Italy by Train: How to Explore Venice, Rome, Amalfi, and Milan Seamlessly

Italy is a dream destination for many, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Traveling by train offers an efficient and scenic way to experience Italy’s iconic cities—Venice, Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and Milan. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring these vibrant destinations, with the best places to eat, things to do, and transportation tips.

Venice

Venice is a city like no other, with its winding canals and ancient buildings. Here are some of the best spots to enjoy in the city.

Food & Drinks

  • Caffè alla città di Torino

  • Ristoriante pizzeria dallo zio

  • Al Colombo

  • Suso - for amazing gelato

  • Ristorante La Feluca

  • Other well-known spots:

    • Antico Forno – For Venetian pastries and focaccia

    • Osteria alle Testiere – A seafood restaurant offering fresh, local Venetian dishes.

    • Trattoria Al Gatto Nero – Located on the island of Burano, it’s a great spot for local seafood

    • Bar Longhi – A bar in the Gritti Palace Hotel, great for cocktails in a luxurious setting.

Top Things to Do:

  • St. Mark’s Basilica – Visit this iconic cathedral with its breathtaking mosaics.

  • Rialto Bridge – One of Venice's most famous landmarks, perfect for taking photos of the Grand Canal.

  • Ride a Gondola – A traditional and unforgettable way to see the city from its canals.

Recommendation for Transportation:

  • Trains to Venice are comfortable and frequent from major cities like Milan and Rome. Once in Venice, you can get around on foot or via vaporetto (water bus). Walking is the best way to explore the city’s narrow streets.

Milan

Italy’s fashion and design capital offers a chic and modern vibe.

Food & Drinks

  • Ristorante Marino dal 1939

  • Panzerotti Luini- decades-old bakery selling panzerotti turnovers with sweet & savory fillings.

  • Cioccolatitaliani - The best chocolate in the world combined with ice cream, pastry, and coffee

  • Other well-known spots:

    • Pasticceria Marchesi

    • Panificio Pattini

    • Ristorante Cracco

    • Bicerin

Top Things to Do:

  • Sightseeing on Vintage Trams – Milan’s vintage trams offer a unique way to see the city’s beautiful architecture.

  • Tour Cimitero Monumentale – This grand cemetery is home to stunning sculptures and a peaceful escape from the city bustle.

  • Piazza Affari and L.O.V.E – Visit this square to see the famous L.O.V.E statue, an intriguing work of modern art.

  • Abbeys and Churches – Milan has many historical abbeys and churches, including the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, perfect for photos and exploring.

  • Porta Nuova Skyscraper – Marvel at Milan’s modern skyline with a visit to Porta Nuova, a stunning business district.

  • Walk Milan’s Last Medieval Square – Explore the ancient square of Piazza dei Mercanti, offering a glimpse of Milan’s medieval past.

Recommendation for Transportation:

  • Trains to Milan are easy to catch from Venice or Rome. In Milan, public transport is efficient, with a metro system, trams, and buses. For a more personalized experience, rent a bike or use ride-sharing apps.

Rome

Rome is brimming with history, art, and unforgettable cuisine.

Food & Drinks

  • Trapizzino – Try their famous pizza pockets filled with hearty Italian fillings.

  • PINSALLEGRA - Quaint counter-serve eatery with outdoor seats turning out pizzas with a variety of toppings.

  • Dagnino- Traditional Sicilian baked goods & coffee

  • Pan Bernardo- A cozy and authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of Rome

  • Giolitti gelato

  • 404 Name Not Found (yes, this is the actual name of the restaurant) - Speciality cocktails & coffee drinks breakfast eats, sandwiches & desserts)

  • da Robertino

  • Other well-known spots:

    • Mercato di Testaccio – A bustling market offering delicious street food and fresh ingredients.

    • Monti 79 – A cozy restaurant known for its excellent pasta and local Roman dishes.

    • Da Francesco – A great pizzeria in the heart of Rome, offering fantastic thin-crust pizza.

    • Gelateria dei Neri

  • Tip: If there are pictures on the menu or if the staff is telling you to join them - Don’t go it’s a tourist trap.

Top Things to Do:

  • Pantheon – A remarkably preserved ancient temple, now a church.

  • Piazza Navona – A stunning square filled with baroque art and lively cafés.

  • Colosseum and Roman Forum – Step back in time and explore the ruins of ancient Rome.

  • Catacombs of Rome – Discover the underground burial sites of early Christians.

  • Baths of Caracalla – Explore one of the largest and most impressive ancient bath complexes.

  • Appian Way – Walk down one of the oldest roads in the Roman Empire.

Recommendation for Transportation:

  • Trains to Rome are easy to catch from Venice, Naples, or Florence. The city's public transportation system includes buses, trams, and the metro.

Amalfi Coast

A stunning stretch of coastline along southern Italy, offers dramatic views, charming villages, and delicious cuisine.

Food & Drinks

  • Da Bruno Alla Carcara

  • Lo Guarracino - Regional pasta & fish dishes, plus wines, on a wooden deck overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea

  • Other well-known spots:

    • Pasticceria Sal De Riso – Famous for its limoncello-infused pastries, especially the delicious delizia al limone.

    • Da Gemma – A popular seafood restaurant in Amalfi, known for its fresh fish and homemade pasta.

    • Ristorante Il Pirata – Located in Praiano, this seaside spot offers incredible seafood dishes with breathtaking views of the coast.

Top Things to Do:

  • Explore Positano – Wander through the narrow streets lined with boutiques and enjoy panoramic views from the beach.

  • Visit Ravello – Known for its stunning gardens and the beautiful Villa Cimbrone.

  • Take a Boat Tour – Explore the coastline by boat for spectacular views of cliffs and villages.

  • Visit Pompeii – A short train ride away, Pompeii offers a glimpse into life in the Roman Empire frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Recommendation for Transportation:

  • Trains to the Amalfi Coast – The nearest major train station is Salerno. From there, you can catch a bus or ferry to towns like Positano or Amalfi. Driving along the coast is also a great option if you’re up for a scenic adventure.

Traveling by train in Italy not only makes transportation seamless but also offers a beautiful, scenic route between some of the most iconic locations in the country. Whether you're exploring the canals of Venice, soaking up the history in Rome, or lounging on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, you're in for an unforgettable experience.

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