How to Visit Italy by Train on a Budget…and Still Enjoy Yourself

Train travel is currently popular, and Italy is the perfect place to try it. With beautiful cities and towns, and an extensive and affordable railway network, Italy is an ideal destination. You can explore multiple locations without feeling rushed. Plus, you can get a three-day ticket for unlimited travel for only €29, while five-day tickets cost just €49 on all regional trains. This deal makes it easy to visit multiple regions and cities during a long weekend.

Although there are a few restrictions, like no travel to Cinque Terre or Bolzano, the ticket grants access to most trains. Below, find three itinerary options to explore northern, central, and southern Italy.

Northern Italy

Itinerary: Venice-Verona-Mantova-Modena-Bologna

Day 1: Venice to Verona

To begin, start in Venice, where a boat trip from the airport to the hotel introduces you to the city’s magic. You can spend the day exploring the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Doge’s Palace, and maybe catch an opera at La Fenice Theatre. Enjoy supper in Dorsoduro, Venice’s lively university district.

How to get there: Take the Frecciarossa or a regular regional train from Venezia S. Lucia station to Verona Porta Nuova.

Where to stay: Il Palazzo Experimental in the Dorsoduro neighbourhood offers a stylish stay in a restored Renaissance palace.

Day 2: Verona to Modena via Mantua

Next, catch the train to Verona. Visit Juliet’s House, the Amphitheatre, and Piazza delle Erbe. Afterward, stop in Mantua to see the Ducale Palace before heading to Modena. In Modena, enjoy a meal at Massimo Bottura’s Osteria Francescana or any local trattoria. Additionally, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Ghirlandina Tower, Piazza Grande, and the cathedral.

How to get there: Take regional trains from Verona to Mantua and then Mantua to Modena.

Where to stay: In Verona, stay at Hotel Due Torri. In Modena, stay at Hotel Rua Frati 48.

Day 3: Modena to Bologna

Finally, finish your trip in Bologna. Visit Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, the Clock Tower, and the canals, known as ‘little Venice.’

How to get there: Take a regional train, a Frecciarossa, or an Intercity train from Modena to Bologna Centrale.

Where to stay: Grand Hotel Majestic, minutes from Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers.

Central Italy

Itinerary: Rome-Florence-Arezzo-Assisi-Perugia

Day 1: Rome to Florence

To start, Rome is a great point for exploring central Italy. First-timers should cover Rome, Florence, and Perugia. Visit Villa Borghese and the Borghese Gallery in Rome. Then, in Florence, see the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David.

How to get there: Take a Frecciarossa train from Roma Termini to Firenze S.M. Novella station.

Where to stay: In Rome, stay at The Hoxton. In Florence, stay at Hotel Lungarno.

Day 2: Florence to Arezzo via Assisi

Afterward, visit Arezzo’s monthly antiques market or the Giostra del Saracino in summer. Then, explore Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of St Francis.

How to get there: Take regional trains from Florence to Assisi, then Assisi to Arezzo.

Where to stay: In Assisi, stay at Nun Assisi Relais.

Day 3: Arezzo to Perugia

Finally, end your trip in Perugia. Visit Piazza IV Novembre, the San Lorenzo cathedral, and the Fontana Maggiore. Also, enjoy the vibrant university town’s restaurants and bars.

How to get there: Take a regional train or an Intercity from Arezzo to Perugia.

Where to stay: In Perugia, stay at Hotel Sina Brufani.

Southern Italy

Itinerary: Lamezia Terme-Tropea-Scilla-Reggio Calabria-Messina-Taormina-Catania

Day 1: Lamezia Terme to Reggio Calabria (via Tropea and Scilla)

To begin, start in Lamezia Terme and head straight to the coast. First, visit Tropea for stunning beaches and views. Then, in Scilla, visit Chianalea and enjoy a swordfish sandwich.

How to get there: Take regional trains from Lamezia Terme Centrale to Tropea, then Tropea to Scilla, and finally to Reggio di Calabria Centrale.

Where to stay: Villa Paola in Tropea offers stunning views and local cuisine.

Day 2: Reggio Calabria to Messina

Next, explore Reggio Calabria. Stroll the beautiful boardwalk, visit the cathedral, and see the Riace Bronzes at the National Archaeological Museum.

How to get there: From Reggio di Calabria Centrale, go to Villa S. Giovanni and board the boat to Messina Marittima.

Where to stay: Altafiumara Resort offers historic charm and modern amenities.

Day 3: Messina to Catania (via Taormina)

Finally, in Messina, try an Arancino and visit the Duomo. Then, in Taormina, see the ancient theatre and Isola Bella. End your trip in Catania, exploring the Benedictine Monastery, Castello Ursino, and the underground ancient city.

How to get there: From Messina Centrale, go to Taormina-Giardini. From Taormina-Giardini, take a regional train to Catania Centrale.

Where to stay: Mazzarò Sea Place in Taormina offers a charming bay view.