A NEW sleeper train is launching in Europe – and you can board it right from the capital city.
Not only that, but it has some amazing scenic views of the mountains too.
instagram/@fstrenituristiciA new train service is to connect Rome to the Dolomites next month[/caption]
AlamyThe sleeper trains will leave Rome on Fridays, and arrive in the Dolomites the next day[/caption]
The Espresso Cadore train, which starts next month, will run between Rome and Cortina d’Ampezz in the Dolomites.
Inside the train will be both first and second class carriages, ranging from four to six-person sleepers.
The 4-6 bed sleeper cabin will have bunkbeds, with travel kits, bedding and water included.
The exclusive sleeping cars for 1-2 passengers will have beds along with a sink, towel, travel kit and dedicated transport of luggage and sports equipment.
The trains will also have a restaurant car as well as an all-night bar.
Dinner service will be available until 10:30pm, and included with passengers who have a sleeper ticket.
And breakfast is included for all travellers.
Storage space for bikes and skis will also be available, with train conductors selling ski passes and bike rentals.
instagram/@fstrenituristiciPassengers can choose from private sleeper cabins to 4-6- bunk rooms[/caption]
instagram/@fstrenituristiciStorage for sports equipment and luggage will be available too[/caption]
The trains were originally built in the 1980s and 1990s.
The trains are being operated by Italy‘s state rail operator Treni Turistici Italiani, with tickets now on sale.
Luigi Cantamessa, CEO of Treni Turistici Italiani, said they wanted to create “trains like hotels to show that a holiday by train begins the moment the train leaves the station”.
The first train will run from December 15 until February 2024.
Trains will leave on Friday evenings and arrive on Saturday morning, with some additional services during the Christmas period.
According to local media, tickets start from €160 (£140) for a standard ticket, or €385 (334) for a private sleeping car.
There are a number of new European sleeper trains which were announced earlier this year.
Dutch-Belgian start-up Good Night Train launched routes between Brussels and Berlin earlier this year.
The trains have private cabins, although standard seats start from £42.
Launching next year is European Sleeper with overnight routes between Brussels and Prague, taking around 15 hours.
Brits will be able to get the Eurostar to Brussels before hoping on, with other stops including Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Berlin.
If successful, there are hopes for a similar route between Amsterdam and Barcelona by 2025, with Brits also able to get the Eurostar to Amsterdam to board.
And French train company Midnight Trains has revealed plans for a Paris to Milan and Venice service.
Brits could get the Eurostar to Paris then board to travel to Italy by train.
Austrian company ÖBB has also revealed their brand new overnight cabins launching next month.
Across the UK, a number of operators have revealed plans to challenge Eurostar too.
Dutch operator Heuro has revealed plans for trains between London, Amsterdam and Paris.
Richard Branson could restart his Virgin trains with routes between the UK and Europe.
And start-up operator Evolyn has revealed plans for a London to Paris train service from 2025.
GettyThe service will arrive in the Dolomites by the Saturday morning[/caption]