Imagine stepping off a train and finding yourself moments away from a delicious, authentic Lombardian meal. No car needed, no stressful parking. Just the promise of local flavors waiting to be discovered. This is the essence of "Fuori Stazione", a fantastic new guide that's redefining how we explore the culinary landscape of Lombardy.
Trenord, the region's primary train operator, has teamed up with the renowned travel experts at Lonely Planet to bring us this unique gastronomic journey. It's more than just a travel guide; it's an invitation to slow down, embrace sustainable travel, and savor the true taste of Lombardy, all accessible by rail.
Discovering Lombardy, One Stop at a Time
The concept behind "Fuori Stazione" is brilliantly simple: highlight authentic eateries, traditional trattorias, charming wineries, and local food shops that are conveniently located within walking distance of train stations. Think of it as a "Taste of Lombardy" map, where every dot is a delicious destination reachable by train.
Leonardo Cesarini, Trenord's commercial director, explained the inspiration: "Why not create a 'Fuori Stazione' guide, similar to the 'Fuoricasello' guide for highways? After all, we operate 2,600 trains daily, reaching 460 stations." This widespread network makes it possible for anyone to embark on a culinary adventure without relying on a car.
Luca Iaccarino, the guide's food editor and curator, emphasizes the advantages of this travel method. "Lombardy has the advantage of a comprehensive railway network that allows you to reach any location and enjoy a conscious, low-environmental impact, and economical journey without stress. Not to mention the benefit of being able to drink responsibly, without worrying about that extra glass, since you won't have to drive afterwards."
This approach encourages a "slow travel" experience. You can disembark at a station and be led by your senses – the aroma of saffron risotto, the fresh scent of lake fish, or the subtle notes of mountain wines. It's about experiencing the region authentically, one stop at a time.
What Awaits You in "Fuori Stazione"
The guide is packed with around a hundred culinary addresses and nearly fifty additional destinations perfect for a day trip. It meticulously details restaurants, neighborhood trattorias, historic osterias, wineries, pastry shops, delicatessens, and spots specializing in lake and mountain cuisine.
Every recommendation has been chosen for its authenticity and accessibility. The distances from the stations are remarkably short, ranging from a mere 68 meters to a maximum of 2 kilometers. This ensures that your gastronomic exploration can begin almost immediately after alighting the train.
The guide features eight distinct itineraries, each designed to showcase the diverse landscapes and flavors across all of Lombardy's provinces. You can explore:
- The vineyards of Oltrepò Pavese and the unique rock cellars of Valtellina.
- The vibrant gastronomic scene of Milan, a city that blends tradition with innovation.
- The rich culinary heritage of Mantua and Cremona, cities steeped in history and flavor.
- The serene beauty of the lake villages, offering picturesque views and fresh, local ingredients.
Each chapter promises a treasure trove of information, including walking distances, must-try local specialties, and details on regional food events. From the classic ossobuco with saffron risotto to the distinctive casonséi of Bergamo and Brescia, and from the robust Valtellinese wine, Sfursàt, to delectable alpine cheeses, your taste buds are in for a treat.
Making Your Culinary Journey a Micro-Adventure
The itineraries are more than just routes; they are presented as mini-adventures. Imagine:
- Departing from Milan Centrale and within an hour, finding yourself in a trattoria in Palazzolo sull’Oglio, enjoying a glass of fine Franciacorta.
- Taking a train to Morbegno, Sondrio, or Chiuro and indulging in steaming plates of pizzoccheri in a valley that smells of hay and forests.
- Alighting at Sale Marasino, taking a short ferry ride to Monte Isola, and enjoying a lunch suspended over the tranquil waters of Lake Iseo.
Each stop offers a unique experience, a connection to local history, a taste of a signature product, and a warm welcome from the community. The guide suggests that the real journey begins where the train tracks end.
Getting Your Hands on "Fuori Stazione"
The best part? The "Fuori Stazione" guide is available as a free download from the lonelyplanetitalia.it website. This is just a taste, as the guide actively encourages passionate food lovers to share their own favorite local eateries. These suggestions could shape future chapters, adding even more depth and deliciousness to this evolving culinary map.
Winter Wonders: Snow Trains and Weekend Getaways
As the winter season approaches, Lombardy transforms into a snowy wonderland, and Trenord is ready to whisk you away. Alongside the new culinary guide, the "Treni della neve" (Snow Trains) season is launching for 2025/26. These packages offer a seamless experience, combining train travel with shuttle services and skipasses to popular ski resorts.
Destinations like Aprica, Valmalenco, Madesimo, Piani di Bobbio, and Domobianca are easily accessible. You can depart from any station in Lombardy, connect to dedicated shuttles, and receive your skipass for one or two days of skiing. It’s the most eco-friendly and stress-free way to enjoy the mountains, avoiding car traffic and parking hassles.
Starting November 20th, detailed information and tickets will be available on the Trenord website, with travel valid from December 7th onwards. The winter of the Olympics is particularly exciting, with Trenord anticipating a train departing every half hour for Valtellina from Milan Centrale.
"Gite in Treno": A Year-Round Appeal
Trenord's commitment to promoting tourism is further highlighted by their extensive and well-established "Gite in treno" (Train Trips) packages. Andrea Severini, CEO of Trenord, notes a significant shift: "The total number of travelers has returned to pre-pandemic levels, even if the number of commuter passengers for work has decreased. This means that the number of train tourists has increased."
The influence of the 2015 Expo and the post-COVID era's focus on local tourism have significantly boosted this trend. In the first ten months of 2025, nearly 10 million people traveled by train to tourist destinations during weekends and summer months, a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Additionally, 120,000 customers have purchased tickets for the "Gite in treno" packages, which combine train travel with unique experiences. These range from scenic excursions and cultural visits to gastronomic tours, covering diverse areas such as:
- The stunning Lake Como.
- The historic castles of the Lombardy plains.
- Invigorating hikes in Val Camonica.
- Charming visits to the villages of Franciacorta.
The underlying philosophy remains consistent across all offerings: depart without a car, experience Lombardy at a relaxed pace, and return home with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the region. The "Fuori Stazione" guide and Trenord's various travel packages are a testament to the beauty and accessibility of exploring Lombardy by train, proving that the most rewarding adventures often lie just beyond the platform.
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