How to explore Italy like a local
20/06/2025 · By Tim Hall
Expert Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager and blogger Tim Hall discusses how to explore Italy with his top tips and advice about food, drink and culture.
Read moreItaly is a timeless country of iconic landmarks and stunning scenery - which you can now enjoy on our most popular tours with flight departures available on selected dates.
You have even more choice on how you travel and can opt to reach to your destination by rail or air. Discover the white-washed villages and unique dwellings of coastal Puglia in southern Italy, uncover the medieval towns of Lake Garda and the palazzos of Lake Maggiore, or soak up the tranquility of peaceful Lake Orta.
Return flights to and from London are now available on selected dates on the tours below.
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Embark on an extraordinary holiday which combines history, fascinating culture and coastal relaxation - starting with a tour of the iconic sites of ancient Rome before exploring less-visited Puglia and Basilicata in Italy's southern heel. On guided excursions we are introduced to unique architecture, including the UNESCO-listed cave dwellings of...
Soak up the beauty, serenity and relaxed ambience of three of Italy's glorious lakes. Staying in a hotel on the peaceful shores of Lake Orta, quieter than its famed neighbours, we explore Como's lakeside towns of Bellagio and Menaggio during a cruise. Visiting Lake Maggiore, Italy's second largest lake, become immersed in the artistic history of...
All the allures of Italy in a place where time stands still, this GRJ All Inclusive holiday steps into a lesser-discovered part of Italy's heel, Salento. Spend each day soaking up southern Puglia from our base at a four-star resort in rural Vernole. Relish coastal history and stunning buildings dating from the 12th century in Otranto and the...
Enjoy a relaxed yet immersive holiday to Sardinia, the second largest Mediterranean island, boasting fascinating history, heritage railways and breathtaking beaches. Uncover layers of history, from the island's Nuragic settlements and ancient Phoenician city of Tharros to the 13th-century buildings of its Pisan rulers. Savouring traditional...
Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of one of Italy's most beautiful lakes on a GRJ All Inclusive holiday to peaceful Lake Garda. Sail to the idyllic lakeside towns of Sirmione and Malcesine to uncover colourful streets, impressive scenery and amazing views. Enjoy guided tours of two of the region's most fantastic and fascinating cities as you...
Step into a bygone era of glamorous travel on this classic holiday, based in a Belle Epoque hotel in Stresa, overlooking beautiful Lake Maggiore. This idyllic holiday includes a boat cruise to the Borromean Islands - with a guided tour of the Borromeo Palace and time to explore the picturesque fishing village of Isola Dei Pescatori. We also...