Hidden Places

Prato is often overlooked by travellers rushing between Florence and Pisa, but this Tuscan city rewards visitors with a fascinating textile heritage, Renaissance art, and excellent food. Just 25 minutes from Florence by train, Prato makes for a relaxed and authentic day trip in September. Palazzo Pretorio, Prato What to Expect Quick and inexpensive train ride from Florence SMN A mix of medieval streets, Renaissance buildings, and modern art A quieter, more local feel compared

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 ancient Rome, it’s now a sprawling archaeological park filled with temples, houses, warehouses, and intricate mosaics. In September, the cooler weather and smaller crowds make it an ideal day trip—easy to combine with a walk on the beach or a seafood lunch along the coast. What to Expect An easy train journey from Rome’s Piramide station to

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most famous destinations—but its beauty often comes with overwhelming crowds in summer. For a more peaceful experience, swap the busy streets of Positano for the wild trails of the Punta Campanella peninsula and other lesser-known coastal paths. Views from the Punta Campanella Trail These spots are reachable by public transport, offering a slower, more authentic side of the coast. What to Expect Coastal walks with panoramic views of Capri an

Lake Maggiore offers alpine scenery, elegant lakeside towns, and fewer crowds than its famous neighbour, Lake Como. From Milan, you can reach the town of Stresa in around an hour by regional train, making it perfect for a relaxed day trip. Lake Maggiore Known for the Borromean Islands and belle-époque villas, Lake Maggiore combines lakeside leisure with cultural treasures. What to Expect Elegant promenades lined with palm trees and grand hotels Stunning views of the lake fram

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 slows to a crawl. But if you know where to go, Milan in August  is a golden opportunity to explore Italy's fashion and design capital without the crowds. Here’s how to experience Milan at its most peaceful, cultural, and unexpectedly charming during the quietest month of the year. 🏠 What to Expect in August Quieter streets and shorter lines

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

Rome is magical in summer, but even the Eternal City can feel a little too eternal when the temperatures rise. The good news? In under an hour or two by train, you can be swimming in a volcanic lake, sipping white wine in a shaded vineyard, or exploring a medieval village where the only crowds are local cats. Castel Gandolfo & Lake Albano Here are five easy, car-free day trips from Rome perfect for hot summer days — all accessible by train. 🌳 1. Castel Gandolfo & Lake Alban

Naples in summer  can be intense - sizzling heat and buzzing crowds in the city’s historic centre. But when the heat peaks or the pace becomes a little too much, you're just a short train ride away  from breezy coastlines, archaeological wonders, and shaded palace gardens. Whether you're staying in Naples for a few days or using it as a hub, here are 5 easy day trips you can take by train  to explore more of Campania  without the need for a car. 🚆 1. Sorrento Why go: For cli

If you're a fan of vintage treasures, Tuscan towns, and off-the-beaten-path experiences, the Arezzo Antiques Fair  (Fiera Antiquaria di Arezzo) is your perfect excuse to hop off the Florence–Rome route and explore one of Tuscany’s most underrated gems — all easily reached by train. Arezzo Antiques Fair 📅 Upcoming 2025 Dates The fair takes place on the first weekend of every month , including both Saturday and Sunday. For 2025, here are some key dates to mark: August 2–3 Sept

Summer in Italy isn’t just about sun and scenery—it’s also the season of festivals. From medieval parades and opera under the stars to local food fairs and jazz legends, Tuscany and Umbria come alive with authentic cultural experiences in July and August. The best part? Many of these unforgettable events are easy to reach by train. Here’s your guide to top summer festivals you can enjoy car-free this summer. 🎼 Umbria Jazz Festival — Perugia When:  July 12–21, 2025 Why Go:  O

Tuscany in summer is iconic—rolling golden hills, hilltop towns glowing in the afternoon sun, and vineyards heavy with grapes. While many locals escape to the coast during July and August, this creates a perfect opportunity for independent travellers to explore inland Tuscany by train, with fewer crowds, peaceful streets, and access to some of the region’s most authentic experiences. And the best part? You can do it all without a car . Early morning over the Chianti region 🌾

Summer in Venice  offers quiet corners, breezy beaches, open-air art, and a slower rhythm you can actually enjoy. With the right timing and a Vaporetto pass in hand, Venice in July and August becomes an unexpectedly serene escape. 🌊 Cool Off: Beaches & Outer Islands When the heat rises in the city, head to the water. Lido di Venezia : Just 15 minutes by Vaporetto from San Marco. Rent a bike, hit the beach, or sip a spritz at Hotel Excelsior’s beachfront. Sant’Erasmo : Known