Ride Through Italy in Style: 4 Treni Turistici Everyone’s Talking About
Do you love Italy and traveling by train? So do we! And that’s how we discovered these magical train itineraries, put together by Trenitalia.
They are perfect for experiencing some of the highlights of the end of the year in Umbria, Tuscany, and other regions.
What are the “Treni Turistici” you ask? Their mission is to deliver rail travel as a tourism experience in its own right. They combine transport, scenery, comfort, and culture.
They aim for sustainable tourism, the rediscovery of Italy’s hidden beauties, and using rail travel not just as a means of transportation, but as part of the holiday experience.
We love this! And here are four Treni Touristici to look out for at the end of the year.
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Italy by Train: The 4 Best Treni Turistici to Add to Your Bucket List
What are the categories & types of services for Treni Turistici?
Trenitalia provides various kinds of tourist train services, grouped under different categories:
Luxury (Lusso)
High-end, glamorous train travel. For example, the Orient Express La Dolce Vita is part of this category.
Express & Historic Trains (Espresso e Treni Storici / Storici-express)
- Historic or older rolling stock (1980s-1990s) refurbished for tourism.
- Day or night routes between major cities and tourist / scenic destinations.
- Some include sleeping cars, restaurant cars, etc.
Omnibus-Regionali
- Regional train services aimed at tourists (weekends / special timing) on lines that pass through scenic, historical, naturalistic, or enogastronomic (wine/food) rich areas.
- More accessible fares, more frequent for certain tourist demand.
All these trains tend to operate on limited schedules (e.g. weekends/summer / certain seasons) rather than daily. Moreover, the itineraries are created around a special event, as you will see next.
Read also: Everything you should know about train travel in Italy
Our favorite 4 Treni Turistici in Italy for 2025
Espresso Assisi: Edizione Frantoi Aperti® in Umbria
This train route operates between October 19th and November 16th, linked to the Frantoi Aperti in Umbria event.
Frantoi Aperti (Open Oil Mills) is an event that celebrates freshly pressed extra-virgin olive oil, held at participating Umbrian mills.
In small towns, olive-growing villages, and cities of art immersed in the olive-growing landscape, you can also participate in events that also celebrate freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil.
The train journey is not just a simple trip, but a sensory path that celebrates the culture and taste of this land.
Train Departure: Every Sunday from October 19th to November 16th
Route: From Rome, with stops in Terni, Spoleto, Foligno, Spello, Assisi, Perugia, up to Arezzo.
On top of that, during the journey from Rome, you can taste a selection of Umbrian extra virgin olive oils, guided by industry experts who will tell you the history and characteristics of each label.
For more information and travel options/booking tickets, read here!
Espresso Assisi: Edizione Cioccolato
Not everyone knows, but Perugia is also known as the “Chocolate city” because it hosts the Chocolate Fair every year.
Thus, the Espresso Assisi: Chocolate Edition is a special train dedicated to all chocolate lovers, a unique opportunity to discover the treasures of one of Italy’s sweetest cities.
Dedicated dates: November 16th and 23rd
Route: From Rome, with stops in Terni, Spoleto, Foligno, Spello, Assisi, all the way to Perugia and Arezzo.
Moreover, during the journey, you can taste a selection of artisanal pralines and chocolates, a small taste of the delights that await you at your destination.
For more information and travel options/booking tickets, read here!
Espresso Assisi: Christmas Markets Edition
A train decorated in a festive style, with Christmas music playing in the background, and a small gift for all passengers.
Moreover, this special train will take you to the heart of the Christmas tradition. You can immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the markets, among lights, colors, and festive scents.
The itinerary takes in some of the most charming cities and villages, where you can explore the traditional Christmas markets of central Italy.
Dates: From November 30th to January 11th, every Sunday.
Route: From Rome, with stops in Terni, Spoleto, Foligno, Spello, Assisi, Perugia, all the way to Arezzo.
For more information and travel options/booking tickets, read here!
Heritage Train Langhe, Roero e Monferrato
I chose this itinerary because, apart from the stunning scenery, on particular dates the train has a steam locomotive.
Step aboard the charming Centoporte carriages and journey back in time as rolling hills and UNESCO-listed landscapes unfold outside your window.
Onboard, delightful wine and food tastings await to enchant your senses.
Upon arrival in Alba, immersive on-ground experiences invite you to savor the region’s authentic flavors and local treasures.
It’s a complete journey that blends the pleasure of slow travel with the discovery of Piedmont’s finest traditions.
Dates:
Saturday 11 October
Sunday 26 October
Saturday 8 November – Steam Locomotive
Sunday 23 November
Sunday 7 December – Steam Locomotive
Itinerary
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