Why choose one country when you can explore two in one trip?
If you love seamless travel, these cross-border journeys are perfect! No flights, no hassle – just a short train or bus ride (under 3 hours) to experience a whole new culture, cuisine, and atmosphere. History, scenic landscapes, or mouthwatering food, these destinations deliver the best of two worlds.
Here’s how to double your adventure with these effortless two-country trips!
Rome, Italy → Vatican City
(15 min by metro)
If wine is where your heart is, then a visit to Italy should be top of your bucket list! With 116,350 square miles of land, the beauty of this European country, known best for its gelato, coffee, pasta, and wine, is made all the more dramatic and breathtaking by the plethora of mountains, hills, rivers, lakes and valleys which add even more colour to already memorable landscapes. The Vatican is the world’s smallest country, yet it holds some of the most iconic sights in history!
Why it’s worth it:
✔️ Walk across a border without even realizing it!
✔️ Experience the grandeur of Vatican City in just a few hours.
✔️ See world-famous religious and artistic treasures.
Visiting Rome? Don’t miss the chance to step into another country within minutes!
Nice, France → Ventimiglia, Italy
(50 min by train)
From French Riviera chic to Italian charm! Start your day with a croissant in Nice, then hop on a scenic train ride to Ventimiglia, a town known for its lively market, fresh seafood, and some of the best focaccia you’ll ever taste.
France is one of the most romantic and idealised countries in the world … so it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the most visited! Class, integrity, and timeless beauty runs deep in the veins of France’s fairy-tale landscapes, legendary cuisine and world-famous winemaking culture. There is something here for everyone, from the gorgeous sandy beaches of the Côte d’Azur to the pristine snowy peaks of the Alps and the Pyrenees.
Why it’s worth it:
✔️ A budget-friendly way to experience both France and Italy.
✔️ Stunning coastal train views along the Mediterranean.
✔️ Ventimiglia’s famous Friday market is a hidden gem for food lovers.
Why choose between France and Italy when you can have both? Add this easy border-crossing trip to your itinerary!
Milan, Italy → Lugano, Switzerland
(1h 20m by train)
Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, is a vibrant city known for its world-class shopping, rich history, and iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. After indulging in the city’s high-end boutiques and lively atmosphere, take a scenic train ride to Lugano, Switzerland—a charming lakeside town that blends Swiss sophistication with Mediterranean flair. Here, you can stroll along the picturesque waterfront, take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Lugano, or visit a Swiss chocolate factory for a sweet treat. This journey seamlessly combines the energy of Italian fashion with the tranquility of Swiss nature, offering the best of both worlds in just one trip.
Why it’s worth it:
✔️ Experience Italy’s bustling fashion hub and Switzerland’s peaceful nature in one trip.
✔️ No passport checks, just smooth travel!
✔️ Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Lugano or visit a Swiss chocolate factory.
In Milan? Switzerland is just a train ride away—don’t miss this easy escape!
Porto, Portugal → Santiago de Compostela, Spain
(2h by train)
Porto, Portugal’s second largest city behind the gleaming capital of Lisbon, is a Mecca for port lovers and the best place for a port tasting holiday. But there’s more to Porto than port and you don’t need to be a fortified wine fan to appreciate this picture-postcard city. History buffs will relish in Porto’s old-world charm; foodies will enjoy the local gastronomic delights and wine lovers should not miss the impressive World of Wine.
Start in Porto, sipping port wine by the Douro River, then head to Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO-listed city famous for its cathedral and the legendary Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
Why it’s worth it:
✔️ A perfect mix of wine, history, and stunning landscapes.
✔️ Taste authentic Galician seafood and try a glass of Albariño wine.
✔️ Walk a short part of the famous Camino de Santiago for a taste of the experience.
Porto and Santiago are closer than you think! Hop on a train and explore two iconic destinations in one trip.
Seville, Spain → Faro, Portugal
(2h by bus)
Tapas, flamenco, and golden beaches… Seville offers vibrant nightlife and Andalusian charm, while Faro, the gateway to Portugal’s Algarve coast, brings endless sunshine, fresh seafood, and stunning cliffs by the Atlantic.
Andalucía, the southernmost region of Spain, is the birthplace of one of the most famous fortified wines: sherry. The regions aptly named ‘Sherry Triangle’ is the best place in the world for a sherry tasting tour! However, there’s more to Andalucía than unmatchable sherry tasting opportunities. For the best introduction to Andalucian cuisine join a guided tapas tour in Seville or Granada, discover the tapas bars known only to the locals and sample a variety of authentic dishes.
Why it’s worth it:
✔️ Go from lively Spanish streets to Portugal’s tranquil beaches in just 2 hours.
✔️ Try both Spain’s tapas and Portugal’s seafood specialties in one trip.
✔️ Explore Faro’s old town and take a boat tour to the Algarve’s hidden islands.
Visiting Seville? Extend your adventure—Portugal’s stunning coast is just a short ride away!
Let us help you plan the perfect experience! Whether you’re looking for guided tours, unique wine tastings, or hidden gems along the way, we can craft the ideal itinerary for you.
Contact us at bookings@winerist.com for personalized recommendations, and don’t hesitate to reach out!
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