Italy Rail Express - 9 Days

It's the start of an Italian rail travel adventure! Welcome to Rome, the “Eternal City”. Check into the hotel before meeting up with your tour guide and travel mates for an informative walking tour of this historic city. A local guide will showcase some of the city’s most famous attractions, including the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, and will let you in on all of Rome’s secrets. Tonight’s welcome dinner features delicious Italian dishes and is the perfect opportunity to get to know the rest of the group.

There is so much to discover in Rome and today offers a full free day to explore as you wish! Why not join one or more of the optional activities available today? Join the Colosseum & Roman Forum tour to learn about the ancient gladiators. Marvel at the stunning Colosseum and the ruins of the Roman Forum while learning about their fascinating history. There is also an option to join a Roman Food Tour in the early evening where a local chef will treat you to a behind-the-scenes tour into his local neighbourhood. This is an authentic experience not to be missed!

Today, board a high-speed train and travel from Rome to Naples. Arrive and embark on an orientation tour around the buzzing city. For lunch, look forward to sampling some local pizzas - this is what Naples is most famous for! Later in the afternoon, take a local train to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii for a late afternoon guided tour of this city that was covered in the ash and debris of Mount Vesuvius nearly two thousand years ago. This fascinating archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a visit here offers a truly unforgettable experience. This evening, return to Naples for a free evening to relax or explore further.

Enjoy a free day to explore Naples. This unique city boasts an intoxicating charm! Although it is the third-largest city in Italy, it almost feels like a country on its own. The city seems immune to modernity and preserves the traditional way of doing things. Naples is also the perfect launchpad to visit the enchanting islands nearby. Join an optional day trip to the Isle of Capri, explore the island and enjoy a speed boat tour. The jaw-dropping beauty of the coastline is just one of the reasons to visit this enthralling destination! This evening, why not join a Naples food tour to learn more about the history of Neapolitan pizza and sample more delicious local delights?

Take a fast train to Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region. Arrive and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring Florence with a local guide. Marvel at the terracotta tiled Duomo at the Palazzo Vecchio, while learning about the Medici family’s influence, which ultimately led to the Renaissance. This artistic period started in Florence and later spread around Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. See the replica statue of David and the Uffizi gallery before visiting the Ponte Vecchio viewpoint. Later, attend a leather demonstration at a local Italian leather shop to learn from the talented craftsmen. This evening is yours to explore the city a little more along the banks of the Arno river.

Today’s free day offers many options! Start the day with a trip to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and snap some memorable pictures! Afterwards, return to Florence or join the optional tour to Cinque Terre. These five seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera can only be accessed by boat, train or on foot and the colourful houses and vineyards that overlook the ocean offer a unique charm. Your tour leader will transport the group to the starting point and provide all the information needed to explore these picturesque villages by yourself before returning to Florence together in the evening.

The train journey meanders through the Tuscan region and into Venice today. Arrive in Mestre and drop your bags off at the hotel. Next, head to Piazzale Roma for an orientation walking tour complete with an included lunch. Afterwards, venture further into the heart of Venice with your tour leader, over the Rialto Bridge and on to St. Mark’s Square. Enjoy a lace workshop and glass-blowing demonstration, two of Venice’s traditional crafts, before having some free time to explore on your own. Grab this opportunity to cruise the canals with an optional gondola trip or water taxi ride this afternoon - seeing the city from the waterways is a classic Venice bucket-list experience!

The fashion capital of the world awaits! After another fast train journey, dive right into Milan. Start off with an orientation tour of the city centre, stand in awe of the Duomo and rub shoulders with Italy’s most stylish occupants. Your tour leader will point out the main sights to help you plan the rest of your day in Milan. This afternoon, enjoy the opportunity to head out on your own or join the optional half-day trip to Lake Como. Arguably the most beautiful lake in Northern Italy, a trip to this lake with its beautiful natural scenery is certainly an unforgettable experience! Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group in Milan tonight.

After nine exciting days, this unforgettable rail tour of Italy comes to an end today. Say goodbye to your new travel friends over breakfast and be sure to swap contact details before you part ways. We hope that you have enjoyed this tour of beautiful Italy and wish you a safe onward journey. Arrivederci!