Autumn what a passion:the 'Foliage Train' is about to leave.But the weekends are already sold out

A 52 kilometer route on the historic Vigezzina Centovalli railway which winds through woods and breathtaking landscapes:this is what the very popular Foliage Train is, which connects Piedmont and Switzerland

(photo credits Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway)

BOLOGNA – Not long left, very little indeed. We start on Saturday 14 October and you have until November 11th to travel 52 kilometers by rail in a breathtaking landscape dominated by the colors of autumn.It's called the Foliage Train and this year too, like every year, for about a month it offers the many lovers of the autumn season and the colors of the falling leaves the opportunity of a unique journey in the woods of Piedmont and Switzerland.Ticket sales were open from September 18th, but the news came yesterday Tickets for travel on the route's five opening weekends are already sold out, especially given the very high participation of organized groups.Therefore, trips on weekdays remain.But you must book in any case, because a large influx of people is expected.

THE MAGIC OF FOLIAGE

The railway along which the route winds is the historic one Alpine railway Vigezzina – Centovalli, one of the most beautiful in Italy.“Every day trains connect the two terminals, Domodossola and Locarno, crossing breathtaking landscape along a 52 kilometer route with spectacular views and panoramic views inflamed by autumn colours", we read on railway site, where yesterday the news of sold out tickets for the Saturday and Sunday routes appeared.In the autumn season, “the route of our railway becomes a multicolored picture, with the woods tinged with all shades of red, yellow and orange“.Almost like being inside a painting, in short.Lonely Planet has included the Vigezzina – Centovalli railway among the 10 most spectacular railway lines in Europe.

HOW TRAVEL WORKS

You can choose whether to depart from Domodossola or Locarno.The duration of the journey is approximately two hours each way, therefore four hours in total if you go back and forth without stopping somewhere.But given the many villages that pass along the route, a stop is a must, perhaps even with an overnight stay.This is also why the ticket - which includes a return trip on the entire line - is valid for one or two days and includes the possibility of making a single intermediate stop (on the way there or on the way back).

THE PATH

The white and blue train of the Alpine railway (which has connected Italy and Switzerland since 1923) will cross, in about two hours, 83 bridges and 31 tunnels passing through valleys, woods and villages suspended in time.The route is very popular every year and the tourists who flock between October and November are always in the thousands.The route crosses the Vigezzo Valley and the Centovalli, passes through Lake Locarno and Lake Maggiore and gives the opportunity to visit characteristic villages such as Santa Maria Maggior, Malesco, Villette or that of Re, which in these months offer numerous culinary events, holidays and festivals.

THE PRICES

The ticket price for an adult, on Saturdays and Sundays (as well as holidays and eves), is 50 euros in first class, 40 in second class.During the week prices drop to 46 euros in first class and 36 in second class.Children and young people aged 6 to 16 years pay half price;under 6s travel for free if they do not occupy a seat.
You can also buy a special ticket which allows you to extend the journey and make a stop on each of the two routes:they are for sale on the site www.vigezzinacentovalli.com or at Locarno station.But there are tickets'Vigezzina no limits' (can only be purchased at Domodossola station) which allow you to get off at each stop.

LOCARNO AND DOMODOSSOLA

Locarno, a city with a thousand faces, offers experiences for all tastes.From the ancient charm of the old city with its picturesque streets, to the worldliness of Piazza Grande, renowned worldwide thanks to the International Film Festival.From the charm of the city museums, to the quiet of a park surrounded by greenery.In a city overlooking Lake Maggiore and surrounded by mountains, the gaze can get lost in breathtaking views that from dawn to dusk paint the contours and heart of this magnificent town.

Domodossola, a city with ancient medieval charm, is nestled in the valley floor of the Toce river, at the mouth of seven Alpine valleys.The historic center develops between romantic squares and alleys, overlooked by magnificent historic buildings.A walk to discover this magnificent village can be embellished by visiting one of the city museums or treating yourself to a gastronomic break in one of the many restaurants, without forgetting to reserve some time for shopping among the boutiques in the centre.

THE MAGIC OF WINTER

If by chance you are not able to book your trip in this autumn period, you can always 'fall back' on the winter scenery, with the woods all covered in white:the landscape, traveled aboard the historic train, is equally impressive and spectacular.The magic of the white trees (which can, for example, be combined with a tour of the Christmas markets) and the train that runs on a route where everything around is white starts from mid-November onwards.In any case, it should be remembered that the railway is open all year round.