
Local knowledge from expert travellers
29/10/2025 · By Tim Hall
Enhance your holiday with Great Rail Journeys as expert Tour Manager Tim Hall discusses how to get the most out a trip and uncover the places locals love.
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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Arriving by plane, enjoy our scenic base in a hotel overlooking the coast of Monopoli. From here, experience the incredible sights and traditions of Puglia, a place untouched by the hands of time. Rich with UNESCO World Heritage sites, discover the spectacular trulli homes of Alberobello and the sassi cave dwellings in the cliffside town of...





From a base in the laid-back coastal town of Giardini Naxos, explore enchanting eastern Sicily - a perfect combination of scenic coastline, historic cities and unique culture. Enjoy a guided tour of Taormina and its beautiful Greek theatre overlooking the Ionian Sea and uncover the ancient town of Syracuse, the birthplace of Archimedes.





Fly to and from Catania to uncover the charms of Sicily from bases in cosmopolitan Palermo and the laid-back coastal resort of Giardini Naxos. Discover the historic towns of Monreale and Syracuse, whose architecture showcases the history and cultural influences of Sicily. Explore the Valley of the Temples and Taormina's Greek theatre. Visit...





Step into a bygone era of glamorous travel, based in a Belle Époque hotel in the attractive town of Stresa, overlooking beautiful Lake Maggiore. This popular holiday includes a 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. Soak up the...





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...





Fly to and from the unspoilt toe of Italy to uncover the hidden beauty of Calabria from an all-inclusive hotel in coastal Tropea - regarded as one of Italy's most beautiful villages. Cruise to the volcanic island of Stromboli, the 'lighthouse of the Tyrrhenian Sea', to witness its colourful eruptions by night. Discover the timeless towns of...





Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of one of Italy's most beautiful lakes to peaceful Lake Garda, staying in the hidden gem of Garda town. Sail to the idyllic lakeside towns of Sirmione and Malcesine to uncover colourful streets and amazing views of the lake circled by alpine foothills. Stroll amid the botanical gardens of Sigurtà, admiring...





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...





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...