Transiberiana d'Italia

The Sulmona to Isernia line opened in 1897 and climbs to 1,268 metres at Rivisondoli-Pescocostanzo, the second highest station on the Italian network, crossing the Abruzzo mountains on viaducts and through tunnels. A journalist's comparison with Siberian railways gave it the nickname. Regular passenger service ended in 2011 and the line was slated for closure; it was reopened from 2014 for tourist trains, run with historic carriages and steam or vintage diesel on scheduled dates through the year, themed around seasons and local festivals. The route passes through the Majella and Abruzzo park landscapes with stops at villages along the way.

What you actually see

• The high crossing - a line climbing to 1,268 metres over the Apennines.
• The historic stock - vintage carriages with steam or period diesel traction.
• The viaducts and tunnels - engineering from the 1890s still in use.
• The village stops - halts at mountain towns tied to local events.

When to go

On scheduled dates through the year, with themed runs for snow, spring flowers and autumn colour. Tickets are released in blocks and sell out quickly.

Honest expectations

There is no regular service; the train runs only on published dates and must be booked well ahead. Journeys are long and slow, which is the point.

Nearby

Sulmona is the northern terminus; Pescocostanzo lies on the line.