The 2024 Foliage Train returns to experience autumn through one of the most beautiful railway lines in Europe

From 12 October to 17 November 2024the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway once again offers the now famous journey which, through wonderful scenery and changing colours, manages to attract an ever-increasing audience every year.

The route crosses one of the most beautiful railway lines in Europe, celebrated by Lonely Planet as one of the ten most spectacular on the continent. 52 kilometers long, the Vigezzina-Centovalli ensures a comfortable journey, aboard comfortable trains equipped with large panoramic windows, through a landscape that transforms with the arrival of autumn and which will offer an unforgettable visual experience.

The charm of an autumn trip

The route starts from the Piedmontese town of Domodossola, located in the Ossola Valley, and continues into the Vigezzo Valley, known as the “valley of painters” for its postcard views and fascinating artistic tradition. Along the journey, you come across characteristic villages such as Santa Maria Maggiore, which stands at the highest point of the line, and in the continuation of the journey the train crosses the border with Switzerland, descending gently through the Ticino valleys up to Locarno, on the banks of the Lake Maggiore.
During the journey, passengers will be able to admire a true mosaic of autumn colours: birch, chestnut and beech forests alternate with golden vineyards which, with the changing light of the season, take on ever-changing shades. The vine-covered hills guarantee a stop for lovers of good wine: travelers can in fact taste local wines such as Prunent from Ossola and Merlot from Ticino, two excellent products that further enhance the experience.

The route taken by the foliage train also passes through areas rich in history and culture. An example is the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sangue in Re, a place of worship that attracts thousands of pilgrims every year: we are talking about an extraordinary religious building that stands in a small village and represents one of the most significant stages of the route, both for the spiritual importance and for the suggestive position.
The railway, active all year round, becomes in autumn a sort of open window on one of the most fascinating periods to discover the beauty of the Alps and the surrounding valleys: the first snows that whiten the mountain peaks create a magnificent contrast with the red shades and golden woods, and the result is a noteworthy spectacle, capable of remaining imprinted in the mind for a long time.

A trip for everyone

The Foliage train, between art and nature, easily transforms into a journey of pure relaxation, useful for disconnecting from the daily routine. Families with children, couples looking for a romantic experience, groups of friends or individual travellers: this scenic trip can satisfy everyone’s tastes. The measured rhythms of the train, together with the possibility of admiring the landscapes through the large windows, create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, definitely recommended for those who wish to completely immerse themselves in autumnal beauty.
The success of the initiative, as evidenced by the ever-increasing number of visitors who choose to live this very particular experience every year, certainly lies in the great charm of the landscape just described, but also in the quality of the service offered by the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway: the the organization is in fact attentive to the needs of passengers, with comfortable and modern trains that guarantee a safe and pleasant journey.

Useful information for the trip

There Vigezzina-Centovalli railway52 kilometers long, connects Italy and Switzerland through an Alpine route of rare beauty. The journey, which lasts about two hours each way, allows passengers to make an intermediate stop to visit one of the places crossed. You can choose to get off at one of the stations along the route, for example at Santa Maria Maggiore, and dedicate a few hours to discovering the area, with the possibility of exploring paths, visiting museums or simply walking through the streets of the historic villages.

As for the ratesvary depending on the days and travel class.

Tickets can be purchased online, and advance sales will begin on a date that will be announced soon on the railway’s official social channels. This type of booking allows you to guarantee a seat on the train in a highly requested period, in which the influx of visitors is truly notable.

Here for more information.

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