FS Treni Turistici Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato

Tourist

Railway of Wonders in "Centoporte" carriages.

A spectacular journey between the Alps and the Mediterranean

The Railway of Wonders is one of the most fascinating railway routes in Europe: a historic international line that crosses breathtaking landscapes, deep gorges, daring viaducts, and spiral tunnels. On board the Centoporte carriages, the journey becomes an experience from another era, where every window opens onto unexpected views and panoramas that shift with every curve.

A unique railway, created as a cross-border connection and now a symbol of slow tourism, ideal for those who love nature, history, and the pleasure of unhurried travel, taking in the essential beauty of the border valleys.

Within this setting fits the concept of Itinerari d’Autore: a way of experiencing travel that prioritizes observation, interpretation, and a deep connection with the territory. Not a guided itinerary in the traditional sense, but an evocative thread that accompanies the traveler, leaving them free to shape their own experience through suggestions, encounters, and personal discoveries.

On land, the region offers charming villages, panoramic trails, small local markets, and unique viewpoints, perfect to explore at your own pace. An invitation to immerse oneself in the essential beauty of the border valleys, without structured activities, following the authentic mood of the journey.

Travel Details

Schedule:
Every Sunday, round trip on the same day, from 5 July to 6 September, and again throughout the month of December.

NB: with the exception of Sunday 26 July and Sunday 9 August, when the train will run earlier on Saturday (25 July and 8 August).

Due to infrastructure upgrade works on the line, services on 22 and 30 August are cancelled.

Route:
Torino → Cuneo → Limone → Tende → Breil-sur-Roya → Ventimiglia → Sanremo → Imperia

  • The Centoporte Coaches
  • TTI Special -25%

The route

The journey begins in the elegant setting of Turin, from where the train departs to cross the Piedmont plain and head straight toward the heart of the Maritime Alps. Although the entire line is steeped in history, the most scenic and emotionally striking section lies between Cuneo and Tenda: here, the tracks seem to defy gravity, climbing along the Vermenagna Valley and plunging into the mountains through spiral tunnels that twist upon themselves to overcome steep gradients.

Once past the mountain pass, the train continues its panoramic descent through the wild Roya Valley, passing villages carved into the rock and silent valleys, until reaching Ventimiglia, Sanremo and Imperia. In just a few hours, passengers experience a unique contrast: from the crisp air of the high Alpine altitudes to the gentle breeze of the Mediterranean Sea.

A rich and engaging onboard experience

Throughout the journey, both outbound and return, the onboard experience is an integral part of the itinerary. The train becomes a space for storytelling and discovery through:

  • Narratives of the landscapes crossed and the history of the railway line
  • In-depth insights into local traditions, culture, and regional excellence
  • Tastings of typical products served on board, enhancing the journey with the flavours of the territory

The ever-changing scenery, combined with storytelling and tastings, turns the journey into an immersive experience, engaging the senses and enhancing the identity of the places encountered.

The Centoporte Coaches

The Centoporte coaches are among the most iconic historic vehicles of the Italian railway network. Introduced in the 1930s as sturdy, essential carriages designed for the commuter services of the time, they owe their name to the numerous side doors that made passenger boarding and alighting easier. Built in steel and featuring simple yet authentic interiors, they served regional and local lines across Italy for decades.

Today, thanks to the restoration work of Fondazione FS, these coaches have been brought back to their original charm, with wooden seats and sliding windows that allow travelers to fully enjoy the landscape. On the Railway of Wonders, the Centoporte express their true value: a simple and genuine way of travelling, perfect for rediscovering a historic line that has become a symbol of international slow tourism.

A slow and authentic way of traveling

The Railway of Wonders is designed for those who wish to experience travel as more than just movement: an opportunity to discover the territory at a gentle pace, guided by the beauty of the journey and the richness of its stories and traditions.

Click the Buy button or go to the website https://www.fondazionefs.it/