk along the expansive
Lungomare Falcomatà promenade with unrivalled views of the Straits of Messina and visit the 6th Century Aragon Castle in the city centre.
Tip: From Reggio, you can catch a quick 40-minute ferry overlooking Mount Etna to Messina, Sicily.
Best for… travelling in style
Travel in style aboard the Orient Express La Dolce Vita, a glamorous train journey that blends romance, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class dining from the canals of Venice to the historic grandeur of Rome.
The La Dolce Vita
Route: Venice to Rome.
Duration: 2 days
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Italy aboard the Orient Express
La Dolce Vita, a luxurious train journey celebrating the golden age of travel. This route takes you through Italy’s most enchanting landscapes, from the romantic canals of Venice to the historic grandeur of Rome.
Begin in Venice, a city synonymous with romance and charm. Glide through serene canals on a gondola ride, marvel at the opulence of St. Mark’s Basilica, and indulge in Venetian specialties like cicchetti paired with a crisp prosecco. As you board the Orient Express, the refined Art Deco interiors and impeccable service set the tone for an unforgettable, and stylish, journey.
As the train winds through the Italian countryside, take in panoramic views of rolling vineyards, ancient villages, and majestic mountains. The onboard dining experience is a highlight, featuring seasonal menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients by world-class chefs.
Arrive in Rome, where history and culture abound. Visit iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Trevi Fountain, or simply lose yourself in the cobblestone streets of Trastevere. With its vibrant atmosphere and rich heritage, Rome is the perfect culmination of this luxurious adventure.
Tip: Extend your trip with a private tour of the Roman countryside, exploring charming towns like Tivoli and the famed Villa d’Este gardens for a taste of authentic Italian life.
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