Retro Rail Journeys: Italy Launches Special Christmas Express Routes for 2025

Italy’s state railway operator, FS Treni Turistici Italiani, has unveiled two exclusive retro rail journeys designed to transport passengers back in time for the 2025 holiday season. Offering a charming alternative to standard travel methods during the winter festivities, this initiative aims to revive the romance of classic train travel while strongly emphasizing sustainable tourism. These special routes, dubbed the Espresso Monaco and the Espresso Assisi, promise a truly nostalgic Christmas experience, blending historical charm with modern comfort.

The Espresso Monaco route is structured as a dedicated overnight sleeper service, establishing a direct link between Rome and Munich, home to the world-famous Christkindlmarkt. This extensive journey, spanning approximately 17 hours, offers travelers a scenic passage through the stunning landscapes of both Italy and Austria. The train makes strategic stops along the way, including Verona Porta Nuova, Trento, Bolzano, Bressanone, and Innsbruck, before finally delivering passengers right to the heart of the action at Munich’s central Marienplatz.

Designed for maximum comfort during the long haul, the night express provides various accommodation options. Passengers can choose between single or double sleeping compartments, or opt for couchette berths. Enhancing the festive atmosphere, the consist also includes a dedicated dining car, offering a seasonal menu and live musical entertainment, ensuring the journey itself is as memorable as the destination. This service provides a truly immersive travel experience, reminiscent of the golden age of rail.

For those preferring daylight travel and a slower pace of cultural immersion, the Espresso Assisi route is the perfect choice. This service connects Rome with the historic cities of the Umbria region, which are celebrated for their vibrant holiday markets. Key destinations along this line include Assisi, Perugia, and Arezzo. The focus here is on a relaxed journey, allowing passengers to enjoy the passing scenery. Onboard, travelers benefit from bar service and can relax in beautifully appointed lounges featuring vintage upholstery, adding a touch of old-world elegance to the daytime excursion.

It is important to note that the schedule for these exclusive 2025 tours is highly restricted. The Espresso Monaco will operate only over two weekends in December. Departures from Rome are set for the 5th and the 12th, with return trips scheduled for December 7th and December 14th. The Espresso Assisi service, catering to the regional market, will run every Sunday, commencing in late November and continuing through the beginning of January.

These specialty tours fall under the umbrella of the “Binari senza Tempo” (Rails without Time) project, overseen by FS Treni Turistici Italiani. This ambitious initiative manages over 400 units of historical rolling stock belonging to the FS Foundation. The core mission of the project is the revitalization of disused railway lines to foster sustainable tourism, which includes offering unique themed excursions, such as the popular “Espresso Assisi: Chocolate Edition” focused on Perugia. Given the inherent scarcity of seats on these vintage trains, early booking through the operator’s official website or at selected railway stations is not just recommended—it is a necessary prerequisite for participation.