The Circumetnea, an extraordinary train around Sicily's Etna volcano
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Published on 10/29/24, modified on 10/7/25
Our guide
Italie
Would you like to discover the ancient ruins of Rome or the Italian Alps? Italy is easily accessible by train from France, with gateways such as Milan, Turin, Bologna and Venice. The railways link imperial cities, vineyards, the Adriatic coast and the Alps, thanks to a highly-developed rail network, night trains and high-speed lines.
There are several direct train connections from France to Italy.
And for an original alternative, you can also combine a train to Nice or Marseille with a ferry to Genoa or Sardinia (an ideal option for travelers looking for a panoramic itinerary!).
If you'd like to take a step back from the network (or fine-tune your decor, good train fan that you are), that's exactly what Cartotrain offers, with a fold-out paper map dedicated to Italy and designed with train travel in mind!
Map ©Cartotrain Italy
At a glance, you'll find: → all train and coach connections, from Piedmont to Sicily → ideas for itineraries between cities, nature and lesser-known regions → information for exploring Italy differently, at the rhythm of the railways
A simple but highly effective tool for understanding how the country is connected, spotting alternatives and imagining routes you might not have thought of.
To discover the Italy map on Cartotrain, click here :
All-inclusive tours in Italy (without flights or a car)
Feel like exploring car-free Sicily ? We've found the ultimate itinerary for discovering the largest Mediterranean island by train. 😍
And for other 100% train loops in Italy:
In the heart of Italy, the atmosphere changes from one region to the next: the capital Rome will thrill you with its ancient ruins, Florence offers you a living art museum, while the coastline Amalfi will seduce you with its cliffs and turquoise waters. Visit Dolomites snow-capped peaks, and the coastline of the Sicily will offer you golden beaches.
In short, a contrasted and lively country that can be discovered as much through its cities as through its wide open spaces... And always without a plane.
If you want to broaden your horizons, take a look at our ready-made loops passing through Italie:
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