Embark on an unforgettable 10-day guided tour of Italy by rail, exploring the stunning cities of Venice, Florence, Naples, and Sorrento. Experience the romance and beauty of Venice with a walking tour and gondola ride, visit the islands of Murano and Burano, and enjoy a Tuscan adventure to Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena and Chianti.

Discover the history and beauty of Florence with a Best of Florence walking tour and a traditional Bistecca dinner. In Naples, visit the fascinating ruins of Pompeii and then relax in Sorrento before heading to the enchanting Isle of Capri.

 

Italy By Rail

  • First-class, high-speed train travel
  • Walking tour and Gondola ride in Venice.
  • Murano & Burano excursion.
  • Best of Florence walking tour at night, followed by traditional Bistecca dinner.
  • Full-day excursion to Capri Island.
  • Cruise and tour along the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento.
  • Immerse yourself in the dramatic history of Pompeii.

Venice 2 nights | Florence 3 nights | Sorrento 2 nights | Rome 2 nights

Day 1: Venice

Upon arrival, take a private transfer to your hotel and check in.

In the afternoon, head out on a walking tour to discover Venice. Combining must-see sites and hidden corners, your guide takes you to the heart of the city in just two hours, giving you a broad overview of the history, culture, and character of the Floating City.

At the conclusion of your tour, your local insider will leave you in the expert hands of a professional gondolier. Climb onboard a traditional Venice gondola for a half-hour excursion through the city’s canals. Sit back and enjoy exploring the city as it was meant to be seen – from the water! This is your time to relax, unwind, and enjoy Venice at its best.

Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 2: Venice, Murano & Burano

After breakfast, depart and explore the lagoon with an expert local guide and a comfortable private boat. We will navigate along the islands of Lido, Certosa, Vignole and Sant Erasmo to stop in Murano.

The Island is famous for the glass manufacture based here since the XII Century, and we will visit a famous glass studio for a blowing performance. There will be time for shopping, and then, with a 15-minute slow walk will reach the VII Century Cathedral of Saints Maria e Donato. Visit the inside of the Church, which preserves original mosaics and is a rare sample of Romanic architecture.

Get on board, and in 30 minutes will reach Burano. This fisherman’s Island is also famous for its lace, and we will visit a workshop to learn more. Your guide will take you through the colourful houses, and then you’ll have free time for shopping or a quick lunch. On the way back crew will offer a glass of wine.

Afternoon at your leisure. Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 3: Venice to Florence

In the morning, board the high-speed train to Florence, which takes about 2 hours. Arriving at your destination accompanied by our Tour Manager, you will take a short walk to the hotel and find your luggage delivered to your room. Enjoy some time at leisure.

In Florence, enjoy the Best of Florence (an optional activity), a walking tour exploring the best of the City by night. We will begin at Piazzale Michelangelo with its amazing views over the city, followed by the city’s Roman origins, a 15th-century palace, the Ponte Vecchio bridge, the famous Uffizi Gallery courtyard then on to the amazing Brunelleschi’s Dome, which overlooks the Baptistery’s golden “Gates of Paradise”. Afterwards, relax and enjoy an exclusive and traditional dinner in the heart of Florence with a typical Florentine-style T-bone steak.

Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 4: Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena & Chianti

After breakfast, embark on a Tuscan adventure! Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena and Chianti tour with lunch and wine tasting; a fully guided excursion to discover the beauty of Tuscany and its enchanting medieval towns.

Depart first for Pisa and visit its stunning Piazza dei Miracoli to admire the Baptistery, the Cathedral and, of course, the famous Leaning Tower. Followed by lunch with some wine tasting to sample renowned local wines and traditional Tuscan dishes. After lunch, the wonders continue with a visit to San Gimignano, the splendid Medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue along the panoramic roads of the Chianti region to Siena, the city of the Palio Horse Race.

Overnight at your hotel in Florence. (B)

Day 5: Florence

Today is a day at leisure. Several optional tours are available: a tour of the Accademia Gallery and its David statue, and the Uffizi Gallery and its masterpieces. Alternatively, you can take a day tour to Cinque Terre or experience the Tuscan Countryside on Vespa or horseback.

Overnight at your hotel in Florence (B)

Day 6: Florence to Naples

You’ll start your journey early in the morning and board your high-speed train to Naples. After a 3-hour journey, you’ll reach Naples and then transfer to Sorrento. Stopping at the excavations of Pompeii to visit the dramatic history of the once-Roman city destroyed and buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. After our fully guided tour, board the coach and proceed to Sorrento.

Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 7: Sorrento, Capri

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to Capri. Transfer to the harbour of Sorrento and reach the enchanting Isle of Capri, a favourite vacation spot of the emperor Tiberius. Upon arrival at the port of Marina Grande, begin your sightseeing trip around the Island. After returning to Marina Grande, a minibus will take you up to reach the glamorous La Piazzetta to enjoy the elegant atmosphere, and you’ll have time to delve into the Island on your own. Return to Sorrento, where you’ll enjoy tasting the unique Limoncello, the zesty liquor made from the fragrant lemons of the Sorrentine Area.

Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 8: Sorrento, Amalfi Coast Cruise

Today, enjoy a full-day cruise and tour along the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento. Spend some free time exploring the Ancient Maritime Republic of Amalfi and Positano, the pearl of the Coast. Return to Sorrento in the late afternoon.

Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 9: Sorrento to Rome

After breakfast, depart by private transfer to Naples, where you will board the high-speed train to Rome. Upon arrival, you’ll head off on a walking tour where you’ll see the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Skip the line at the Vatican Museums and visit the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Head back to your hotel, where your bags will be waiting for you.

Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 10: Rome

A morning at leisure to explore Rome on your own. Late afternoon, you’ll board a regional train and travel for about 30 minutes to the exquisite town of Frascati. Set in the Castelli Romani area, Frascati has been chosen throughout the centuries by Popes and aristocratic families for their summer residences. Frascati will give you a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Eternal City. This evening there’s a special dinner in a typical “Fraschetta”. The fraschetta in Frascati is uniquely Italian, and something you should try at least once in your life: drinking wine and eating local food amidst a warm and friendly atmosphere. After dinner, board your train back to your hotel in Rome.

Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 11: Rome

Breakfast at your hotel before departing for home.

 

Indicative Holiday Prices

All of our holidays are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. As a guide, this 11-day suggested holiday will cost from £3,095 per person (two sharing), Heathrow flights (BA Economy), and arrival and departure private transfers.