Italy's vintage trains draw tourists off beaten track

As it rolls throughout Italy's main areas, a classic diesel engine towing carriages from the 1930s and 1950s crosses the forests of the Majella National park and the Abruzzo highlands, giving tourists on board a glimpse of covert hamlets.

Across its just over 100 kilometres (62 miles), the so-called Italian Transiberian rail line, also referred to as the Park Train, slips into canyons, snakes into 58 tunnels and braves substantial viaducts.

It was the first of some 1,000 kilometres of line to have re-opened under a project by Fondazione FS, part of state-controlled nationwide rail business Ferrovie dello Stato ( FS).

The Classic tracks job takes travelers to forgotten parts of Italy, providing an option to the fast-paced, mass tourism of the major cities.

These are tracks that have endured various ages, they have actually carried soldiers to the front, cows to pasture ... they were mistakenly considered ineffective during the 1960s and 70s however are now once again of value, Luigi Cantamessa, who heads Fondazione FS, informed .

Influenced by train travel in Switzerland, the job now brings 45,000 travelers a year throughout its 13 lines. Fondazione FS anticipates to open 2 new ones by 2026, both in the southern area of Sicily.

What were considered to be the dry branches of Italy's. train network, have now proved to be the green shoots,. Cantamessa included.

NO FROZEN PIZZAS

People are used to cities and places, like Florence, that. everybody understands. but then there are other areas that require to be. discovered. (This) is the best sort of tourist that does not. spoil the authenticity of places, said Norma Pagiotti, a. 28-year-old from Florence taking a trip on the train with 2. pals.

With arrival numbers above pre-pandemic levels, popular. European travel destinations including Venice have introduced. procedures focused on handling visitor numbers amidst increasing concerns. about overcrowding.

The train advises me of my youth, I feel a bit nostalgic. for the things of the past, which were simpler, now whatever. is quickly, short-term, states Caterina Quaranta, from Taranto in. southern Italy, resting on the wooden seats of the train.

The journeys draw in Italians and immigrants, a lot of. households and children, more youthful individuals who leave to hike and. cycle, and older individuals who have time to spare, described. Laura Colaprete, a regional guide.

It's for those who do not desire mass market, jumbled. locations. A conscious traveller, who is looking for. something unique, said Cantamessa of Fondazione FS. These are. not trips that serve you frozen pizza for lunch, he added.

FOLK MUSIC AND LOCAL FOOD

After climbing almost 1,000 metres in elevation, the. Transiberian's very first stop remains in Palena, a medieval hill-top town. known for its spectacular views over the national park.

Traditional folk music accompanies individuals getting off the. train, with local specials such as lamb skewers and soft. pancakes made with an iron mould, referred to as pizzelle, and. products by regional craftsmens awaiting them at the station.

The train helps a number of small towns around here. This line. was a dead line before, said Gino Toppi, 60, as he assisted his. partner with the food stall in the small station.

Milan's Bocconi University just recently estimated that for each. euro invested by passengers on tickets - which cost in between 30. euros and 70 euros ($ 32.50 - $76)- as much as a more 3 euros are. invested in food, lodging, trips and keepsakes.

That helps to support the economy of villages that have long. lost population due to the decreasing birth rate and more youthful. people leaving for the bigger cities

There definitely are benefits, this is a way to reveal my. products, stated Annalisa Cantelmi, a herbalist.

These travelers are slowly discovering these brand-new. areas, their traditions and individuals, she included.

(source: Reuters)