Slow train to Turin: a winter journey through the Swiss Alps to Italy

Sitting on a slow-moving train, the rush of air hitting your face as you emerge from a tunnel is exhilarating. The thrill of this type of travel is undeniable - a mix of ease and disorientation that's hard to replicate in other modes of transport. For me, it's about drifting through stations, platforms, and borders without any of the hassle of airport border control, replaced by friendly and efficient immigration police.

We're on our way from the UK, via France and Switzerland, with a scenic route planned that will take us across five countries. The journey is almost entirely by daytime train, giving us ample time to enjoy the views outside. Our first stop after London is Paris, but we won't be there for long before we're off again.

As we travel north, the French countryside gives way to Swiss hills shrouded in winter white. Outside our carriage window, fields with clumps of bare trees seem suspended in mid-air, waiting for the full force of the storm to hit. We catch glimpses of Zurich and then roll into the heart of Switzerland's most historic railway line - the Matterhorn Gotthard. The train we're on is vintage, carrying some of Europe's most famous artists who came to marvel at this stunning mountain pass.

As we journey through a winter wonderland, we can't help but feel like oil painting subjects, gawking in awe at corkscrew tracks built into the mountainside for steady ascent. Our route takes us up steep rack-and-pinion tracks and into former German military towns, now chic ski resorts, to eat lunch in comfort.

As we leave Switzerland behind, Italy beckons with its picturesque valleys, clear blue skies, and historic lakes. We catch our final glimpse of the Alps before arriving at Lake Como, where we take a leisurely stroll along its shores, taking in its famous street lamps, ornate villas, and golden lights twinkling from Brunate hill.

Next morning, we pack up and bid farewell to this stunning region. Our destination is Turin, Italy's underappreciated gem, where art deco meets 18th-century architecture and vintage shops sell everything from vintage clothing to antique coffee machines.

We stroll through the city's charming streets, enjoying an aperitivo at a classic student haunt, and sampling Piedmontese cuisine in a family-run restaurant that's been serving locals since the Second World War.

Finally, we board the TGV for our return journey back to Paris, watching as Italy disappears into the rearview mirror, with only a final glimpse of the Alps before plunging into the blackness of the Channel Tunnel.

The train travel experience is so underrated ! I mean, can you think of any other way to see multiple countries without getting caught up in airport chaos? The slow and scenic routes are perfect for taking it all in – from the French countryside to the Swiss hills, each stop feels like a mini-vacation in itself. And then there's the artistic vibe on this vintage train, carrying famous artists along the way . I'd love to try that someday! But what really gets me is how the train takes you through these historic military towns turned chic ski resorts – it's like a different world altogether . The Alps are stunning as always, but I'm also intrigued by Italy's underappreciated gem, Turin – art deco meets 18th-century architecture? That sounds amazing!

omg I'm low-key obsessed w/ this train travel route ! like, who wouldn't wanna explore europe in style & comfort? I love how they're hitting up all these iconic destinations & hidden gems (Turin is def underrated ). and can we talk about the scenery? those mountains & valleys are giving me LIFE . I'm also totes here for the vintage train vibes , and the fact that famous artists were on board too is just the icing on the cake . this whole trip sounds like a dream come true!

train travel is so underrated it's all about embracing the uncertainty and slowing down for a bit. no need for those stressful airport security checks or cramped flights ️ i mean, sure, you might be stuck in a tunnel with limited wifi but that's kinda part of the charm, right? plus, you get to see all these gorgeous landscapes through the window and experience different cultures along the way. the swiss hills are breathtakingly beautiful , and that lakeComo is like something out of a movie . i love how this trip feels like a series of vignettes rather than a traditional vacation itinerary – it's all about discovery and taking your time

I'm so over the trains nowadays, they're just not the same as they used to be. I mean, I know some people love them for that whole slow and scenic thing, but to me it's just too much hassle. I remember when you could actually get a decent seat on the train without having to reserve it months in advance. And don't even get me started on the food - they're always trying to pass off their mediocre sandwiches as some kind of gourmet experience. Give me a good ol' fashioned airport meal any day! ️

I'm all about that train travel life right now! There's something so freeing about not having to worry about airports and borders, just enjoying the views outside while you're on the move . And can we talk about how scenic Europe is? I mean, from the French countryside to the Swiss hills and Italy's picturesque valleys... it's like a never-ending postcard . And have you ever noticed how much more fun train travel is with vintage trains that are carrying famous artists? It's like you're part of some exclusive club . But what really gets me is when you get off the train and explore these charming towns and cities... like Turin, Italy - it's like stepping into a different world .

Just got back from that scenic train ride through Europe and I'm still trying to process how overcrowded it was . The train was packed with tourists, artists, and even some famous folks who were traveling incognito – can you imagine being in close quarters with Miro or Picasso? And don't even get me started on the long lines at every immigration checkpoint . We had to wait over an hour just to get through customs from Switzerland to Italy . The train route itself was beautiful, but I guess you can't put a price on not having to deal with all those people . On the other hand, it's always good to try some authentic local cuisine – that family-run restaurant in Turin served up some amazing Piedmontese specialties . Still, I'm more of a couch surfer myself, so the whole adventure thing is just not my vibe .

I'm so over the whole train travel thing . I mean, don't get me wrong, it's all pretty and scenic and all that, but have you ever tried flying? It's like a whole different world up there! You can actually move at some speed, see actual cities in like 2 hours, and not have to deal with all the hassle of changing trains or dealing with rude old people who think they own the place. And what's with the vintage train thing? Just because it's old doesn't mean it's cool... I mean, it's just old. Give me a modern plane any day!

I'm so jealous of this person's train adventure! I've always wanted to travel by train through Europe, it looks like such a dreamy way to see all the sights without the hassle of airports and traffic. The idea that they get to ride on vintage trains with famous artists is just amazing . And the foodie perks of stopping in Italy and trying all the delicious pasta dishes and wine . I'm also loving the winter wonderland vibes through the Swiss mountains, it's like a postcard come to life . But what I think I love most is how they're taking their time, stopping at every station and enjoying the views - no rush, no stress, just the journey .

I don’t usually comment but I had to say this train journey looked like so much fun ! The scenic route they took through Europe sounds amazing, especially with all the different cultures and landscapes you get to see along the way. I mean, who wouldn't want to travel from London to Turin by train, taking in the sights of Paris, Zurich, and Italy's lakes and hills? It's like a big ol' road trip, but with more delicious food and wine . And the fact that they got to see some of Europe's most famous artists on the same train as them? That's just cherry on top . Overall, I think this journey sounds like an absolute dream come true !

man this train journey is literally like a dream I mean who needs flying when you can have the whole country unfolding right in front of you? and omg the scenery is just insane - those swiss hills are giving me all the winter vibes . and have you ever noticed how much history goes into these old trains? like, they're not just carrying artists but also stories of Europe's past . and Turin is literally a treasure trove of art deco goodness . I'm so down for more train adventures

I mean, can you think of any other way to travel that's more chill than just cruising on a train all day? I've tried flying and it was such a rush, but then I had to go through security and wait for my bag at the gate... no thanks! Sitting on this vintage train with artists and tourists is actually pretty cool, you get to take in so many different views and just relax. And have you ever noticed how beautiful the countryside looks from a moving train window? It's like the whole world is passing by your face!

I'm so down for this train trip, it sounds like the ultimate way to see Europe ! No rushing airport checks or crowded planes needed, just chill vibes and stunning views out the window. I love how they're traveling through different countries without any hassle, that's what I call freedom . And the fact that some famous artists are on board too? That's just icing on the cake . Switzerland is definitely calling my name with all those picturesque valleys and mountains, can't wait to explore Lake Como and Turin next

I'm just so done with the whole train travel experience in Europe right now lol I mean, don't get me wrong, it's all super pretty and scenic and stuff, but can we talk about how exhausting it is to sit for hours on end? Like, I know I'll be getting some sick views of the countryside, but honestly, I'm just a little worried that my bum is gonna give out on me .

And don't even get me started on trying to figure out where we are and what time it is. I mean, we're basically just coasting through stations and platforms like a pair of clueless tourists. Can't they have some sort of electronic signage or something? Like, come on Europe, you guys can do better than this .

But in all seriousness, there's something about the train that just makes me feel so...ungrounded, I guess? It's like we're literally drifting through space and time, watching everything go by outside our windows. And at the same time, it's just so peaceful and calming, you know? Like, we get to enjoy these gorgeous views without having to worry about anything else .

I swear, though, if I have to sit on this train one more time with no Wi-Fi, I'm gonna lose my mind . Anyone else ever feel like that?

trains r so underrated its like u get 2 see the country without havin 2 change planes or airport hassle lol. and u get 2 enjoy the views while u travel, cant beat that . plus its always fun 2 pass through different stations and borders, immigration police is so efficient

Ugh just wanna get on that train already! Me love train journeys especially when you can chill and watch countryside pass by outside French & Swiss hills look so pretty winter wonderland vibes Art lovers like me will die over the famous artists on this vintage train Switzerland's historic railway line Matterhorn Gotthard tho? Mind. Blown What a scenic route!

man this train ride sounds like so much fun i mean who needs a vacation when you can just chill on a train and take in all the views from different countries? france switzerland italy they've got some of the most beautiful landscapes i've ever seen and being able to travel by day makes it feel even more relaxing plus getting to visit cities like paris and zurich sounds like an amazing adventure i'm definitely adding this to my bucket list

omg u no what i just saw on my phone while reading that article about trains lol so i was thinking if we ever went backpackin in europe it would be so cool to get one of those vintage train passes and travel like a artist and then i started thinkin about how much food costs in europe is that really affordable for expats or are they just getting ripped off anyway got me thinking about my fave travel destinations next...

I'm loving this train journey across Europe ! The mix of cultures and landscapes is like getting a masterclass in diversity every hour or so. From the French countryside to Swiss hills, it's amazing how each country has its own unique flair. I'm particularly fond of Italy - there's something about the food, wine, and history that just makes you feel alive . And Turin, what a hidden gem! The art deco and 18th-century architecture are like stepping into a different world, with vintage shops and local eateries that make you want to explore more . All in all, this train journey is giving me serious wanderlust - who needs airports when you can travel like this?

I feel like I'm right there with you, enjoying the breathtaking views and romantic atmosphere of your train ride across Europe . There's something so peaceful about watching the world go by from the comfort of a moving carriage, don't you think? The way the countryside rolls by, one scenic stop after another, is just incredible. And the fact that it's almost entirely daytime travel just adds to the sense of adventure and freedom! I'm loving your itinerary, and I can see why this would be an unforgettable experience for art lovers like those on board with you . Turin sounds particularly charming - I'll have to add that to my bucket list too!