The season has started again historic trains in Lombardywhich allows you to dive into the past and discover the beauty of the territory in a new way, gently accompanied by vintage trains, steam and electric locomotives, with “centoporte” cars from the 1930s and 1950s. calendar 2024 predict 20 itineraries, all with departure from Milan. We will discover the most beautiful routes and what is new this year.
Lombardy on historical trains: the itineraries
The initiative, now in its eighth edition, is promoted by the Department of Transport and Sustainable Mobility of the Lombardy Region in collaboration with the Fondazione Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane and FS Treni Turistici Italiani. Among the main ones novelty this year, two vintage trains on the route Milan – Brescia – Desenzano, it is yes Milan to Genoa with the ETR 252 ‘Arlecchino’, the symbol of the Made in Italy electric train and of the economic boom of the 60s.
The most popular itineraries of past years are re-proposed, with the possibility of transporting your bike on board for free with specially equipped luggage. So we find the Lario Expressthe steam train that departs from Milan Centrale heading north in the direction of As and from there it crosses the whole of Brianza, greener and more agricultural, on a secondary line full of charm, touching at numerous places where it makes short stops, finally reaching the destination of Lecco. From Como it is also possible to organize your day independently and use the Navigazione Laghi boats.
He Laveno Express instead, it stops in the city of Laveno-Mombello, in the province of Varese. which offers a splendid panorama of the Borromean basin Lake Maggiore. Here you can spend a day surrounded by greenery and enjoy beautiful walks along the lake. From Laveno it is also possible to use the frequent “ferry boat” services to get there Enteron the Piedmont side of the lake.
Equally fascinating is the itinerary of Sebino Expresswhich heads towards the Bergamo region inside the Oglio River Regional Park, at the foot of the Valley of Camonica. Between the valleys of Franciacorta and the first pre-alpine hills, you can see Lake Iseo rising, surrounded by mountains and dotted with beautiful villages rich in art and traditions. The train arrives at Palazzolo sull’Oglio to reach, in about 10 km, Paraticu-Sarnicor where railcar transport service on barges to the Lovere steelworks once took place on the existing wharf.
The historic train Lomellina Express takes passengers to Mortar, crossing the landscapes of the Lombardy countryside and the Ticino Valley park. Once they arrive at their destination, travelers will have different visits that will lead them to discover the area, including natural areas, castles, abbeys, typical gastronomy and farms surrounded by rice fields.
He heads towards the Brianza he Besanino Express, until reaching Monza, where it continues along the historical and panoramic line until Moltenu, stops in many places and then continues to Leccu, the terminus of the itinerary, where it will be possible to visit the city and walk along the lake. Finally, two historic trains are planned on the route Milan – Chiavenna – with the possibility of reaching the city of the province of Sondriu, or stopping in one of the towns overlooking the lake, Varenna, Bellano and Colico – and between Milan and Cremona.
Historic trains in Lombardy: all dates
- Lario Express, from Milan and Monza to Como and Lecce, Sunday 12 May, 13 October.
- Laveno Express: from Milan to discover Lake Maggiore, Sunday June 2, September 8.
- Sebino Express, from Milan to Lake Iseo, Sunday May 19, June 16, September 15, October 20.
- Lomellina Express, from Milan to Mortara, Sunday May 26 and September 29 on the occasion of the Goose Salami Festival, one of the main events in the region’s calendar of events.
- Besanino Express, from Milan to Besana, Moltenu and Lecce, Sunday September 22 and October 27.
- Historic train Milan – Chiavenna, Sunday 23 June.
- Historic train Milan – Cremona, Sunday 17 November.
- Milan – Brescia – Desenzano, June 9 and September 1,
- ETR 252 ‘Arlecchino’ Milan – Genoa, July 14 and November 3