Hidden Places

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

The Amalfi Coast is famous for summer crowds, sun-drenched terraces and dramatic coastal drives — but winter reveals a very different, more authentic side of this iconic region. From November through March, the coast becomes quieter, gentler and more local, with empty paths, cosy restaurants, winter festivals and spectacular walking weather. Best of all, it’s entirely possible to explore the Amalfi Coast without a car , using trains, ferries (seasonally) and buses. This guide

Harbour of Trentemoult, near Nantes Nantes is one of France’s most inventive and underrated cities — creative, youthful and constantly evolving. Paired with the nearby Atlantic coast, it offers a refreshing alternative to Provence or Paris: industrial heritage, contemporary art, river walks, seafood ports and wide, windswept beaches. Best of all, Nantes and its surrounding coast are easy to explore by train, tram and local buses, making this an ideal car-free weekend escape.

The Massa Lubrense peninsula, just beyond Sorrento, is one of Italy’s most beautiful walking regions. Quiet trails, terraced olive groves, dramatic cliffs and sweeping views of Capri make it ideal for a weekend of nature and relaxation — all easily reached without a car.This guide covers what to expect, the best self-guided walks, what local dishes really are, where to eat, where to stay, and how to enjoy 48 hours of scenic hiking around one of southern Italy’s most peaceful

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 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

Umbria, known as Italy’s “green heart,” is dotted with hill towns rich in history, art, and food traditions. Thanks to the RFI train network, it’s possible to explore several in one trip. Perugia, Assisi, and Spoleto are all connected by rail, making for a rewarding September journey through medieval streets, basilicas, and olive-clad hills. Assisi Valley What to Expect Regional trains linking Perugia, Assisi, and Spoleto in under 1 hour each September festivals, markets, and

For a longer adventure, combine Tuscany’s coast with the island of Elba. From Pisa, take the train south to Livorno for delicious seafood, then continue to Piombino, gateway to Elba. Ferries cross in just over an hour, delivering you to an island of beaches, Napoleonic history, and scenic hiking. September is perfect: warm seas, quiet towns, and golden evenings. Portoferraio Viticcio Beach, Elba Island What to Expect Train Pisa–Livorno (20 mins), Livorno–Piombino (2 hrs) Ferr

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 for seafood and a swim! The train stops at Castiglione del Lago , a walled town overlooking the water, making it the perfect gateway for cycling, boat trips, and lazy lakeside lunches. September brings mild weather, quiet villages, and grape harvests in the surrounding hills. View of Lake Trasimeno What to Expect Train connections on the Flor