Northern Italy in October spontaneously

Question

Hello train enthusiasts,starting at the end of september from France, I’m planning to travel to Cinque Terre through Switzerland (Bernina railway). Arrival date in La Spezia will be imposed and accomodation nearby reserved. But otherwise, I’d like to both take my time and not make any booking in advance so that I feel free to stop wherever I want in the moment.I experienced it last year in Switzerland, and I’m absolutely confident in the fabulous Swiss trains. I have an Interrail pass, no reservations needed and it’s pretty easy to hop on a train to the next station if I don’t find an accomodation.But what about Italy ? Can I travel the same way ?The route will be through Tirano, Lecco, Bergamo, Brescia or maybe till Verona, Parma. I haven’t chosen where I would stop for 1 or 2 nights (suggestions welcome), but I think I will have only short travel days so I intend not to use my Interrail pass but buy point-to-point regional tickets with no reservation needed. I read that there are Italian 3 or 5 days passes that may be cheaper, but I’m not sure I want to travel 3 days in a row.Does this seem fine or should I better book further because Italy will still be overcrowded in October ? And is point-to-point tickets the best choice to be spontaneous ? Thanks for your expert advice !Marie

ralderton · Accepted Answer

You need reservations for the high-speed and Intercity trains, but availability is very good. I wouldn’t have any concerns about finding availability the day of travel - even 10 minutes before departure.

It’s much easier getting reservations in Italy than in Spain, for example.

A lot of the places you mention, you will probably be travelling on regional trains anyway, so no need to think about reservations at all.

Consider the Lombardy Pass if you’re looking at local tickets. I used it with friends earlier this year, and it was very good value. It would cover Tirano to Milan, Bergamo, Lecco, and Brescia. But not quite Parma or Verona.

1,2,3 or 7 days travel and it’s valid in First Class (although first class on regional trains is barely any different)

https://www.trenord.it/en/tickets/travel-titles/daily-tickets/

Marie Noisette · Answer

Yes, I’ll travel mainly on regional trains.Thanks for the link, I had not read about the Lombardy Pass, I’ll have a close look, passes make travel easier.

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