- A unique train journey in Italy includes a section where the train is loaded onto a boat, making it one of the last in Europe to have this feature.
- Sarah Marks, a rail enthusiast, shared her experience of a 13-hour overnight journey from Sicily to Rome.
- Marks woke up at 1 a.m. to witness the carriages being detached and loaded onto the boat.
For certain travelers, trains are the preferred mode of transportation over planes.
Sarah Marks, an advocate for environmentalism, falls into this category. Since 2016, she has mostly abandoned flying in favor of train travel.
Marks has embarked on various train journeys across Europe, some of which involved long distances and overnight travel. However, her most memorable trip was a recent journey in Italy that included an overnight train broken up by carriage and loaded onto a boat.
Marks shared a glimpse of this unique train experience in a TikTok video that has garnered over 1.7 million views.
In an interview with Insider, Marks mentioned booking the journey through Italia Rail. She and her mother paid around 59 euros each for double cabin tickets, which provided bunk beds, ample storage, and scenic views of the Italian countryside.
Marks explained that the combination of boat and train travel intrigued her and motivated her to take this particular trip.
The journey lasts approximately 13 hours, with a sea crossing during the night.
Marks stated that the 13-hour train journey is ideal for overnight travel because a shorter duration wouldn’t allow for a truly enjoyable experience.
Boarding started in Palermo, Sicily, at 8:30 p.m., but the main event didn’t occur until 1 a.m.
Celebrating her 30th birthday during the trip, Marks intentionally woke up to witness the crossing through the Straits of Medina, a narrow body of water connecting the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea.
Before the crossing, the train carriages are detached and loaded onto the boat, creating a remarkable sight.
Marks expressed her excitement about the experience, stating that it was definitely worth waking up for.
Once on the boat, Marks noticed other passengers leaving their cabins, which added to the surreal nature of the journey.
The crossing itself is relatively short, around 20 minutes, during which Marks explored the boat. Although there was a restaurant on board, it remained closed due to the overnight timing.
Marks’ cabin included bunk beds, ample storage, and breakfast delivery in the morning.
Marks and her mother opted for a slightly more expensive cabin option, as it was a special occasion for them. More information about different cabin options can be found on the Italia Rail website.
Their cabin featured two comfortable bunk beds with fresh sheets, reading lights, and storage above the windows.
Additionally, the cabin had a spacious mirror, a sink, temperature controls, and windows that could be opened for fresh air. There was also a connecting door to another cabin, although Marks locked it since she was only traveling with her mother.
In the morning, as the train journey continued through the Italian countryside towards Rome, the train staff delivered a breakfast of pastries and coffee to their cabin.
The bathrooms, located down the hall, were relatively clean, albeit with a minor issue of unflushed toilets. However, Marks mentioned that they provided all the necessary amenities.
Overall, Marks was satisfied with the experience, which not only met but surpassed her expectations. She highly recommends this journey to fellow train enthusiasts, as it revitalizes the romance of train travel.
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