Hidden Places

Roman Arena, Nimes, France Why Go? Nîmes is one of France’s most rewarding small cities — a place where everyday life unfolds among some of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Europe. But what makes Nîmes special isn’t just its history. It’s the atmosphere. You can walk from a 2,000-year-old amphitheatre into a shaded square for lunch, spend the afternoon wandering gardens built around Roman ruins, and end the day with a glass of local rosé as the city glows in the evening

Vicenza Italy Why Go in Spring? Spring is the perfect time to visit Vicenza. Temperatures sit comfortably between 16–23°C, ideal for exploring on foot, and the city feels lively but never crowded. Café terraces fill, markets return, and the surrounding countryside begins to bloom. Unlike nearby Venice or Verona, Vicenza remains refreshingly local. This is where you experience northern Italy at a slower, more refined pace. A City Shaped by Architecture Vicenza is synonymous wi

Le Puy-en-Velay feels made for spring. After the long winter, the surrounding volcanic landscape softens — wildflowers begin to scatter across the hills, the air is crisp but warming (typically 12–20°C), and walking trails reopen in perfect condition. The light at this time of year is clear, golden, and ideal for those sweeping views across the Haute-Loire. This is also when the town quietly comes back to life. Pilgrims begin arriving to start the Camino, markets fill with lo

Lugano Old Town Lugano feels different from the rest of Switzerland. Set in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, it blends Swiss efficiency with a softer, Mediterranean atmosphere — palm trees, lakeside promenades, and sun-filled piazzas. In spring, Lugano is at its best. The lake shimmers, flowers bloom along the waterfront, and temperatures are often warmer than elsewhere in Switzerland, making it perfect for a relaxed, scenic long weekend. Arriving by train places you ju

A quieter Amalfi Coast alternative — best explored on foot Views from The Puntanella Coastal Path The Massa Lubrense peninsula, just beyond Sorrento, is one of southern Italy’s most rewarding places to explore in spring. This is where the Amalfi Coast softens — where terraces of lemon trees replace crowds, where footpaths connect sleepy villages, and where the views stretch uninterrupted across to Capri. Arriving by train to Sorrento and continuing by local bus makes this an

Bayeux, Normandy Normandy is one of the easiest regions to reach from Paris, making it ideal for a weekend escape by rail. With fast connections to Caen and Rouen, charming coastal towns, impressive medieval cities and the powerful history of the D-Day landing beaches, Normandy offers a varied and rewarding short break without the need for a car. This guide covers what to see, how to get around, what Norman dishes really are, where to eat, where to stay, and how to make the m

Morlaix, Brittany The Brittany Coast Line is one of France’s most dramatic and underrated railway journeys. Running from Saint-Brieuc through Morlaix to Brest, this route hugs a rugged Atlantic landscape of estuaries, cliffs, rivers and windswept coastline. It’s a journey defined by space, light and weather — and a perfect example of how train travel reveals parts of France that roads simply don’t reach. This guide covers what to expect onboard, the most scenic sections of th

Tuscan Cities, Real Food & Zero Car Hire — All Under One Hour Florence is one of the easiest places in Italy to use as a base without a car. Not only is the historic centre compact and walkable, but Florence sits at the heart of Tuscany’s regional rail network. From Firenze Santa Maria Novella , frequent local trains radiate out to historic cities, market towns and quietly beautiful places that most visitors never reach. If you’re staying in Florence for more than a couple o

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 medieval walls and towers largely untouched by modernity. What to See & Do Stroll Piazza Grande, one of Italy’s most spectacular elevated squares. Visit the Palazzo dei Consoli for sweeping valley views. Ride the funicular to the Basilica of St. Ubaldo on the mountain top. Visit in May for the exhilarating Corsa dei Ceri festival. Where t

View of Stromboli from Salina If you’ve ever imagined sailing between volcanic islands rising from turquoise seas, the Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) are your Italian dream come true. This UNESCO-listed archipelago north of Sicily is best reached by ferry or hydrofoil from Milazzo , easily accessible by train from Messina or Palermo. The Islands at a Glance Lipari – The largest and liveliest island, great for first-timers. Explore its old town, Archaeological Museum, and cli

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

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

The Cinque Terre and Portofino coast are some of Italy’s most spectacular walking destinations. Trails connect fishing villages, with trains as backup. Autumn is perfect: cooler weather, fewer crowds, and golden light. Via Dell'amore hiking trail, Cinque Terre Why Go? Walking lets you experience the dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, and seaside villages at a slower pace. A bit of History The Cinque Terre villages developed as isolated fishing hamlets, connected only by mul

South of Siena, the Crete Senesi is a landscape of clay hills, cypress trees, and golden fields. Autumn is the perfect time for walking here, with cooler air and harvest colors. The “Gladiator Trail” near Pienza is a scenic highlight. Crete Senesi from the Gladiator Trail Why Go? This area is quieter than Chianti but just as beautiful. It’s classic “film Tuscany,” with wide horizons and winding roads. A bit of History The Crete Senesi was shaped by erosion, leaving a moonscap

Halfway between Rome and Naples, Gaeta is a seaside town with golden beaches, medieval alleys, and fresh seafood straight from the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s less crowded than Amalfi but just as charming, perfect for a weekend escape. Gaeta Gaeta combines sandy beaches with a historic old town and legendary seafood. It’s a place where Romans holiday, but international tourists rarely visit.Once a Roman resort town, Gaeta later became a fortified stronghold and naval base. Its medie

Bassano del Grappa, Veneto The Veneto region is more than Venice. By train, you can wander elegant Palladian villas, sip world-famous wines, and stroll historic towns that inspired Shakespeare. September and autumn are ideal—vineyards are heavy with grapes, harvest festivals spill into piazzas, and cooler days make exploring comfortable. What to Expect Easy rail links from Venice, Verona, and Padua to towns across the region Rolling vineyards producing Prosecco, Soave, and Va

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

The Royal Palace of Caserta The Reggia di Caserta is Italy’s answer to Versailles—a sprawling 18th-century palace with endless gardens, fountains, and frescoed halls. Just 40 minutes by train from Naples, it makes for a spectacular day trip in September, when cooler air makes exploring the park more comfortable. What to Expect Frequent trains from Napoli Centrale to Caserta (40 mins) Europe’s largest royal palace, built for the Bourbon kings of Naples Formal gardens, Baroque

On Tuscany’s Monte Argentario peninsula, Porto Ercole is a chic fishing town with sandy coves, Spanish forts, and excellent seafood. It’s reached by train from Rome to Orbetello, then a short bus or taxi ride. September is perfect—beach weather lingers, but summer crowds have gone. Porto Ercole What to Expect Train from Rome Termini to Orbetello (1 hr 40) A small town with history, beaches, and a relaxed vibe Ideal for a weekend getaway rather than a rushed day trip Five Thin