Italy

High above the Adriatic coast, San Marino is a tiny independent republic with medieval towers, cobbled streets, and sweeping views. It’s one of Europe’s quirkiest day trips, and you can get there easily by train and bus from Rimini. Guaita, First Tower of San Marino Why Go? San Marino offers history, architecture, and unique status as the world’s oldest continuous republic. It’s a chance to visit another country while exploring Italy. A bit of History Founded in 301 AD by St.

Quiet Beach on Adriatic Coast The Adriatic coast south of Bologna offers sandy beaches, Renaissance towns, and lively piazzas. With excellent train connections, you can hop between Rimini, Pesaro, and Ancona for a few days of coastal culture and cuisine. Why Go? It’s a region often overlooked by international tourists, yet it combines seaside relaxation with art, opera, and seafood traditions. A bit of History Rimini was a key Roman town with monuments still standing. Pesaro

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

Palermo is a feast for the senses: baroque churches, bustling markets, and a cuisine that blends Arab, Norman, and Italian traditions. A weekend here gives you a taste of Sicily’s capital at its most vibrant. Piazza Bellini, Palermo Palermo offers dazzling architecture, world-class street food, and access to stunning seaside escapes like Cefalù. It’s chaotic, colorful, and unforgettable. Founded by Phoenicians, ruled by Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards, Palermo reflects centurie

Rolling hills striped with vines, medieval hill towns, and one of the world’s most celebrated red wines: welcome to the Langhe, home of Barolo. This UNESCO World Heritage landscape is perfect for a day trip ( or better still an overnight stay ) from Turin or Milan, combining wine, history, and culture. Vineyards of La Morra Barolo isn’t just about wine tasting. The region offers castle views, truffle-scented cuisine, and some of Italy’s most beautiful countryside. Autumn, dur

Italy’s forests hide one of its greatest treasures: truffles. Autumn’s white truffle (October–December) is the most prized of all, shaved raw over pasta or eggs. Whether in Alba, San Miniato, or Umbria, you can hunt, taste, and celebrate truffles by train. Alba at sunset Romans considered truffles an aphrodisiac, while medieval cooks prized their aroma. In the 20th century, the International Alba Truffle Fair helped turn these fungi into luxury icons. Today, fairs in Alba, Sa

Autumn is festival season in central Italy. From roasted chestnuts in Tuscany’s mountains to chocolate in Perugia and truffles in San Miniato, every weekend between September and November brings a celebration of food, wine, and tradition. Best of all, you can reach them all easily by train. San Miniato For centuries, Tuscany and Umbria’s harvests shaped community life. Chestnuts were once the “bread of the poor,” sustaining mountain villages through winter. Truffles, once pri

Venice in autumn has a special magic—crisper air, softer light, and far fewer day-trippers than in high summer. The 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale (10 May–23 Nov) fills the Giardini and Arsenale with international art and design, making the city a living exhibition. With fewer crowds and golden reflections on the canals, it’s the perfect time to visit by train. Quiet evening in Venice La Biennale was founded in 1895 to showcase Italian art, and it has grown into one of the

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

Backstreet Restaurant Rome in autumn is magical—golden light on ancient ruins, lively neighbourhood markets, and far fewer tourists than summer. For a weekend, skip the Colosseum queues and explore Rome’s lesser-known corners by metro, tram, and even regional trains. What to Expect Crisp, sunny days perfect for walking Quieter museums and piazzas than in peak season Seasonal food: truffles, chestnuts, and porcini mushrooms Why go now? Beyond the big landmarks, Rome hides cent

Pompeii Naples is the perfect base for exploring some of the world’s most famous Roman ruins. Just a short train ride away, Pompeii and Herculaneum reveal entire cities frozen by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Combine them with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples , which houses the best-preserved treasures from both sites. September and autumn bring cooler weather and fewer crowds, making it the ideal time to wander ancient streets. What to Expect Frequent

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

Procida Island, Bay of Naples The Bay of Naples is scattered with islands, each with its own character. Capri is glamorous, Ischia is green and thermal, and Procida is colourful and laid-back. In September, ferries are frequent, the weather is warm, and the peak crowds of August are gone. What to Expect Ferries run from Naples or Sorrento to all three islands Day trips possible, but staying overnight reveals quieter charm September still offers beach weather and swimming Five

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

Bergamo is a city of two halves—the modern Città Bassa below and the medieval Città Alta above, connected by a funicular. Just 50 minutes from Milan by train, it’s a perfect September day trip for those seeking cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and hearty northern Italian food. Bergamo What to Expect Frequent trains from Milan Centrale A mix of medieval charm and modern energy Cooler hilltop air and fewer crowds in September Five Things to Do Ride the Funicular to C

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