Italy

Leaning Tower of Pisa at first light Pisa is one of Italy’s most famous cities, and while the Leaning Tower steals the spotlight, there’s so much more to see. Just an hour by train from Florence, Pisa offers medieval architecture, charming piazzas, and peaceful riverside walks. September is an excellent time to visit—cooler temperatures and smaller tour groups make exploring far more enjoyable. What to Expect Direct trains from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Pisa Centrale in

Perched on a volcanic plateau, Orvieto is one of Umbria’s most dramatic towns. With its glittering Gothic cathedral, underground tunnels, and medieval lanes, it’s an easy day trip by train—just over an hour from Rome, or about two hours from Florence. September is ideal: cooler air, fewer crowds, and golden evening light on the city’s tufa stone walls. Duomo di Orvieto What to Expect Trains from Rome (1 hr 15) or Florence (2 hrs with a change at Orvieto Scalo) Funicular from

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 the summer crowds have gone. 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 Things to Do

Langhe Vineyards, Piedmont Piedmont’s rolling vineyards and medieval hill towns are paradise for wine lovers. While many spots require a car, the wine capitals of Asti and Alba are both reachable by train from Turin. September is harvest season, making it the perfect time to sip local vintages and enjoy seasonal food festivals. What to Expect Trains from Turin to Asti (40 mins) and Alba (1 hr 20) Lively September harvest events and markets Opportunities to sample Barolo, Barb

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

September is one of the best months to explore the Cinque Terre. The summer crowds have thinned, the weather is still warm enough for swimming, and the hiking trails are quieter. This UNESCO-listed stretch of Ligurian coastline—made up of five pastel-painted villages clinging to the cliffs—is best experienced without the peak-season bustle. Arriving by train is the simplest and most sustainable way to visit, as cars are restricted and parking is scarce. The Cinque Terre Expre

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

Bologna is Italy’s culinary capital, home to legendary pasta dishes, bustling food markets, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. If you’re staying in Milan or Florence, it’s easy to make a foodie pilgrimage here thanks to Italy’s high-speed rail network—just over an hour from Milan, or 40 minutes from Florence. Bologna skyline at sunset Known as La Grassa  (“The Fat One”) for its rich gastronomic traditions, Bologna is the perfect city for a day of eating, strolling under its fa

Temples of Paestum Archaeological site, Campania South of the Amalfi Coast lies Paestum, a hidden gem for history lovers and foodies alike. Just over an hour by train from Salerno, Paestum is home to some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, set in peaceful countryside dotted with buffalo farms. It’s an easy and rewarding day trip that combines ancient culture with culinary indulgence. What to Expect Three massive Greek temples dating back over 2,000 years A fasc

Rome in summer can be intense—hot sun, long queues, and busy piazzas. But for the curious traveler willing to look beyond the obvious, the Eternal City offers a cooler, calmer side full of hidden art, rooftop dining, shaded churches, and cultural gems tucked away from the crowds. Here’s your guide to experiencing Rome differently in summer , with plenty of shade, soul, and surprises. 🎨 Missed the Caravaggio Exhibition? See Him for Free in Churches If you didn’t catch the lat

Florence may be a food lover’s dream, but the countryside just beyond it is where Tuscany’s culinary soul  truly comes alive. The good news? You can reach many of these gourmet destinations by train , making it the perfect slow travel adventure — no car hire needed. Whether you're craving pecorino cheese, Chianti wine, or fresh truffles, here’s how to take a tasting trail from Florence  by rail. Pienza Base: Florence Santa Maria Novella Start from Florence’s main station. Buy

Venice in Autumn is wonderful — but just beyond the lagoon lie some of Italy’s most beautiful and underrated cities and towns, all easily reached by train.  Whether you're after art, wine, hilltop views, or a quiet piazza to escape the tourist trail, the Veneto region delivers — and all without a rental car. Padua Here are 4 of our favourite Veneto day trips from Venice — each less than 90 minutes away. 1. Treviso – Venice’s Quieter Cousin (35 min by train) With its canals,

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

If you're heading north by train — or coming from Milan, Genoa, or even France — don’t overlook Turin (Torino).  Just a short train ride from Milan, this refined and quietly majestic city offers world-class museums, stunning architecture, and some of Italy’s best food and chocolate… all with half the crowds of better-known cities. Musei Reali, Torino Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in Turin  on an easy overnight rail stop. 🚉 Getting There by Train Turin is well conne

Venice may be all romance and canals, but if you're looking for a change of scene, fresh sea air, and fewer tourists in August, hop a train south to Italy’s Adriatic coast . This itinerary takes you from the lagoon to the sea, with stops for mosaics, beaches, seafood, and retro Riviera charm  — no car needed! Cesenatico Here’s how to travel from Venice to Rimini by rail , with the best cultural and coastal stops along the way. 🛤️ Route Overview: Venice → Ravenna → Cesenatico

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

Summer on the Amalfi Coast is about more than just sea views and spritzes. From cliffside fireworks to music under the stars, the coastline lights up in July and August with lively local festivals  — many of which are easily reachable without a car . Here’s your guide to the top summer festivals on the Amalfi Coast  and how to enjoy them using trains, ferries, and buses — stress-free and sustainably. 🎇 August 15: Ferragosto Fireworks (Various Towns) Ferragosto  is Italy’s bi

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