Europe's new 'beer train' linking two beautiful cities for major event

Beer lovers can now roll into Oktoberfest in style thanks to a brand new overnight train service whisking passengers from the heart of Rome in Italy straight to Munich's famous beer tents in Germany. The Espresso Monaco, launched by FS Treni Turistici Italiani, is no ordinary train. Running for two exclusive weekends only, this special Oktoberfest service transforms the journey into a full-blown celebration complete with Bavarian-themed music, delicicious local snacks, fresh beer and even a restaurant car.

Departing from Rome's Termini station at 8pm, passengers can kick off their weekend with a drink in hand and traditional music echoing through the carriages. The train arrives in Munich the following day at 2.30pm just in time to dive headfirst into the Oktoberfest action.

The train also stops in Verona, Trento, Bolzano, Bressanone, Fortezza, Vipiteno, Colle Isarco and Brennero.

Passengers can choose from a variety of comfort levels, from standard seats to four or six-berth couchettes and private sleeper cabins for one or two people. Those staying in the sleeping car will enjoy complimentary dinner and breakfast served in the on-board restaurant.

The train's bar stays open throughout the journey, offering a wide selection of drinks and snacks including, of course, plenty of beer to toast the ride.

FS Treni Turistici Italiani said: "Forget the stress of driving and unnecessary stops: with us, the fun begins as soon as you get on board. The train that takes you to the heart of the party.

"We've thought of everything to guarantee you a journey of fun and safety. Onboard our train, you'll find Bavarian-themed entertainment ready to get you into the Oktoberfest spirit from the very first kilometers. Enjoy the journey with friends, in total relaxation, to arrive in Munich fresh and full of energy."

Tickets start at about £85 each way, with return fares discounted to about £77 per leg if booked as a round trip. Oktoberfest-goers are encouraged to book early via the Railbook portal to take advantage of these limited-time prices.

The first weekend departure is on Friday, September 26 at 8pm, with the train arriving in Munich at 2:30pm on Saturday, September 27. The return journey leaves Munich on Sunday, September 28 at 2.30pm and arrives back at Roma Termini at 6.30am on Monday, September 29.

For the second weekend of Oktoberfest, the timings are exactly the same with the outbound train departing Rome on Friday, October 3, also reaching Munich at 2.30pm on Saturday, October 4 and then return trip starts in Munich on Sunday, October 5 at 2.30pm and arrives in Rome bright and early on the morning of Monday, October 6.

Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival, held every year in Bavaria and began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration of Prince Regent Ludwig of Bavaria, the later King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony Hildburghausen.

Since then it has become a massive event and folk festival celebrating Bavarian culture and attracts millions from around the globe. Festival-goers don traditional Bavarian attire like lederhosen and dirndls, and enjoy large steins of beer, hearty German food, lively music and festive parades. According to the official website, there were 6.7 million people at Oktoberfest last year and a massive 7 million litres of beer bought.