My colleague Georgette Jupe and I recently traveled on Trenitalia’s Executive class on a business trip to Rome and were both quite impressed with the experience – it’s a bit like traveling first class on a plane! Here’s what we loved about it.
Smooth boarding: The Executive Class on Trenitalia’s high-speed Frecciarossa trains is located on the first car and has only eight seats – that means you don’t have to wrestle the unruly, agitated lines that form when boarding a train in Italy…
Space, privacy and quiet: Trenitalia’s Executive class features eight single leather seats, each 27 inches wide, reclining, and with a leg rest. Privacy is guaranteed as seats are 1.5 meters from each other. Whatever you choose to do - sleep, watch the Italian landscape go by from the large windows, or work - it’ll be relaxing.
Ample room for luggage: no need to lift that heavy suitcase to place on the overhead compartment or leave it in the space between one car and the other, which is always a source of anxiety. You can simply keep your suitcase next to you.
Ideal for business travelers: If you’re traveling for business, there is free Wi-Fi access, a 32-inch monitor that can be connected to your computer, a meeting room for six people with a monitor for video projections. "For someone who likes to get a little work done while traveling, the executive class gives me just the peace and quiet I need to concentrate and relax in style," Georgette noted.
On-board service: As soon as I boarded the train, a Trenitalia attendant welcomed me, then asked me if I wanted a newspaper or magazine and something to drink, and brought a menu. She came to check on me a few times to make sure I didn't need anything.
Food & Drink options: The so-called ‘Itinere’ menu includes snacks, lunch and dinner options (with some of the items on the menu prepared by famous Michelin-starred chef Carlo Cracco). Each month, the menu is dedicated to a signature product of Italy; this December, it is the green pistachio of Bronte from Sicily (the pistachio and chocolate chips cookies I tried were excellent by the way). There’s also free wine (who doesn’t appreciate that), water and sodas. "Plus you can get as many espressos as you want, essentially my kind of experience…!" Georgette pointed out.
The takeaway: You feel taken care of and it is a very relaxing train travel experience - you arrive at your destination feeling rested and ready to tackle whatever awaits you, be it a day of sightseeing or a business meeting.
To book your Trenitalia train tickets, see the ItaliaRail website.
