Morning: Board the early train at Steenwijk Station and enjoy the tranquil Dutch countryside. The first leg takes you through the historic town of Deventer, perfect for a quick coffee stop.
Afternoon: Continue southward, crossing into Germany where the train pauses at Hannover for a brief lunch break. The scenic stretch through the Harz Mountains offers picturesque views perfect for photo opportunities.
Evening: Arrive at Milan Central Station before transferring to the night train heading to Modena. Settle into your sleeper cabin and enjoy a relaxing ride through the Italian night.
Find HotelsMorning: Disembark at Modena Station and start with a visit to the magnificent Modena Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll to the nearby Ghirlandina Tower for panoramic city views.
Afternoon: Savor a traditional lunch of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale at the historic Acetaia del Cristo followed by a tour of the Enzo Ferrari Museum, celebrating the legend of Italian automotive design.
Evening: Wander through the lively Piazza Grande, enjoying a gelato while the sun sets over the city walls. End the day with a dinner of homemade pasta at a local trattoria.
Find HotelsMorning: If time permits, explore the bustling Mercato Albinelli for fresh produce and local crafts. Alternatively, relax at a nearby café before your departure.
Afternoon: Catch the afternoon train from Modena Station back to Milan Central, where you can grab a quick bite before the long ride home.
Evening: Continue the return route through Germany and the Netherlands, arriving back at Steenwijk Station late in the night, concluding your cross‑country adventure.
Find HotelsTo extend your trip, consider adding a day in Bologna to explore its culinary delights and historic university, or spend an extra night in Modena to attend a cooking class. If you need to shorten the itinerary, you can skip the optional market visit and replace the night train with a faster high‑speed connection from Milan, reducing travel time but increasing cost slightly.