Food & Drink

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 the scent of fresh basil and sea salt. Known as La Superba  (“The Proud One”), Genoa’s history is as grand as its harbor. Once one of the great maritime republics alongside Venice, Pisa, and Amalfi, Genoa dominated Mediterranean trade from the 11th to the 17th centuries. Its powerful merchant families built the magnificent Palazzi dei Rolli

Ballooning over Tuscan Countryside at dawn Tuscany’s rolling hills and vineyards are world-famous, but you don’t need a car to enjoy them. With smart planning, you can reach some of the region’s best wineries by train and short taxi or bus rides, making wine-tasting both stress-free and sustainable. Why Go? From Chianti to Montepulciano, Tuscany’s wines reflect centuries of tradition. Visiting by train means you can taste without worrying about driving. History Wine has been

Cetara Skip the crowds of Positano and Amalfi and base yourself in Salerno , a lively city with excellent rail links, a new airport, and easy access to the quieter southern Amalfi Coast towns of Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, and Erchie. From colorful ceramics to anchovy feasts, this part of the coast is authentic, affordable, and far less hectic. Why Go? Salerno is both a destination in its own right and the best gateway to the Amalfi Coast. With its medieval old town, vibrant pro

Pair Tuscany’s white truffles with Brunello di Montalcino wines in one autumn weekend—train to Siena, bus to the hills, no car required. San Miniato’s oak forests yield Italy’s finest white truffles, honored in November fairs. Montalcino’s Brunello gained DOCG status in 1980, cementing its place as Tuscany’s red wine king. What to Expect San Miniato White Truffle Fair: weekends in Nov. Brunello tastings available year-round, with harvest buzz in Sept–Oct. Day 1 – San Miniato

Two Tuscan hill towns, one train ride: Castiglion Fiorentino and Cortona make the perfect day trip from Florence. With medieval streets, Renaissance squares, and sweeping views of the Val di Chiana, these towns offer a quieter taste of Tuscany. Castiglion Fiorentino Why Go? Both towns are less crowded than Florence or Siena, yet rich with history and charm. It’s Tuscany at its most authentic, and easy to reach by train. A bit of History Castiglion Fiorentino traces its roots

Palermo is a feast for the senses: baroque churches, bustling markets, and a cuisine that blends Arab, Norman, and Italian traditions. A weekend here gives you a taste of Sicily’s capital at its most vibrant. Piazza Bellini, Palermo Palermo offers dazzling architecture, world-class street food, and access to stunning seaside escapes like Cefalù. It’s chaotic, colorful, and unforgettable. Founded by Phoenicians, ruled by Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards, Palermo reflects centurie

Rolling hills striped with vines, medieval hill towns, and one of the world’s most celebrated red wines: welcome to the Langhe, home of Barolo. This UNESCO World Heritage landscape is perfect for a day trip ( or better still an overnight stay ) from Turin or Milan, combining wine, history, and culture. Vineyards of La Morra Barolo isn’t just about wine tasting. The region offers castle views, truffle-scented cuisine, and some of Italy’s most beautiful countryside. Autumn, dur

Italy’s forests hide one of its greatest treasures: truffles. Autumn’s white truffle (October–December) is the most prized of all, shaved raw over pasta or eggs. Whether in Alba, San Miniato, or Umbria, you can hunt, taste, and celebrate truffles by train. Alba at sunset Romans considered truffles an aphrodisiac, while medieval cooks prized their aroma. In the 20th century, the International Alba Truffle Fair helped turn these fungi into luxury icons. Today, fairs in Alba, Sa

Autumn is festival season in central Italy. From roasted chestnuts in Tuscany’s mountains to chocolate in Perugia and truffles in San Miniato, every weekend between September and November brings a celebration of food, wine, and tradition. Best of all, you can reach them all easily by train. San Miniato For centuries, Tuscany and Umbria’s harvests shaped community life. Chestnuts were once the “bread of the poor,” sustaining mountain villages through winter. Truffles, once pri

Backstreet Restaurant Rome in autumn is magical—golden light on ancient ruins, lively neighbourhood markets, and far fewer tourists than summer. For a weekend, skip the Colosseum queues and explore Rome’s lesser-known corners by metro, tram, and even regional trains. What to Expect Crisp, sunny days perfect for walking Quieter museums and piazzas than in peak season Seasonal food: truffles, chestnuts, and porcini mushrooms Why go now? Beyond the big landmarks, Rome hides cent

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 relaxed escape from Rome’s bustle. September and autumn are perfect for soaking in hot pools, wandering cobbled lanes, and sampling hearty Tuscia cuisine. Viterbo What to Expect Direct trains from Rome Tiburtina (1 hr 45 mins) A walled medieval old town full of stone towers and squares Public and private thermal baths fed by volcanic springs

Bergamo is a city of two halves—the modern Città Bassa below and the medieval Città Alta above, connected by a funicular. Just 50 minutes from Milan by train, it’s a perfect September day trip for those seeking cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and hearty northern Italian food. Bergamo What to Expect Frequent trains from Milan Centrale A mix of medieval charm and modern energy Cooler hilltop air and fewer crowds in September Five Things to Do Ride the Funicular to C

Perched on a volcanic plateau, Orvieto is one of Umbria’s most dramatic towns. With its glittering Gothic cathedral, underground tunnels, and medieval lanes, it’s an easy day trip by train—just over an hour from Rome, or about two hours from Florence. September is ideal: cooler air, fewer crowds, and golden evening light on the city’s tufa stone walls. Duomo di Orvieto What to Expect Trains from Rome (1 hr 15) or Florence (2 hrs with a change at Orvieto Scalo) Funicular from

Langhe Vineyards, Piedmont Piedmont’s rolling vineyards and medieval hill towns are paradise for wine lovers. While many spots require a car, the wine capitals of Asti and Alba are both reachable by train from Turin. September is harvest season, making it the perfect time to sip local vintages and enjoy seasonal food festivals. What to Expect Trains from Turin to Asti (40 mins) and Alba (1 hr 20) Lively September harvest events and markets Opportunities to sample Barolo, Barb

Bologna is Italy’s culinary capital, home to legendary pasta dishes, bustling food markets, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. If you’re staying in Milan or Florence, it’s easy to make a foodie pilgrimage here thanks to Italy’s high-speed rail network—just over an hour from Milan, or 40 minutes from Florence. Bologna skyline at sunset Known as La Grassa  (“The Fat One”) for its rich gastronomic traditions, Bologna is the perfect city for a day of eating, strolling under its fa

Rome in summer can be intense—hot sun, long queues, and busy piazzas. But for the curious traveler willing to look beyond the obvious, the Eternal City offers a cooler, calmer side full of hidden art, rooftop dining, shaded churches, and cultural gems tucked away from the crowds. Here’s your guide to experiencing Rome differently in summer , with plenty of shade, soul, and surprises. 🎨 Missed the Caravaggio Exhibition? See Him for Free in Churches If you didn’t catch the lat

Florence may be a food lover’s dream, but the countryside just beyond it is where Tuscany’s culinary soul  truly comes alive. The good news? You can reach many of these gourmet destinations by train , making it the perfect slow travel adventure — no car hire needed. Whether you're craving pecorino cheese, Chianti wine, or fresh truffles, here’s how to take a tasting trail from Florence  by rail. Pienza Base: Florence Santa Maria Novella Start from Florence’s main station. Buy