Another exciting part of the journey is you’ll get to pass over the Straits of Messina on the “train ferry” – one of just a handful in the world that’s still in operation. In terms of tickets, you can choose between a basic sleeping berth or a deluxe sleeper cabin, with both options starting at around €80 (£66/$87), depending on the date and time of the service selected. The only thing left to decide is where to explore when you get there.

For more budget-friendly rail journeys, check out our round-up of beautiful train routes that won't break the bank

The world’s best overnight trains