Treasures of Italy By Rail incl Venice, Florence, Sorrento & Rome

Travel to Italy

Morning

We have arrived! We meet our local representative and transfer to our hotel in Mestre where we will stay for two nights.

Venice City Tour

Morning

Join us this morning for a guided walking tour of Venice. Prepare to be enchanted by the atmospheric canals, tiny alleyways and busy squares that make up the real Venice including memorable highlights such as St. Mark's Cathedral, Ca’ d’Oro and the imposing Palazzo Ducale.

At Leisure

Afternoon

In the afternoon, take some time to explore the city at your own pace. Observe the lifestyle of the Venetians and the beautiful piazzas, bridges and dwellings that adorn the quaysides. Take a photograph on the Rialto Bridge, shop for carnival masks, or explore St. Mark’s Square!

Optional Excursion to Murano & Burano

Afternoon

Optional afternoon excursion by boat to the islands of Murano & Burano. Murano is famous for its glass manufacture and visits here will include a glass blowing studio and entrance to the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato. During our visit to Burano, known as the Fisherman Island & famous for colourful houses we will see some lace manufacturing.  

This optional excursion is subject to minimum numbers.

Travel to Florence

Morning

Following breakfast, we depart our hotel and board our high-speed train to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance! (journey time approx. 2 hours) Our hotel is a short walk from the train station where we will have some free time at leisure.

Florence City Tour

Afternoon

This afternoon we uncover more on a walking tour of this fascinating city. We begin with a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo offering panoramic views of the city before we witness the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) spanning the Arno River and the famous Duomo (cathedral) with its elaborate green and pink façade. 

Evening Meal

Evening

This evening we dine as a group for a traditional dinner in the heart of Florence where we will savour Florentine style steak. 

Pisa

Morning

This morning let’s join our guide for a full day excursion, discovering more of this delightful region of Italy.

We start our day with a visit to Pisa where we will discover the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to perhaps the most iconic building in Italy – the Leaning Tower. The famous lean was caused by poor foundations, which could not support the structure’s weight. The tilt continued to increase before the tower was completed and was corrected in the 20^th and 21^st centuries.

San Gimignano & Siena

Afternoon

We will savour some traditional Tuscany dishes and local wines with our included lunch before continuing onwards to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, known as the “Town of Fine Towers”. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is encircled by walls and is famous for its medieval architecture and impressive skyline.  Later we travel along the scenic Chianti roads for a visit to Siena, a city famous for its art, cuisine, museums and medieval landscape. Here, we will visit the Piazza del Campo, home of the famous Palio horse race held twice a year before returning to our hotel this evening.

At Leisure

Today, is free to relax and take in some further sightseeing in Florence. Our guide will be happy to make suggestions for activities and places to visit.

Transfer to Sorrento Coast

Morning

Let’s join our guide this morning for our high-speed train journey to Naples, (journey time approx. 3 hours) On arrival we will transfer to our hotel in Sant’ Agnello on the Sorrento Peninsula.  Our guide will give us a short orientation tour of Sorrento before our afternoon at leisure.

At Leisure

Afternoon

This afternoon there will be free time to explore at our own pace or relax in our hotel.

Pompeii

Morning

This morning, we will join our guide for a visit the excavations of the ancient Roman town of Pompeii. There will be a guided tour of the excavations, explaining how time was frozen in the year 79AD for the 25,000 residents of Pompeii, when the great Mount Vesuvius erupted. 

At Leisure

Afternoon

This afternoon is at leisure so take this opportunity to go shopping, enjoy a delicious gelato or two and practice your Italian!

At Leisure

Full Day

Today is a free day, for relaxing or independent sightseeing on the Sorrento Peninsula. Our guide will be on hand to suggest activities based on your interests.

Optional Amalfi Excursion

Full Day

Optional full day excursion by boat from Sorrento along the Amalfi coast. Today’s excursion will include free time in Amalfi and Positano.

This optional excursion is subject to minimum numbers.

Rome City Tour

Morning

Following breakfast, we join our guide for our high-speed train journey to Rome (journey time approx. 1.5 hours) On arrival we will explore the ‘Eternal City’ on a guided walking tour while taking in the sights of the Colosseum and Roman Forum (both viewed from outside), as well as discovering Piazza Venezia and the Trevi Fountain.

At Leisure

Afternoon

This afternoon enjoy free time at leisure exploring this fascinating city or relaxing in your hotel.

Optional Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel

Afternoon

Optional afternoon visit to the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel. We will visit the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City to view Michelangelo's most famous work, which changed the course of Western art.

This optional excursion is subject to minimum numbers.

At Leisure

Morning

This morning is free day, to relax and discover Rome.  Our expert local guide will be happy to suggest activities and advise on must-see highlights.

Frascati & Farewell Meal

Afternoon

Afternoon excursion to the historic hilltop town of Frascati. We will travel the short distance by train (approx. 30min) to the Castelli Romani area where Frascati has been chosen through the centuries by Popes and aristocracy for their summer residences.

Our excursion will include a typical ‘Fraschetta’ meal: drinking wine and eating local food amidst a warm and friendly atmosphere before returning, by train, to Rome.

Depart Italy

Time to say 'arrivederci' to Italy! 

We'll check out of our hotel and depart by coach to the airport for our return flight.