Italy

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

Why Go Most travellers rush between Bologna  and Florence  on a 90-minute high-speed train, spending the entire journey inside tunnels. The historic Porrettana Line does the opposite. It climbs steadily into the Apennines, crosses wooded ridges and mountain valleys, and descends gently into Tuscany — restoring the sense of place  that fast rail removes. This is one of Italy’s most rewarding examples of choosing the right  train, not the fastest one. A Little Background Opened

There are few places where train travel feels quite as magical as it does along the Cinque Terre coast. In just a handful of minutes, the railway threads its way through tunnels carved into cliffs, emerging suddenly into postcard views of pastel villages, terraced vineyards, and the deep blue Ligurian Sea. It’s a journey where the train isn’t just transport—it’s part of the experience. Travelling the Cinque Terre by train is also the only sensible way to do it . Roads are nar

Italy’s great train journeys aren’t always long. Some unfold quietly, revealing their beauty mile by mile — and the route from Milan  to Tirano  is one of the most rewarding. In just over two and a half hours, this regional train carries you from Italy’s fashion and financial capital into alpine foothills, vineyard-covered valleys, and small mountain towns — all without tunnels, high speeds, or distractions. It’s slow travel in the best sense of the word. Why Take the Milan–T

Mount Etna is one of Sicily’s most extraordinary experiences — a constantly changing landscape of lava fields, smoking craters, black volcanic sand and panoramic views stretching to the sea. Rising above the eastern coast of Sicily, Etna is Europe’s highest and most active volcano, and visiting it is surprisingly accessible, even without a car. With careful planning, you can reach Etna by train and bus from Catania or Messina and explore safely at your own pace. This guide ex

If you love the idea of Siena’s Palio but want something more intimate, more local, and far easier to enjoy as an independent traveler, the Palio dei Rioni in Castiglion Fiorentino is one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets. Held each June, this historic festival combines deep-rooted tradition, fierce neighborhood pride, and a thrilling horse race—without the overwhelming crowds of Italy’s most famous events. Set in eastern Tuscany between Arezzo and Cortona, Castiglion Fiorentino

Venice Carnival is one of Europe’s most atmospheric winter festivals — a city-wide celebration of masks, mystery, music and late-night revelry played out across canals, squares and historic palaces. Even just weeks before Carnival, it is still possible to plan a memorable trip if you know where to stay, what to prioritise, and how to avoid the most expensive mistakes . This guide explains what Carnival is really about, what happens day and night, how to book accommodation las

Pompeii and Herculaneum are two of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world, offering an unparalleled glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome. Both are easily reached from Naples by local train, making it possible to explore these UNESCO-listed sites independently, without a car or organised tour.This guide covers why to visit both sites, how to get there by train, what to expect, key highlights (including the Villa of the Mysteries), cultural context, and how

A hot air balloon flight over Tuscany is one of the most magical experiences in Italy. Rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, medieval towers and golden morning light make this a once-in-a-lifetime weekend escape. Thanks to excellent rail links to Florence, Siena, Lucca and the Chianti region, this experience is easy to reach without a car.This guide covers what to expect, how ballooning works, what Tuscan cuisine really is, where to eat, where to stay, and how to enjoy 48 h

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

Naples is Italy’s most energetic food city, offering an unforgettable mix of street snacks, world-class pizza, centuries-old traditions and bold southern flavours. Fast trains make Naples an easy weekend escape, and its compact centre is perfect for food lovers wanting to explore on foot.This guide covers what to eat, how to get around, what Neapolitan dishes really are, where to try them, where to stay and how to enjoy 48 food-filled hours. Why Go? Naples is passionate, colo

Venice in winter is one of Europe’s most atmospheric escapes. With misty canals, empty alleys, quiet museums and soft lagoon light, the city feels peaceful and deeply romantic — a completely different experience from the busy summer months. Trains arrive directly at the Grand Canal, making Venice an easy and enchanting weekend break without needing a car. This guide covers what to see, how to get around, what Venetian dishes really are, where to eat, where to stay, and how to

Siena’s Palio is one of Italy’s most spectacular cultural events — a centuries-old horse race between the city’s 17 contrade (neighbourhoods), held twice a year in the stunning Piazza del Campo. But the weeks leading up to the Palio  are just as fascinating. With Siena easily reached by train from Florence, Pisa and Chiusi, visiting during preparations gives you an intimate look at tradition, pride and community. This guide explains what happens before the Palio, how to exper

Ballaro Market Palermo is one of Italy’s most vibrant food capitals — colourful markets, Arab-Norman spice influences, baroque streets, and a food tradition shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. Though Sicily isn’t connected to mainland Italy by high-speed lines, trains from Catania, Messina and Agrigento make Palermo an easy rail-based weekend destination. Once you arrive, the city’s energy, flavours and aromas make it a paradise for culinary travellers. This guide cover

Today is the final day  to download Touring Italy by Train   FREE  on Amazon! 👉 https://mybook.to/touringitalybytrain If you’re planning a 2026 Italy adventure — or need a thoughtful gift for a travel lover — the paperback  is also available and perfect for trip planning. Why readers love it: Easy rail itineraries for Italy’s top cities & hidden gems Clear journey times, maps & planning tips Where to eat, stay & experience authentic local culture Stress-free guidance for fir

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

Florence in winter is a dream — quieter streets, golden light on the Arno, and art and food that warm you from the inside out. Here’s your perfect two-day itinerary to experience the city’s soul at a slower, more intimate pace — by train, of course. Day 1: Renaissance Wonders & Cozy Corners Morning – Discover Fra Angelico at Palazzo Strozzi Step straight into Florence’s artistic heart at the Palazzo Strozzi , where the exhibition “Angelico: The Dawn of the Renaissance”  runs

When autumn rolls into Tuscany, the rolling clay hills of the Crete Senesi  turn golden and fragrant — it’s white truffle season. Between October and November, this quiet corner south of Siena becomes the center of Italy’s most exclusive culinary ritual: hunting for the precious tartufo bianco . Why Go? The Crete Senesi, with its lunar landscapes and cypress-lined lanes, is one of Tuscany’s most atmospheric regions. Visiting during truffle season offers not just beautiful sce

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

Anghiari Follow in the footsteps of Renaissance master Piero della Francesca  through eastern Tuscany and Umbria. From Arezzo to Sansepolcro, Anghiari, Monterchi, and Città di Castello, this journey weaves art, landscapes, and timeless hill towns. Why Go? This route combines art, gentle countryside, and authentic small towns rarely on tourist itineraries — all accessible from Arezzo by local train or bus. A bit of History Piero della Francesca (1412–1492) was one of the early