As the crisp autumn air begins to settle over Italy, painting the landscape in vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, there’s no better way to experience this magical season than on a train journey. With its rich history, charming towns and breathtaking scenery, Italy offers a variety of destinations to explore during your autumn half-term break.
- Why Choose a Train Journey?
- Rome–Florence High-Speed Train
- Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway
- Bernina Express
- Rittner Bahn
- Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy
- Val d’Orcia Railway
- Cinque Terre Regional Train
Why Choose a Train Journey?
Travelling by train allows you to relax, unwind, and soak up the stunning views as you journey through Italy’s diverse landscapes. It’s a more sustainable and scenic way to travel than flying. Plus, Italo offers comfortable seating, ample legroom and on-board services to make your journey even more enjoyable.
Rome–Florence High-Speed Train
One of the most memorable ways to enjoy Italy’s autumn half-term is a high-speed trip from Rome to Florence. With Italo, In just 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll glide from the Eternal City, with its ancient monuments and lively piazzas, to the heart of the Renaissance, where art and history come alive at every corner. As the train crosses Lazio and enters Tuscany, you can watch the countryside transform into a patchwork of golden fields, russet vineyards and rolling hills – the perfect seasonal backdrop for your journey.
Highlights:
- Swift and stress-free connection between two iconic cities.
- Autumn views of the Tuscan hills, bathed in warm colours.
- A relaxing journey with comfortable seating and on-board services.
Key attractions:
- Rome: take a morning stroll past the Colosseum or the Pantheon before boarding.
- Florence: step off the train ready to explore the Uffizi, the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio.
- Tuscan landscapes: ideal for autumn photography from the comfort of your seat.
Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway
One of the most picturesque train journeys in Italy is the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway. This scenic route connects Domodossola in Italy to Locarno in Switzerland, passing through enchanting valleys and charming villages. As you travel, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the foliage in Italy reflecting the rich colours of the autumn landscape. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it an ideal day trip during your half-term holiday. This narrow-gauge railway winds its way through the stunning Centovalli valley, offering breathtaking views of lakes, mountains and charming villages.
Highlights:
- Stunning views of the Centovalli valley.
- Stops at quaint villages like Re and Santa Maria Maggiore.
- Opportunities for hiking and exploring local culture.
Key attractions:
- Santa Maria Maggiore: A charming village known for its architectural heritage and museums, including the Chimney Sweep Museum.
- Re: Famous for the Sanctuary, a place of pilgrimage immersed in nature.
- Vigezzo Valley: The ‘Valley of the Painters’ offers breathtaking scenery and the chance to hike.
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Bernina Express
If you’re seeking a more adventurous route, the Bernina Express is a must. This UNESCO World Heritage route takes you from Tirano to St. Moritz, crossing the Alps and offers some of the most spectacular vistas in Europe. The train travels through stunning landscapes where you can witness the majestic greenery of Italy transitioning to snow-capped peaks. The journey lasts about 4 hours, allowing ample time to soak up the beauty of autumn. As you ascend to the Bernina Pass, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of snowy mountains, lush valleys and sparkling glaciers.
Highlights:
- Crosses the iconic Brusio spiral viaduct.
- Views of glacial lakes and mountain ranges.
- Comfortable panoramic carriages for optimal sightseeing.
Key attractions:
- Tirano: The starting point of the tour, famous for its wine and the Palazzo Salis.
- Lago di Poschiavo: A picturesque alpine lake offering outdoor activities and beautiful views.
- St. Moritz: One of the world’s most famous ski resorts, ideal for winter sports and luxury shopping.
Rittner Bahn
The Rittner Bahn, or Ritten Railway, is another delightful way to experience autumn in Italy. This narrow-gauge railway runs from Bolzano to Oberbozen and offers breathtaking views of the Dolomites. The ride is approximately 30 minutes long and provides a unique view of the changing scenery as you ascend to higher altitudes. The vineyards are ablaze with colour in autumn, making for a truly unforgettable experience.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of Bolzano and the surrounding vineyards.
- Access to hiking trails with stunning autumn scenery.
- A charming experience on a vintage train.
Key attractions:
- Bolzano: Famous for its mix of Italian and German culture, Bolzano has museums such as the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.
- Oberbozen: A vantage point with access to hiking trails and spectacular views of the Dolomites.
Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy
While not as famous as its Russian counterpart, Italy boasts its own version known as the Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy, more commonly referred to as the Transiberiana d’Italia. This scenic train ride takes you through some of Italy’s most remote areas, including Abruzzo and Molise. The journey showcases breathtaking landscapes enhanced by autumn colours, making it an excellent choice for nature lovers. The Trans-Siberian Railway of Abruzzo route stretches about 128 kilometres, starting in Sulmona, a historical town surrounded by mountains, to Isernia, in Molise. The train passes through 20 stations and offers spectacular views of mountain landscapes, valleys, rivers and forests.
Highlights:
- Journey through national parks and untouched wilderness.
- Experience local traditions and cuisine along the route.
- Perfect for photography enthusiasts wishing to capture the beauty of an Italian autumn.
Key attractions:
- Sulmona: Famous for its sugared almonds and medieval architecture, this is a perfect stopping point.
- Majella National Park: Offers opportunities for trekking and wildlife spotting in an unspoilt natural environment.
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Val d’Orcia Railway
The Val d’Orcia Railway offers another enchanting route through one of Tuscany’s most picturesque regions. Although this line is no longer operational for regular passenger services, it remains a popular destination for tourists seeking scenic beauty. Today, the 51.2km Val d’Orcia Railway links the provinces of Siena (Asciano) and Grosseto (Monte Antico). You can explore Val d’Orcia by taking the train to nearby towns such as Pienza or Montalcino and enjoy local wine tastings amidst the stunning autumn colours.
Highlights:
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Sample renowned local wines such as Brunello di Montalcino.
- Enjoy leisurely walks through vineyards surrounded by autumn colours.
Key attractions:
- Pienza: UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its pecorino cheese and scenic roads.
- Montalcino: Known for the delicious Brunello di Montalcino wine – try a tasting and explore the beautiful hilly landscapes.
Cinque Terre Regional Train
No visit to Italy during half-term would be complete without seeing the Cinque Terre Regional Train. This line connects five charming coastal villages along the Ligurian coast, each offering a unique charm and breathtaking views of both land and sea. The train ride provides glimpses of vibrant coastal foliage that contrasts beautifully with the azure waters.
Highlights:
- Easy access to all five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
- The chance to walk between the villages with stunning coastal views.
- Delightful local cuisine featuring fresh seafood.
Key attractions:
- Monterosso al Mare: The largest of the Cinque Terre, with sandy beaches and a charming old town.
- Vernazza: With its picturesque harbour and colourful houses, Vernazza is considered one of the most beautiful of the villages.
- Riomaggiore: Featuring steep, narrow streets, Riomaggiore offers amazing sea views and access to scenic trails.
