Italy

The Port of Genoa Genoa is one of Italy’s most fascinating and least understood cities — a powerful maritime republic whose wealth once rivalled Venice. Stretching along the Ligurian coast between mountains and sea, the city reveals itself slowly: grand Renaissance palaces, labyrinthine medieval alleys, bustling markets and one of Europe’s most atmospheric historic centres. Often overshadowed by nearby Cinque Terre, Genoa offers travellers something deeper — a glimpse into th

Italy isn’t meant to be rushed. Yes, the high-speed trains are impressive — fast, efficient, and incredibly useful. But the journeys you remember most? They’re the slower ones. The ones where the landscape unfolds outside your window, the pace softens, and the experience begins long before you arrive. If you’re planning a trip this year — or simply dreaming of one — here are five train journeys that reveal a more authentic, unhurried side of Italy. 1. Bologna → Florence (via

Spring is arriving in Italy. The cafés are opening onto its medieval piazzas, vineyards are turning green again, and the first travelers of the season are already planning their summer escapes. If Italy is on your dream travel list this year , now is the perfect moment to start planning. And to celebrate the upcoming travel season, my guidebook Touring Italy by Train  is FREE on Kindle for just two days — March 24–25. This is the last free promotion before the big summer plan

Lucca is one of Tuscany’s most enchanting towns — a beautifully preserved city surrounded by massive Renaissance walls. Unlike many historic towns, these walls were never destroyed. Instead they have become one of Lucca’s greatest attractions: a wide, tree-lined promenade encircling the entire historic centre. Inside the walls lies a charming world of medieval streets, elegant piazzas and timeless Italian atmosphere. Why Lucca? Lucca offers everything travellers love about Tu

Turin is one of Italy’s most refined and underrated cities — a place of grand boulevards, royal palaces and café culture that feels distinctly different from the rest of the country. Nestled beneath the Alps in northern Italy, the city was once the capital of the powerful House of Savoy  and later became the first capital of unified Italy. Today Turin blends aristocratic elegance, rich culinary traditions and vibrant modern culture. Arriving by train, the city reveals itself

Orvieto is one of Italy’s most striking hill towns — a golden city perched dramatically atop a volcanic plateau high above the Umbrian countryside. Just an hour from Rome by train, it offers everything travellers love about central Italy: medieval streets, Renaissance art, breathtaking views and extraordinary food. Yet unlike many famous hill towns, Orvieto still feels calm, authentic and deeply connected to its history. Arriving here — first by train, then by funicular climb

Cefalu There are few train journeys in Sicily as rewarding as the short coastal ride from Palermo to Cefalù. In less than an hour, the energy of Palermo gives way to golden beaches, honey-coloured medieval streets, and the dramatic outline of La Rocca rising behind one of Sicily’s most beautiful seaside towns. If you’re staying in Palermo and want sea air, history, and a slower rhythm without hiring a car, Cefalù is the perfect self-guided day trip. Why Visit Cefalù? Cefalù b

Historic Cities, Art & Italian Life — All Under One Hour Despite its unique geography, Venice  is one of Italy’s best train hubs. From Venezia Santa Lucia , trains glide directly onto the mainland, connecting Venice to elegant cities, medieval towns and vineyard landscapes in under an hour. These five day trips are perfect if you want to balance time in Venice with a deeper look at northern Italy — without cars, ferries or organised tours. Giotto's frescos in Scrovegni Chapel

When Venice is in full carnival mode—masks flashing in the sun, crowds spilling through Piazza San Marco, gondolas jostling for space—there is something deeply restorative about walking away from it all. Head west. Cross the Accademia Bridge. Keep going until the streets narrow, the souvenir shops disappear, and the lagoon air feels more residential than theatrical. Here, in the far reaches of Dorsoduro, you’ll find one of Venice’s oldest and most quietly beautiful churches:

If you’re based in Venice and craving a day away from the crowds or a change of scene, a day out that blends Renaissance genius, sacred art, university grandeur and relaxed local life, Padova (Padua) is your perfect excursion. It’s compact, cultured, and wonderfully authentic – the kind of place where you’ll hear more Italian than English and feel like you’ve stepped into a living, breathing city rather than an open-air museum. And the best part? You’ll be there in half an ho

The Church of Santa Croce, Lecce Lecce is one of Italy’s most enchanting southern cities — elegant Baroque architecture, warm winter sunshine, peaceful piazzas and a slower pace that feels restorative in the colder months. Located in the heart of Puglia’s Salento region, Lecce is well connected by train from Bari, Brindisi and Taranto, making it an easy car-free winter escape. The city is walkable, atmospheric and ideal for long, unhurried winter days. This guide covers what

Ancient Ruins, Volcanic Landscapes & Coastal Life — All Easily Done in a Day Pozzuoli, Naples Naples sits at the heart of one of Italy’s most extraordinary rail networks. Local lines reach world-class archaeological sites, coastal towns and volcanic landscapes quickly and cheaply — making independent exploration not just possible, but effortless. Pompeii: A Roman City Frozen in Time Getting there by train Departure station:  Napoli Garibaldi Train:  Circumvesuviana Journey ti

Bernina Pass, Pontresina - Tirano The Bernina Line is one of the most famous train journeys in the world — and one of the few that climbs from Italian vineyards into high alpine glaciers in just a few hours. Starting in Tirano, Italy, this UNESCO-listed railway spirals through the Alps on open curves and dramatic viaducts, delivering jaw-dropping scenery at every turn.This guide focuses on the Italian side of the Bernina Line, what you’ll see onboard, what to do in Tirano and

Vineyards view in Santa Maddalena Bolzano The train journey from Milan to Bolzano is one of northern Italy’s most rewarding rail routes, carrying you from urban Italy into alpine landscapes in just a few hours. Vineyards replace factories, valleys narrow into mountain passes, and Italian culture gradually blends with Tyrolean traditions. This is a journey where the changing scenery tells the story — and where both ends of the line offer outstanding weekend destinations. This

Lakes, Historic Cities & Northern Italian Elegance — All Easily Done in a Day Old Town of Vigevano Milan is one of Italy’s most underrated rail hubs. From its main stations, frequent regional and high-speed trains connect the city to lakes, medieval towns and refined historic centres — often in well under an hour — making it ideal for travellers who want variety without constant hotel changes. Como: Lake Views, Elegant Streets & Mountain Backdrops Getting there by train Depar

If Italy has been on your mind lately — whether you’re sketching out your first Italian adventure  or dreaming of returning to explore new regions — now is the perfect time to start planning. To kick-start the 2026 travel planning season , Touring Italy by Train  is FREE on Kindle for a limited time , from January 27th to 29th . This bestselling guide is designed for travellers who want to experience Italy independently, confidently, and without stress  — no car hire, no rigi

Parma - The detail of Fresco of the Virgin Mary in Duomo by Antonio Allegri (Correggio - 1526-1530) Parma is one of Italy’s most refined small cities — known for its world-famous food, elegant architecture, quiet winter charm and relaxed pace. It is easily reached by train from Bologna, Milan, Modena and Florence, making it a wonderful winter weekend destination without needing a car. The city is walkable and filled with cafés, markets and warm trattorias. This guide covers w

If Italy has been on your mind lately — whether you’re sketching out your first Italian adventure  or dreaming of returning to explore new regions — now is the perfect time to start planning. To kick-start the 2026 travel planning season , Touring Italy by Train  is FREE on Kindle for a limited time , from January 27th to 29th . This bestselling guide is designed for travellers who want to experience Italy independently, confidently, and without stress  — no car hire, no rigi

Sorrento is one of southern Italy’s most appealing summer bases: elegant but relaxed, walkable, well connected by train and ferry, and perfectly placed between the Amalfi Coast, Capri and the Bay of Naples. For summer 2026, planning ahead is key — Sorrento remains calmer than many Amalfi towns, but demand for accommodation, ferries and beach clubs is high. This guide covers what to do, where to go, how to get around without a car, what local dishes really are, where to eat, w

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