Italy’s historic trains are returning to the tracks this year, linking the Alps, the Ligurian Riviera and the Langhe wine hills with a series of carefully curated Sunday journeys. Operated by FS Treni Turistici Italiani and Fondazione FS, these routes combine vintage carriages, slow travel and guided tastings on board.
Historic trains in Italy: what’s running this year
Running between July and November, the 2026 programme focuses on three main routes between Piedmont and Liguria:
- Ferrovia delle Meraviglie (Railway of Wonders) – summer Alpine to Riviera route
- Milan–Alba historic train – autumn service for truffle season
- Ferrovia delle Langhe, Roero e Monferrato – November vineyard route with steam locomotive launch
All services operate on Sundays, making them straightforward to pair with a weekend in Turin, Milan or the Langhe.
Ferrovia delle Meraviglie: summer on the 1920s Centoporte Carriages
The Ferrovia delle Meraviglie runs every Sunday from 5th July to 6th September, connecting Turin, Ventimiglia, and Imperia
The line climbs into the Alps, crosses the Val Roya, then descends towards the Ligurian Riviera. Expect tunnels carved through mountain rock, high viaducts and open stretches with views that shift dramatically as the train moves south.
Passengers travel in restored “Centoporte” carriages dating back to the 1920s. Interiors retain their period feel, with wooden compartments and a distinctly old-world rhythm.
The experience includes guided wine tastings on board, featuring a selection of Italian and French labels. The cross-border element reflects the geography of the route, linking Piedmont and Liguria with nearby France.
Milan to Alba: autumn historic train for truffle season
From 11th October, historic trains connect Milan and Alba, placing the focus squarely on the vineyard-covered hills of the Langhe.
This service coincides with the Alba White Truffle Fair (Fiera del Tartufo), one of Italy’s best-known gastronomic events. Alba becomes the centre of attention during this period, with markets, tastings and food events drawing visitors from across Italy and abroad.
The Milan–Alba route uses 1970s “Gran Confort” carriages, known for blue velvet seating, wide, cushioned armchairs, and a more spacious layout.
On board, the catering highlights local culinary specialities, aligning with the truffle-focused season in Alba.
Turin to Canelli: November in the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato
Throughout November, a historic train connects Turin and Canelli every Sunday, passing through the vineyard landscapes of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato. The route offers an alternative perspective on Piedmont’s wine territory, less about festivals and more about scenery.
The first departure on 1st November will be powered by a steam locomotive, marking the inauguration of services on the Ferrovia delle Langhe, Roero e Monferrato.
Why these historic trains matter for travellers in Northern Italy
For anyone spending time in Turin or Milan, these historic trains offer a structured way to explore:
- Alpine scenery and the Ligurian coast in a single journey
- UNESCO-recognised vineyard landscapes in autumn
- Truffle season in Alba without relying on a car
- A steam-powered railway experience through wine country
They also tap into a broader Italian appreciation for rail heritage. Rather than functioning as museum pieces, these trains actively connect cities, small towns and rural landscapes, reinforcing the idea that travel can still be unhurried and rooted in place.
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