When I found out that Italy has ferries that load trains, I was a bit surprised, because I've never seen something like that. It's really interesting in my opinion.
@@BrokenBackMountainsAs well as Japan, but both the Seto Bridge (connecting between Honshu and Shikoku) and Seikan Tunnel (connecting Honshu and Hokkaido) were built to eliminate them.
I did the train ferry trip on a daytime train earlier this year, and because I actually missed the connection at Villa San Giovanni due to a previous train's delay (but still arrived before the train was loaded onto the ferry), together with a handful of other connecting passengers I got to wait inside the ferry and watch the train as it arrived. It was very exciting and such a fun coincidence!
I have used Intercity Notte night trains in the rest of Italy and have to say that I love the fact that the sleeping compartments are comfy and the trains are regularly patrolled by police officers which make them safe. I am planning to do this journey someday since I live 60 miles south of Sicily, but will make sure not to book tight connections
11:40 well not always there will be a diesel shunter: some of the e464 locomotives have been fitted with batteries that recharge using the pantograph, so some trains are actually shunted on the boat using the actual locomotive used for the journey from milan. Same thing happens in messina. But just a very few locs have been fitted like this. For example, the e402-b still need a diesel shunter
Grazie. Mi hai fatto ricordare tutti i viaggi in treno che facevo da piccolo negli anni 70 quando andavo a trovare le mie nonne in Sicilia. Partivi da Milano stazione Centrale per arrivare a Catania. Ho dei Bellissimi ricordi di quei lunghi viaggi in cuccetta.
Fond memories of the Puttgarden to Rodby and Helsingor to Helsingborg train ferries now withdrawn. I will show my age now and reminisce over the Dover to dunkerque night ferry sleeper service and the Danish great belt train ferries.
This is on my bucket list, I’ve taken the High Speed trains in Italy but I want to try this before the bridge is built. Hopefully the next time I’m in Italy and I have the time, I’ll go see my family roots in Sicily and ride this epic train journey
Surprisingly well featured train. It doesn't look much, but it seems to have everything you'd need. Can't complain at that. And such nice views, unique experience and decent price. Tempting!
I haven't used the Intercity Notte in a good few years and I'm quite glad they've refurbished and updated the carriages since then. In my experience it's not just the delays that gave it a certain reputation but also the quality of the journey - I'm glad you had a decent experience (aside from the coffee, train coffee is terrible regardless of what train you get). Btw, the double-decker train you mentioned is a great train! As a Milan-local, they are SOO much better than the old double-deckers that felt dated even when new - the older stock also varies greatly in configuration based on which company originally owned it before Trenord became operator and unified the northern-owned and state-owned lines. They are also very comfortable - virtually no rocking, spacious, brightly lit, and don't leave you tired after a 30 minute journey.
That's an incredible video. Stunning landscape, many unique sights, but also a great value for money, in my opinion. A really good idea for the next train ride abroad!
I took the train ferry between Copenhagen and Hamburg just before they closed it in 2019. It was quite the experience. The loading was much more efficient because the train was the same length as the ferry. There was no need to split it into sections. Roll-on, roll-off. No messing.
What you remember was with the IC3 diesel multiple-unit trains. Before that (like in the 80s), the trains between Hamburg and Copenhagen were traditional loco-pulled trains with individual coaches. They were longer and some included through coaches from further away, like Paris. Then they indeed had to be split up, the locos did not go into the ferry.
as a local resident i'm devasted by your opinion of the Caravaggio at 2:46 (called Rock in the Trenitalia version) but still great video, always enjoyable
I mean their locomotives remind me of insects like crickets or mantises but, compared to those old tin coffins that were there before, they look really luxurious
A train ferry! I hope this experience really "sunk" in! I could really "sea" myself going on board! I also wish you saw more, but whatever floats your boat, man! I "wave" you farewell, until the next vid!
I'm Italian and I've taken this train many times. Half of my family is from Calabria and I go on holiday there every summer. Now I prefer taking the Frecciarossa (this train route was extended to Reggio Calabria in 2020 because the governor of Calabria at the time wanted tourism). Usually I get off in Rosarno and take a bus to the Ionian coast but I've also gotten off in Lamezia and rented a car. Until I think 2009 there existed a service called "auto al seguito" (Autozug) on which you could load your car and take it with you to your destination. Plus, the train used to run from Milano to Siracusa or Palermo but it would be split in two in Lamezia and some carriages would be sent to Reggio via Catanzaro (on the Ionian railway which they're electrifying this year and it was about time). That meant I could just get on this train and get off at my holiday place. Unfortunately, mostly due to financial but also safety reasons (these trains now completely skip Napoli because most robberies occurred there), the service was suppressed. There is still one Autozug that I've heard of but it runs from Livorno to Vienna I think. While I doubt Trenitalia is going to bring back the Autozug service, maybe when they're done electrifying the Ionian railway they will bring back sleeper trains to Reggio via Catanzaro
Years ago, a ticket was sold for the train with car (Autozug) to Villa San Giovanni which also included the ticket for ferrying the car between Villa San Giovanni and Messina. Unfortunately, all this has been relegated to history for years
Superb!! and a ferry that takes trains ? i didnt know that was even possible, oh i would love to experience that!! Thx Superalbs! I love trains and i love what you show us, i would do this journey in a heartbeat :)
I did the Milan to Palermo section last year, but the Excelsior sleeping car was only available on the Siracusa section. Each was four cars so an eight car train departing Milan. In previous years I'd done Puttgarden to Rodby and the Trelleborg train ferries: sad that these have been discontinued. The journey was great as I had a sleeping compartment to myself: I stocked up at the basement supermarket in Milano Centrale station. Excellent video: keep up the good work promoting rail travel.
A train ferry is the ultimate journey for a traveller- you get to travel on a train which gets to travel on a ferry . Is the ferry attached to the pier while the train units are being loaded ,to steady them ? Liked everything about the train and the journey except perhaps the breakfast . The journey along the coast was fabulous and scenic . If the bridge does get built it will be a marvel of engineering considering the challenges . Thanks .
Wow, what a wonderful journey! Thanks for sharing it. I remember back in 1972 travelling across either Holland or Denmark (or was it both?) by train and more than once, it ran onto a ferry, which quite dazzled me...!
I was on the D-DK Puttgarden-Rodby trainferry, a long time ago. It was epic. An experience very rare and even more rare today. Thanks for your nice vid!
What a journey! I've recognised Taormina/Giardini station since about 20 years ago we were forced to take a local night steam(!) train 🚂 from Catania on our way back from Siracusa (we missed the last bus).😅
Great video, I've made this journey many times when I was child. What a wonderful memories. Next year should starts bridge construction, in this way you will reach Sicily from Milan in about 10 hours by high speed trains.
I took the ICN from Rome to Catania in April, and I was asked in the evening what I wanted for breakfast. The breakfast is a pretty standard packed meal, but I was able to get a Cappuccino with it instead of an Espresso. Also, because the train from Rome arrives early in the morning, I slept through the passage on the ferry. But on my way back, I took the day train - and had the same ferry as you did :)
Try going to Indonesia and take the train with the longest route at the moment, namely the Pandalungan Train. The Pandalungan train is an executive class passenger train service operated by Kereta Api Indonesia to serve the Gambir - Jember route on the northern route of Java (via Semarang Tawang - Surabaya Pasarturi). Pandalungan itself consists of 1 baggage car, 1 executive class dining car (this is so good you have to see it for yourself), 1 power car and 8 executive class cars New Image. For approximately IDR 750,000, you can take a full trip from Jakarta (West Java) - Jember (East Java). Maybe you can stop by Probolinggo (one of the stops) just to have a look, and maybe you can meet me hehehe😅 A suggestion, maybe at the end of each trip, could you record the train departure (unless it's already at the end) for some reason I like counting train carriages😁
I really enjoy your videos, with a variety of places across the globe and plenty of information about the trains and local area. I think it would be interesting if you did a video on the Celta train that runs from Vigo, Spain to Porto, Portugal as it is the only train that connects those two countries. It would be great if you did this.
I absolutely love the Caravaggio ETR series of EMU double-decker sets. I mean they are no Stadler KISS or Siemens Desiro HC or must awaited Alstom Coradia duplex but I seems to love all double-decker trains even the conventional ones which I travel on DB Regio services. I wish Indian Railways had invested more on double-decker trains and trainsets, they would be perfect to move large crowds at good speeds. Especially when the gauge width is broad as in the case of India. Just love the new Stadler KISS units used by Caltrain. Something similar for broad gauge would be a game changer for Indian commuters provided civic sense prevails among our people and the operators Would love to know your thoughts on the matter, Albie.
Well, you've convinced me to add this journey to my itinerary next summer. I'm curious about your name Superalbs. I know an alb as a liturgical vestment, so were you a super chorister, a super altar boy? Anyhow thanks for the very convincing video.
I booked this pre-covid £73, 1 bed sleeper. Unfortunately had to cancel due to the pandemic, then Alitalia went bust and it just all ended up not happening. Makes me want to have another go at it now though. Cheers mate! 👍
I can't believe there is no dining car on this train. I'm from Australia and I'm so used to our Indian Pacific train that has 5 star dining for all meals.
Hey you have to travel with the NEG from Germany it is only a small route but there is a special feature where carriages from an IC are attached to this train for a trip this line runs from Niebüll to Dagebüll
Would have thought that a full dining and bar cars a necessity like the old Victoria to Paris Night Ferry, although that Pullman /Wagons-Lits rolling stock creaked, groaned, rattled and rolled. No showers either but they were rare before the 60's even in houses and hotels.
I've done a few trains on ferries although I don't think that they still run; Brussels Copenhagen overnight went on a ferry as did the Stockholm to Copenhagen.When i was at Wellington,New Zealand i could see them loading rail freight wagons on my ferry but no passenger stock ,for ferry sailing to Picton on the South Island.
Would love to see more of Sicily, was there last year on a cruise and visited Taormina, though much further up the hill than the train station, one of the high points of that trip, it's a beautiful town.
Thank you for what must be the most recent coverage of this journey and good to know it is all still there. I do want to do this trip. When did you travel to get that price?
I was today years old when I realized that the Rødby- Puttgarden ferry has shut down. It spesrheased my interrail trip to mainland Europe from Scandinavia in 2011 and it was quite different to ride the train onboard a ferry
Don't worry, this train will continue to exist for many many years... The Strait of Messina Bridge has been at least 30 years in the planning, and I think it will be at least another 30 years before we see it...
Totally astonished to knew you came here into my home town 🤯🤯🤯 If I knew it in advance, I would have been honored to greet you in person 😉 I hope you have tried - at least - a marvellous breakfast with Granita and "brioche col tuppo" 😋😎
This is the most special over night train I have seen in Europe! Great you took us alongside this incredible ride. Always enjoy your train journeys all across Europe! Keep them up! ❤ Greetings form Switzerland!
"Last of its kind in Europe"? They also have that in Norway, i did that last year on Rjukanbanen over Tinnsjå, the nature also is beautiful I really recommend that train-boat trip to everyone
That's incredible, I never would have expected a train being loaded onto a boat in preservation. Thanks, I'll go and check it out. Nobody has ever mentioned this before. 👀
Crossing the Messina straits first thing in the morning with the sun out you can’t beat it book the excelsior cabins , they aint no suite , air con fails occasionally and delays occur but it’s fun .
During summertime the prices increases a lot to cash in on tourists and southern workers living in the north going back in summer to pass vacations with family and friends. This happens on Chrisitian holidays too (Christmas and Easter). It's a free market, it's normal that price rises in those occasions... but sometime the increase is insane.
'...and the prestigious Frecciarossa.' Shows an AnsaldoBreda V250/ETR 700. People from the Low Countries might raise an eyebrow at that. 🙂 You cannot build a tunnel between Sicily and the mainland, on account of the sea being very, very deep there: up to 250 metres. There are also very strong currents, so a submerged, floating tunnel is a non-starter. Sicily is actually on the African tectonic plate, whereas the rest of Italy is on the Eurasian plate. Again, because of the depth of the Strait of Messina, you cannot build a support structure in the middle. The only kind of crossing that would work is a suspension bridge, and this would be the tallest suspension bridge in the world, with the longest span at 3300 metres. To give you an idea: the currently longest suspension bridge crosses the Dardanelles in Turkey, with a span of just over 2000 metres. That the area is prone to earthquakes is not necessarily a problem: Turkey is no stranger to earthquakes, and the second-longest suspension bridge lies in Kobe, Japan. What might be a bigger problem is the pervasiveness of the Cosa Nostra (Sicily) and 'Ndrangheta (Calabria) in the construction industry. Finally, the elephant in the room is the Italian state. They _can_ move quickly if needs be: the collapsed bridge in Genoa was rebuilt within a year. But often, they're very slow, and they're not particularly good at maintaining their infrastructure either. The reasons for this are complex and manifold. It would be easy to blame it on Italian inefficiency, but that would also be unfair. While I don't question the Meloni government's ability to get things done, this bridge has been discussed for a _very_ long time. And engineering-wise, it's going to be very complex. There will be uncharted territory, many firsts, and inevitable delays. The project is slated to start in the summer of 2024, which is, um, now. So yes, it would probably be a good idea to take this ferry before 2032, just to be sure. But I have a feeling you'll still be able to enjoy a train on a ferry well after that date.
in the Netherlands the railways are managed by incompetents, first they looked for defects in the fyra, then with the Alstom ICs and news from a few days ago they have the national network manager. Are these all coincidences? They just have to learn from the Italians!
@@intersezioni They didn't exactly have to _look_ for defects of the Fyra: they just had to pick up the bits that fell off during the trip. Ask the Danish what they think of AnsaldoBreda's quality assurance process. Last time I checked, the Dutch still had the busiest rail network in Europe, and still a considerably higher punctuality percentage than the Italians. But I'll admit that Italians trains have beautiful liveries.
@@SeverityOne der spiegel (the German newspaper) a few weeks ago did not have a positive article on the Dutch railways, but on the Italian ones! As for fyra, they have been circulating for 10 years in Italy, the incompetence is only Dutch
@@intersezioni No, the V250 was built badly. There's no two ways about that. These were brand new, and yet parts fell off, batteries caught fire, etc. Or do you expect that, when you buy a brand new car, parts fall off and the dealer blames you? Maybe this is acceptable in Italy, but not elsewhere. The Belgian (not Dutch) railways suspended the V250's licence after *39* *days*. The reason why they are running around in Italy now is because they underwent an extensive refurbishment. Only 17 of the original 19 sets remain in service, because the other two are used for spare parts. As for the Dutch railways, there are plenty of things that can be said against them. Most notably, trains are dirty from both the outside and the inside. They're expensive, too. The reason for that is that trains aren't subsidised, at least not those of NS (the former state operator). That's a political decision, so you'd have to complain to the Dutch government, not NS. When we went on our honeymoon to Italy in 2001, I was very happy with the Italian railways. They ran on time (except one train from Venice to Milan), were comfortable, looked terrific, etc. My personal experience is positive. FS runs very nice high-speed trains, both in Italy and in other countries. Regional trains, however, are not quite as glamorous from what I gather. And on videos, you can see that they're often covered in graffiti. Like Belgium, and unlike the Netherlands. It's not really about who has the bigger you-know-what. Trains in the Netherlands are basically glorified trams. The country is too small for long-distance trains. You can't compare an ETR 500 to a VIRM. But when it comes to running an awful lot of trains with very high punctuality, nobody comes anywhere near the Netherlands. And Der Spiegel should know that, because Deutsche Bahn failed miserably at getting fans around at Euro 2024. There's an article on the BBC website about that.
Italian here: there's a story behind this train, before it used to get all the way to palermo, but the wagons were the oldest type they had, often being without electricity, water or even heating, even in winter. Even if you got a ticket you weren't guaranteed to actually sit in your seat because they would often sell the same ticket to different people in different stations so this strange situation of two people with the same ticket arguing for the seat In 2001 two women sued trenitalia (the italian train company) because they bought two couchettes tickets and instead had to sleep in one of those wagons that i mentioned before (no electricity, or heating) and it was december. Then around 2015 when those wagons became so old that were deemed unreliable and they were all dismissed this new wagons arrived
I took the train on my way to Malta three years ago and only realised weeks later that the train was on a ferry. I always thought there was a bridge between Sicily and the rest of Italy because the gap seemed so small compared to the gaps between the Danish islands.
Yes, but even the wider Öresund or Fehmarnbelt sounds reach a depth of only up to 30 meters, while the Strait of Messina has a depth of a whopping 250 meters. Add so and so many meters to have enough clearance for cargo ships to sail under the bridge, you get an idea how tall the pylons would need to be.
@@heikozysk233 Now I know about the difficulties, but when I took the trip, I didn’t even consider that I might travel on a ship. In the middle of the night, I was annoyed about the bumpy ride and tried to go back to sleep. If I had known that the train was travelling on a ship, I would certainly have at least opened the blinds to see the spectacle.
Nice video. Sadly my experience wasn’t as good as yours when travelling with June- broken aircon, blind and shower at nearly double what you paid! I still enjoyed the scenery though but would recommend the standard sleeper berths instead as they are cheaper and there is less to go wrong.
thats an average italian breakfast with espresso as we do eat more at lunch time. But yes as you bought a first class ticket they could serve something better instead packaged. :)
Oh, nothing to worry about.... If our illuminate government and able infrastructure minister will continue as they are right now, this train will stay where it is for quite a long time, believe me 😅😅
I indeed like the design of the commuter trains. It looks like the face of a Lamborghini, painted in friendly colors. Aggressive and peaceful at once, I can't understand what's ugly about it.. especially as the front design is something other than this boring repeating design we've got in Germany.
When I found out that Italy has ferries that load trains, I was a bit surprised, because I've never seen something like that. It's really interesting in my opinion.
Used to be common in Europe and Canada. There was one that linked Belgium and the UK and also the night ferry from Dover to Dunkirk.
@@BrokenBackMountainsAs well as Japan, but both the Seto Bridge (connecting between Honshu and Shikoku) and Seikan Tunnel (connecting Honshu and Hokkaido) were built to eliminate them.
I think Hainan still has them
Germany also had them for the different Islands and to connect other places
@@BrokenBackMountains Night Ferry: If I remember correctly, only the sleeping car was ferried
I did the train ferry trip on a daytime train earlier this year, and because I actually missed the connection at Villa San Giovanni due to a previous train's delay (but still arrived before the train was loaded onto the ferry), together with a handful of other connecting passengers I got to wait inside the ferry and watch the train as it arrived. It was very exciting and such a fun coincidence!
Awesome, that's so cool! :)
I have used Intercity Notte night trains in the rest of Italy and have to say that I love the fact that the sleeping compartments are comfy and the trains are regularly patrolled by police officers which make them safe.
I am planning to do this journey someday since I live 60 miles south of Sicily, but will make sure not to book tight connections
The journey from Malta to Germany, in my experience, is only problematic once you're in Germany, haha
@@Atlantjan with DB's great chance of lateness indeed
11:40 well not always there will be a diesel shunter: some of the e464 locomotives have been fitted with batteries that recharge using the pantograph, so some trains are actually shunted on the boat using the actual locomotive used for the journey from milan. Same thing happens in messina. But just a very few locs have been fitted like this. For example, the e402-b still need a diesel shunter
Yep, that's a very recent development I believe. :)
Grazie. Mi hai fatto ricordare tutti i viaggi in treno che facevo da piccolo negli anni 70 quando andavo a trovare le mie nonne in Sicilia. Partivi da Milano stazione Centrale per arrivare a Catania. Ho dei Bellissimi ricordi di quei lunghi viaggi in cuccetta.
Great memories! Thanks for watching. 😁
I think the double decker looks cool 2:52
Fair enough! 😁
Fond memories of the Puttgarden to Rodby and Helsingor to Helsingborg train ferries now withdrawn. I will show my age now and reminisce over the Dover to dunkerque night ferry sleeper service and the Danish great belt train ferries.
I did the Puttgarden to Rodby crossing in 1986 on an Inter rail trip. fond memories indeed
Bet those are amazing memories indeed!
@@FlyworleyI did that journey too. On 2008. Just fantastic!!!
Did it too. Hamburg Copenhagen via Puttgarden, not so long ago, 2015 I think
impresionantemente lindo.................limache, chile....................thank you
My dream railroad
This is on my bucket list, I’ve taken the High Speed trains in Italy but I want to try this before the bridge is built. Hopefully the next time I’m in Italy and I have the time, I’ll go see my family roots in Sicily and ride this epic train journey
Surprisingly well featured train. It doesn't look much, but it seems to have everything you'd need. Can't complain at that. And such nice views, unique experience and decent price. Tempting!
Thanks for this video. I will be taking the Intercity Notte train in October, same cabin. Roma Termini to Siracusa. I can’t wait!!
Have a great trip! 😍
I haven't used the Intercity Notte in a good few years and I'm quite glad they've refurbished and updated the carriages since then. In my experience it's not just the delays that gave it a certain reputation but also the quality of the journey - I'm glad you had a decent experience (aside from the coffee, train coffee is terrible regardless of what train you get).
Btw, the double-decker train you mentioned is a great train! As a Milan-local, they are SOO much better than the old double-deckers that felt dated even when new - the older stock also varies greatly in configuration based on which company originally owned it before Trenord became operator and unified the northern-owned and state-owned lines. They are also very comfortable - virtually no rocking, spacious, brightly lit, and don't leave you tired after a 30 minute journey.
Grazie, video molto accurato e professionale!
Thank you very much! :)
That's an incredible video. Stunning landscape, many unique sights, but also a great value for money, in my opinion. A really good idea for the next train ride abroad!
2:53 i've been to milano Centrale on one of these trains and they look lovely to me😊 also the interiors are nice on these in my opinion.
They are actually not bad. Maybe he was influenced by the colors, but there are Caravaggios with different color designs.
@@lostinmilanin DPR
I so would love to experience this journey❤ I can imagine a James Bond using this train for adventure! !!!
Oh God no he'd sink it, he's a hooligan.
@@arch9enius oh no, he isn’t! This might float his boat!! Also, J.B. Never hovers, he moves fast!!
I took the train ferry between Copenhagen and Hamburg just before they closed it in 2019. It was quite the experience. The loading was much more efficient because the train was the same length as the ferry. There was no need to split it into sections. Roll-on, roll-off. No messing.
What you remember was with the IC3 diesel multiple-unit trains. Before that (like in the 80s), the trains between Hamburg and Copenhagen were traditional loco-pulled trains with individual coaches. They were longer and some included through coaches from further away, like Paris. Then they indeed had to be split up, the locos did not go into the ferry.
Italy is such a beautiful country
Agreed! 😍
2:54 I like the design of the commuter train. It's a far cry for what we have currently in here in the US. Except Caltrain with their Stadler KISSs.
as a local resident i'm devasted by your opinion of the Caravaggio at 2:46 (called Rock in the Trenitalia version)
but still great video, always enjoyable
Thank you! :)
I mean their locomotives remind me of insects like crickets or mantises but, compared to those old tin coffins that were there before, they look really luxurious
è vero che è brutto, ma è anche vero che svolge il suo lavoro in maniera più che dignitosa
A train ferry! I hope this experience really "sunk" in! I could really "sea" myself going on board! I also wish you saw more, but whatever floats your boat, man! I "wave" you farewell, until the next vid!
Very good!! 😂😂😂😂
Thanks
I'm Italian and I've taken this train many times. Half of my family is from Calabria and I go on holiday there every summer. Now I prefer taking the Frecciarossa (this train route was extended to Reggio Calabria in 2020 because the governor of Calabria at the time wanted tourism). Usually I get off in Rosarno and take a bus to the Ionian coast but I've also gotten off in Lamezia and rented a car. Until I think 2009 there existed a service called "auto al seguito" (Autozug) on which you could load your car and take it with you to your destination. Plus, the train used to run from Milano to Siracusa or Palermo but it would be split in two in Lamezia and some carriages would be sent to Reggio via Catanzaro (on the Ionian railway which they're electrifying this year and it was about time). That meant I could just get on this train and get off at my holiday place. Unfortunately, mostly due to financial but also safety reasons (these trains now completely skip Napoli because most robberies occurred there), the service was suppressed. There is still one Autozug that I've heard of but it runs from Livorno to Vienna I think. While I doubt Trenitalia is going to bring back the Autozug service, maybe when they're done electrifying the Ionian railway they will bring back sleeper trains to Reggio via Catanzaro
Years ago, a ticket was sold for the train with car (Autozug) to Villa San Giovanni which also included the ticket for ferrying the car between Villa San Giovanni and Messina. Unfortunately, all this has been relegated to history for years
Superb!! and a ferry that takes trains ? i didnt know that was even possible, oh i would love to experience that!! Thx Superalbs! I love trains and i love what you show us, i would do this journey in a heartbeat :)
Thank you, you should try it!
I did the Milan to Palermo section last year, but the Excelsior sleeping car was only available on the Siracusa section. Each was four cars so an eight car train departing Milan.
In previous years I'd done Puttgarden to Rodby and the Trelleborg train ferries: sad that these have been discontinued.
The journey was great as I had a sleeping compartment to myself: I stocked up at the basement supermarket in Milano Centrale station.
Excellent video: keep up the good work promoting rail travel.
A train ferry is the ultimate journey for a traveller- you get to travel on a train which gets to travel on a ferry . Is the ferry attached to the pier while the train units are being loaded ,to steady them ? Liked everything about the train and the journey except perhaps the breakfast . The journey along the coast was fabulous and scenic . If the bridge does get built it will be a marvel of engineering considering the challenges . Thanks .
A wonderful episode, and it is a journey my wife and I are considering in the next few years... certainly before the bridge is opened. Thank you.
Do it! :)
You will have moved to the spiritual realm before construction of this bridge will even begin. So don't worry. There's plenty of time.
Good video, but don't worry, you obviously don't know Italy well enough to understand that that bridge will never actually be built ;)
I see, fair enough. Thank you! 😂
Wow, what a wonderful journey! Thanks for sharing it.
I remember back in 1972 travelling across either Holland or Denmark (or was it both?) by train and more than once, it ran onto a ferry, which quite dazzled me...!
I was on the D-DK Puttgarden-Rodby trainferry, a long time ago. It was epic. An experience very rare and even more rare today. Thanks for your nice vid!
I've done that too! Thank you. :)
What a journey! I've recognised Taormina/Giardini station since about 20 years ago we were forced to take a local night steam(!) train 🚂 from Catania on our way back from Siracusa (we missed the last bus).😅
Amazing!!
So beautiful and interesting trip🤩🤩🤩🤩
Yes it was! Thanks! 😍
Ive been hearing about the bridge ever since i remember existing, around 20 years ago, there's ZERO chance it will be completed by 2032
Try to guess why ...
Zero chance construction will have begun by that date.
Zero chances they will even start to build it
😂😂😂 cialtroni
Meloni has requested the Chinese comrades to build the bridge in quick time - pronto !
Great video, I've made this journey many times when I was child. What a wonderful memories. Next year should starts bridge construction, in this way you will reach Sicily from Milan in about 10 hours by high speed trains.
That'll be a big difference for the local people! 😲
4:54 Good pure cool smart green natural mineral water :D How many adjectives do they need for a water container? Well, apparently all of them :D
Marketing is everything nowadays.
😂😂😂😂
Hey, is there a video about the ICE 3 neo with the new interior planned? That would be a really interesting topic
Hopefully I will ride one soon.
Great video as always. This journey is on my bucket list
Thanks. I hope you get to try it soon. :)
I took the ICN from Rome to Catania in April, and I was asked in the evening what I wanted for breakfast. The breakfast is a pretty standard packed meal, but I was able to get a Cappuccino with it instead of an Espresso.
Also, because the train from Rome arrives early in the morning, I slept through the passage on the ferry. But on my way back, I took the day train - and had the same ferry as you did :)
thank you for documenting this amazing rout!!!
My pleasure, I always enjoy this trip.
Great trip. It's great you try the Excelsior Cabin and great price.
Awesome trip man.
Try going to Indonesia and take the train with the longest route at the moment, namely the Pandalungan Train. The Pandalungan train is an executive class passenger train service operated by Kereta Api Indonesia to serve the Gambir - Jember route on the northern route of Java (via Semarang Tawang - Surabaya Pasarturi). Pandalungan itself consists of 1 baggage car, 1 executive class dining car (this is so good you have to see it for yourself), 1 power car and 8 executive class cars New Image. For approximately IDR 750,000, you can take a full trip from Jakarta (West Java) - Jember (East Java). Maybe you can stop by Probolinggo (one of the stops) just to have a look, and maybe you can meet me hehehe😅
A suggestion, maybe at the end of each trip, could you record the train departure (unless it's already at the end) for some reason I like counting train carriages😁
16:34 YOOOO im from a town near Sant' Alessio, So happy it appers here :)
Awesome! :)
I really enjoy your videos, with a variety of places across the globe and plenty of information about the trains and local area. I think it would be interesting if you did a video on the Celta train that runs from Vigo, Spain to Porto, Portugal as it is the only train that connects those two countries. It would be great if you did this.
I was going to do it last week, but the timetable was so awful that I gave up. :/
@@SuperalbsTravels oh right fair enough
I like how you say that the commuter train is ugly. That is so right
It sure is! 😂
most of us hate them 😂
I absolutely love the Caravaggio ETR series of EMU double-decker sets. I mean they are no Stadler KISS or Siemens Desiro HC or must awaited Alstom Coradia duplex but I seems to love all double-decker trains even the conventional ones which I travel on DB Regio services.
I wish Indian Railways had invested more on double-decker trains and trainsets, they would be perfect to move large crowds at good speeds. Especially when the gauge width is broad as in the case of India. Just love the new Stadler KISS units used by Caltrain. Something similar for broad gauge would be a game changer for Indian commuters provided civic sense prevails among our people and the operators
Would love to know your thoughts on the matter, Albie.
A boat? Interesting! Imagine if Renfe adopted that idea.
Where to? Morocco?
@@AndreiTupolev Yeah, something like that.
What a journey! Fantastic video
It looks really comfy, apart from thw fact it doesnt have a restaurant car! What the hell! 😮
I know right! It needs a restaurant!
@@SuperalbsTravelssole IC trains feature a vending machine
Well, you've convinced me to add this journey to my itinerary next summer. I'm curious about your name Superalbs. I know an alb as a liturgical vestment, so were you a super chorister, a super altar boy? Anyhow thanks for the very convincing video.
Thanks, it's definitely worth a go!
And btw, it's just my name, lol.
Great video! Another bucket list journey. Curious what kit you use for videoing out the partially open windows....?
I’m at Sicily now by car and the volcano is erupting quite hard. In the evening you can see the lava spitting in the air from calatabiano.
Wow, I bet that's amazing to see with your own eyes.
I booked this pre-covid £73, 1 bed sleeper. Unfortunately had to cancel due to the pandemic, then Alitalia went bust and it just all ended up not happening. Makes me want to have another go at it now though. Cheers mate! 👍
What a shame all that happened! Hope you can try it again soon my friend. 😁
I can't believe there is no dining car on this train. I'm from Australia and I'm so used to our Indian Pacific train that has 5 star dining for all meals.
I agree, it's a big shock to be honest! 😭
It must catch people out.
Hi, from Catania here, my city :D. Beautiful journey.
Thank you! 👋
That looks great, think I'm going to have to put it on the list! Being old, I remember going on some other train ferries, such as Puttgarten to Rodby
Well worth a go, such a special experience!
Hey you have to travel with the NEG from Germany it is only a small route but there is a special feature where carriages from an IC are attached to this train for a trip
this line runs from Niebüll to Dagebüll
I have already done that before, it was very cool! :)
Good video
Thanks!!
Would have thought that a full dining and bar cars a necessity like the old Victoria to Paris Night Ferry, although that Pullman /Wagons-Lits rolling stock creaked, groaned, rattled and rolled. No showers either but they were rare before the 60's even in houses and hotels.
It absolutely should have had a restaurant car, if you ask me!
I've done a few trains on ferries although I don't think that they still run; Brussels Copenhagen overnight went on a ferry as did the Stockholm to Copenhagen.When i was at Wellington,New Zealand i could see them loading rail freight wagons on my ferry but no passenger stock ,for ferry sailing to Picton on the South Island.
Nope, the passenger ones are a very rare breed now... :(
omg you are a hero. I'm Sicilian and I've never even thought about doing something like this
So cool, you should try it! :)
Would love to see more of Sicily, was there last year on a cruise and visited Taormina, though much further up the hill than the train station, one of the high points of that trip, it's a beautiful town.
He totally take a trip whit the cirum etnea train line (the train goes around the town at the vulcano's base)
Thank you for what must be the most recent coverage of this journey and good to know it is all still there. I do want to do this trip. When did you travel to get that price?
This was in March! :)
The last time I took the ferry from Putgarten(Germany) to Robyhaven(Denmark)here was a train on the ferry.
I was today years old when I realized that the Rødby- Puttgarden ferry has shut down. It spesrheased my interrail trip to mainland Europe from Scandinavia in 2011 and it was quite different to ride the train onboard a ferry
Yup, sadly disappeared quite a few years ago. Glad I did it while it still existed.
booked on the reverse of this trip for October should be a great ride
Have an amazing trip!
Very nice video it was like travelling with you
Thank you! :)
Don't worry, this train will continue to exist for many many years... The Strait of Messina Bridge has been at least 30 years in the planning, and I think it will be at least another 30 years before we see it...
Haha, good!
Totally astonished to knew you came here into my home town 🤯🤯🤯 If I knew it in advance, I would have been honored to greet you in person 😉 I hope you have tried - at least - a marvellous breakfast with Granita and "brioche col tuppo" 😋😎
Awesome! Which town is that? :)
@@SuperalbsTravels Siracusa, indeed 😉
@@Grizzly_Lab Oh cool! :)
I actually stayed in nearby Catania, but travelled around quite a bit.
Can you do the nmbs next ?
mmm train fun
This is the most special over night train I have seen in Europe! Great you took us alongside this incredible ride.
Always enjoy your train journeys all across Europe! Keep them up! ❤
Greetings form Switzerland!
Thank you so much! It really is magical. :)
8:06 as an italian, I'm ashamed of that thing
Great trip report
Thank you! :)
Yeah... i know how GOOD italy is...
It is a lovely place! :)
"Last of its kind in Europe"? They also have that in Norway, i did that last year on Rjukanbanen over Tinnsjå, the nature also is beautiful I really recommend that train-boat trip to everyone
That's incredible, I never would have expected a train being loaded onto a boat in preservation. Thanks, I'll go and check it out. Nobody has ever mentioned this before. 👀
Crossing the Messina straits first thing in the morning with the sun out you can’t beat it book the excelsior cabins , they aint no suite , air con fails occasionally and delays occur but it’s fun .
It's certainly good fun!
During summertime the prices increases a lot to cash in on tourists and southern workers living in the north going back in summer to pass vacations with family and friends. This happens on Chrisitian holidays too (Christmas and Easter). It's a free market, it's normal that price rises in those occasions... but sometime the increase is insane.
I bet, I think some of my friends have paid double what I did!
5:49 yeeeah that plug doesn't look safe
'...and the prestigious Frecciarossa.' Shows an AnsaldoBreda V250/ETR 700. People from the Low Countries might raise an eyebrow at that. 🙂
You cannot build a tunnel between Sicily and the mainland, on account of the sea being very, very deep there: up to 250 metres. There are also very strong currents, so a submerged, floating tunnel is a non-starter. Sicily is actually on the African tectonic plate, whereas the rest of Italy is on the Eurasian plate.
Again, because of the depth of the Strait of Messina, you cannot build a support structure in the middle. The only kind of crossing that would work is a suspension bridge, and this would be the tallest suspension bridge in the world, with the longest span at 3300 metres. To give you an idea: the currently longest suspension bridge crosses the Dardanelles in Turkey, with a span of just over 2000 metres.
That the area is prone to earthquakes is not necessarily a problem: Turkey is no stranger to earthquakes, and the second-longest suspension bridge lies in Kobe, Japan. What might be a bigger problem is the pervasiveness of the Cosa Nostra (Sicily) and 'Ndrangheta (Calabria) in the construction industry.
Finally, the elephant in the room is the Italian state. They _can_ move quickly if needs be: the collapsed bridge in Genoa was rebuilt within a year. But often, they're very slow, and they're not particularly good at maintaining their infrastructure either. The reasons for this are complex and manifold. It would be easy to blame it on Italian inefficiency, but that would also be unfair.
While I don't question the Meloni government's ability to get things done, this bridge has been discussed for a _very_ long time. And engineering-wise, it's going to be very complex. There will be uncharted territory, many firsts, and inevitable delays. The project is slated to start in the summer of 2024, which is, um, now.
So yes, it would probably be a good idea to take this ferry before 2032, just to be sure. But I have a feeling you'll still be able to enjoy a train on a ferry well after that date.
in the Netherlands the railways are managed by incompetents, first they looked for defects in the fyra, then with the Alstom ICs and news from a few days ago they have the national network manager. Are these all coincidences? They just have to learn from the Italians!
@@intersezioni They didn't exactly have to _look_ for defects of the Fyra: they just had to pick up the bits that fell off during the trip. Ask the Danish what they think of AnsaldoBreda's quality assurance process.
Last time I checked, the Dutch still had the busiest rail network in Europe, and still a considerably higher punctuality percentage than the Italians.
But I'll admit that Italians trains have beautiful liveries.
@@SeverityOne der spiegel (the German newspaper) a few weeks ago did not have a positive article on the Dutch railways, but on the Italian ones!
As for fyra, they have been circulating for 10 years in Italy, the incompetence is only Dutch
@@intersezioni No, the V250 was built badly. There's no two ways about that. These were brand new, and yet parts fell off, batteries caught fire, etc. Or do you expect that, when you buy a brand new car, parts fall off and the dealer blames you? Maybe this is acceptable in Italy, but not elsewhere.
The Belgian (not Dutch) railways suspended the V250's licence after *39* *days*.
The reason why they are running around in Italy now is because they underwent an extensive refurbishment. Only 17 of the original 19 sets remain in service, because the other two are used for spare parts.
As for the Dutch railways, there are plenty of things that can be said against them. Most notably, trains are dirty from both the outside and the inside. They're expensive, too. The reason for that is that trains aren't subsidised, at least not those of NS (the former state operator). That's a political decision, so you'd have to complain to the Dutch government, not NS.
When we went on our honeymoon to Italy in 2001, I was very happy with the Italian railways. They ran on time (except one train from Venice to Milan), were comfortable, looked terrific, etc. My personal experience is positive.
FS runs very nice high-speed trains, both in Italy and in other countries. Regional trains, however, are not quite as glamorous from what I gather. And on videos, you can see that they're often covered in graffiti. Like Belgium, and unlike the Netherlands.
It's not really about who has the bigger you-know-what. Trains in the Netherlands are basically glorified trams. The country is too small for long-distance trains. You can't compare an ETR 500 to a VIRM.
But when it comes to running an awful lot of trains with very high punctuality, nobody comes anywhere near the Netherlands. And Der Spiegel should know that, because Deutsche Bahn failed miserably at getting fans around at Euro 2024. There's an article on the BBC website about that.
Wow, thanks for all that information. Interesting!
Italian here:
there's a story behind this train, before it used to get all the way to palermo, but the wagons were the oldest type they had, often being without electricity, water or even heating, even in winter. Even if you got a ticket you weren't guaranteed to actually sit in your seat because they would often sell the same ticket to different people in different stations so this strange situation of two people with the same ticket arguing for the seat
In 2001 two women sued trenitalia (the italian train company) because they bought two couchettes tickets and instead had to sleep in one of those wagons that i mentioned before (no electricity, or heating) and it was december.
Then around 2015 when those wagons became so old that were deemed unreliable and they were all dismissed this new wagons arrived
Wow these are the new trains from 2015? I thought they were old, their design look 70s or 80s to me
New Zealand has or had ferries that loaded trains. Looking forward to seeing this. Have to save it as I'm off out 😊
Hope you enjoyed it when you got round to it. Shame that New Zealand doesn't really have that many trains anymore... :/
Bro the station is similar to Paddington in the UK at 2:52
Very nice video, likes from me .
Thank you very much! :)
The new night carriages with couchettes will arrive soon to replace the older ones
Super interesting video.
Thank you! :)
I took the train on my way to Malta three years ago and only realised weeks later that the train was on a ferry. I always thought there was a bridge between Sicily and the rest of Italy because the gap seemed so small compared to the gaps between the Danish islands.
Yes, but even the wider Öresund or Fehmarnbelt sounds reach a depth of only up to 30 meters, while the Strait of Messina has a depth of a whopping 250 meters. Add so and so many meters to have enough clearance for cargo ships to sail under the bridge, you get an idea how tall the pylons would need to be.
@@heikozysk233 Now I know about the difficulties, but when I took the trip, I didn’t even consider that I might travel on a ship. In the middle of the night, I was annoyed about the bumpy ride and tried to go back to sleep. If I had known that the train was travelling on a ship, I would certainly have at least opened the blinds to see the spectacle.
I went of the same service when I was living in Italy, as for the bridge I want be holding my breath.
Amazing! And yeah, people say that bridge is going to be troublesome!
This September, I'm getting the day train from Napoli to Catania just for the train ferry experience..
You'll love it! Enjoy!
Nice video. Sadly my experience wasn’t as good as yours when travelling with June- broken aircon, blind and shower at nearly double what you paid! I still enjoyed the scenery though but would recommend the standard sleeper berths instead as they are cheaper and there is less to go wrong.
Sounds terrible, sorry to hear that! :(
Do it while you can if you're interested, soon they'll build a massive bridge between Calabria and Sicilia.
Sono siciliano e vorrei essere ottimista come lei riguardo il ponte
@@W.a.s.p.971 Vai tranquillo... prima o poi 😄
I have a ticket from Roma to Catania and back from Siracusa to Milano. 😊
Have an amazing trip!
@@SuperalbsTravels thank you! 😍
Is there any carpeting in any of the rooms?
thats an average italian breakfast with espresso as we do eat more at lunch time. But yes as you bought a first class ticket they could serve something better instead packaged. :)
wth?💀
That's marvelous
I know right! 😍
I hope I can travel by this train before 2032...🤞🤞
I hope you get to try it too! :)
Oh, nothing to worry about.... If our illuminate government and able infrastructure minister will continue as they are right now, this train will stay where it is for quite a long time, believe me 😅😅
Hi Superalbs, what backpack do you use for travelling?
Just a standard 40L one from a shop, does the job for me! No idea what brand or model it is, sadly.
I indeed like the design of the commuter trains. It looks like the face of a Lamborghini, painted in friendly colors. Aggressive and peaceful at once, I can't understand what's ugly about it.. especially as the front design is something other than this boring repeating design we've got in Germany.
They are actually not ugly. The problem is that they are too tall to pass through certain tunnels.
I don't find the double decker ugly, but that's my opinion
Fair enough! 😁
You hadn’t posted for a while, I was worried!
I often take breaks, nothing to worry about! :)