From steam locomotives to the iconic Centoporte coaches, all the way to the legendary Arlecchino express train, a symbol of Italy’s economic boom in the 1960s, the 6 episodes of the first season of the TV programme “ALL ABOARD – Historic Trains Around Italy” tell the story of an authentic Italy, crossing seas and mountains, ancient villages and cities of art, on a journey that combines storytelling, emotion and discovery.
The project was created through the collaboration between DirAmare and Fondazione FS Italiane of the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane Group S.p.A., under the patronage of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. It is aimed at an audience that loves to travel while discovering the beauty, memory and cultural identity of each destination.01 Campania
The journey begins in Naples, where it all started. It was October 3, 1839, a landmark date that transformed the image of an entire territory, until then accessible to only a few, when Italy’s first railway, the Naples–Portici line, was inaugurated. The programme begins in Naples, taking viewers inside the National Railway Museum of Pietrarsa, a unique destination in Italy both for the richness of its collection and the charm of its setting. The first episode then continues with the discovery of the majestic Temples of Paestum and the fascinating Pertosa-Auletta Caves, immersing viewers in the ancient history and natural wonders of Cilento.
02 Friuli Venezia Giulia
The second episode is dedicated to Friuli Venezia Giulia. The journey begins in Pordenone, travelling along the Pedemontana Railway, passing through Sacile and Lake Cornino, before reaching Gemona, on a route filled with urban frescoes, biodiversity and stories of resilience.
03 Sicily
The third episode continues in Sicily, travelling from Palermo to Agrigento along the Railway of the Temples: a journey through art, myth and legend that takes viewers to Porto Empedocle, the birthplace of Andrea Camilleri, and to the breathtaking beauty of the Scala dei Turchi, framed between sea and sky.
04 Abruzzo
In the heart of Abruzzo, the focus of the fourth episode, the journey continues along the famous Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy: from Sulmona, the city of sugared almonds and Ovid, to the ancient forests of the Maiella. Each stop becomes an opportunity to rediscover ancient traditions, such as the bobbin lace of Pescocostanzo, and authentic flavours, including the traditional rural cuisine of Castel di Sangro.
05 Tuscany
The fifth episode takes us to Tuscany, on a slow and enchanting journey through the timeless landscapes of the Val d’Orcia. Travelling aboard a steam locomotive, the route begins in Siena and reaches Bagno Vignoni, with its timeless charm, before continuing to Montalcino, through the evocative hills of the renowned Brunello wine region and the postcard-perfect cypress trees of San Quirico d’Orcia.
06 Piedmont and Valsesia
The sixth episode brings the first season to a close, departing from Milan aboard the famous Arlecchino, which takes viewers to Novara, where the journey continues aboard a historic steam locomotive. From here, the programme explores the Valsesia Railway, travelling through Borgosesia before reaching Varallo, among spirituality, art and traditional flavours. The season ends with a farewell that looks forward to the new discoveries that Italy’s railway lines will reveal in future seasons.
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