How long does the high-speed train take?

I'll admit I wasn't sure what to expect from my journey, I had only heard from reviews online. The journey itself is relatively quick, definitely efficient, and comfortable, taking just under three hours, with the ability to reach over 250 km/h (or 155 mph). And the best part? You get to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of the Italian countryside. That's also plenty of time to catch up on some reading, listen to music, or even take a nap. However, if you're wondering if the Milan to Rome train is scenic, I would say it's more about the convenience and speed of the journey rather than the views outside the window. I didn't see anything too breathtaking although it was far from an eye sore.

So, how much does it cost to travel from Milan to Rome by train? Prices can vary depending on the time of day and how far in advance you book your tickets but expect to pay anywhere from €30 to €80 for a one-way ticket.

Get your ticket in advance for better deals and to avoid any delays. You can book your tickets with Trainline, click here for prices and more details.

All in all, I found it worth the money for the convenience and serenity of the whole experience but I do have one complaint and that was... the restroom. The carriage I was on must not have been checked properly as the door to the restroom didn't close! I had to keep my foot in place so nobody would accidentally come in; more importantly, the flush didn't work. Luckily... if you can call it that, I was one of the first to use it and I wasn't in there for long. Don't worry I won't be sharing pictures of this.

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Tivoli – Lazio's best kept secret:

Well, after arriving in Rome you will have a plethora of ideas and attractions to tick off the list I'm sure and rightly so. Just heed my words and make sure you include Tivoli in your travels, even if you have to stay for an extra day. It is definitely worth it and it is a simple day trip from Rome that you don't want to pass the opportunity on, especially if you have to shoot back up to Milan.

Getting to Tivoli from Rome's Termini station is very easy, as you can simply take a direct train that lasts approximately one hour. Grab your tickets early so you don't waste any time.

Where is Tivoli?

Tivoli is a town located in the Lazio region of central Italy, about 30 kilometres east of Rome, see it on Google Maps.

During Roman times, Tivoli was referred to as 'Tibur' and was a favoured getaway for the affluent, boasting vintage villas and amazing gardens.

Things to do in Tivoli:

What makes Tivoli truly remarkable is its collection of vintage villas, each with its unique character and style. The most famous among them is Villa d'Este, renowned for its stunning Italian Renaissance gardens, intricate fountains, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Villa Adriana or Hadrian's Villa, named after Roman Emperor Hadrian, is another grand villa, built in the 2^nd century, that you should put on your list of places to visit.

If you want a glimpse of what these stunning buildings and their surroundings look like then check them out on Tripadvisor. Bear in mind, these are popular sites even for a best-kept secret, the queues can get very long. I chose not to wait around due to this reason so I went to visit the UNESCO site of Parco Villa Gregoriana instead, it's also more of an active thing to do and you should know how much I like that.

Another positive aspect is that admission to the park was free, although donations were appreciated. However, I do not think this is the norm as the official site (listed below) has prices on tickets. You never know, you may get lucky like I did. I made a contribution anyway and if you can I believe you should too. The way they keep this place in pristine condition is second to none. Can a park be described as spotless?

Once you enter what looks like a seemingly normal park, you start to quickly realise that it isn't normal, it's magical. As you journey down the path, with each step feeling like you are being taken out of Italy and placed in Eden. I was kinda expecting pearly white gates at one point! The views of the waterfalls from up high are spectacular and you can start to understand why the Romans used this place as a retreat.

Every turn on the journey down provided another stunning view, begging to be captured in a photo. As I finally arrived at the base of the waterfall, I was struck by the tranquil yet powerful rush of water, and I found myself lost yet grateful in the peaceful surroundings of the park. There's just something about waterfalls isn't there?

There are grottos and other places to see and admire before you have to weave back up to the Tempio della Sibilla, in total it took me around 2 hours to walk the park, which included frequent stops and plenty of pictures.

For more information on tickets, availability, and opening times (which can vary at different times of the year) check out fondoambiente.it

Final Thoughts on Rome, Tivoli, and the high-speed trains

While taking a scenic train ride from Milan to Rome through the Italian country side is a lovely experience, it is not advisable to take both train journeys in a single day. Leave a full day for your trip to Tivoli and remember to book your tickets in advance.

That's if you are looking to escape some of the hustle and bustle of Rome for a day, of course. Tivoli is the perfect antidote against hustle and bustle. This charming town offers a quintessentially Italian experience. It is an ideal for everyone. The town is very walkable, with most attractions (villas) located within a 15-20 minute walk of each other, although some of it is uphill.

During the summer, the weather is typically great, and while it can get hot at times, the paths in the park provide ample shade.

Italy boasts many breathtaking destinations to visit, but with Tivoli located in such close proximity to Rome, it offers a unique experience of two distinct worlds that are intertwined in an incredible juxtaposition.

Be sure to experience this unique blend of Tivoli and Rome on your next trip to Rome, whether you are coming from Milan on the train or from any other location.