12 Day Absolute Italy by First Class Rail

Benvenuto a Roma! 

On arrival into Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), you will be met by a local representative in the arrivals hall and transferred to your accommodation where you will have the rest of the day to explore Rome at your own pace. 

Take this opportunity to visit iconic landmarks such as Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps. If you arrive early in the day, we recommend joining a guided tour of the Vatican Museums to experience Michelangelo’s renowned Sistine Chapel and other Italian Renaissance masterpieces up close.  

Please note: when booking international flights, please ensure that your arrival date into the starting city, falls on Day 1 of the itinerary. 

Meals: n/a
Accommodation: Hotel Kennedy 3* or similar

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on another day of exploring Rome. Make your way to the meeting point for a guided tour of Imperial Rome. Your local expert guide will give you a historical tour of the incredible Roman Forum, then you will enter the Colosseum where you will learn the rich history of ancient Rome and the gladiatorial contests that took place there.

In the afternoon, you’re free to continue your exploration of the Eternal City. Consider joining an excursion to the Rome Catacombs, or if you’re feeling active, opt for an electric bike tour to discover either the historic center’s famous landmarks or a more hidden, off-the-beaten-path Rome. For the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the Trastevere district, known for its charming streets and excellent traditional restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Kennedy 3* or similar

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will board a high-speed train to Naples, with the journey lasting approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Upon reaching Naples station, you will embark on a full-day excursion to explore both Pompeii and Naples.

Your first stop will be the renowned archaeological site of Pompeii, the ancient Roman city that was buried under volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. You’ll have the chance to explore the remarkably preserved ruins and gain a deeper understanding of Roman life.

Following your visit to Pompeii, you will immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Naples, a city known for its rich history, lively culture, and picturesque coastal scenery. In the evening, take the train back to Rome for the night.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Kennedy 3* or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, make your way to Roma Termini station to catch your first class high-speed train to Florence, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival in Florence, make your way to the hotel located a 5 – 10 minute walk from the station, Check into your hotel and have free time to explore this city, renowned as the ‘cradle of the Renaissance.’

During your free time, we recommend considering a guided tour of one of Florence’s major museums. You might visit the Uffizi Galleries to admire masterpieces by Italian Renaissance greats such as Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and Botticelli, or head to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s iconic statue of David. Alternatively, you could take a half-day excursion to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Corona D’Italia 3* or similar

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before making your way to the meeting point to embark on a full-day tour to the Chianti region. The day starts with a visit to Monteriggioni, renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls. Next, you’ll explore Siena, where you’ll experience the beauty of Piazza del Campo, Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral, Palazzo Pubblico, and the iconic Torre del Mangia. Following your time in Siena, you’ll journey to San Gimignano, a charming town famous for its white wine, Vernaccia, and its distinctive medieval towers. San Gimignano is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tour will then take you through the scenic Chianti region, where you’ll indulge in a wine tasting experience featuring the renowned Chianti red wine. Return to Florence In the evening where the rest of the night is at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Corona D’Italia 3* or similar

Tips & suggestions: Tonight for dinner, we recommend trying the iconic “Bistecca alla Fiorentina”, a classic Tuscan steak renowned for its rich flavor and tenderness. Made from Chianina beef and grilled to perfection, this dish offers a true taste of Florence’s culinary tradition. Enjoy its juicy texture and smoky char while experiencing authentic Tuscan cuisine. 

After breakfast at the hotel, make your way to the train station to a regional train to La Spezia with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes and on arrival, make your way to your hotel. La Spezia serves as the gateway to the renowned Cinque Terre, a stunning coastal region comprised of five picturesque fishing villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Included with your trip is a two-day Cinque Terre Train Card, which grants access to the National Park allowing you explore at your own pace by using the regional trains and local buses that connect the villages.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Corallo 3* or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free day to explore the Cinque Terre at your own pace. Use your included Cinque Terre Train Card to discover the area’s highlights. This card grants you access to the National Park and allows you to travel between the villages using regional trains and local buses. Whether you wish to visit the picturesque villages, hike through scenic trails, or simply take in the stunning coastal views, your Train Card offers convenient and easy access to all the best that the Cinque Terre has to offer.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Corallo 3* or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, head to the station to board your first-class intercity train to Milan, a journey of about 3 hours and 20 minutes. Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free to explore the city on your own. We recommend visiting Milan’s iconic landmarks such as the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, and the Navigli canals, known for their vibrant nightlife. For a unique experience, consider touring the Teatro alla Scala and its museum, offering an inside look at one of the world’s most renowned opera houses.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Flora 3* or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, make your way to the station and board a regional train to Como, a journey of approximately 40 minutes. Once in Como, explore the charming city and its renowned lake at your own pace. You have a day ticket for the hop-on/hop-off public ferry, which allows you to navigate the lake and disembark at various points of interest. Choose the best stops for a leisurely stroll or to explore local attractions, keeping in mind the boat schedule and your train back to Milan. Spend some free time in Como, discovering the town and shopping in its boutique stores. In the evening, return to Milan for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Flora 3* or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll board your first class high-speed train to Venice S. Lucia, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Upon arrival, a quick 5 – 10 minute walk will find you to your hotel located on Venice Island with all that this beautiful city has to offer at your doorstep.

This afternoon, enjoy a 30-minute gondola ride with commentary provided via an app on your mobile phone then spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Carlton Capri 3* or similar

Tips & suggestions: Before dinner, why not immerse yourself in a Venetian tradition by having an aperitif with “cichéti” (small snacks) at one of the many “bacari” (bars) scattered throughout the “calli” (Venetian streets). It’s a quintessential experience you won’t want to miss!

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day exploring Venice on your own. Wonder the maze of waterways that make up this incredible city filled with shops, restaurants and local bars.

Alternately, you can choose a guided walking tour to see the city’s highlights, including Piazza San Marco with its Basilica and Clock Tower, the Rialto Bridge, and Campo Santa Maria Formosa, as well as some lesser-known gems. Or, opt for a skip-the-line tour of the Doge’s Palace to view the opulent apartments and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Another option is a boat trip to the lagoon islands: Murano, renowned for its glassmaking; Burano, known for its vibrant, colorful houses and lace; and Torcello, the lagoon’s earliest settlement. Return to your hotel in Venice for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Carlton Capri 3* or similar

Unfortunately, today marks the end of your time in Italy. Make your way back to the train station as you commence your onward travel plans.                                      

Meals: Breakfast