Journey time.

Plan on a minimum of two weeks to complete this journey; three weeks would be ideal. The distances are very large and of course, there are many places to stop along the way for lovers of the great outdoors. It is also possible to walk certain sections between stations. 

Travel time.

May, June, September, October. Sicily is subject to extreme heat in the summer months. Therefore, it is best to travel in spring or autumn.

• Zürich HB–Milano Centrale (via Como): 3 hours 20 minutes, direct train.
• Milano Centrale–Napoli Centrale (via Modena, Bologna, Florence, Perugia, Rome): 4 hours 35 minutes, direct train.
• Napoli Centrale–Catania Centrale (via Salerno, Villa S. Giovanni, Taormina): 7 hours 50 minutes, direct train.

Optional stops along the way.

Como–Modena–Bologna–Perugia–Salerno–Taormina.

The Interrail Global Pass for seven or ten travel days within one month is ideal (including the outward/return journey to Switzerland). Alternatively, the One Country Pass for Italy if you buy the journeys in Switzerland separately. This pass may be used for all trains in Italy. For all high-speed and InterCity trains, you need to make reservations on Interrail.eu. 

Crossing the Alps or travelling below them via the tunnel is an adventure every time. As impressive as the mountains themselves is this great engineering feat that made it possible to bypass them. During the first part of the journey from Zurich, you will travel comfortably through the Gotthard tunnel down to the vibrant metropolis of Milan. Once you exit the tunnel on the south side of the Alps and see the glistening mountain lakes and the palm trees from the train window, you’ll know that your Italian adventure has begun.

Milan, a city of over a million inhabitants, is full of famous sights. From Leonardo da Vinci’s last supper fresco to the world-famous cathedral. But one highlight literally falls at your feet upon arrival: Milano Centrale. Milan’s central station is dynamic and a world of its own. Take some time to look around for yourself. But first, we recommend grabbing an espresso from the Motta Caffè Bar – according to connoisseurs, this is the best coffee at the station. The architecture of Europe’s largest railway station by volume is impressive and will take your breath away. Architect Ulisse Stacchini drew inspiration for his design from Washington Union Station, which was completed in 1912, but added his own signature touch for Milan. With its wide halls, light-coloured stone and large arches, it’s no wonder the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright called Milano Centrale “the most beautiful train station on earth”. 

Comfortable high-speed train travel from Milan to Naples is possible several times a day by Frecciarossa. Welcome aboard one of the fastest and most comfortable high-speed trains in Europe. How about a bit of luxury? Take a ride in 1st class The smartly dressed train managers welcome you on the platform and show you the way to your coach with just that extra bit of flair. Then it’s off to the Italian south at lightning speed. On the way, the strikingly red high-speed train only calls at Bologna, Florence and Rome. At 300 km/h, it zips past olive groves, centuries-old villages, over bridges and through tunnels. The “Red Arrow” needs just four and a half hours to cover the 786 kilometres. Frecciarossa trains offer plenty of comfort, with spacious seating and good air conditioning. The interior looks slick with its fresh red features. In 1st class, the service is excellent. Stylishly dressed catering staff await to offer you freshly brewed coffee. You’ll feel as if a barista has come straight to your seat, thanks to the shiny espresso machines on their trolleys.

As soon as Vesuvius appears over the horizon, you’ll know Naples is near, the city that leaves no one indifferent. At this point, you will be about halfway to Sicily. Don’t be put off by the somewhat shabby station; you’ll soon see that there is so much to discover here. The best way to get around Naples is by using the city’s metro network, the Metropolitana di Napoli. There is even a special route – the Toledo station is particularly spectacular featuring a 38-metre-deep crater of light designed by Spanish architect Oscar Tusquets Blanca.

Naples is considered the birthplace of pizza and the Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba the place where it all began in 1738. “Tourist trap!” may be your first thought, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this authentic restaurant serving phenomenal pizzas. They offer forty-four different pizzas, all prepared with fresh regional ingredients. Also typically Neapolitan is the pizza fritta, a deliciously addictive, deep-fried calorie bomb.

End the evening with a glass of aromatic limoncello. The lemons used from the region around Sorrento are adored throughout Italy. Enjoy the hustle and bustle around you and soak in the warm ambiance of southern Italy.

If you plan just one day for Naples, you will hardly do the city justice. We recommend a trip to Herculaneum, an ancient Roman settlement which, like nearby Pompeii, was buried in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79. Since no scalding rain of ash fell here – the city was swallowed up by a lava flow – many houses are better preserved than in the better-known and larger city of Pompeii. It’s very much worth seeing. Three trains an hour run from Napoli Centrale to Portici-Ercolano station, a twenty-minute journey on a charming local train. From there, the archaeological complex is just a 15-minute walk away. The station also offers a magnificent view of the sea.

At 10am, a direct InterCity train departs from Napoli Centrale to Catania Centrale in Sicily, a journey of seven and a half hours. From Salerno, the route runs almost constantly parallel to the coast with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Make sure to sit on the right-hand side in the direction of travel to enjoy the best view.

And here’s another tip: if you have some time to spare and already want to enjoy a view of the sea starting right from Naples, take a train that runs from Naples Piazza Garibaldi via Torre Annunziata and Pompeii to Salerno. That way, you can enjoy the view of Sorrento and Capri.

Beyond Salerno, the train approaches several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Parco Nazionale del Cilento and Parco Nazionale del Pollino. If you long for an interlude to your trip in unspoilt nature, continue your trip from Salerno on regional trains. These stop at many more places along the route than the InterCity trains.

At 2pm, you’ll see the port of Villa San Giovanni, near Reggio Calabria located at the “nose of the boot”. From here, the ferry departs for the port of Messina in Sicily. There is a real highlight to be experienced here: the train is driven onto the ferry and crosses the Strait of Messina. If you want to be comfortable, stay on the train. But if you’d rather get a breath of sea air, step outside and go up on deck. The crossing over the Strait of Messina takes no more than half an hour. On the way, there is a beautiful view of both shores. It’s worth stepping out on deck! In the distance, the volcano Mount Etna can be spotted and it is quite impressive to watch how the ferry navigates across the strait.

At 4pm, the train continues its journey on the island to Catania Centrale, where you arrive at 5.30pm. Just in time for a glass of Etna wine and a serving of juicy olives enjoyed on a sunny terrace. Welcome to Sicily. In the land of olives and lemons. From Catania, you can then start your discovery tour across Sicily.

The Ferrovia Circumetnea is a 109-kilometre train connection between Catania Borgo and the coastal town of Riposto. This train travels on a narrow-gauge railway around Mount Etna and reaches an average speed of 40 km/h. Contrary to what you might think, this is not a tourist train, but a regular connection between Catania and towns on and around the volcanic slopes (Interrail Passes are not valid here; tickets, however, only cost around EUR 10 for the whole trip). 

Como is a gorgeous and upscale stop. Travel the Greenway along the lake and discover seven beautiful villages. Try a fish dish – such as sun-dried missultìn – with a piece of polenta uncia. And before you continue your journey, buy some crunchy Pan Comm, the tastiest bread in Italy according to experts. Nobody bakes Pan Comm better than Panificio Beretta!

Modena may be small, but it has so much to offer. Just like in the larger city of Bologna, everything here revolves around good food. The city’s unique cuisine is beloved by its students. Check out Osteria Francescana by 3-star chef Massimo Bottura. Or try one of the lively osterias you’ll find at every corner serving hearty portions of tortelloni al ragu. Take a bottle of Aceto Balsamico with you as a souvenir –Modena is famous for it.

Bologna is a vibrant city where you could spend days. It’s a city that’s young at heart, with the oldest university in Europe (1088). At 38 kilometres, the 14th century Portici di Bologna are the longest covered arcade in the world. However, Bologna is first and foremost a culinary city. Its nickname? La Grassa (The Fat One)! At the Mercato di Mezzo and Mercato delle Erbe, you’ll find everything you need for a picnic on the train. Be sure to take a piece of Formaggio di Fosa with you – this regional cheese dates back to the 15th century.

Perugia has a beautiful medieval heart. If you really want to up your game in Italian and have some time, there are some solid language courses offered here. Outside of the city, you’ll find the Perugina chocolate factory. Baci, the little chocolate kisses with a wish inside, have been made here for more than 100 years. They’ll be sure to fit in your hand luggage.

Salerno is also called Naples’ little sister. It’s often overlooked but Salerno should not be underestimated as it’s the perfect starting point for travelling two of Italy’s (and perhaps the world’s) most beautiful coastal roads – the Amalfi Coast and the Cilento Coast. Life in Salerno is far quieter than in Naples and you won’t notice many tourists. Join the locals and enjoy a delicious plate of scialatielli – the short, thick spaghetti typical of the Amalfi region.

Taormina-Giardini railway station is located directly on the Ionian coast and is like a small museum. Travellers are always struck by its beautiful art nouveau ceilings. From here, it’s only a short taxi ride to the seaside resort of Giardini Naxos, the perfect place for a refreshing dip in the sea. Taxis will also take you to Taormina, 200 metres higher up. This Sicilian jewel is a great town for a leisurely stroll. Make sure to leave Taormina with a packet of fresh cannoli alla ricotta in your bag – nowhere are they made so deliciously as at Laboratorio Pasticceria Roberto, where they are only prepared when ordered.