Italy by Rail – the Top 10 Cities to Visit, Travelling by Train
Everyone loves Italy. And why not? It’s a country of great passions: food, wine, sculpture and painting to name a few. So how do you choose where to go? To help you plan your dream trip, here is a list of the top 10 cities to visit in Italy popular with Rail Europe’s travelers. You can easily travel between any of these fabulous locations by Trenitalia and Italo trains (the two railway companies in Italy).
10. Ventimiglia
Many people hop between the French/Italian border towns of Nice and Ventimiglia with a train ticket. A trip so close, and made even easier with a France-Italy Rail Pass. You’ll find both French and Italian regional lines service Ventimiglia.
More than a train hub, Ventimiglia has a stunning, quintessentially Italian medieval city center. As it always has, its classic architecture stands guard on a hilltop over the Gulf of Genoa, but now with the new city between them. Make sure you visit Ventimiglia’s famous Friday Outdoor Market!
9. Bologna
Why not visit the oldest university in Europe, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088? Naturally, there’s plenty to study: from medieval, renaissance and baroque monuments to modern day industrial marvels like Ducati (motorcycles) headquartered there. More high-speed thrills? Travel by train from Bologna to Verona in just under an hour.
8. Verona
What do you call a city dramatic enough to be the setting of three Shakespearean plays, and interesting enough to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site? This is Verona. Along the Adige River, this picture-perfect city of cobblestone streets lined with medieval buildings, Roman sites and churches is second to none for inspiration.
Known for its pink buildings and Juliet balcony (yes, one of those plays was Romeo and Juliet), a visit to this city will immerse you in the classic Italian experience. Want more inspiration? Venice is one of the perfect destinations for it. Verona to Venice is about an hour by train.
7. La Spezia
Located on the Gulf of La Spezia, this port city is a bustling mix of old and new, and it’s also the gateway to the popular Cinque Terre region. This scenic waterfront is perfect for arrival by train from Verona (via Milan) with a Eurail Italy Pass. Today, this modern-day port stands in stunning contrast to the spectacle of its antiquity and charm. So much charm that many poets have found inspiration here, from Byron to Shelley to DH Lawrence. It is, in fact, referred to as “the Gulf of Poets.” What will it inspire in you?
6. Turin
Baroque architecture with the Alps as the ultimate photo backdrop. Site of the 2006 winter games. And, of course, the Shroud of Turin. The amazing city of Turin is the capital of Italy’s truffle region, and you can wash those delicacies down with some equally delicious and world-renowned wine. Turin Cathedral, home to the Shroud of Turin.
Please note that while The Museum of the Holy Shroud is open daily, the shroud is only displayed once every ten years. Next stop? Milan. Aboard Trenitalia trains, Turin to Milan is just about an hour’s journey.
5. Milan
High style all around! The Italian center of finance, industry and commerce, as well as a global capital of fashion, industrial design and architecture. Milan is also the home of “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Don’t miss the spectacular Duomo, which took over 6 centuries to complete.
Don’t forget to get your Milano Card for easy transportation and discounts all over town.) Also, remember it’s just as easy to arrive from Paris to Milan by the high speed trains.
4. Naples
The birthplace of pizza has drawn many hungry visitors, including those hungry for culture: its historic center is the largest in Europe, covering over 4,000 acres and 27 centuries. It’s almost unreal how much this port city has to offer — including hydrofoils to the Isle of Capri and the Blue Grotto.
Naples is a must-see for every history/arts/culinary/naval/political/cinema-buff — plus, it’s recently gotten more attention thanks to the popular novels written by the mysterious Italian author Elena Ferrante.
3. Venice
Venice, the land of gondola-filled canals, ancient trades and water taxis. Enjoy a Grand Canal boat tour and views that have remained basically unchanged for centuries. See how Venetian glass and Venetian paper is made. Shop on the Rialto and along the waterways to roving (and rowing) tenors, as well as the occasional accordion. There’s no place in the world quite like Venice!
2. Florence
Florence is Italian perfection: the Duomo, the Uffizi Museum Tour, crossing the Arno River on the Ponte Vecchio, the Pitti Palace… everything that makes Italy, Italy, is here in the appropriately titled “cradle of the Renaissance”– except you!
You’re not here yet, and nothing makes it easier to get here than the train. On Italo trains, Venice to Florence is about a 2 hour trip, while Florence to Rome is an about 1 hour and 30 minutes of relaxing, stress-free enjoyment.
1. Rome
Well, the saying is “all roads lead to Rome”. Fortunately, so do the trains! All those “Roman ruins” around Europe, why not visit their birthplace? Classical architecture buffs will enjoy researching the arch, the dome, and the vault—all developed here.
Of course, a Vatican Sistine Chapel Tour is guaranteed to provide a most divine experience. This is it, people. This is where the world changed. And when you visit, well, it can change your world too.
So where in Italy do you want to go? For how long? We’d love to know what you think about these top 10 cities to visit in Italy and whether you have one of your own!
July 11, 2017
