Italy offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe, and one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy them is by rail. Luxury trains provide a comfortable seat to watch vineyards, coastlines, and rolling hills glide past your window while offering gourmet meals and first-class service.
These journeys combine the charm of old-world travel with modern comforts, turning transportation into part of the adventure itself. Here is a list of 16 luxury train journeys to explore Italy, each offering its own unique route and experience.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the crown jewel of luxury train travel in Europe, and Italy plays a starring role in its routes. Passengers can board in Venice and journey through the Alps toward Paris or London, enjoying vintage carriages and lavish dining along the way.
The polished wood interiors and art deco details create the feeling of stepping back into the golden age of travel. Every meal is prepared with seasonal ingredients, often reflecting Italian flavors before the train heads north.
Bernina Express panoramic route
Though not as famously glamorous as some, the Bernina Express offers a different kind of luxury—spectacular alpine views. Starting in Tirano, Italy, the train climbs into Switzerland across bridges and spirals, passing glaciers, lakes, and valleys.
The panoramic windows ensure that passengers never miss a moment of the shifting scenery. It is a shorter journey than others but delivers a sense of wonder that feels priceless.
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Golden Eagle Danube Express
The Golden Eagle Danube Express occasionally offers Italian itineraries, including routes that begin or end in Venice. The train is fitted with spacious cabins and private bathrooms, blending hotel-like comfort with the romance of rail.
Onboard dining features regional specialties, and the lounge cars encourage conversation among travelers. Passing through Italy before continuing east toward Budapest or beyond adds a cultural richness to the experience.
Trenitalia Frecciarossa executive class
Not all luxury train travel in Italy requires vintage charm—modern high-speed services can feel indulgent too. Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa trains feature executive class cars with leather armchairs, fine dining, and private lounges.
The routes connect major cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples in style and speed. While the ride is quick, the comfort rivals that of international business flights.
Thello sleeper service
Though simpler than other luxury experiences, Thello’s sleeper trains between Paris, Milan, and Venice provide a comfortable overnight journey. Private cabins with beds, washbasins, and evening service make the ride more relaxing than a flight.
Waking up as the train glides into northern Italy is a highlight for many travelers. The ability to cover long distances overnight while still enjoying personal space adds value to the trip.
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La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Launching in 2025, the Orient Express La Dolce Vita aims to bring a new era of luxury rail to Italy. Designed with mid-century elegance, the train will feature suites, fine dining cars, and itineraries across the country.
Routes are expected to cover Tuscany, Sicily, and the Dolomites, showcasing Italy’s diversity in scenery. This project is anticipated to redefine modern rail luxury within Italy itself.
Trans-Siberian Golden Eagle extension
Occasionally, the famous Golden Eagle route includes extensions into Italy, particularly Venice. For travelers combining multiple countries, this creates a seamless link between Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Cabins include private bathrooms, entertainment systems, and fine linens, ensuring maximum comfort. While not Italy-exclusive, it remains one of the rare ways to include the country in such a vast rail journey.
Trenitalia’s intercity notte deluxe cabins
Italy’s overnight Intercity Notte trains provide a more understated yet comfortable luxury option. Deluxe cabins feature beds, clean linens, and small extras like breakfast service.
Routes connect northern and southern Italy, including journeys between Milan and Sicily. The convenience of waking up in a new region while avoiding airport hassle makes this option appealing for travelers who value privacy.
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Railbookers’ luxury packages
Railbookers offers custom itineraries that combine Trenitalia’s high-speed trains with hotel stays and guided tours. While not a single train, these packages create a seamless luxury experience around Italy by rail.
Travelers can move from Venice to Florence to Rome while enjoying top-tier accommodations off the train. The blend of curated service and fast connections makes it ideal for those seeking stress-free planning.
Belmond trains through Italy
Belmond, the company behind the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, also operates regional luxury trains. Some of their itineraries cross northern Italy, linking destinations like Verona and Venice with cross-European routes.
These trains emphasize fine dining, historic carriages, and curated excursions along the way. For travelers who want refinement without leaving Italy’s borders, Belmond delivers consistency.
Special event charter trains
Italy occasionally offers luxury charter trains for special occasions such as wine tours or cultural festivals. These trains feature restored vintage carriages, multi-course meals, and guided tours off the train.
Routes often include Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, or Piedmont, where vineyards and historic towns provide scenic stops. The exclusivity and one-time nature of these journeys make them especially appealing to collectors of travel experiences.
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Trenitalia Club executive lounges
Beyond the train itself, Trenitalia’s luxury offering includes access to executive lounges in stations. These lounges provide refreshments, quiet workspaces, and early boarding privileges.
Travelers moving between Milan, Rome, and Florence can combine fast service with an airport-style VIP experience. It’s an overlooked but valuable part of Italian luxury train travel.
Le Dolomiti Express
Running between Trento and Val di Sole, the Dolomiti Express isn’t a luxury brand but offers premium scenery. With panoramic windows and alpine views, it creates a sense of understated luxury rooted in nature.
Travelers often combine this journey with ski trips or mountain resorts. It demonstrates how comfort can come from atmosphere as much as service.
Trenitalia Frecciargento executive class
Similar to the Frecciarossa, the Frecciargento connects major Italian cities at high speed. Executive class cars provide leather seating, larger spacing, and meal service included in the fare.
The routes often pass along the Adriatic coast, offering a unique glimpse of the sea. Combining modern design with efficiency, it balances practicality with luxury.
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Regional luxury charters in Tuscany
Some private companies operate luxury charter trains across Tuscany, focusing on wine and food experiences. These tours feature restored carriages, slow travel through rolling vineyards, and tastings onboard.
Stops often include Siena or Chianti, making the journey feel like part of a curated holiday. Unlike high-speed rail, the pace is relaxed and celebratory.
Italian Riviera coastal trains
Trains running along the Ligurian coast may not all be labeled luxury, yet first-class seating makes them special. The views of cliffs and sea from the window rival any postcard, and service upgrades add to the comfort.
Routes connect Genoa with Cinque Terre and the French border. This journey blends natural beauty with convenience in a way that feels indulgent.
A timeless way to see Italy
Traveling by luxury train through Italy is more than transportation—it’s an immersion in style, comfort, and scenery. From vintage carriages that recall the golden age of rail to modern high-speed cars with executive lounges, the variety ensures there is something for every kind of traveler.
Each journey highlights a different piece of Italy, whether it’s coastal towns, alpine peaks, or rolling vineyards. The experience proves that sometimes the journey itself can rival the destination.
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