3 New Italian Rail Journeys for History Buffs, Design Lovers, and Culinary Travelers

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October is one of the most magical months to visit Italy . In addition to pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, this is the magical time of year when Italy's harvest seasons briefly overlap—with olives, wine grapes, and truffles all peaking throughout the month. For travelers, a fall getaway to Italy is an opportunity to experience seasonal culinary festivals, rare menu items at restaurants, and have better access to popular destinations throughout the country.

Starting in October 2026, travelers can experience all this and more via three new rail journeys. These special itineraries range from international routes aboard ultra-luxe sleeper trains to glamorous coastal excursions and retro-chic day trips through the country's winemaking regions.

Whether you're interested in Italian history, architecture, or cuisine, there's a train trip for you. Here's a look at three new Italian rail journeys that are scheduled to debut in fall 2026.

Rome to Istanbul on Orient Express La Dolce Vita

The newest autumn route from Accor's Orient Express La Dolce Vita calls upon some of Italy's most romantic cities, traverses the Romanian countryside, and visits the palaces of Budapest. The five-day, four-night sojourn begins in Rome, where the luxe train departs in the early evening. Passengers can sip an Italian aperitivo in the lounge car as the sun sets over Tuscany's hills. In the morning, travelers will awake among the graceful canals and bridges of Venice , with a private water taxi to ferry them into the heart of the Venetian lagoon to explore the city's many islands. A stop in Budapest is next on the itinerary, and passengers will have the chance to wander the historic squares and sample Hungarian wines. After a scenic journey across Europe's Carpathian Mountains, the train crosses into Romania, where guests will tour Transylvania's castles, including the Neo-Renaissance Peles Castle and Bran Castle (where Dracula was filmed) before arriving in Istanbul. Along the way, travelers can expect haute cuisine from Michelin-recognized chef Heinz Beck in the sleek restaurant car, festive nights with live music from a singer and pianist, and elegant cabins with a room service menu of Italian specialties like fennel taralli, olives, and cheese platters. The first journey departs on October 22, 2026, and fares start at $23,000.

Book now with Orient Express La Dolce Vita

Paris to Portofino on Belmond Venice-Simplon Orient Express

It's hard to imagine a more iconic Italian journey than this special itinerary from Belmond that combines a night on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express with a two-night stay at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino. The train departs Paris in the afternoon and passes by charming cities in Burgundy before winding its way along the French Riviera past dazzling resort towns like Cannes and Nice . The route then dips down into Italy, through the port town of Genoa, and along the blue shores of the Ligurian coast to its terminus in Portofino. Aboard the VSOE, crew will pull out all the stops, including Champagne and afternoon tea service after boarding, a multi-course dinner and sommelier-selected wines in the historic restaurant cars, live music and artisanal cocktails in the Art Deco Bar Car 3674, and the Midnight Brunch with lobster rolls and truffled club sandwiches. Travelers then check in to the newly refreshed Splendido, overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio. Here, guests can enjoy the redesigned pool club, take a tennis clinic, or hike to a local lighthouse. The journey ends on a high note: cocktails and a private gala dinner at Splendido's terrace restaurant overlooking the gulf. Because the journey takes place from October 15-18, 2026, travelers can expect comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds in Portofino. Fares start at about $23,500.

Book now with Belmond

Milan to Alba on FS Treini Touristi

With FS Treini Touristi's new "Truffle and Wine" route, travelers can hop aboard a stylish vintage train car and learn about authentic Italian cuisine while the green hills of Piedmont roll by the windows. The route glides through Italy's Langhe region from Milan to Alba, known for its white truffles and well-balanced Barberas. Passengers board meticulously restored Gran Confort carriages, which date back to the 1970s and are emblems of Modern Italian design, with velvet-upholstered seats and panoramic windows. Travelers will see hillside vineyards and medieval villages trundle by, but there's more than just scenic views to enjoy on board. During the 3.5-hour ride, passengers can sample the region's flavors with tastings of local products, learn about Alba's traditions, culture, and landscapes. Once in Alba, travelers are free to explore on their own, and there are plenty of culinary adventures to embark upon, from browsing seasonal markets, to sipping local wine in historic bars, and visiting artisanal chocolate shops. Best of all, the route is timed to coincide with the International Alba White Truffle Fair, which runs from October 10 to December 6, 2026. Here, visitors can celebrate all forms of this beloved regional ingredient, including cooking demonstrations, sampling local delicacies, and purchasing white truffles directly from the trifulao, or truffle hunters, themselves. The roundtrip route operates every Sunday from October 11 through December 6, 2026. One-way fares are about $80.

Book now with FS Treini Tourisiti

Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler