From Top to Toe of Italy STANDARD Independent Rail Tour 2025

Arrival in Venice Airport or Venice Rail Station and take shared transfer by boat shuttle to Venice city centre and check-in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to discover Venice and its beautiful Lagoon. Overnight at the hotel in Venice.

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a full day dedicated to discovering the Venetian Lagoon. You can take a guided walking tour through the most famous places in the city including Piazza San Marco with the Basilica and Clock Tower, the Rialto Bridge, Campo Santa Maria Formosa and other less known sites. Alternatively, a skip-the-line guided tour of the Doge's Palace to view the luxurious Doge's apartments and the famous Bridge of Sighs or take a boat trip to the islands of the Venice lagoon: Murano, known all over the world for its famous glass craftmanship; Burano, famous not only for its lace, but also for the picturesque fishermen's houses painted in bright colours; and Torcello, the first settlement in the lagoon. In the afternoon enjoy a 30-minute gondola ride with commentary available via a mobile phone app. This evening, a must do tradition in Venice is to enjoy an aperitif before dinner accompanied by “cichéti” or small plates of food, in one of the many “bacari” or small bars scattered along the “calli”, the Venetian name for street. Overnight at the hotel in Venice. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, board a high-speed train from Venice Santa Lucia train station to Florence; the journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. After arriving check into the hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore the city of Florence, known as the “Cradle of the Renaissance”. We suggest taking a guided tour of one of the main museums: the Uffizi Galleries, with its masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance by Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raffaello, Tiziano, Botticelli and many others, or the Accademia Gallery, which houses the original of Michelangelo's famous statue of David. Alternatively, take a half day tour outside Florence to Pisa to see its famous Leaning Tower. For those more interested in enjoying the food, you can have an engaging Italian cooking lesson, which begins at the "Central Market" in Florence, the largest, most vibrant and colourful food market in the city. Here the chef will illustrate the various local specialties and teach you how to recognise the best and tastiest ingredients. At the end of the lesson, you will receive a certificate of participation and a recipe book. Overnight at the hotel in Florence. (B)

Today you will discover two thousand years of Florentine history including the Renaissance period through the eyes of an expert local guide. Take an unforgettable journey to discover the most beautiful piazzas (squares) and monuments of Florence that have made the city one of the most visited destinations in the world. The rest of the day is free to explore more of the city or organise an excursion to the surrounding areas. Overnight at the hotel in Florence. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel then make your way to the Florence Santa Maria Novella rail station to board the high-speed train to Rome Termini rail station. The journey will take about 1 hour 30 minutes. After arriving, check-in to the hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore the Eternal City. Discover the most famous landmarks of Rome, such as Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza di Spagna. In case of an early arrival, we recommend a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, to admire Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel and other masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. For gastronomy enthusiasts, enjoy a cooking lesson to learn how to make pizza or pasta and gelato. For dinner we suggest trying a typical Roman restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Rome. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel followed by another day discovering the city. Today join the Imperial Tour of Rome to admire the monuments of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum and hear a guided presentation of the evocative history of ancient Rome and the gladiators' fights that took place there. In the afternoon there is free time to continue exploring the city, enjoy an excursion to visit the Roman Catacombs or if you’re feeling more active, there is the option of an electric bike tour to discover the historic centre as well as the chance to see a unique and different side of Rome. In the evening, we recommend a walk around the Trastevere district, full of typical restaurants. Overnight at the hotel in Rome. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel board the high-speed train to Naples from Rome Termini rail station. Upon arrival in Naples, meet your driver and proceed to Pompeii where you will enjoy a 2-hour stop to visit the Pompeii Archaeological Area. This ancient Roman city was destroyed when Vesuvius erupted in 79AD and buried it, preserving it under a sea of volcanic ash for nearly 1,700 years. Entrance tickets are included, guide is an optional extra. At the end of the visit transfer to Sorrento, famous for its picturesque old town centre and the rustic charm of the fisherman's village, Marina Grande, one of the authentic treasures of the city. Overnight at the hotel in Sorrento. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a small group tour to Capri and Anacapri and a visit to the famous Blue Grotto to marvel at its colours and atmosphere known throughout the world. Please note that visiting the Blue Grotto is weather dependant and might not be possible on the day of your visit. Afterwards spend free time visiting Anacapri and Capri to discover the beauties of this wonderful island. In the afternoon, return to Sorrento by ferry and make your own way to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Sorrento. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a transfer to Naples Afragola train station to board a high-speed train to Reggio Calabria. Admire the beautiful landscapes as you travel through Southern Italy and approach the tip of the Italian boot on the way to Reggio Calabria, one of the most beautiful cities of southern Italy. A city with a huge heart and the setting of great myths and legends - take time to wander the elegant historic centre full of attractions, such as the Basilica, the Aragonese Castle or visit some of the fascinating museums to take in the history and culture. Make time for a walk along Lungomare Falcomatà promenade, one of the longest and most romantic in Italy. From the seafront of Reggio, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of Sicily across the Straits of Messina and stop at one of the excellent restaurants that serve the typical flavours of Calabria, one of the Italian regions where food is revered and is a symbol of hospitality and care towards people. Overnight at the hotel in Reggio Calabria. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and make your own way to the port of Reggio Calabria for your ferry across the Strait of Messina, a place of legends and the setting of ancient Greek poems. From the Port of Messina, a private transfer will take you to the hotel in Taormina. After check-in enjoy the rest of the day in one of the most fascinating cities of Sicily. Visit the magnificent Greco-Roman theatre, one of the largest and best preserved from the ancient world, with spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea. Explore the main street of Taormina, full of designer shops, cafes and gelato parlours. Stop at St Nicholas Cathedral and Piazza IX Aprile for great panoramic views of the coast. Discover the Villa Comunale, a relaxing place to wander and sit in the public gardens with its turrets and exotic plants, created by Scottish noblewoman Florence Trevelyan. Enjoy a Sicilian dinner in one of the centre's restaurants, known for its traditional dishes such as Pasta alla Norma or fish from the daily catch. Finally, after dinner, stroll through the illuminated streets of the historic centre, tasting one of the famous granitas, gelato or pastries. Overnight at the hotel in Taormina / Giardini Naxos. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and full day at leisure. We recommend for a relaxing day, to pass the free time in Taormina, enjoying the sea views and the beautiful beaches of the town. For more adventurous travellers, take a half-day trip to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe - explore the craters and enjoy the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, return to Taormina and spend the afternoon relaxing on the stunning Isola Bella beach, reachable by cable car from the city centre. Overnight at the hotel in Taormina / Giardini Naxos. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out. (B)