Italy

Home to some of the world’s best cities
and greatest artistic treasures

This boot-shaped peninsula is called La Bell’Italia (Beautiful Italy), and so it is, stretching from the Alpine peaks in its north to the offshore island of Sicily. The works left by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and all the gang are waiting to dazzle you, along with the ruins of Rome, the decaying but still magnificent palazzi of Venice, and the Renaissance treasures of Florence. You’ll find enough Duomos, Madonnas, masterpieces, and scenery to dazzle the eye.

The most hurried visitor with a rail pass usually confines his or her itinerary to Rome, Florence, and Venice, and that’s not a bad idea, as this trio of cities ranks among the top 10 in the world for attractions. You can travel to other major cities, such as Milan or Naples, or explore some of Italy’s charming towns, such as Pisa and Turin, or the scenic Lake Como. The good news is that visiting these cities by rail is a breeze thanks to a thoroughly improved rail network. And though the cities themselves may not be cheap, rail travel in Italy is relatively inexpensive, making it a good destination for travelers trying to conserve their euros.