Hidden gems

Ravenna is one of Italy’s great artistic cities — calm, atmospheric and home to the world’s most magnificent Byzantine mosaics. In winter, its basilicas and historic streets feel especially peaceful, offering a reflective and beautiful weekend escape. With rail connections from Bologna, Rimini, Ferrara and Venice, Ravenna is an easy, car-free winter getaway in northern Italy. This guide covers what to see, where to eat, classic Romagna dishes, where to stay, how to explore be

Civitella in Val di Chiana The Val di Chiana , stretching between Arezzo and Siena, is classic Tuscan countryside — cypress-lined hills, vineyards, and medieval villages. Yet it’s less visited than Chianti or Val d’Orcia, making it a peaceful and delicious escape. Why Go? This valley combines easy rail access with hilltop towns full of art, slow food, and traditional life. It’s Tuscany without the tourist buses. A bit of History Once marshland reclaimed by the Etruscans and R

Step back in time to stone streets, traditions, and truffle feasts. Perched against Mount Ingino, Gubbio  feels like a living museum—its...

View of Stromboli from Salina If you’ve ever imagined sailing between volcanic islands rising from turquoise seas, the Isole Eolie...

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

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

South of Siena, the Crete Senesi is a landscape of clay hills, cypress trees, and golden fields. Autumn is the perfect time for walking...

Halfway between Rome and Naples, Gaeta is a seaside town with golden beaches, medieval alleys, and fresh seafood straight from the...

Bassano del Grappa, Veneto The Veneto region is more than Venice. By train, you can wander elegant Palladian villas, sip world-famous...

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...

The Royal Palace of Caserta The Reggia di Caserta is Italy’s answer to Versailles—a sprawling 18th-century palace with endless gardens,...

On Tuscany’s Monte Argentario peninsula, Porto Ercole is a chic fishing town with sandy coves, Spanish forts, and excellent seafood. It’s...

For a longer adventure, combine Tuscany’s coast with the island of Elba. From Pisa, take the train south to Livorno for delicious...

Lake Trasimeno, in the heart of Umbria, is Italy’s fourth largest lake and a peaceful alternative to the Tuscan coast if you're looking...

Prato is often overlooked by travellers rushing between Florence and Pisa, but this Tuscan city rewards visitors with a fascinating...

Ostia Antica at Sunset Just 30 minutes from central Rome, Ostia Antica is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Once the bustling seaport of...

Lake Maggiore offers alpine scenery, elegant lakeside towns, and fewer crowds than its famous neighbour, Lake Como. From Milan, you can...

Florence in Autumn is magical. After exploring the Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo, you might find yourself craving quieter corners, shady walks, and a more relaxed pace. Good news: Florence has plenty of hidden gems  — peaceful gardens, artisan districts, and secret interiors where the locals go while the crowds stay packed around the big sights. Here’s your guide to off-the-beaten-track Florence , ideal for Autumn explorers traveling by train. 1. Bardini Garden (Giardi

August in Milan gets a bad reputation. Locals escape to the mountains or coast, shutters close on small shops, and the pace of the city...

While Milan is an exciting weekend destination this autumn, you can be out of the city and beside a lake, exploring a hilltop town, or sipping wine by midday — all without needing a car. Thanks to its excellent rail connections, Milan is one of Italy’s best hubs for day trips by train . Whether you’re craving lake views or a cultural break from the city, here are 5 of the best escapes from Milan  — all under 90 minutes away. 1. Lake Como (Varenna) Why go: One of Italy’s most