Rail travel is such a civilized way to travel. With more comfort and freedom than a chartered tour bus; more independence and control to define your itinerary and how long you wish to stay in each location, for certain you can imagine the advantages. Here are some "canned itineraries" or should I say, "sample itineraries" in Italy alone.
How does Classic Italy with Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera sound?
Discover Italy’s classic and iconic experiences on this 18-day train vacation. If you’ve ever wanted to explore all the charms and highlights, this is your chance. Immerse yourself in culture, history, incredible sights, and delicious moments as you explore Rome, Florence La Spezia, Sestri Levante, Turin, and Venice. Visit the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and Colosseum in Rome. Marvel at the Uffizi Gallery and Duomo Cathedral in Florence. Roam the picturesque villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, and Corniglia from La Spezia. Relax in the lovely little Riviera town of Sestri Levante. Enjoy the beautiful baroque architecture and delicious cuisine in Turin. Discover magical canals, the Doge’s Palace, and the Golden Basilica in Venice. And those are just the main highlights! This is an independent train vacation, which means you’ll have plenty of free time to explore on your own. There’s no telling what kind of memories you’ll make.
Have a glance at some of the other "sample" itineraries:
Gems of Italy
The gems of Italy are at your fingertips on this stunning Italian train vacation. Start with a night in Rome, seeing all the top sights of this classic Italian city. Follow that with three nights in breath-taking Como, on the shores of Lake Como, where you will bask in the grand villas, rolling hillside vineyards, historic towns, alpine peaks, and wooded islands that line the shore. Then journey to hidden gem Sestri Levante on the Ligurian Coast for three more days of coastal sunshine. . Finally, take a scenic train journey to jaw-dropping Sorrento, nestled on the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius in the background, for more sun, sand, sea air and a chilled glass of Limoncello.
Gastronomic Capitals of Italy
If you’re reading this, one of your favorite aspects of traveling is probably, you guessed it, discovering the unique cuisine that each city and country offers. On this 11-day rail journey, you’ll have the opportunity to savor and connect with a true taste of authentic Italy’s most beloved dishes. The gastronomic capitals of Italy (Rome Naples, Florence, Bologna and Parma) offer quintessential flavors that you can’t leave without trying. From carbonara to gelato, Bolognese, hand-shaped pastas, fresh focaccia, mouth- watering cheeses, and slow-simmered sauces, the culinary culture found in this country is worth traveling around the world for. There’s only two requirements: Arrive hungry and bring your sense of adventure. Buon appetito!
Iconic Italy
Discover Italy’s most iconic attractions and experiences on this two-week train vacation starting in Milan. This exploration of Italy will give you the opportunity to explore the Renaissance treasures of Venice, Florence, and Rome, as well as relax in the charming towns of Como and Sestri Levante. Living la dolce vita is memorable indeed.
Umbrian Explorer
Are you ready to explore Italy’s famed Umbrian region? Popular for its medieval hill towns, breathtaking landscapes, delicious cuisine, and ancient architecture, Umbria is the true heart of Italy. This trip begins and ends in Rome, but in between you'll travel to Orvieto, Perugia, and Spoleto. These destinations feature iconic attractions, sacred sites, and landmarks. This is the perfect European train vacation if you want to experience old-world traditions and beautiful lands that have been seemingly unchanged for centuries. Off the beaten path moments and exciting adventures await!
Rome, Florence and The Amalfi Coast
Are you ready to embrace some of the best highlights of Italy? On this 12-night train vacation, you’ll be immersed in the captivating history, beauty, and culture of Rome, Florence, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. One thing is for sure: you’ll be experiencing many moments of awe and wonder. Explore the Colosseum, Vatican, and Sistine Chapel in Rome. Peruse the incredible works of art in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Discover the allure of Sorrento while wandering down charming alleyways. Take in unparalleled views of the Mediterranean and picturesque villages along the Amalfi Coast. There’s no shortage of things to do during your journey.
Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Paris
Discover the best of Italy, its capital, Rome, the home to the Vatican as well as landmark art and ancient ruins. Next Florence, with Renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s "David" and Brunelleschi's Duomo followed by Venice, the city of canals. The return on the Venice Simplon Orient Express which will transport you back in time, with its polished wood, sumptuous upholstery and antique fixtures, the train epitomises the glamour and elegance of the Golden Age of travel.
The Italian Lakes
This incredibly scenic 10-day vacation by rail takes you to the best of Italy’s Lakes Region, including sparkling Lake Maggiore, elegant Lake Como and crystal-clear Lake Garda. First, start with a night in Rome, exploring all the top sights of the classic Italian city. From Rome, take the scenic train ride to Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, and spend two idyllic days discovering the delights of this sunny lakeside town. Then journey on to stunning Lake Como, made famous in movies and as a favorite getaway for the rich and famous, and revel in its beautiful historic architecture and shimmering natural beauty. From Como, continue your train journey to Desenzano, on the southern shore of Lake Garda, for three more days of lakeside fun and relaxation.
Looking for a shorter journey?
Ultimate Venice, Verona, and Lake Garda
Full of history and spellbinding beauty, Italy is a must-see destination in Europe. On this exciting train holiday, you’ll get to explore legendary cities like Venice, and small-yet-iconic towns such as Verona and Sirmione. Nothing delivers the experience of Italy quite like traveling by train. From Venice’s magical canals to the underrated gem of Verona and the glimmering shoreline of Sirmione along Lake Garda, this 10-day train holiday will leave you wanting to explore more of what Italy has to offer. Let’s just say photographs don’t do these destinations justice. You must experience them for yourself.
Essential Rome and Florence
Discover two of Italy’s most iconic cities – Rome and Florence - on this classic four-night Italian rail vacation! Start in Rome with a spectacular three days of sightseeing, classic architecture and delicious cuisine. From Rome, journey by comfortable, high-speed train to Florence and soak up the wonderful art, the spectacular history and the cultural charms of the city. This rail journey is the perfect taste of two classic Italian gems! A six-day version is also available with 3 nights in Rome and 2 nights in Florence.
Venice, Florence and Rome
Combine history, culture and fabulous cuisine with a visit to two of Italy's most famous cities on this five-day Italian vacation. First, spend two nights in Rome and experience the city's wealth of ancient architecture before traveling by train up through the lovely scenery of Tuscany to Venice, where historic palazzos and stunning vistas await.
Explore Italy's historic cities; Venice, Florence, and Rome - and enjoy the beautiful passing scenery from the comfort of your train seat along the way! Spend a couple of nights in each city, admiring the stunning architecture, incredible art galleries and delicious cuisine. Transfer between cities by high speed train as the magnificent Italian countryside unfolds past your window.
Ultimate Rome, Naples and Capri
We invite you to take a train vacation that will introduce you to some of Italy’s finest treasures and experiences. This trip to Rome and Naples is packed with adventures and tours that will allow you to explore each destination’s crowd-pleasing attractions, landmarks, landscapes, cuisine, and history. See the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Colosseum in Rome, sample delicious, authentic pizza in Naples, discover the ruins of Pompeii, and relax along the turquoise shores of Capri Island.
By now, I guess you've notices that the permutations and combinations are endless - and you can explore way beyond Italy as well. The Swiss Alps, Greece, France and the UK are all accessible by just adding connecting rail service. Or, you can extend your stay in one place... or shorten it. You can upgrade the level of service... or downgrade it. You can add activities and tours... or remove them.
We will build your journey for you. Let’s chat. You can sign up to schedule a consultation or sign up for my weekly newsletter for more inspiration.