Rome, Florence and the Cinque Terre by Rail

10 days from £1449 per person

Embark on a 10-day self-guided rail journey visiting two of Italy’s most captivating cities - Rome and Florence – as well as the picturesque Cinque Terre located on the Italian Riviera. Starting in Rome, spend three days exploring the ancient sites that are prevalent throughout the city. Visit the Vatican City on an included guided tour and discover the culinary delights during a stroll through one of Rome’s oldest neighbourhoods, Trastevere. Continue by train to Florence which is home to world-class art galleries, medieval architecture and some of the country’s finest gastronomy. Finish this classic Italian trip with three nights in the Cinque Terre situated on Liguria’s coast. Made up of five colourful fishing villages, this photogenic region is a great place to relax after spending a week in bustling cities; take a sunset boat ride, sample local wine and enjoy a pesto making class if you wish.

Route: Rome – Florence – Cinque Terre

Itinerary Highlights

Discover Rome’s historical highlights including the iconic Colosseum. This ancient wonder completed in AD 80 was home to the bloody battles ordered by Roman emperors for entertainment.

Take a stroll to Piazzale Michelangelo for spectacular views over Florence. This hilltop square offers the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the city’s terracotta domes and spires.

Located on the Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre is made up of five coastal villages that cling to the dramatic clifftops in a kaleidoscope of colours.

Itinerary: Rome, Florence and the Cinque Terre by Rail

Day 1 UK to Rome

Begin your journey this morning by boarding your international flight to Rome. On arrival you will be met and privately transferred from the airport to your hotel in central Rome. Awash with ancient ruins, bustling piazzas and world-class galleries, Rome was one of the most pivotal cities and is now often described as an open-air museum. After hotel check-in and a traditional lunch on one of the lively piazzas, take a stroll through central Rome to admire some of the famous sights. See the dominating Pantheon – a temple-turned-church that was originally built during the reign of Augustus, stop at the iconic Trevi Fountain for gelato and continue up the Spanish Steps to the bustling Piazza di Spagna. (N)

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

Day 2 Rome

Today you have another day of leisure in Rome. Visit the Colosseum, the famous ancient site where Roman emperors hosted legendary battles. A ticket to the Colosseum also includes the less visited but just as impressive sites of Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Once the political and social hub of Rome, explore the historic columns and restored temples where emperors and important political and religious figures would work. Continue to the picturesque Villa Borghese gardens in the north of the city. Offering a peaceful respite from bustling Rome, you may wish to enjoy a picnic in the shady groves, discover the historic park buildings or even take a rowing boat out on the lake. (N)

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

Day 3 Rome and the Vatican

After breakfast make your way to the Vatican City ready for your included guided tour. The smallest state in the world and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican is a melting pot of religion, art and architecture. Tour the Vatican Museums that house an extraordinary collection of art, sculptures, maps and antiquities. Continue to the iconic Sistine Chapel which is home to Michelangelo’s spectacular painted ceiling and frescoes before finishing the tour in St Peter’s Basilica. If you wish, you can climb the 551 steps to the top of the dome for unrivalled views of the Vatican and Rome. With an afternoon at leisure, why not take a stroll through the leafy streets of historic Trastevere known for its pastel-coloured crumbling architecture and crumbling walls. Stop at one of the traditional trattorias for cacio e pepe, Rome’s signature dish. (B)

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

Day 4 Rome to Florence

After breakfast travel to Rome rail station and take the fast train to Florence. On arrival make your own way to your central hotel. Located in the Tuscan hills on the banks of the Arno, Florence is celebrated for its history, art and gastronomy. The city is relatively compact therefore the best way to explore is by foot. Spend the afternoon at leisure where you may wish to walk to Piazzale Michelangelo, a hilltop square on the city’s south bank. Admire the spectacular panorama of Florence’s terracotta-tiled homes, spires and domes before exploring the adjoining rose and iris gardens. You will also find the historic Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens nearby. Established by the Medici family in the mid-sixteenth century, the palace is now a museum complex and art gallery featuring antique pieces from Medici furnished apartments to Renaissance art collections. (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 surrounding countryside of Tuscany. After breakfast why not walk through the old town where you will find the fortified Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio and the iconic Duomo of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Florence is also renowned for its wonderful art galleries including the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. If you’d like to get out of the city for the day, there are many options available. Take a traditional cooking class in the Chianti hills, cycle out to local vineyards and villages on an e-bike or take the train to 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 the Cinque Terre

After breakfast at the hotel make your own way to Florence rail station and board the train for La Spezia where you will need to change in Pisa. La Spezia is the gateway to the Cinque Terre - five colourful villages that cling to the clifftops on the Italian Riviera. That afternoon you may wish to relax by the hotel pool or take a five-minute train to one of the famous villages for sunset. (B)

Accommodation in the Cinque Terre: Porto Roca Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 – 9 The Cinque Terre

Spend the next two days at leisure exploring the beautiful Cinque Terre region. Made up of five coastal villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare – each town has its own charm and identity. From your hotel in La Spezia it is easy to take the train or ferry to, and between, the villages. Highlights include a pesto making class in romantic Manarola, sunset boat trip from Riomaggiore, Monterosso’s sandy beaches, the vineyards surrounding Corniglia and Vernazza’s beautiful harbour. (B)

Accommodation in the Cinque Terre: Porto Roca Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Pisa 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 transfers
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.