Nothing is like the magic that winter trains hold. The soft humming of tracks, the lamps glowing against frost-covered windows, and that feeling that the world is slowing down for a while. This December, Italy will immerse you in this magic through a midnight holiday train. It goes from Rome to Munich-all make-believe, as if it were suddenly transported into the pages of a Christmas story.
A Train That Feels Holidayish
The train running as Espresso Monaco operates only a couple of dates in December. It leaves from Termini Station in Rome on December 5 and 12 and returns from Munich on December 7 and 14. You board in the evening-well before eight-and drift out of the north through the night. No later than the early afternoon of the following day, you will climb down the train to find yourself in a totally snow-blanketed Bavarian fairyland.
The return trip promises to be equally cozy: after lunch, you take off from Munich, witness the sun disappearing behind the Alps, and wake up the next day in Rome.
Inside the Train: Warm Lights and Soft Tunes
It would be clear right from the start of boarding that this isn’t an ordinary train. Fairy lights drape across the interiors of the carriages where there is a sweet aroma of pine and cinnamon in the air as quiet Christmas melodies play while passengers settle into their compartments. Each passenger finds a small wrapped gift waiting-hence, pretty simple but charming.
You can either choose a private cabin for one or two people or share a sleeper couchette with four or six beds, appropriate for families or groups. Closest to a restaurant car and a small bar, wine is served, people mingle or simply enjoy watching the mountains slide away under a cold clear sky.
It’s the build-up of a journey that slows you down. There is no rushing around.
The Route Through the Mountains
Espresso Monaco takes one of Europe’s most beautiful train routes. It leaves behind.
It departs from the neon lights of Rome, gliding along the way through Verona, Trento, Bolzano, Bressanone, the gorgeous mountains of Fortezza and Vipiteno before crossing the Brenner into Austria. From there, she glides past Innsbruck and Kufstein and finally to Munich.
Each of these stops resembles scenes from a snow globe, with their silent towns, church steeples and rooftops covered with white dust. It is a journey that remains worthy, even when you have not laid foot on Austrian soil.
Munich: In a Christmas Market Paradise
You come to Munich and go straight into the heart of Christmas. Thousands of lights twinkle above Marienplatz Market. Wooden stalls overflow with ornaments, candles, and warm gingerbread. Roasted nuts, handmade toys, and musicians in period costumes abound at the Medieval Market close by Odeonsplatz.
Well, if you’re going to stay for more than a few days, you might as well wander further-to Neuschwanstein Castle which looks unreal in winter or to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a fairytale town that looks like every corner has holiday decoration brought from a movie.
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Simple, Peaceful Travel
What makes this train special is its simplicity. No airport security lines, no long drives, no snow chains or parking stress. You just board in Rome, fall asleep, and wake up ready to explore. True slow travel at its best: peaceful, scenic, and filled with small details that make you smile.
The journey is part of the new winter program launched by FS Treni Turistici Italiani, which also has various other special seasonal rides, including a special train to Arezzo, a Tuscan town that is famous for its Christmas lights and celebratory spirit: the other special seasonal rides.
Booking and Details
Tickets can be found on the FS Treni Turistici only. There are very few departures, so early booking is highly recommended-seats fill up quickly. It really depends on the type of cabin, but the experience will, anyway, be priceless.
One night on the Espresso Monaco is not just moving from one place to another; this is a journey, to take a long, quiet one-the kind that sleeps under stars in Italy and wakes up to bells in Germany.
This December, out with the airports and in on the train. Let it take you across borders and through the snow-all the way to the heart of the holidays.