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Italy is clearly one in every of Europe’s most beloved nations, whether or not it is taking a deep dive into historical past, indulging in unforgettable meals, or bearing witness to a number of the world’s most famous artwork.
If you are a traveler who takes a “been there, done that” strategy to Italy, having already visited the Colosseum, hopped across the Amalfi Coast or tried to achieve solutions to world secrets and techniques at The Vatican, then there’s an epic journey ready for you.
Despite being off most vacationers’ radars, the Centovalli Railway has been round for over a century, carrying passengers from a few of Italy’s prettiest hidden gems nestled within the countryside and crossing into Switzerland.
The Centovalli Railway: One Of The World’s Most Scenic Rail Routes
The Centovalli Railway has been named one of many ‘biggest railway journeys‘ on the earth, and rightfully so.
Passing by means of vivid lakes on either side of the Italy-Switzerland border in addition to picturesque villages, this historic prepare route provides vacationers the possibility to expertise a facet of Italy not usually showcased.
Not that I’m the perfect language tutor when I’ve visited Mexico a whole bunch of instances and may barely say, “un cerveza por favor”, the identify ‘Centovalli Railways’ is an ode to the 100 valleys it whizzes by.
cento = hundredvalli = valley
Simple sufficient.
The trains could also be comparatively small, given the complete journey solely takes two hours in whole, however you may need to snag a window seat and have your digital camera prepared for the astounding surroundings starting from flowing waterfalls to huge vineyards.
Starting In Domodossola, Explore Italy’s Storybook Towns & Countryside
If you are venturing from Italy to Switzerland, your place to begin shall be Domodossola, a city you have possible by no means heard of oozing Medieval allure with a picture-perfect Old Town and timeless plazas.
From right here, you may proceed on by means of seven Alpine valleys, the place your subsequent cease shall be Masera, beholding remnants of Romans’ previous and a number of church buildings courting again ages.
There are 24 stops between the place to begin of Domodossola and the endpoint on the Swiss facet, Locarno.
Before reaching the Swiss border, you may encounter extra hidden gems as worthy get-off factors, reminiscent of Dissimo, a tiny village straight out of a fairytale with quick access to lush nature throughout the Monte Dissimo mountains and marked by the unmissable Chiesa Parrocchiale di S.Caterina.
Another factor that Country Living highlighted was Druogno, an important spot to disembark the prepare to discover on foot or by bicycle.
For a full listing of stops on the Centovalli Railway, click on right here.
Best Of Both Worlds: Visit Italy And Switzerland’s Shared Alpine Lakes
Once you attain Camedo, you are in Swiss territory. Switzerland is understood for 4 issues – excessive costs, excellent cheese, gorgeous lakes, and the one nation famed traveler Anthony Bourdain refused to go to on account of a weird worry of yodelers and feathered hats.
Ponte Brolla is the prepare cease you need to goal to find otherworldly alpine lakes and gorgeous gorges.
Depending on the season (ideally summer season), you may discover swimmable waterfalls, vibrant grottoes, and an array of charming small cities lining the Maggia Valley.
One of which is Locarno, the rail’s finish level and an ideal spot to relaxation up and revel in Switzerland’s delights whereas not spending as a lot as you’ll in Switzerland’s main cities like Basel and Zurich.
For pattern measurement, the comfortable Residenze dell’Angelo resort is just $60 per night time.
Ticket Prices & How To Get Here
The Centovalli Railway makes it very easy to plan your journey forward of time. You can reserve seats when reserving and likewise embrace which stopovers you are interested by.
Just know the Domodossola-Masera part is out of fee till March 14, 2025, however shall be changed by a bus as a substitute technique of transit.
That being mentioned, you may select 1st Class seats for roughly $41 and 2nd Class seats for roughly $31 on their web site.
To attain Domodossola, the closest airport is Milan (MXP) roughly 40 miles away.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.