What about activities and entertainment?
On the second night, as the train winds its way through the Italian countryside, guests gather in the bar cart to listen—and, at many points, join in with—Italian classics belted out by a suave singer-saxophonist duo, all while the bar staff expertly maneuver around the moving carriage carrying trays full of cocktails. I make a mental note to learn the words to “Tu Vuo’ Fa’ L’Americano” just in case I’m ever lucky enough to make it back onto the train again.
Where did it go and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?
The excursions aren’t about seeing the most popular parts of Italy—anyone can do that. The passion here is for either showing a new side of a tourist spot or introducing travelers to a lesser-known destination deserving of the limelight.
The team works with a network of partners across the country to give guests money-can’t-buy experiences that feel genuinely and deeply rooted in each region. On our first evening I feel like a celebrity as I’m escorted to a private taxi boat and whisked along the Venice canals, taking in the sights from the water by starlight. Our dinner spot that night is a 16th-century private palazzo, with beautiful gardens and a grand dining room.
The following morning we pull into our next stop: Santa Margherita Ligure, a gem in the heart of Genoa with a picturesque harbor and plenty of charming streets and shops to lose an afternoon in. We’re passing through to Portofino to visit La Portofinese, an eco-farm set in the hills overlooking the English Bay. Owner Mino Viacava dreamt of going back to his roots and working with the land, and today the farm has honeybees, vineyards, olive trees and a butterfly garden. Resident chef Alessio Tresanini shows us how to make the freshest pesto using ingredients from the farm, before we take a seat for lunch (and to sample some of the excellent wine).
Later that afternoon I wander around Portofino’s harbor (stopping for gelato, of course). Being here in the off-season feels even more special, like the town is just waking up as it sparkles in the spring sunshine.
Are there any standout sustainability or green initiatives about this train?
Supporting local is a priority, from working with a network of the best guides to championing independent restaurants and businesses through the off-board excursions, not to mention sourcing only local produce from each region.
Finally, give a sentence or two on why the train is worth booking.
There is something endlessly glamorous about traveling by train, and getting to see Italy from a totally new perspective is something I’ll never forget. Whether you’ve been to the country 100 times or you’re planning your first visit, I can guarantee there’s no way to experience a taste of la dolce vita quite like this.
A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
