Italy Unveils Special Tourist Trains and ‘Cruise’ Rail Routes
Italy is set to revolutionize train travel with a new program of tourist-focused trains. The state-owned railway operator, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS), plans to use vintage locomotives on popular vacation routes, making train travel not just a sustainable option, but also an enjoyable one.
New Program of Tourist-Focused Trains
FS has announced the launch of FS Treni Turistici Italiani (Italian Tourist Trains) in 2024. This service aims to offer high-quality, sustainable tourism that focuses on rediscovering Italy’s riches. The company envisions a type of tourism where the train journey is an integral part of the vacation and includes off-the-beaten-track destinations.
Three Categories of the New Project
The new project comprises three categories. The “Lusso” (luxury) trains, led by the super-luxury Orient Express Dolce Vita train, will now launch in 2024. The “Espressi” (Express) and “treni storici” (vintage trains) will operate new medium and long routes from major cities to tourist areas. Lastly, the “omnibus-regionali” category will offer slower, weekend services on regional trains at lower prices.
The Luxury Trains
The luxury trains, including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, will offer high-end services. FS will provide rolling stock and staff for these luxury charters, including Golden Eagle trains.
The Express and Vintage Trains
The Express and vintage trains will ply new routes from major cities to tourist areas. These routes will include night trains, using rolling stock from the 1980s and 1990s, refurbished to offer modern amenities like restaurant cars, sleeping cabins, meeting rooms, and storage areas for bicycles and skis.
The Cruise Trains
The “cruise trains” will shuttle vacationers back and forth from short breaks. For example, a train leaving Rome on a Friday night will allow guests to dine and sleep as the train heads north towards the Dolomites, reaching the station of Calalzo-Pieve in the morning.
The Omnibus-Regionali Trains
The “omnibus-regionali” category will offer slower, weekend services on regional trains at lower prices. These routes will include landscapes of interest and places with strong food and drink traditions.
The Future of Italian Tourism
FS CEO Luigi Ferraris stated that the new program aims to develop high-quality and sustainable tourism. The goal is to make the train journey an integral part of the client’s experience, creating synergies with other tourist activities.
In a nutshell, Italy’s state-owned railway operator is taking a significant step. They are introducing special tourist trains and ‘cruise’ rail routes. This move aims to enhance the overall travel experience. As Italy continues to draw global tourists, these new services come into play. They offer a unique and enjoyable way to explore the country. Tourists can delve into Italy’s rich heritage and marvel at its stunning landscapes. This initiative presents a fresh perspective on Italy’s attractions, making each journey a memorable adventure.
