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Guided New Zealand Train & Coach Tours

Great Journeys New Zealand provides the ultimate guided Train and Coach Journeys. Choose from our fantastic range of world-class tours below or contact one of our local based travel experts to find out what journey would serve you the most enjoyment! Whether you want to cruise on the Northern Explorer and stay in the North Island, see the highlights of the South Island on the TranzAlpine or cross over on the Interislander Ferry to see it all.

Great Journeys of New Zealand - Classic Cities & Coastal Highlights Tour

Duration: 10 days Auckland to Christchurch

• Hotel 3 star
• Guided Coach & Train Tours

See everything New Zealand has to offer on our 10-day guided tour

• Viewed 158 times in the last 7 days

price pp from

twin share/double

Great Journeys of New Zealand - Signature Inspirational Alps Tour

Duration: 7 days Christchurch to Queenstown

• Hotel 4 star

Experience a luxurious 7-day guided experience through lush New Zealand

• Viewed 214 times in the last 7 days

Great Journeys of New Zealand - Classic New Zealand Highlights Tour

Duration: 15 days Auckland to Queenstown

Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and geology as you travel off the beaten track through New Zealand's regions.

• Viewed 137 times in the last 7 days

Great Journeys of New Zealand - Classic Coastal Highlights Tour

Duration: 6 days Wellington to Christchurch

Experience a taste of New Zealand on our 6-day guided tour

• Viewed 123 times in the last 7 days

Great Journeys of New Zealand - Classic Northern Highlights Tour

Duration: 6 days Auckland to Wellington

Explore New Zealand's North Island on this 6-day guided adventure.

• Viewed 89 times in the last 7 days

Great Journeys of New Zealand - Signature Captivating Coast Tour

Experience a luxurious 6-day guided experience along coastal New Zealand.

• Viewed 142 times in the last 7 days

Great Journeys of New Zealand - Signature Inspiring North Island Tours

Duration: 8 days Auckland to Wellington

Experience a luxurious 8-day guided experience through the lush North Island of New Zealand.

• Viewed 146 times in the last 7 days

Great Journeys of New Zealand - Classic Southern Highlights Tour

Duration: 11 days Wellington to Queenstown

Explore from North to South on this great New Zealand 11-day guided adventure.

• Viewed 127 times in the last 7 days

Great Journeys of New Zealand - Signature Spectacular South Tour

• Viewed 145 times in the last 7 days

Great Journeys of New Zealand - Signature Cities & Seas Tour

Duration: 12 days Auckland to Christchurch

Experience a luxurious 12-day guided scenic experience through the North Island

Great Journeys of New Zealand - Signature New Zealand Up Close Tour

Duration: 17 days Auckland to Queenstown

Experience a luxurious 17-day guided experience through lush New Zealand.

• Viewed 167 times in the last 7 days

Nearly all our guests customise our tour ideas. That's what we do! Our expert team of New Zealand specialists can design a holiday itinerary to suit you perfectly. A tailor made package can be created for you in no time and doesn't cost you any more than one of our 'off the shelf' ideas. So get in touch with the team today to start your plans.

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NZ Rail Adventure

Duration: 15 Days

Price: NZ$7,395 - Includes $400pp Saving

Departure From: Auckland

Departure Date: Spring/Summer 24-25

Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Meal Plan: B&B and selected meals

Physical Grading: 2/5

Enjoy a taste of each of New Zealand’s scenic rail experiences on this NZ rail adventure, including a distinctive ride on the Glenbrook Vintage Steam Railway.

Across fifteen days full of sightseeing, we will tour the length of the country enjoying the highlights on offer and, of course, take the opportunity to ride on New Zealand’s popular train journeys.

Book now and save $800 per couple! From Price Already Includes Discount

Enthralling scenery and breathtaking views stretch as far as the eyes can see. Check out the tour map and highlights below of this marvelous NZ rail adventure.

NZ Rail Adventure Highlights

• Time in Auckland, the City of Sails
• A day out to Glenbrook Steam Railway including ‘behind the scenes’ viewing
• Enjoy ‘Rail Cruising’ a new on-rail adventure activity
• Savour an authentic Maori Hangi and Concert
• Take a ride on scenic segments of the Coastal Pacific rail journeys
• Take time in New Zealand’s capital Wellington
• We ride the famous TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth
• Enjoy Queenstown and the beautiful scenery
• Discover the delights of Milford Sound by boat
• Experience stunning views in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions, please see below .

2024-2025 New Zealand Rail Adventure Departure Dates

15 Day Tour, Auckland to Christchurch

• 4 May 2024 – SOLD OUT
• 7 & 21 September 2024 – SOLD OUT
• 5, 19 & 26 October 2024 – from $8,495 Now $8,095 – Save $800 per couple
• 2 & 30 November 2024 – SOLD OUT
• 16 November 2024 – from $8,495 Now $8,095 – Save $800 per couple
• 14 December 2024 – SOLD OUT
• 11 & 25 January 2025 – from $8,495 Now $8,095 – Save $800 per couple
• 8 & 22 February 2025 – from $8,495 Now $7,895 – Save $1,200 per couple
• 8, 22 & 29 March 2025 – from $8,495 Now $7,895 – Save $1,200 per couple
• 12 & 26 April 2025 – from $7,995 Now $7,395 – Save $1,200 per couple

Please note, couple savings are based on a per person discount and subject to change.

Click here for alternate rail-based New Zealand tours .

Tour Inclusions

• 14 nights accommodation
• Meals as indicated within the itinerary; 14 breakfasts (B), and 9 dinners (D)
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• Premium air-conditioned coach travel
• All sightseeing, cruises, rail travel and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
• The services of an experienced tour director

Pricing Notes

• Advertised price based on per person, twin share
• ‘From’ price includes discount
• Non-refundable deposit of $200 per person is due within 7 days of booking
• Full non-refundable balance of tour payment will be advised at the time of booking
• Full payment is required 100 days prior to departure
• A single supplement is available on request
• Price is subject to change unless paid in full

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | auckland (d), day 2 | auckland - day trip to glenbrook steam railway (b), day 3 | auckland - mamaku rail cruising - rotorua (b,d), day 4 | rotorua (b), day 5 | rotorua - wellington (b,d), day 6 | wellington (b), day 7 | wellington - inter-island ferry - coastal pacific - kaikoura - christchurch (b, d), day 8 | christchurch - tranzalpine train - greymouth - fox glacier (b, d), day 9 | fox glacier - queenstown (b), day 10 | queenstown (b), day 11 | queenstown - milford sound - te anau (b, d), day 12 | te anau - dunedin (b, d), day 13 | dunedin - lake tekapo (b, d), day 14 | lake tekapo - aoraki mount cook - christchurch (b, d), day 15 | christchurch (b).

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now .

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Train & Rail Tours in New Zealand

Relax and admire breathtaking views in New Zealand only accessible by train journey. With 3 New Zealand train tours lasting from 7 days up to 16 days, you're sure to find a railway carriage with your name on it on a route that will leave you speechless.

3 Train tour packages in New Zealand with reviews

• Train & Rail
• Sightseeing

Auckland to Christchurch 10-Day Rail Tour

• Wine tasting

Scenic Roads of the South Island (7 Days)

Great New Zealand Rail and Cruise Experience

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These New Train Tours Might Be the Most Stunning Way to See New Zealand

Expect panoramic views of lush forests, sparkling coastlines, rolling hills, small towns, and big cities.

Laura Beausire is a Colorado-based writer with three decades of experience covering travel, art, design, and outdoor adventure. She has a master’s degree in art history and a background working in galleries and teaching design history. When she’s not on a hiking trail, Laura contributes to Wine Enthusiast, Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, Shondaland, Hemispheres, Fodor’s, Mountain Living, and many other publications.

Picasa/Courtesy of Great Journeys New Zealand

The wonders of New Zealand require a visitor’s full attention, so why not give your eyes a treat and roll through the country on a scenic train ride ? Great Journeys New Zealand offers a brand-new collection of multiday, guided rail tours that sweep across spectacular landscapes on both North and South islands .

The just-launched rail adventures take three existing train lines and mix them with a fresh crop of guided tour itineraries — ranging from six to 17 days — leading guests on a variety of off-rail excursions in search of Kiwi experiences. The Northern Explorer train starts in Auckland and runs just over 400 miles south to New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington. Along the way, tours bring guests to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and into Tongariro National Park, where they’ll see towering Mount Ruapehu. After crossing the 58-mile Cook Strait aboard the Interislander ferry, travelers can transfer to the Coastal Pacific train at Picton. The route passes through Blenheim’s vineyards and hugs Kaikōura's coast (renowned for whale sightings) on the way to Christchurch. Finally, the TranzAlpine train traverses the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps between Christchurch and Greymouth. Private coach or shuttle tours can whisk passengers to nearby destinations, including Queenstown and Milford Sound.

Heyworth R&F/Courtesy of Great Journeys New Zealand

“Great Journeys New Zealand takes travelers through some of the country's most stunning and diverse landscapes, from rolling hills and lush forests to rugged coastlines and sparkling oceans,” says Mark Hockley, senior tour manager and partnership specialist at Great Journeys New Zealand. “The scenic routes provide panoramic views that can't be found by road, and the relaxed and comfortable train ride allows travelers to sit back, relax, and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of New Zealand .”

Tour guides provide local insights and personal introductions. “There’s a story at every stop, from tales about Kiwiana culture to facts about New Zealand's curious birds, the history of Māori culture, geology in volcanic regions, rock formations, orientation of cities and locations in New Zealand, and so much more,” Hockley says. An audio commentary system, triggered by GPS, offers additional facts and historical background as the train chugs along. “The views really are breathtaking — from the volcanic peaks of Middle Earth in Ruapehu to sighting the mystical Blue Lake in the northern reaches of New Zealand's Southern Alps — but we also visit local stores and meet sheep farmers and winemakers, and hear their stories along the way,” he says.

“Māori storytelling and legends are woven into every guide's narrative throughout all trips — it's an important part of the New Zealand experience,” says Hockley. “We offer unique cultural experiences on many of our tours, ranging from visiting a Māori village to tasting Māori food, learning about Māori arts and crafts, and more.”

Courtesy of Great Journeys New Zealand

Scenic Class carriages are open and airy, thanks to panoramic windows and skylights, with spacious seating and airbag suspension for a comfy ride. Open carriages are also available — perfect for fresh-air viewing and photography. When you’re hungry, the onboard Scenic Cafe offers New Zealand wine and beer selections, along with dishes showcasing local ingredients, from roasted free-range chicken with Manuka honey to High Country lamb to South Island hot-smoked salmon salad. Starting April 14, Great Journeys will add Scenic Plus service , with a new, custom-built carriage plus a dedicated chef.

Tours are offered on specific dates from January through early May, and travelers can choose between Classic (six to 15 days, with a maximum group size of 35) or Signature (six to 17 days, with a maximum group size of 20). 

TranzAlpine Train Itinerary

Waimakariri Bridge, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Great Journeys NZ / Kiwirail

Lake Sarah, Christchurch - Canterbury

Springfield , Christchurch - Canterbury

Scenic train journey between Christchurch and Greymouth

• Vibrant Christchurch

Arthur’s Pass National Park

• Historic Greymouth

Explore the TranzAlpine train itinerary

The TranzAlpine is regarded as one of the world’s great train journeys as it traverses the majestic Southern Alps mountain range on its route across the South Island between Christchurch and Greymouth.  

The scenic New Zealand train journey on board the TranzAlpine is just under five hours, but is a showcase of sweeping farmland, snow-capped mountains, narrow gorges, braided rivers, lakes and dense native forest.  

It offers easy access to Arthurs’ Pass National Park, with the chance to spend time exploring this unique area, well as vibrant Christchurch and historic West Coast towns.     

*Note: Check the TranzAlpine website for the latest schedules when booking stops, accommodation and activities.   

Explore Christchurch

Christchurch tram, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Welcome Aboard

Discover the best of Christchurch

• Punting on the Avon
• Christchurch Gondola

Find out more about Christchurch

Christchurch combines beautiful scenery and rich heritage with a revitalised city centre, providing plenty to do over a couple of days.   

The Christchurch Tram is an easy and fun way to get around the inner city, or hire a bike and ride the city cycle paths. For panoramic views, ride the Christchurch Gondola high into the Port Hills.  

You’ll find great shopping in boutiques and major stores in the CBD. Stroll along the Avon River, which runs through the city. Delight in the gourmet goodies at the Riverside Market and then enjoy a trip on the water with the famous Punting on the Avon .  

Christchurch is a gateway to Antarctica and you can learn about life on the ice with a visit to the International Antarctic Centre – travel in a Hägglund snow mobile and feel the chill of an Antarctic storm.   

Take a day tour to the French settlement of Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula, just 90 minutes from Christchurch. Browse Akaroa’s galleries and boutique stores and stop for lunch at one of the French-inspired eateries. The Giants House is an unmissable garden of international significance with incredible sculptures and mosaics.   

Akaroa Harbour is famous for its marine life, with penguins, fur seals and the endangered Hector’s dolphin. Take an Akaroa Harbour Nature Tour with Black Cat Cruises , or go sea kayaking to see these creatures up close.  

Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass National Park

Canterbury Plains and alpine scenery

• Canterbury Plains
• Engineering marvels
• Arthur’s Pass Village

Learn more about Canterbury Plains

Head to the centrally located Christchurch Railway Station for your morning departure on board the TranzAlpine. Enjoy breakfast and coffee with a view in the Scenic Café as you leave the Garden City behind and head towards Springfield on the South Island Main Trunk Line.  

You’ll roll across the wide patchwork expanse of the Canterbury Plains, which is New Zealand’s largest area of flat land. At Rolleston, the train turns inland, joining the Midland Line and heading towards the distinctive braids of the Waimakariri River and on to Springfield.  

You’ll see the towering Torlesse mountains at the edge of the plains as you come into Springfield.    

This little town is the last stop before entering the mountains on the route known as Arthur’s Pass. Originally an ancient track used by Māori for trading pounamu greenstone, it was named for Arthur Dobson, who first mapped it in 1864.   

It is the next section of railway, between Springfield and Arthur’s Pass National Park, that is considered a masterpiece of engineering. It follows the winding Waimakariri River gorge, tracking along cliffs and steep banks through 15 short tunnels and four towering viaducts.   

At Cass, head to the Open-Air Viewing Carriage for spectacular views of Mount Binser rising above the Waimakariri River.  

The TranzAlpine will arrive mid-morning at New Zealand’s highest operational railway station. It’s a great opportunity to explore one of New Zealand’s beautiful National Parks . There’s a range of accommodation at Arthur’s Pass Village as well as hikers’ huts (opens in new window) linked by tracks throughout Arthur’s Pass National Park .   

Arthurs Pass, Christchurch - Canterbury

Natural wonders in Arthur’s Pass National Park  

• Alpine scenery
• Waterfalls and native bush

Find out more about Arthur's Pass National Park

There’s a wide variety of walks in the National Park, ranging from family-friendly strolls with waterfalls, forest and alpine views, through to multi-day hikes. Stop in at the Visitor Information Centre for details on all of these.   

Some of the highlights in Arthur’s Pass National Park include natural attractions like The Devil's Punchbowl Falls , Bridal Veil Track and Historic Village Walk.   

Whatever trail you choose, look out for kea, as this New Zealand alpine parrot is famous for its cheeky antics.   

In winter, the Temple Basin Ski Area is popular with skiers and snowboarders, and mountaineers enjoy the park’s climbing routes.   

Arthur’s Pass National Park to Greymouth

Moana, West Coast

Lakes and lush forest on the West Coast

• Otira Tunnel
• Lake Brunner

Find out more about the West Coast

From Arthur’s Pass Village it’s just a couple of hours to Greymouth with spectacular scenery on the way.   

You’ll travel through the Otira Tunnel, which is carved through 8.5 kilometres of rock and marks the transition from Canterbury to the West Coast.   

As you descend towards Greymouth through river valleys and ancient forest, keep an eye out for beautiful Lake Brunner , the largest lake on the West Coast and a popular spot for trout fishing.  

The TranzAlpine arrives in Greymouth just after lunch. This town is considered the heart of the West Coast and there’s lots to see and do, so take a couple of days to explore.   

West Coast adventure

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, West Coast

By Fraser Clements

Natural wonders on the West Coast  

• Pancake rocks
• Paparoa Track

Greymouth has a rich mining heritage and you can step back in time at Shanty Town , a replica 1900s pioneer town with gold panning and heritage train rides. Then pop into Monteiths , part of New Zealand’s brewing history, for a brewery tour and tasting.   

Just 40 minutes north of Greymouth is Punakaiki and Paparoa National Park , where you’ll find amazing coastal rock formations like the famous Pancake Rocks and spectacular blowholes, as well as cave rafting . The walks range from the short Truman Track (30 minutes return) to the Pororari River Track and Fox River Caves Track (both three hours return), or the  Paparoa track , one of New Zealand’s Great Walks , which is a 2-3 day hiking and mountain biking track.   

From Greymouth, it’s an hour north-east to Reefton , another town with a gold-mining past and home to the award-winning Reefton Distilling Co. Tour the distillery and discover how they use locally foraged ingredients from the West Coast rainforests in their spirits.   

Keen to see more of New Zealand’s Great Journeys ? You could return to Christchurch on the TranzAlpine and take the Coastal Explorer north to Picton, along the South Island’s beautiful east coast.   

Then cross Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry and catch the Northern Explorer from Wellington to Auckland for a trip through the volcanic heart of the North Island.  

View the TranzAlpine route below

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Six of Europe’s best sleeper trains

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Europe’s sleeper train network has woken up. Photo / Getty Images

Fuelled by a demand for more sustainable alternatives to short-haul flights , Europe’s sleeper-train network is having a revival, writes Frances Carruthers.

Perhaps it’s the novelty of being able to drift off in one city and wake up in an entirely different one – and often in a different country, too.

Or maybe it’s the fact that a sleeper train, while slower and often more expensive than flying, allows you to really experience the distance you’re travelling, gazing out at the scenery and watching how it changes as you glide past.

Whatever it is, there’s a certain kind of magic to travelling by overnight train , which is perhaps why this retro mode of transport is having a renaissance across Europe . From budget to blowout, historic to brand-new, here are six of the best.

The Trondheim to Bodo train, Norway

Nicknamed the ‘Arctic Circle Express’, this epic 729km journey is Norway’s longest continuous rail route. It slices its way up the slender country’s spine, starting from the fjord-side city of Trondheim and ending in the Arctic Circle outpost of Bodo – the newlyappointed European Capital of Culture 2024 .

Departing just after 11pm, the 10-hour trip takes you through rolling hills and fjords, alongside historic World War II sites and colourful fishing towns before hurtling into the barren, rocky expanses of the Saltfjellet mountain range. At around 6.30am, it crosses the Arctic Circle – as announced by the train’s loudspeaker – where snow lingers even through the summer, and you might spot reindeer if you’re lucky.

It’s worth going around midsummer to experience the region’s legendary midnight sun, although be prepared to sacrifice some sleep to take in the views. Tickets can be booked through SJ Nord, with three options (standard seats, reclining seats and sleeper compartments), the cheapest of which starts at around $80.

Paris to Rome: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Since its inaugural trip between Paris and Istanbul in 1919, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has become the epitome of luxury in long-distance rail travel. Today, its century-old carriages have been meticulously restored, allowing passengers to be teleported back to the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties. The route between Paris and Rome, which was relaunched in 2022 following a 14-year hiatus, is a fittingly romantic way to travel between two of Europe’s most romantic cities.

Departing Paris at 5pm, passengers can enjoy an opulent four-course meal paired with sommelier-selected wines, before heading to the bar for a cocktail alongside the sound of the grand piano.

When it’s time for bed, sleeper options range from Twin Cabins with banquettes (starting at $7330 per person) to a Grand Suite, which includes a 24-hour butler and private dining in your cabin (starting at $21,090 per person). In the morning, there’s a sumptuous breakfast in bed, before the train arrives in Rome at 1pm.

London to Scotland: Caledonian Sleeper

The joy of the Caledonian Sleeper is in its contrasts: you’ll fall asleep just after leaving the bright lights of London behind, and awaken a few hours later to the brooding, atmospheric landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

This renowned overnight journey, which has a history going back more than 150 years, had a $300 million upgrade in 2019, with the addition of hotel-style rooms with double beds and ensuite bathrooms.

There are two routes to choose from: the Lowlander, linking London with Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the Highlander, travelling between the English capital and Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. Both are beautiful, but the latter packs in more dramatic highland scenery.

The final destination, Fort William, is located at the foot of Ben Nevis, so it’s the perfect base from which to explore Scotland’s highest peak.

Lastly, don’t miss out on the dining car – which serves up traditional Scottish dishes including haggis, ‘neeps and tatties’ and of course, a fine selection of Scotch whiskies. Fares start from around $115 for a seat, $457 for a Classic Cabin, $560 for a Club en-suite and $880 for a Double en-suite.

Zurich to Zagreb: OBB or SBB Railways

Passing through five countries ( Switzerland , Liechtenstein, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia) and lasting 15 hours, the Zurich to Zagreb sleeper takes you on an epic voyage through Central Europe.

The train departs Zurich at 7.40pm, and you’ll spend the next few hours gazing at mountain scenery plucked straight from a postcard as you glide through northern Switzerland. A few hours later you’ll cross the border into the tiny alpine principality of Liechtenstein, before the train begins its long stint through western Austria and into Slovenia.

As darkness falls, retreat for some shut-eye in your couchette (a basic bunk in a four- or six-bed compartment) or sleeping car (a one, two or three-bed compartment with proper beds and washbasins). Just be sure to wake up before 8am, as the last section between Ljubljana and Zagreb, when the train snakes alongside the Sava River, is one of the most picturesque.

The service is run by Austrian operator OBB Nightjet, with fares starting at around $88 for a bed in a couchette, and $123 for a bed in a sleeper compartment.

Brussels to Berlin: European Sleeper

Founded by two rail buffs in 2021, Belgian-Dutch start-up European Sleeper is on a mission to revive the continent’s overnight train network – and its first point of call was to introduce a route linking Brussels and Berlin.

The 11-hour trip is a fun and low-cost way to travel between two of Europe’s most beguiling capitals, which haven’t had a direct night train connection in over a decade. There are two to three departures per week, leaving Brussels at 7.22pm and arriving in Berlin at 6.18am.

For budget travellers , there are seats (starting at around $105), but for around $20 extra you might as well get a couchette – a fold-out bunk in a four- or six-berth compartment. Or, opt for a bed in a three-person sleeper compartment (starting at around $265) which includes proper mattresses, plush duvets and in-cabin washbasins.

The train itself is certainly charming, if in a preloved way: its 1950s stainless steel carriages have been refurbished with narrow, yet comfortable, bunks, while old Slovak railway posters adorn the walls.

Rome to the Dolomites: Espresso Cadore

For a dazzling journey through snow-covered peaks, look no further than this vintage sleeper train.

Launched in December 2023, the Espresso Cadore leaves the Eternal City at 9.15pm every Friday night between December and February, arriving at the Unesco-listed ski town of Cortina d’Ampezzo just in time for breakfast. It’s worth noting that the last hour of the 9.5-hour trip, between Calalzo di Cadore and Cortina d’Ampezzo, is a bus transfer, which is included in the price of the ticket.

Aside from the joy of seeing the sunrise over the Dolomites as you sip your morning coffee, the biggest draw of this unique journey is the train itself.

Decommissioned carriages from the 1980s and 1990s have been given a retro revamp, with wooden panelling, upholstered leather seats and plush carpets. The hotlyanticipated service was established as part of an initiative by Italy’s national rail network, Trenitalia , to encourage visitors to travel more sustainably.

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