Travel Italy by Train:
Your Ticket to Adventure

Explore in luxury and style with our Italian train and hotel packages

Golden vineyards, rolling Tuscan hills, rocky cliffs, and snow-dusted Alpine peaks make Italy’s ancient cities, coastal towns, and romantic countryside villages the perfect vacation destinations. 

Travel Italy by train with Rail Escape. Our bespoke rail and accommodation packages make it easy to discover this fascinating country for yourself. Visit famous landmarks, indulge in delicious cuisine, and experience local life when you embark on an Italian train journey.

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Italy rail travel and accommodation packages

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Mountain lake with rocky shores under cloudy skies
#WT-CODE 4870

Scenary And Elegance: Swiss Train Tour

10 Day(s) 9 Night(s)
No Size Limit

Embark on a 10-day Swiss Train Tour from Munich to Milan. Experience breathtaking alpine vistas aboard iconic trains. Book your adventure today!

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Boat cruising along the Grand Canal at sunset in Venice
#WT-CODE 4868

Art and Romance: Amsterdam to Rome and Venice

14 Day(s) 13 Night(s)
No Size Limit

Embark on a 14-day Art and Romance tour from Amsterdam to Rome and Venice. Enjoy iconic sights and unforgettable experiences. Reserve today!

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The exterior of Rome's Colosseum at sunset, with a clear sky and warm lighting
#WT-CODE 4882
View of Modica Cathedral and surrounding town from a high vantage point
#WT-CODE 4914

Sicily Tour: Catania & Beyond

9 Day(s) 8 Night(s)
No Size Limit

Discover Sicily’s baroque charm on our 9-day Sicily Tour. Enjoy stress-free rail travel, stunning architecture, and rich culture. Book your adventure today!

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Messina sea walk offering scenic ocean views and a relaxing coastal experience in Sicily.
#WT-CODE 4912

Best of Sicily: Palermo to Catania

8 Day(s) 7 Night(s)
No Size Limit

Uncover the Best of Sicily on our 8-day rail tour. Enjoy seamless travel, rich culture, and stunning landscapes. Book your unforgettable journey now!

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Why Italy is a standout destination for our rail tours

Italy’s picture-perfect scenery features lakes, mountains, valleys and beaches. Its rich heritage and world-class cuisine, including crowd-pleasers like pizza, gelato and tiramisu, also make it a favorite. When you factor in a taste for the finer things in life, from fashion to luxury trains, Italy has it all!

 

Its extensive rail infrastructure makes Italy one of the easiest European destinations to explore by train. The Rail Escape team has selected the best of Italy’s destinations, taking you directly to the heart of Italian culture.

Panoramic view of Catania with Mount Etna in the background

Connect with the heart of Italian culture

Italy has been shaped by the empires and civilizations that laid the foundation for modern society. Italian traditions, culture, and cuisine give insight into the nation’s varied and intriguing history and how it has shaped life in Italy today. 

 

Try these cultural experiences on your tour of Italy:

Costume Carnival in Venice

Every February, Venice transforms into a bright stage for the Carnevale di Venezia. Masks and costumes commemorate centuries-old traditions, from grand masked balls to street festivities.

An ode to opera and wine in Verona

Attend the opera in the Grand Arena, Verona’s 1st-century Roman amphitheater. Taste the famous Soave Classico wine and creamy Monte Veronese cheese in the nearby medieval village of Soave.

Retail therapy in Florence

Walk along Via de’ Tornabuoni for a journey through Italian craftsmanship. Home to many celebrated designers, there’s everything from fine leather goods to high-end boutiques.

Blooming flowers in Sicily and Sardinia

During spring and autumn, admire the wildflowers without the summer crowds while exploring Sardinia’s emerald coastlines or uncovering Sicily’s fascinating history.

Culture and flavor in Bologna

Known for its culinary heritage, Bologna is also a Renaissance hub and center of learning. Walk through its famous porticoes or covered walkways and climb its signature high towers for spectacular city views.

Italy’s artistic treasures

Italy’s artistic and architectural achievements showcase its remarkable and influential heritage, from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum to Burano’s lace-making and Murano’s glass.

Italy’s most picturesque rail routes

Experience three of the best scenic train routes in Italy with Rail Escape:

1. Venice to Florence

Iconic destinations Venice and Florence are easily accessible via high-speed trains, while regional trains take you via historic towns like Bologna and Ravenna. Select a regional route to experience the beauty of the Emilia-Romagna region and Tuscany’s pastoral landscapes.

2. Tirano to St Moritz

The Bernina Express, Europe’s highest train, runs through the Alps between Tirano and St. Moritz on a World Heritage route. See landmarks, including the Bernina Mountain Pass, Upper Engadine Valley, and Landwasser Viaduct, through oversized windows.

3. Cinque Terre

Connecting all five UNESCO-listed towns, The Cinque Terre Express boasts impressive coastal scenery. With nearly 100 Trenitalia trains running every 15 minutes, it’s easy to do even on a tight schedule. Customize your Rail Escape package to include this route.

Florence cityscape at sunset, showcasing the Duomo and city lights

Why entrust Rail Escape with your European rail adventures

Rail Escape provides premium vacations in Europe by train and is well-equipped to offer you a comfortable, convenient, and unforgettable vacation in Italy.

Expertly crafted journeys

Rail Escape curates exceptional travel experiences by selecting the finest Italian destinations and premium accommodations. Packages include airport transfers for a stress-free journey.

Explore destinations your way

With Rail Escape packages, there are no impersonal group tours or rigid schedules. We organize your accommodation and rail tickets while you plan your dining and sightseeing experiences to suit your preferences.

Stress-free premium rail travel

We send your train tickets directly to you, arrange your airport transfers and accommodation bookings, and you have access to our English-speaking team throughout your vacation.

Higher-end accommodation

Our tour packages all include 4+ star hotels and boutique accommodations carefully selected for quality and exclusivity, all with breakfast included.

Versatile itineraries

We can customize your rail and accommodation package, adding extra nights so you experience more at each destination.

Greener travel

Trains are environmentally friendly, producing lower carbon emissions than driving and flying. Tour Italy by rail for a more responsible vacation.

Local experience

Embrace Italian culture by traveling on the tracks like the locals do for a more authentic travel experience.

Dedicated support team

Our Welcome Pack, which includes tips, insights, and ideas for activities, helps you make the most of your vacation. Our English-speaking staff are available to assist you from the beginning to end of your adventure with us.

Designed for all ages

Rail Escape welcomes travelers of all ages! Our recommended activities in Italy suit families with young children, teenagers, couples, solo travelers, seniors, and people of various fitness levels.

60,000+ miles of expertise

The Rail Escape team specializes in creating bespoke, high-quality rail vacation packages, using our extensive firsthand experience of Italy’s railways and routes.

Italy travel tips and recommendations

English is widely spoken in major cities, but mastering a few simple phrases can help you earn respect from the locals—and make new friends along the way!

Basic Italian phrases

English is widely spoken in major cities, but mastering a few simple phrases can help you earn respect from the locals—and make new friends along the way!

 

  • Hello/Goodbye: Ciao (tchow)
  • Good morning: Buongiorno (bwohn/DJOHR/noh)
  • Good evening: Buona sera (BWOH/na SEH/rah)
  • Please: Per favore (per fah/VOH/reh)
  • Thank you: Grazie (GRAHTS/yeh)

Drink local

Italian wines are crafted along with regional cuisine. While Tuscany and Piedmont are the more well-known regions, high-quality wines are made throughout the country.

Gratuities

Tipping isn’t necessary. Service workers in Italy earn a fair wage and have low healthcare costs, so while gratuities aren’t expected, they are always welcome.

Midday break or riposo

Riposo, or pennichella, is a midday break similar to Spain’s siesta, which you can also experience when you explore Spain by train. In Italy, many shops close between 12 pm and 4 pm, then again around 7 pm for dinner. Be mindful of this when planning your day!

Navigating the Italian train network

While train travel is fairly straightforward in Italy, keep these factors in mind for a stress-free journey.

a Frecciarossa train at an Italian train station

Seat reservations

Most trains traveling between major destinations require seat reservations. Your Rail Escape package includes all rail tickets and seat reservations so you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Train types

  • Frecce trains: High-speed trains linking major cities like Turin, Milan, Rome and Naples. Reservations are made for you by our rail travel experts. 
  • EuroCity & InterCity trains: For international and intercity routes. Reservations are made by our team. 
  • Regional trains: For shorter routes like Florence–Pisa–Cinque Terre or Assisi. These are generally not used on our rail routes, however, our team will provide information when they are included.

On board Italian trains

Italian trains are clean, comfortable, and usually not overcrowded, making for an enjoyable journey. Both modern double-decker and older trains are well-suited for travel.

Frequently asked questions about discovering Italy by rail

Our rail travel specialists answer the most common questions about Italian train systems.

Why should I visit Italy by train?

Train travel lets you fully experience Italy’s heritage, art, and landscapes. Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites of any country—a wealth of wonders best discovered by rail.


Rail travel connects you with iconic destinations, allowing you to explore while enjoying spectacular scenery and views of the countryside. Travel onwards from Italy to see France by train, Germany and Austria!

The La Dolce Vita Orient Express. If you want to ride this train, simply let our team know, and we’ll include it on your itinerary.

Italy’s high-speed trains can reach up to 248 mph, with the Frecciarossa 1000 being the fastest. They connect most major cities like Milan, Rome, Naples, and Salerno.

Experience the best of Italy with Rail Escape

Revel in a front-row seat to the breathtaking beauty of Italy’s Alpine lakes, Renaissance villages, pine forests, and emerald beaches, transforming an ordinary vacation into an exotic Italian adventure. Each Rail Escape package includes premium rail tickets, high-end lodgings, airport transfers, and a curated list of suggested cultural excursions and attractions for you to see and do at your own pace.


Browse our Italian rail packages or get in touch with a rail travel specialist to find the most suitable itinerary for you.

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