I've taken the Cinque Terre train. It is a little local. Like riding a subway car in New York or Chicago, only outside for much of the way, with occasional views. I'd have to agree with Slawecki, Italian trains are made to get people from Point A to Point B. There might be a few routes where there is some scenery, like some routes down in the far south where the trains are not so nice, but there are some extended runs along the beach. In the north you are usually on a wide open plain, occasional hill or highway in the distance. Also, remember local trains are usually very crowded, sometimes you won't find a seat, they are not in air-conditioned, and in July it will be hot. A local train in Italy in July is not pleasant.