European DestinationsSeptember 12, 2026
The Italy trip I’d plan for someone who hates being rushed
Three places, one excellent train line, and enough empty afternoons to make the whole thing feel like a holiday.
Italy rewards a little restraint. The temptation is to collect cities like fridge magnets; the better move is to choose a few places and give them room to become yours.
I’d start in Bologna for the food, take the train south at a civilized hour, then finish with a few nights in Puglia. There is room for a museum, a market, and at least one lunch that quietly takes the afternoon hostage.
The trick is not seeing less. It is leaving enough space for the place to interrupt your plans.