Travelers already familiar with Northern Italy will find much more to explore in the lesser known south. A trip to Southern Italy via rail is perfect for a second or third adventure in Italy as it touches on places far from the sights of Venice and Florence.

While rail travel in the south takes a little more effort than in the north due to fewer high speed trains and fewer tracks, it is still a rewarding and relaxing experience. Keep in mind that fewer people in the south speak English but are still willing to help. You will often find that language is no barrier to conversation as you may meet all walks of Southern Italian life on the rails, from black-clad Sicilian grandmothers, to schoolchildren to young soldiers or Carabinieri heading home on leave.