Throughout the world, the last few pandemic-strewn years have revived the allure of train rides—and more so of journeys along old tracks that force us to unplug from technology. Italy isn’t exactly a mecca as far as suped-up high-speed railways are concerned, but if you’re looking for some very, very slow—not to mention epically scenic—travel options, the country’s beautiful old-timey trains surely won’t disappoint.

Snag a ticket and prepare to experience the thrill of discovering unknown shepherd trails, sleepy villages, abandoned underground mines, mountains once roamed by outlaws, and lush Alpine valleys rife with fairy tale lore. Some tracks date back to the end of the 1800s, traversed by trains still rolling on steam and offering the chance to experience little-known areas you’re bound to miss by car.