Eat like a local

Rouen is one of Normandy’s most atmospheric cities — timber-framed houses, Gothic churches, cobbled lanes and centuries of history. With direct trains from Paris, it makes an excellent weekend destination without needing a car. This guide covers what to see, where to eat, Norman dishes, where to stay, day trips and how to arrive smoothly by train. Why Go? Rouen is beautiful and full of cultural depth. From the cathedral painted by Monet to medieval streets and excellent museu

Parma Cathedral Parma is one of Italy’s most refined small cities — known for its world-famous food, elegant architecture, quiet winter charm and relaxed pace. It is easily reached by train from Bologna, Milan, Modena and Florence, making it a wonderful winter weekend destination without needing a car. The city is walkable and filled with cafés, markets and warm trattorias. This guide covers what to see, where to eat, classic Parmesan dishes, where to stay, how to explore bey

Chateau de Chenonceau The Loire Valley is one of France’s most beautiful regions, known for its fairytale châteaux, riverside towns and peaceful countryside. Thanks to fast rail links from Paris, it’s easy to explore without a car. Tours makes the ideal base for a weekend, offering quick train access to some of the region’s most famous castles, vineyards and landscapes. This guide covers what to see, how to get around, where to eat and stay, what Loire Valley dishes actually

Bordeaux by night Bordeaux is one of France’s most elegant and easy-to-explore cities, with grand squares, leafy boulevards, world-class wine and a beautifully restored riverfront. Thanks to the fast TGV link from Paris, Bordeaux has become a perfect weekend destination for travellers who want culture, wine tasting and relaxed strolling without the need for a car. This guide covers what to see, where to eat, what local food and wine specialities really are, where to stay and

Saone River, Lyon Lyon is France’s gastronomic capital and one of the easiest major cities to reach and explore by train. With two major stations, an efficient metro system and a compact, walkable city centre, it offers the perfect mix of culture, riverfront scenery and exceptional food. Whether you are visiting for a relaxed short break or a food-focused weekend, Lyon is a rewarding and easy destination without the need for a car. This guide covers what to see, where to eat,

Strasbourg is one of France’s most atmospheric small cities: half-timbered houses, canals that glow at sunset, warm taverns serving regional comfort food, and a historic centre that is easily explored on foot. Best of all, Strasbourg is extremely well connected by rail, making it the ideal destination for a relaxed 48-hour trip with no car needed. This guide covers what to see, where to eat, what Alsatian dishes actually are, where to stay, how to explore beyond the city, and

Florence in winter is a dream — quieter streets, golden light on the Arno, and art and food that warm you from the inside out. Here’s your perfect two-day itinerary to experience the city’s soul at a slower, more intimate pace — by train, of course. Day 1: Renaissance Wonders & Cozy Corners Morning – Discover Fra Angelico at Palazzo Strozzi Step straight into Florence’s artistic heart at the Palazzo Strozzi , where the exhibition “Angelico: The Dawn of the Renaissance”  runs

When autumn rolls into Tuscany, the rolling clay hills of the Crete Senesi  turn golden and fragrant — it’s white truffle season. Between October and November, this quiet corner south of Siena becomes the center of Italy’s most exclusive culinary ritual: hunting for the precious tartufo bianco . Why Go? The Crete Senesi, with its lunar landscapes and cypress-lined lanes, is one of Tuscany’s most atmospheric regions. Visiting during truffle season offers not just beautiful sce

Anghiari Follow in the footsteps of Renaissance master Piero della Francesca  through eastern Tuscany and Umbria. From Arezzo to Sansepolcro, Anghiari, Monterchi, and Città di Castello, this journey weaves art, landscapes, and timeless hill towns. Why Go? This route combines art, gentle countryside, and authentic small towns rarely on tourist itineraries — all accessible from Arezzo by local train or bus. A bit of History Piero della Francesca (1412–1492) was one of the early

Naples and Vesuvius at Sunset Naples is Italy at full volume — chaotic, historic, and irresistibly alive. Beneath its buzzing streets lies centuries of art, food, and folklore. A weekend here immerses you in everything from Baroque churches to pizza straight from the oven. Why Go? Naples is more than Pompeii’s gateway — it’s one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, rich with art, archaeology, and legendary food. A bit of History Founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, Naples

Tucked between mountains and sea, Genoa (Genova)  rewards slow exploration. Its medieval alleys hide marble palaces, bohemian cafés, and...

Ballooning over Tuscan Countryside at dawn Tuscany’s rolling hills and vineyards are world-famous, but you don’t need a car to enjoy...

Cetara Skip the crowds of Positano and Amalfi and base yourself in Salerno , a lively city with excellent rail links, a new airport, and...

Pair Tuscany’s white truffles with Brunello di Montalcino wines in one autumn weekend—train to Siena, bus to the hills, no car required....

Two Tuscan hill towns, one train ride: Castiglion Fiorentino and Cortona make the perfect day trip from Florence. With medieval streets,...

Palermo is a feast for the senses: baroque churches, bustling markets, and a cuisine that blends Arab, Norman, and Italian traditions. A...

Rolling hills striped with vines, medieval hill towns, and one of the world’s most celebrated red wines: welcome to the Langhe, home of...

Autumn is festival season in central Italy. From roasted chestnuts in Tuscany’s mountains to chocolate in Perugia and truffles in San...

Backstreet Restaurant Rome in autumn is magical—golden light on ancient ruins, lively neighbourhood markets, and far fewer tourists than...

North of Rome, Viterbo is a medieval city famous for its papal palace and natural thermal springs. Just under two hours by train, it’s a...