Lake Garda is one of northern Italy’s most famous, and favourite, tourist spots, and how could it not be?

Ask anyone for their idea of an iconic train, and the answer will always be the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This famous train has seen many iterations in its history, but currently it runs as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, run by Belmond, and still retaining its Golden Age charm that has enthralled passengers for many years.

The sun shifted, and out of the blue-green waters of the Mediterranean you could see the outstretched arms of Christ 20 feet below, protecting the entrance to the harbour at San Fruttuoso. Sent down to the briny depths in 1954 to commemorate inventor Dario Gonzatti, the pioneer of scuba diving, today it is a magnate for divers, tourists and locals alike, including Great Rail Journeys customers as they travel through the Italian Riviera.

Italy is a traveller's paradise, a haven for art, culture and cuisine; with its many facets, it's unsurprising Italy consistently ranks as one of the most popular destinations worldwide, let alone in Europe. Yet, with so many top-notch attractions and broad coverage in travel publications, it can feel a little over-done. If you're looking for a destination off the beaten track, Italy can still be a great choice, providing the advantages of its delightful Mediterranean climate, yet allowing for a sense of adventure. Here are our Top 10 choices for undiscovered Italian locations that should make your travel bucket list.

How many of us have wanted to walk straight into the pages of our favourite books? While it might not be possible quite yet to experience the lives of the fictional heroes and heroines we’ve walked side by side through life with for a little while, and sometimes who’d want to (think of just about any character from a Stephen King novel).

Join one of our professional Tour Managers on the road to Pienza and discover the breath-taking scenery of our “Beautiful Tuscany & Rome” tour.

Discover the “Top Things to Do” around the shimmering shores of Italian Lake Garda, from ferries across the water to strolls through the bustling markets of the lakeside towns, all recommended by one of our of fabulous Tour Managers.

The gastronomic history of Italy’s Piedmont region is well established; a region synonymous with traditional Italian cooking, from tantalising pasta dishes to delicious and unique red wines.

Venice, the impossible city, has spawned countless tales of love and romance. Find your love story on holidays to Venice by train.

If you’re thinking about rail holidays to Italy, Bologna is an often overlooked. We’ve explored some hidden gems in this city with three names.

Rail is undoubtedly one of the most romantic ways to travel, and complementing a rail journey perfectly is stunning scenery. Here we peruse some of the most alluring railway lines in Europe.

A holiday in Lake Garda is a chance to experience one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Take an escorted train tour with Great Rail Journeys.