9D8N Italy by Train 🚆🇮🇹 (from Germany!)
Yes, it's possible 😆 I explored Italy in 9D8N coming from Stuttgart and guess what? All by train! 🚆💨
If you're planning your dream Italy trip but want to skip the flights and go scenic then this is your sign!!!
✨ The Route:
Stuttgart → Milan (1N) → Florence (3N) → Pisa (half day from Florence) → Rome (2N) → Venice (2N) → Munich
Total: 9D8N
‼️All by train — and YES, it’s 100% doable & scenic
Here’s what I did:
📍Stuttgart → Milan 🇮🇹 (8.5hrs incl 1 transfer)
Booked via: Deutsche Bahn (DB) App
💰: €61 with BahnCard 25
This ride was surprisingly chill. I packed snacks and just enjoyed the views through Switzerland!
🇮🇹 Train travel within Italy
I used the official Trenitalia website to book all my Italy routes. It's easy to use, even if you don’t speak Italian. You can choose between Frecciarossa (high-speed), Regionale (slower), or Italo (another operator, but I stuck with Trenitalia for convenience).
📍Milan (Milano Centrale) → Florence (Firenze S. M. Novella)
~ 3.5hrs
💰: €36.50
Train: Intercity 599
Service: 2° Classe
⚠️ My train was delayed by 1 hour — so just a heads up, delays do happen!
📍Florence → Pisa (Return Trip)
~ 1hr x2
💰: ~€20 round trip
Type: Regionale
Easy 1-hour ride each way. Trains run super frequently — no need to book too far in advance.
📍Florence → Rome (Firenze → Roma Termini)
~ 4hrs
Booked on Trenitalia
💰: 24.5€
Fast & smooth high-speed ride. Highly recommend booking this one in advance for better prices and seat options.
📍Rome → Venice
~ 6hrs
Route: Roma Termini → Venezia Mestre → Venezia Santa Lucia
💰: €35.60
Type: Frecciarossa (high-speed)
Train: Intercity 588
Service: 2° Classe
This route was so scenic near the end! Once you reach Venice Mestre and continue over the bridge to Santa Lucia station, it feels magical.
📍Venice → Munich → Stuttgart 🇩🇪
~ 9hrs (SUPER LONG LOL)
Booked via: Deutsche Bahn (DB) App
Price: €36.47 with BahnCard 25
Long but beautiful ride through the Alps. If you want peaceful time to journal, nap, or just stare out the window.
🎒 Travel Hack: No Luggage = No Stress
I packed light and went carry-on only (a backpack + duffel bag)
& Here's why it was the best decision ever:
- Easier to move between cities
- No dragging bags up train station stairs
- Faster check-ins/out
- Less to worry about, more to enjoy
✅ Book early for the best prices (especially in Italy).
💳 If you're based in Germany, a BahnCard is super worth.
📱 I used the DB Navigator app and Trenitalia website to track the train details etc.
💡 Alternative Booking Tip:
If you don’t mind paying a bit more and prefer everything in one place, you can also use Omio (app/website). It’s super convenient and shows train times, prices, and lets you book different operators in one go. I personally booked directly through DB and Trenitalia to save money, but Omio is great if you want a more user-friendly, all-in-one experience.
🌎 If you're interested, I can send over my full train itinerary — just drop a comment or DM me! 🚄📩
I’ll be sharing separate posts soon on what to eat and do in each city, so stay tuned! 🥳
If you're considering train travel between Germany and Italy, here are some additional tips based on my experience and useful insights. First, when booking international routes like Stuttgart to Milan or Venice to Munich, using the Deutsche Bahn (DB) app is very convenient, especially with a BahnCard for discounts. However, for travel within Italy, Trenitalia is reliable and offers various train types like high-speed Frecciarossa and slower Regionale trains. I found Trenitalia's website surprisingly user-friendly even without Italian skills. Delays do happen occasionally—on my trip, a Florence to Milan train was late by an hour. To be safe, I recommend arriving at major stations at least 20 minutes early since stations like Rome Termini can be quite large and a bit confusing. Traveling light was a game changer for me. Carry-on luggage only meant easier transfers between trains and less stress navigating stairs or crowded platforms. It’s a small tip that really enhances the train travel experience. If you prefer booking everything in one place, apps like Omio are worth checking out. They show all operators' times and prices together. I saved money booking directly but convenience is a trade-off. Finally, the scenic views on routes through Switzerland and along the Italian countryside were highlights. Keep snacks handy and take time to journal or relax looking out the window. Train travel is not just a way to get from A to B—it’s a chance to soak in the journey. Drop a comment if you want my full itinerary! I’ll also be sharing separate posts soon about what to eat and see in each city. Safe travels and enjoy your Italy adventure by train!
10/10 would love to try this out too!