Travel
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- 3 Destinations To Fly To From Scotland’s Capital
Edinburgh is the most popular city in the UK with international visitors (outwith London), thanks to its many arresting tourist attractions, wonderful shopping opportunities and plenty of places to enjoy a wee dram. From the striking beauty of Edinburgh...
- The Top 5 Summer Holiday Destinations
It’s not too late to book a last minute summer holiday, and if you do some research beforehand you could find a real bargain as the season winds down. So if you’ve been mulling over whether to get on a plane and get away from it all, we’ve found...
- Top 3 Winter Holidays That Everyone Should Take By Train
Winter holidays have soared in popularity as travellers look for interesting alternatives to summer fun in the sun – but where should you go? Offering an even more unique experience, winter rail holidays are an ideal choice and here are three examples...
- Lake Garda. An Ideal Destination For Activity Lovers
When you think about Lake Garda in Italy, images of exclusive hotels, a chic Riviera and expensively-dressed travellers are all likely to spring to mind. And while you may well spot all of these on a break here, you might also see people getting unabashedly...
Travel
Inspiration for Your Next Rail Holidays in Italy
Brits have been flocking to Italy since the days of the Grand Tour, but thankfully, it is a little easier to reach this destination than it was around 300 years ago. For those interested in rail holidays in Italy, there is plenty for you to discover.
Convivial
One of the best reasons you may have for selecting one of the many rail holidays to Italy is that you will have the opportunity to spend time with like-minded people and be able to relax, safe in the knowledge that your tour director will take care of any aspects of a holiday booking that you might find tedious. All you’ll have to do is turn up at St Pancras International and start your journey to one of one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. You can also opt for the Interrail 1-country pass. This can give you much freedom, but take into consideration that with freedom comes great responsibility, so reading these Interrail tips can come in handy.
Florence
So much has been written about this Tuscan Renaissance jewel that the city often appears to be remarkably familiar. From the beautiful Uffizi to Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge in English) this city is truly stunning.
The art on display at the Pitti Palace is awe-inspiring and the building holds Medici valuables as well as examples of 16th and 17th century paintings. There is also a more contemporary collection on the top floor.
If all of this beauty is a little exhausting, then take some time out to enjoy an iced coffee and soak up the beauty of the city.
Venice
Gondolas, St Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and of course the ubiquitous canals, Venice is one of those places that you’ll want to return to time and time again. It sometimes seems impossible to believe that so much beauty can be crammed into one small city but then a look at the history of the place, including the intrigues and maritime achievements, makes everything fall into place.
The writer Casanova never recovered from his banishment and spent the rest of his life trying to return. Vivaldi composed his angelic music as a result of the influence of the city, but for a more modern perspective, include writers like Donna Leon on your holiday reading list. Then go and grab a Prosecco and see if you can actually understand any of the local Venetian dialect.
It might be better to visit this city outside of the normal tourist timetable as the crowds swarming across St Mark’s Square can prove to be a little daunting.
Lake Garda
If after all this history and high culture, you want to explore a more relaxing area, then a train trip to the North Italian lakes could prove more to your taste. Lake Garda is the largest of the northern lakes and the little town of Riva del Garda is idyllic. Water sports are available but a stroll around the lakeside also offers many attractions and you might find this a useful spot to recharge your batteries. Also Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are great options to relax and enjoy postcard perfect scenery.
About the Author: Kat Prescott is a rail enthusiast with a passion for exploring new and exciting regions by train. A regular travel blogger, Kat contributes a range of travel tips and comments on her experiences to help others take advantage of the wealth of rail holidays on offer from leading companies.
Photos by stevehdc, John-Morgan & Ilares Riolfi via Flickr Creative Commons
- Five Stunning Last Minute European Holiday Destinations For This Summer
The clock is ticking, and the closer summer gets, the more you need a getaway to escape your hectic life. Whether it’s a short city break or a longer adventure in a stunning European destination, this guide will help you find something before time runs...
- 3 Destinations To Fly To From Scotland’s Capital
Edinburgh is the most popular city in the UK with international visitors (outwith London), thanks to its many arresting tourist attractions, wonderful shopping opportunities and plenty of places to enjoy a wee dram. From the striking beauty of Edinburgh...
- The Top 5 Summer Holiday Destinations
It’s not too late to book a last minute summer holiday, and if you do some research beforehand you could find a real bargain as the season winds down. So if you’ve been mulling over whether to get on a plane and get away from it all, we’ve found...
- Top 3 Winter Holidays That Everyone Should Take By Train
Winter holidays have soared in popularity as travellers look for interesting alternatives to summer fun in the sun – but where should you go? Offering an even more unique experience, winter rail holidays are an ideal choice and here are three examples...
- Lake Garda. An Ideal Destination For Activity Lovers
When you think about Lake Garda in Italy, images of exclusive hotels, a chic Riviera and expensively-dressed travellers are all likely to spring to mind. And while you may well spot all of these on a break here, you might also see people getting unabashedly...