Historic Trains and Italy's Small Spa Villages: a journey through history and wellness

Campania is preparing to offer travelers a unique experience in 2025: the return of historic trains, authentic rail jewels that will travel the region's most fascinating railway lines. An initiative promoted by the Campania Region, in collaboration with Italian State Railways Foundation and FS Italian Tourist Trains, designed to offer a suggestive and sustainable way to explore the area.

If you are traveling in Italy this year, don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to discover Campania as you have never seen it before, aboard perfectly restored vintage trains, among historic villages, sites UNESCO and unforgettable views.

Historic Trains in Campania: A Unique Experience for American Tourists

Historic trains are a true time machine on rails, capable of transporting travellers back decades, offering an authentic experience between the charm of the past and modern comfort. With 65 races scheduled for 2025 and beyond 12,000 seats available, this initiative is perfect for anyone who wants to discover the beauties of Campania in a new and fascinating way.

For American tourists visiting Italy, travelling on these trains represents a unique opportunity to explore one of the regions richest in history, culture and gastronomy of the Bel Paese, without the stress of

Why Choose a Historic Train Trip?

• Authentic experience: travelling on a vintage train is a unique adventure, far from mass tourism.
• Comfort and relaxation: no worries about traffic, just sit back and enjoy the view.
• Sustainable tourism: an eco-friendly way to discover Campania, reducing your environmental impact.
• Perfect for families and groups: a fun and fascinating journey for adults and children.
• A photographic journey: incredible landscapes and picturesque scenery perfect for photography enthusiasts.

 

In the heart of Campania, a region rich in history, culture and traditions, the Meeting of the Small Spa Villages of Italy is preparing to debut with its first edition, from March 20-23, 2025. This exclusive event combines the charm of historic trains with the discovery of Italy's small spa towns, which have always offered a unique experience of well-being and relaxation. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves not only in the beneficial waters of the spas, but also in the history, traditions, and natural heritage of these hidden places, far from mass tourism.

From March 20-23, 2025, the historic trains will become the protagonists of a unique tourist experience that will allow everyone to reach the charming spa towns of Campania. The starting point of the journey will be Naples Central Station, from which participants will depart on March 20th at 10:18 am to arrive at Contursi Terme at 12:13, passing through Pietrarsa, Pompeii, Salerno and Battipaglia. The historic train, a charming vintage convoy that passes through enchanting scenery, will be the ideal way to rediscover the charm of mobility from the past and enjoy an immersive experience in the area.

The Meeting program offers several options for participating in the event, from a day trip to an immersive stay, allowing everyone to discover the best of the spa towns in a personalized way. History and wellness enthusiasts can choose to depart on March 20th or 21st for a stay that includes overnight stays in local hotels and leisure and relaxation activities.

Discover the Small Spa Villages with Free Shuttles

Once in Contursi Terme, event participants can take advantage of free shuttles to discover the area's most characteristic villages, each with its own history, traditions, and natural heritage to be experienced to the fullest.

Visitors will be able to explore:

• Postiglione-Alburni with the Alburni Adventure Park, an opportunity for lovers of adrenaline and contact with nature;
• Whelk, a village rich in history, where the Archaeological Park and the Museum tell the story of centuries of traditions and culture;
• Valve, a mysterious place that hosts the splendid Villa d'Ayala, a residence with roots in the history of the Campanian nobility;
• Colliano, one of the oldest villages in the region, where the Norman fortress tells centuries of history;
• Citra Olive Grove, a village that houses the medieval castle, a symbol of a past rich in history;
• Pertosa/Auletta/Polla, where the famous Caves offer an extraordinary natural spectacle;
• Caposele, which boasts the Water Museum, an interesting journey through the history of water and spas;
• Materdomini, which with its Sanctuary and the Gerardino Museum is a place of spirituality and culture;
• Contursi Terme, which is not only a spa, but also a village where the historic center is a corner of history and beauty;
• Calabritto and San Gregorio Magno, which offer itineraries through nature, local wineries and typical products.

A Journey of Wellness through History and Tradition

Contursi Terme It is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places in Campania for those seeking thermal wellness. The village is known for its 15 natural thermal springs, whose waters have been prized since ancient times for their healing properties. But beyond the spas, the village offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to discover its enchanting landscapes, local traditions, and typical cuisine, a sensory journey that enriches the experience of those who choose to stay longer.

Alongside the charm of the spa, the event of the Meeting of the Small Spa Villages of Italy The initiative aims to promote quality tourism, which seeks the authenticity of places and the discovery of local traditions. Using historic trains, the initiative allows visitors to combine a love of history, cultural heritage, and the well-being offered by thermal waters, combining them all in an unparalleled experience.

A Boost to the Culture of Tourism

A fundamental role in the organization of the Meeting of the Small Thermal Villages of Italy was played by the SVIMAR (http://www.svimar.it), Association for the Development of Southern Italy and Internal Areas, and by Dr. Fernanda Ruggiero, a tourism consultant and specialist in promoting small villages since 1997. Her experience in the tourism sector has highlighted the importance of these places, too often overlooked by mass tourism, yet rich in history and traditions that deserve to be known and appreciated. Thanks to her guidance, the Meeting has become a reference point for all those seeking sustainable, slow-paced tourism that focuses on promoting local areas.

How to Participate: Tickets Available on the Fondazione FS Website

Tickets for historic trains and free shuttles are already available for purchase on the website FS Foundation. Don't miss this unique opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable experience, combining the beauty of historic trains, the charm of small spa towns, and the healing benefits of thermal waters. Buy your ticket today and prepare to embark on a journey that will take you back in time, amidst age-old traditions and breathtaking scenery.

An Unmissable Opportunity to Discover the Most Authentic Italy

The Meeting of Small Spa Villages of Italy represents a unique opportunity for anyone seeking a different kind of tourism experience, away from the most crowded and popular destinations, yet rich in history, culture, and wellness.

If you're traveling to Italy in 2025 and want an out-of-the-ordinary experience, hop aboard one of Campania's historic trains. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply curious to discover new corners of Italy, this journey will leave you breathless.

Campania awaits you… on the tracks of history!

 

The Historic Train ticket can be purchased in the following ways;

• Online on the FS Trenitalia Foundation website  http://www.fondazionefs.ithttp://www.trenitalia.com

• At the station ticket offices
• Under the train (on the platform), if there are still seats available
• At private travel agencies