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Three-Week Train Adventure Through Italy's Charming Small Cities

Viewed by 124 travelers

Day 1: Explore Turin

Turin, Italy on July 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Al Bicerin

Start your day with the famous Bicerin drink and pastries in this historic café, open from 8 am. It's a classic Turin experience.
EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Egyptian Museum

Explore one of the world's best collections of Egyptian antiquities. Open daily 9 am to 6:30 pm.
EUR16, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Consorzio

Enjoy traditional Piedmontese cuisine focusing on local and seasonal products. Open 12 pm to 2:30 pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Stroll through Parco del Valentino

Relax in this beautiful park on the riverbank with historic buildings and botanical gardens.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tre Galline

Dine at one of Turin's oldest restaurants offering traditional Piedmont dishes in a cosy atmosphere. Open from 7 pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 2: Alba & Barolo Wine

Alba and Barolo, Italy on July 24, 2025

8:30am

Travel to Alba by train

Catch a morning train from Turin to Alba (approx. 1.5 hours).
EUR15, 1h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Farina in Alba

Taste fresh pastries and local coffee in this beloved local bakery, open from 7 am.
EUR8, 30m

11:30am

Explore Alba's Old Town

Wander the charming medieval streets of Alba, famous for its truffles and historic architecture.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Piola

Savour Alba specialties including truffle dishes in a relaxed setting. Open for lunch 12 pm to 2:30 pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

4:00pm

Visit Barolo wineries

Take a local bus or taxi to Barolo and tour renowned wineries with tastings. Many open till 6 pm but book ahead.
EUR40, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria La Cantinella in Alba

Enjoy local Piedmont cuisine in this intimate setting. Open 7 pm to 10 pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 3: Parma Highlights

Parma, Italy on July 25, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Parma by train

Morning train from Alba to Parma with a change in Turin, approx. 3 hours.
EUR25, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Trattoria del Tribunale

Taste Parma's famous prosciutto and fresh pasta. Open for lunch from 12 pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

1:30pm

Visit Parma Cathedral and Baptistery

Admire stunning Romanesque architecture and frescoes. Open 9 am to 7 pm.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Walk through Parco Ducale

Enjoy greenery in this peaceful park near the city centre.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Cocchi

A historic restaurant offering refined Emilian cuisine. Open 7 pm to 10:30 pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 4: Ferrara's Renaissance

Ferrara, Italy on July 26, 2025

8:30am

Train to Ferrara

Depart early morning from Parma to Ferrara, about 2 hours by train.
EUR20, 2h

11:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Buslati

Famous for its traditional pastries and sweets, open from 7:30 am.
EUR8, 30m

11:45am

Visit Castello Estense

Tour this iconic moated Renaissance castle, open 9 am to 7:30 pm.
EUR8, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Il Cappello

Enjoy Ferrara specialties such as Cappellacci pasta. Open 12 pm to 2:30 pm.
EUR28, 1.5h

4:00pm

Explore Palazzo dei Diamanti

Visit this Renaissance palace and art gallery open 10 am to 7 pm.
EUR6, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Noemi

Traditional Ferrarese home cooking with warm ambiance. Open 7 pm to 10 pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 5: Urbino & Gradara Castles

Urbino and Gradara, Italy on July 27, 2025

7:30am

Train and bus to Urbino

Early train from Ferrara to Pesaro, then bus up to historic Urbino (around 3 hours total).
EUR30, 3h

11:00am

Explore Urbino's Ducal Palace

Marvel at Renaissance art and architecture in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Open 9 am to 5 pm.
EUR10, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria L’Incontro

Try traditional Marche region dishes made with local ingredients. Open 12 pm to 2 pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Gradara Castle

Short bus ride to romantic Gradara Castle, renowned for its medieval interiors. Open 9 am to 7 pm.
EUR8, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner in Gradara at Taverna degli Artisti

Delight in delicious local fare within the castle walls. Open 7 pm to 10 pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 6: Journey to Lecce

Lecce, Italy on July 28, 2025

8:00am

Train to Lecce

Embark on a scenic train journey from Urbino via Ancona and Bari to Lecce, approx. 7 hours with connections.
EUR50, 7h

4:00pm

Check-in and relax

Settle into accommodation and soak in the baroque splendour of Lecce’s old town.
Included, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria degli Spiriti

Savour innovative Apulian dishes in a stylish setting. Open 7 pm to 11 pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 7: Baroque Lecce

Lecce, Italy on July 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Alvino

Enjoy coffee and pastries in one of Lecce’s oldest cafes, open from 7:30 am.
EUR7, 30m

9:30am

Walking tour of Lecce

Explore the famous baroque churches and piazzas, including Basilica di Santa Croce. Tours available until early evening.
EUR10, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Zie Trattoria

Delicious authentic Salento cuisine with fresh local ingredients. Open 12 pm to 3 pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit the Roman Amphitheatre

Discover Lecce’s ancient Roman heritage at the well-preserved amphitheatre site. Open 9 am to 7 pm.
EUR3, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Retrogusto

A contemporary restaurant serving modern twists on traditional southern Italian dishes. Open 7 pm to 11 pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 8: Matera’s Stone City

Matera, Italy on July 30, 2025

9:00am

Train & bus to Matera

From Lecce, take train to Bari and then bus to Matera (approx. 3 to 4 hours total).
EUR25, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria al Casale

Traditional Lucanian dishes served in a rustic atmosphere. Open 12 pm to 3 pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:30pm

Explore the Sassi di Matera

Wander the ancient cave dwellings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recommended to visit before sunset.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Baccanti

Modern restaurant with locally sourced ingredients overlooking the Sassi area. Open 7 pm to 10:30 pm.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 9: Further Matera Exploration

Matera, Italy on July 31, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Tripergola

Enjoy coffee and fresh pastries near the Sassi. Open from 8 am.
EUR7, 30m

9:30am

Visit Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario

Step inside an authentic cave dwelling to understand historical living. Open 9:30 am to 7 pm.
EUR4, 1h

11:00am

Matera Cathedral visit

Explore this 13th-century cathedral with panoramic views over the city.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria del Caveoso

Classic Materan dishes with cosy cave ambiance. Open 12 pm to 3 pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:30pm

Relax or discover local artisan shops

Browse handmade crafts or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere.
Variable, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Terrazzino

Dinner with a view over the ancient stone district. Open 7 pm to 10:30 pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 10: Orvieto Introduction

Orvieto, Italy on August 1, 2025

8:00am

Train to Orvieto

Early morning bus back to Bari and then train to Orvieto, approx. 6 hours travel.
EUR45, 6h

2:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Palomba

Savour Umbrian specialties focusing on game and truffles. Open 12 pm to 3 pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

4:00pm

Visit Orvieto Cathedral

Marvel at one of Italy’s finest Gothic cathedrals with spectacular frescoes. Open 9 am to 6 pm.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria del Grillo

Enjoy quality Umbrian food in a traditional setting. Open 7 pm to 10 pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 11: Orvieto Underground & Surroundings

Orvieto, Italy on August 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bar Duomo

Light breakfast close to the cathedral, open from 7 am.
EUR7, 30m

9:30am

Orvieto Underground Tour

Explore the fascinating labyrinth of tunnels beneath the city (open 9 am to 6 pm).
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Leisurely lunch at Il Giglio d’Oro

Delight in local wines and dishes featuring Umbrian ingredients. Open noon until 3 pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit Torre del Moro

Climb this medieval tower for panoramic views of the town, open 10 am - 6:30 pm.
EUR3, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria La Palomba

Return for an evening meal in this popular trattoria. Open 7 pm - 10 pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 12: Cortona & Lake Trasimeno

Cortona and Lake Trasimeno, Italy on August 3, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Cortona

Short train and bus journey from Orvieto to Cortona, about 2 hours.
EUR20, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Caffè delle Logge

Enjoy coffee and pastries in the heart of Cortona, open from 8 am.
EUR6, 30m

11:00am

Tour Cortona's historic centre

Explore picturesque streets, museums and views from this hilltop town.
Free, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Osteria del Teatro

Try Tuscan specialities in a charming ambience. Open 12 pm to 2:30 pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

4:00pm

Boat trip on Lake Trasimeno

Short transfer to the lake for a relaxing boat ride to Isola Maggiore (service runs until early evening).
EUR15, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Antica Osteria a Cantina Stucci

Dining in Cortona with hearty local dishes. Open 7 pm to 10 pm.
EUR40, 2h
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