Planning to travel to Europe this summer? We’ve got good news. Italy’s Espresso Riviera is making a stylish return to the rails, offering a slow, scenic journey between Rome and Marseille.

After the success of last year’s sleeper train between Milan and Nice, the operator FS Treni Turistici Italiani is expanding its offering with a new cross-border route that will capture the romance of vintage train travel.

Running every Friday from July 4 to August 30, the night train will leave from Rome’s Termini station and travel along the Ligurian coast before reaching the beautiful French Riviera by Saturday morning. The return journey from Marseille will depart Saturday evening, arriving in Rome early Sunday.

This dreamy summer route will connect travellers to Italy’s culture-rich capital with sun-soaked Mediterranean towns and cities. Key stops along the way include Genoa, Sanremo and Ventimiglia in Italy, then crosses the border to take in Menton, Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and finally, Marseille. Naturally, across the way, you’ll have beautiful scenic views.

The train will transform mid-journey from a classic sleeper to a more casual daytime setup, with first- and second-class seating options available.

With tickets available via Trenitalia, the Espresso Riviera promises an elegant alternative to summer travel.