The most beautiful destinations to escape to for a magical couple’s weekend, conveniently reachable by train with Italo.
We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world (if not the most beautiful) and yet sometimes there are well-known cities in which we have never set foot because they are always a bit “off course” from our vacation destinations. There was a time it was difficult to reach the remote parts of Italy because of the long travel distances: the fastest solution was the plane, but airports are often challenging to reach, and check-in and boarding delays make travel tedious, not to mention the high cost of tickets.
Fortunately, the advent of high-speed rail has ushered in many changes, and now, most of Italy’s renowned cities can be reached by train quickly and efficiently without long waits or high costs.
Having solved the tedious travel problem, finally we can indulge in short getaways for a few extended weekend days, and enjoy walking tours of the splendid cities that have made our country famous and shaped its history.
Seven ideal Italian cities for two-day walking tours
Italo has selected for you seven cities that can be reached by train and are perfect for a two-day couple’s getaway. Of course, if you have some more time, you can discover more about these places and enjoy the best experiences they offer, but often a weekend is enough to capture the spirit of a place and visit the main attractions.
- Turin
Turin is the ancestral capital of the Savoy dynasty and the Italian city most steeped in magic and esotericism. Simply strolling through its elegant squares is an evocative experience; however, certain visits are absolutely mandatory: the Mole Antonelliana, the Egyptian Museum, and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997). Among the lesser known gems, we highlight the Museum of Criminal Anthropology founded by Cesare Lombroso.
- Venice
Venice certainly doesn’t need elaborate introductions. Undoubtedly, the best time to visit it is during the iconic Venetian Carnival, but it can offer unforgettable wonders throughout the year. Among the attractions not to be missed are St. Mark’s Square, with its Basilica and the famous Bell Tower, the Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge but also the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, where you can admire the works of artists of the caliber of Picasso, Dali, De Chirico, Magritte, and Kandinsky.
- Milan
Milan, the Italian Capital of business and fashion, has so much to offer in terms of art and culture as well. The core of any tour, of course, centers on the traditional visits to the Duomo, Leonardo’s Last Supper (housed at the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie), the Castello Sforzesco, shopping in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, views of the futuristic Bosco Verticale and Piazza Gae Aulenti. For art lovers, the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Museo del Novecento are a must, perhaps followed by a walk and an apéritif on the Navigli.
- Ferrara
Ferrara, the City of Bicycles, where you can move comfortably around the center on two wheels thanks to severe motor vehicle restrictions. The powerful d’Este family, which ruled the city for many decades, left an indelible imprint dominated by the cult of beauty. Must-see highlights include the Castello Estense, whose construction began in 1385, the Palazzo dei Diamanti, the Cathedral and the Palazzo Schifanoia. In addition, Ferrara is the perfect city to admire while strolling and wandering through the Via delle Volte, the Piazza delle Erbe and the imposing Corso Ercole d’Este.
- Florence
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Novella and the Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, the Boboli Gardens, the Accademia Gallery, Ponte Vecchio – these are Florence’s foundational wonders, on which are anchored centuries of history and art. A clustered city, easily walkable, all to be explored and discovered. Add a “Fiorentina” T-bone steak enjoyed with a good glass of Tuscan red and you have the perfect weekend.
- Ancona
The capital of Italy’s Marche region is the perfect city for a slow walking tour. The alleys of the historic center take you to the discovery of Trajan’s Arch, the Church of Santa Maria della Piazza, and the Calamus Fountain, all the way to the urban beach of Passetto and the colorful Caves of the same name. Other attractions not to be missed include the Cathedral of St. Ciriaco, located on the scenic Guasco Hill, the striking Cardeto Park (or Scataglini Park), and a visit to the Omero Tactile Museum housed inside the scenic Mole Vanvitelliana. - Rome
It would take more than a lifetime to visit all the sights of the capital, yet Rome is well suited for exploring on foot because the core of its historic center is spread out in a concentrated space. Moreover, you can count on the centrality of Termini Station and the subway network that connects all the most important sites of the Eternal City. For example, starting from the Metro B Colosseo stop, you can head along the Imperial Forum, arrive at Piazza Venezia, visit the Vittoriano monument, and continue along Via del Corso. From this central thorofare, you can reach the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, or veer toward Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo with the nearby Villa Borghese and the Pincio. As another example, from the Cipro stop (Metro A), you can easily reach the Vatican and St. Peter’s Cathedral, continue on Via della Conciliazione to reach Castel Santangelo in no time, and from there, lose yourself in Trastevere’s enchanting alleyways. There are abundant themed walking routes to enjoy, just get a good map and explore.
Discover Italy’s most beautiful cities with Italo
Discover the solutions offered by Italo to conveniently reach the historical centers of Italy’s most renowned cities, ideal for a two-day getaway and requiring no additional means to reach the planned destination. Here you will find all the details and train ticket deals for Turin, Venice, Milan, Ferrara, Florence, Ancona and Rome. Get on board and relax, we’ll take care of the rest.
