Explore Italy Independent Rail Tour

Day 1: Rome

Transfer from Rome airport or rail station to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Rome

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, discover Imperial Rome on a group tour including the Forum and the magnificent Colosseum. The rest of the day is free to explore the city. Consider a tour to discover the Vatican Museums or visiting some of the main spots of the Eternal City such as Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain or Piazza Navona. (B)

Day 3: Rome

A full day excursion to visit the city of Naples and the famous archaeological site of Pompeii at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. After a walking tour of the historic centre of Naples and a lunch to taste the famous Pizza, continue to Pompeii, for a guided visit to understand how Romans used to live. After the tour, return to Rome by coach. Arrival in the evening and overnight at the hotel. (BL)

Day 4: Rome – Florence

Breakfast at the hotel and independent transfer to the Rome rail station where you will board your high-speed train to Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, transfer on your own to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure, optional afternoon / night sightseeing tours are available. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 5: Florence – Siena – San Gimignano – Chianti area

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day tour heading to the Chianti area and visiting Monteriggioni, with its still intact medieval walls. The tour continues to Siena, where you will discover Piazza del Campo, Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral, Palazzo Pubblico and the famous Torre del Mangia. After Siena, the tour will head to the walled town of San Gimignano, with its famous medieval towers. Continue with a visit to Chianti area and a wine tasting experience of the Chianti red wine. Return to Florence in the evening and overnight stay at the hotel. (BL)

Day 6: Florence – La Spezia

Travel by train to La Spezia on the Ligurian coast. Free afternoon to explore the city or the nearby town of Portovenere or the nearby Cinque Terre. (B)

Day 7: Cinque Terre

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will have the chance to visit the villages and coastline of the Cinque Terre with your “Cinque Terre Card & Train” that allows you to hop between the villages and access to the walking paths that hug the coast. Return to the hotel in La Spezia in the evening and overnight stay. (B)

Day 8: La Spezia – Milan

Travel train from La Spezia to Milan, where you will have a free afternoon to visit the city at your own pace. Optional sightseeing tours are also available to discover the Last Supper of Leonardo Da Vinci, the famous Gothic Cathedral, La Scala Opera House or the other hidden treasures of Milan. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 9: Milan – Lake Como – Bellagio – Milan

Discover Lake Como in Italy's beautiful Lake District, just a short distance from Milan. Nestled between the huge snowcapped Alps that rise up from its shores, is the fashionable lakeside town of Como. Visit of Como’s historic centre and attractions, enjoying some free time to get to know the town and shop in the many local boutiques. Following this, you will take a panoramic cruise on Lake Como to the enchanting village of Bellagio. Admire the lakeside villas and keep an eye out for Villa d'Este at Cernobbio, a luxurious hotel set in tropical gardens. Docking at the town of Bellagio, one of the most famous towns on the lake, you can follow the steep alleys running up from the lake and stop for a coffee or gelato at one of the lively cafes housed in grand historic buildings. Spend some time at leisure here before taking a cruise to Cadenabbia and back to your coach for the return journey to Milan. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 10: Milan – Venice

Breakfast at the hotel. Take the high-speed train again as you traverse the country across to the east coast and the iconic Venice. Rest of the day at leisure. Soak up the hustle and bustle of St Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal or escape to the more tranquil side streets and small canals that criss–cross the city. (B)