With an important rail network, Italy is a very pleasant country to explore by rail.
No more traffic jams and overcrowded parking lots, we sit comfortably on the leather seat of a train to contemplate the landscape that scrolls through the window.
Along the sea, in the mountains and even on the islands, here are three favorites to inspire you to plan a transalpine train trip.
To discover
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From Calabria to Sicily, beaches and myths
The adventure begins on the Coast of the Gods, in Tropea, Calabria, above the beach. When the sun sets behind the Aeolian Islands, the light is splendid. Further south, stop at Scilla, the rock where the sea monster lived that challenged Ulysses. With its translucent beaches and the fishermen's houses of Chianalea, there is nothing scary about the village. The next day, we board a train unlike any other: to reach Sicily, wagon after wagon, the convoy gets on a ferry, which drops us off on the other side, then in Taormina, city of the most beautiful amphitheater. from southern Italy. In the distance, Etna; at his feet, Catania, the next step. With delight, we dive into its black and baroque streets, where volcanic stone borders on marble. Still a few free days? Head for Syracuse, thatyou reach after a trip along the sea. On the Ortigia peninsula, where the old town is built, the waves whisper while you dine on pasta with swordfish. On dry land, the ruins of Neapolis hide an immense treasure, the ear of Dionysius, the tyrant who reigned over the region in the 5th century BC.
Departure
: Tropea
Arrival
: Syracuse
Stops
: Scilla, Taormina, Catania
Price
: 34 €
How to get there
?
By night train from Florence, by TGV from Paris via Milan and Rosarno, by plane from Lamezia Terme (connected to the train).
When to go
?
From June to the end of September, to enjoy the beaches.
A good address on the road
: Divino Mare, in Syracuse, ultra fresh fish close to the market.
Via Raffaele Lanza, 10, 96100 Siracusa.
Phone.
: +39 09311810209.
Read alsoIn Sicily, travel to the crossroads of the charms of the Mediterranean
From the plains to the peaks of the Dolomites
The mountains of the Dolomites.
LAURENT FABRE / Le Figaro Magazine
In the Po plain, the Dolomites can hardly be guessed and the cities of art are a real eye-catcher. First Verona, which makes the hearts of lovers beat faster, kissing on its old stone bridges and strolling on its pink marble sidewalks. Then Vicenza, hardly further away, strewn with Palladian architecture and superb churches. Across the fields, the little train bearing the Lion of Saint Mark, a regional emblem, then approaches the foothills of the mountain. Here is Bassano del Grappa, known for its Ponte degli Alpini, an old wooden bridge on which tradition has it that you taste a Mezzo and Mezzo, a variant of the Spritz made from local liqueurs.
Going around the mountains, a beautiful train line then takes us to Trento, a student city with beautiful palaces built in the wake of the Council of Trent.
Going further north through the Adige valley, we arrive in Bolzano, a gentle alpine city that combines Austrian and Italian accents.
Thanks to the cable car, we finally reach the high plateau of Renon, where a small mountain train runs.
It is a hiker's paradise, with, in the distance, the brilliant peaks of the Dolomites shining brightly.
Departure
: Verona
Arrival
: Bolzano
Stops
: Vicenza, Bassano del Grappa, Trento, Soprabolzano
Price
: € 34.70
How to get there ?
By TGV from Paris via Milan, by plane from Verona airport or Venice.
When to go
In winter, when the peaks are covered with snow and you can hike with snowshoes on the Renon plateau
A good address on the road:
Vögele, in Bolzano, real mountain cuisine in a traditional and chic setting.
Via Goethe, 3. Tel.
: +39 0471 973938.
In the heart of the Italian hills, in the Tuscan-Umbria countryside
Petroia Castle in Gubbio.
JEAN MICHEL VOGE / Le Figaro Magazine
Departure to Arezzo, a mishmash of alleys winding around Piazza Grande, dotted with antique shops. Cicadas, umbrella pines, glass of Chianti and bruschetta on the terrace, our exploration of the heart of Italy begins gently. Cortona, next stop, literally takes our breath away: they are steep, the old arteries of the Etruscan city, which lead to the Fortezza di Girifalco. From this perch, we contemplate the entire Tuscan-Umbrian countryside. The next day, we leave for Perugia, a jewel shaped by the Etruscans, enriched by painters, mixed with Renaissance and medieval architecture. From there, we take a train line that weaves its way between the hills to drop us off, amazed, first in Assisi, then in Spoleto. Difficult to remain unmoved in front of the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi,or in front of the delicate rose windows of Spoleto Cathedral.
Departure
: Arezzo
Arrival
: Spoleto
Stops
: Cortona, Perugia, Assisi
Note
: The stations are located outside the historic center of these steep towns, it is sometimes necessary to take a shuttle: for Cortona, get off at Camucia-Cortona and take the SU4 bus to the city center, to Assisi, free shuttle "A" to the center from the station, in Perugia, mini-metro.
Price
: € 17.95
How to get there ?
By TGV from Paris via Milan then by regional train to Arezzo, by plane from Florence airport.
When to go
In spring, in a countryside in full rebirth
A good address on the road:
La Buccacia, in Cortona, which only serves products of exceptional quality.
Via Ghibellina, 17. Tel.
: +39 0575 606039.
