Bernina Express: Tirano to St. Moritz
Must-DoIconicA UNESCO World Heritage railway across 196 bridges and through 55 tunnels, climbing to 2,253m at the Bernina Pass. The Landwasser viaduct is the highlight. Reach Tirano by Trenitalia from Milan (2.5h). Book the panoramic carriage.
Cinque Terre Line: La Spezia to Levanto
Must-DoFamilyFive tunnels, five villages, five bursts of Mediterranean light. The quick train between the Cinque Terre villages runs every 15–20 minutes and gives fleeting but stunning coastal views between each tunnel. Get the Cinque Terre Treno Card for unlimited rides.
Circumetnea: Catania to Riposto
Hidden GemBudgetA narrow-gauge railway circling Mount Etna through lava fields, citrus groves, and hilltop towns. Slow, local, and utterly charming. The views of Etna from the Randazzo section are extraordinary. Still uses vintage trains.
Naples to Sorrento (Circumvesuviana)
FamilyBudgetNot glamorous — but the stretch from Torre Annunziata to Vico Equense reveals the Bay of Naples with Vesuvius behind you and the Sorrentine Peninsula ahead. Exit at Pompeii Scavi or ride all the way to Sorrento.
Rome to Reggio Calabria (Frecciarossa)
Must-DoThe long run south on the high-speed line. The stretch through Calabria along the Tyrrhenian coast is spectacular — cliffs, sea, ancient castles. Book a window seat on the left (west) side heading south.
Bolzano to Innsbruck (Brenner Line)
IconicThrough the heart of the Alps via the Brenner Pass. Vineyards give way to snow peaks, medieval castles line the Isarco valley, and the Wipp valley narrows dramatically before Austria. Best in autumn colours.
Our pick
Bernina Express for the lifetime train experience. Circumetnea for the most charming local journey in Italy — €7 to circle a volcano.