From breathtaking alpine adventures to sun-soaked seaside trundles, Italy’s trains are the perfect way to explore this fabled country

1. Tirano to St. Moritz on the Bernina Express

This breathtaking train journey between the Italian city of Tirano to the Swiss Alpine resort of St. Moritz isn’t just one of the most amazing rail journeys in Italy: train buffs regard it as one of the most spectacular train routes in the world.

UNESCO have listed it as a World Heritage Route, recognising not just the incredible scenery, but the engineering skill needed to build it as well. It is the highest railway in Europe and uses spiral viaducts like the one at Brusio, to climb into the mountains. Expect tunnels, bridges, mountains and glaciers. And the most memorable four hours of your life.