Genoa was the richest city in Europe in the 16th century. Now it has Italy's best pesto, the largest old town in Europe, and an aquarium rivaling Barcelona's. 1h30 from Milan.
Milano Centrale โ Genova Piazza Principe. The train emerges from Apennine tunnels and suddenly you're at the sea.
Frecciarossa, 1h30. Genoa is gritty, real, underrated โ the anti-Venice and proud of it.