Classic Italy by Rail

10 days from £1249 per person

Showcasing the best that Italy has to offer, this self-guided rail journey encompasses the three great Italian cities of Venice, Florence and Rome. Starting in Venice, spend three nights in this romantic city, a place unlike anywhere else in the world. Explore the twisting canals and cobbled backstreets that lead to historic and hidden gems, take a gondola ride or choose to spend the evening at the opera. Continue your journey to Florence, the epitome of Italy. Home to world-class art galleries, medieval architecture and gourmet Tuscan cuisine, spend the next three days exploring the sights, sounds and smells of this captivating city or travel to the countryside to visit Tuscany’s medieval villages and vineyards. This classic trip will finish in Italy’s ‘Eternal City’, Rome. Often described as an open-air museum, Rome is resplendent with ancient treasures and traditional trattorias. Discover must-see sights such as the Colosseum and Pantheon, wander through leafy neighbourhoods stopping for coffee and enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican.

Route: Venice – Florence – Rome

Itinerary Highlights

An archipelago of 117 small islands connected by bridges and canals, Venice is an enchanting city full of beautiful architecture and history. Navigate the romantic waterways and visit historic landmarks such as the Palazzo Ducale and Rialto Bridge.

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is renowned for its magnificent collections of art and is home to some of the world’s best art galleries featuring masterpieces such as Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’ and Michelangelo’s ‘David’ statue.

Explore St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican and admire the Baroque architecture, view Michelangelo’s painted frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and climb the dome for spectacular views of Rome.

Itinerary: Classic Italy by Rail

Day 1 UK to Venice

Begin your journey this morning by boarding your international flight to Venice. On arrival you will be met and privately transferred from the airport to your hotel in central Venice. Spend the rest of the day at leisure where you may wish to explore the city. Wander to St Mark’s Square, a bustling piazza that’s home to the Byzantine beauty of St Mark’s Basilica and the fairytale-like Palazzo Ducale boasting stunning frescoes and stuccowork. In the evening feast on cicchetti, a traditional Venetian antipasto whilst enjoying a spritz overlooking the lively lagoon. (N)

Accommodation in Venice: Ca’ Pagan (or similar)
Upgrade option: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel

Days 2 - 3 Venice

The next two days are at leisure where you are free to explore the city’s maze of waterways and cobbled streets. After breakfast at the hotel, meander through Venice’s pretty backstreets admiring the passing gondolas and colourful crumbling buildings. Take in the views over the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge whilst soaking up the café culture and pausing for gelato. You may wish to visit the islands of Murano, famous for its Venetian glassblowing, and Burano, home to vibrantly painted fisherman houses. Both islands are easy to reach using the city’s excellent water taxi system. If you are interested in the arts, an evening at the opera is highly recommended. Teatro La Fenice is one of Italy’s most historic and revered opera houses. Housing some of the world’s most iconic musical and operatic performances, we will be happy to arrange tickets for you. (B)

Accommodation in Venice: Ca’ Pagan (or similar)
Upgrade option: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel

Day 4 Venice to Florence

After breakfast travel to Venice rail station and take the fast train to Florence. Capital of Tuscany and home of the Renaissance, Florence is one of Italy’s most beautiful and captivating cities. On arrival make your own way to your centrally located hotel. That afternoon you may wish to take a stroll to Piazzale Michelangelo, a hilltop square on the south bank of the Arno River that offers spectacular views of the terracotta-tiled domes and spires that make up the city. Sunset is a particularly striking time to go. Nearby lies the fantastic Pitti Palace and adjoining Boboli Gardens. Established by the Medici family in the mid-sixteenth century, the palace is now a huge museum complex housing opulent furnished apartments from the Medici and Savoy periods. Alternatively, the Boboli Gardens offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city and are populated with landscaped hedgerows, ornate fountains and ponds and beautifully shaded groves. (B)

Accommodation in Florence: Glance Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Hotel Lungarno

Day 5 - 6 Florence

The next two days are at leisure where you are free to explore Florence and the surrounding area as you wish. The city is home to a treasure trove of historical and cultural sites including the fortified town hall of Palazzo Vecchio, the medieval bridge Ponte Vecchio and the beautifully imposing Duomo of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Florence is also renowned for its wonderful art galleries including the Uffizi Gallery where greats such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Botticelli all feature, and the Accademia Gallery which houses the iconic ‘David’ statue. There are also several things to do outside of Florence that we can help arrange. Pass rolling hills and Tuscan cypress trees as you journey through the famous Chianti wine region stopping off at vineyards to sample some of the world’s finest reds. Alternatively, you could take a train to nearby Siena, a stunning medieval city home to a bustling piazza and gothic cathedral. (B)

Accommodation in Florence: Glance Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Hotel Lungarno

Day 7 Florence to Rome

This morning make your way to the nearby railway station and travel to Rome by fast train. One of the most pivotal cities of the ancient world, Rome is awash with historical ruins, bustling piazzas, marvellous galleries and a sublime food scene. A great city to explore on foot, after checking in to your central hotel why not take a walk through central Rome to admire some of the famous sights. Stop for a coffee or beer at the lively Piazza della Rotonda and admire the spectacular Pantheon, continue to the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna and the white-washed Trinità dei Monti Church. (B)

Accommodation in Rome: Hotel Stendhal (or similar)
Upgrade option: Hotel Splendide Royal

Day 8 Rome and the Vatican

After breakfast take a stroll to the Vatican City where you will embark on an included guided tour. As the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican is a melting pot of religion, art, architecture and history. Explore the Vatican Museums which are home to an extraordinary collection of sculptures, art and antiquities before viewing Michelangelo’s spectacular painted frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Finish the tour in St Peter’s Basilica where you may choose to climb to the top of the dome for unrivalled views of the city. Later that afternoon, why not take a walk through the leafy streets of historic Trastevere known for its colourful architecture, craft beer and bustling trattorias. (B)

Accommodation in Rome: Hotel Stendhal (or similar)
Upgrade option: Hotel Splendide Royall

Day 9 Rome

Today you are at leisure to continue exploring Italy’s ancient capital. You may wish to visit Rome’s best-known site – the Colosseum. Completed in AD 80 this was the site where Roman emperors hosted legendary battles where gladiators, slaves and exotic animals came face-to-face in bloody combat. A ticket to the Colosseum also includes the less visited but just as impressive sites of Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Admire the crumbling columns, arches and temples which was once the political hub of Rome. The beautiful Villa Borghese gardens in the north of the city offer a shady respite from the heat whilst Janiculum Hill features a wonderful panorama over Rome. (B)

Accommodation in Rome: Hotel Stendhal (or similar)
Upgrade option: Hotel Splendide Royal

Day 10 Rome to the UK

After breakfast you will be met from your hotel and be taken to the airport by private transfer for the flight back to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Train travel as specified
Hotel accommodation and taxes
Private Airport Transfer
Guided tour of the Vatican

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.