Best of Italy by Train

Welcome to the Canal City of Venice. Make your own way to our hotel and check in. In the afternoon, meet your Tour Leader and the rest of the group in the hotel lobby and set off on a walking tour with an expert local guide to uncover the charm of Venice, famously known as “La Serenissima”. We'll uncover all the main highlights, from the Rialto Bridge to St Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, along with plenty of hidden gems too. After the walking tour, a professional gondolier takes over, inviting us to relax and enjoy an optional half-hour glide through Venice’s enchanting canals, experiencing the city from its most iconic perspective - the water.

After breakfast, we have the day at leisure in Venice. Perhaps visit Murano to see its renowned glassblowing workshops and the Murano Glass Museum, or take a gondola ride along the city’s enchanting canals. Wander through the hidden lanes and peaceful squares, where few tourists venture and Venetians carry on their daily routines. You can also choose to book an optional guided tour of the Doge’s Palace or St Mark’s Basilica, complete with skip-the-line access.

Venice - Florence. This morning we travel by high speed train to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. On arrival, we embark one a walking tour of the city’s highlights, starting with the Ponte Vecchio. We also take in the Portico of the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, and see the spectacular Florence Cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, home to Brunelleschi’s iconic dome. In front of the Cathedral, we can admire the Baptistery’s gilded bronze “Gates of Paradise,” depicting intricate biblical scenes.

After the tour, we make our way to our hotel in Florence. Tonight there is an optional dinner, giving you the chance to try the famous Florentine-style T-bone steak, bistecca alla Fiorentina. Don't worry if you don't eat meat, there are plenty of vegetarian options too!

Florence - Siena - Chianti - San Gimignano - Florence. After breakfast, we set off to experience the best of Tuscany. Our adventure begins in Siena, renowned for its medieval walls and the famous Palio horse race, held annually in the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. We'll take in the highlights of the city, including the magnificent Siena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Roman-Gothic architecture, and the Torre del Mangia. After the tour, you can take some free time to wander the city’s streets.

Next, we journey through the Chianti countryside, home to rolling hills, cypress trees, olive groves, and vineyards. We stop at a family-owned wine estate for a traditional Tuscan lunch and wine tasting.

Our final stop of the day is San Gimignano, home to 14 surviving medieval towers. There's free time to explore its bustling main street before we return to Florence for the night.

Today is completely free for you to further explore Florence at your own pace. You can choose from a selection of optional tours to make the most of your visit and discover the city’s remarkable treasures. Visit the renowned Galleria degli Uffizi, home to one of the world’s most significant art collections, or the Galleria dell’Accademia, where you can admire Michelangelo’s original statue of David. Alternatively, opt for an excursion to the stunning Cinque Terre or explore another charming Tuscan city.

Florence - Naples - Pompeii - Sorrento. Say farewell to Florence as we board an early morning high-speed train to Naples. You can sit back and relax for the scenic three-hour journey. On arrival, we transfer to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, where an expert guide brings to life the dramatic story of this Roman city, frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your luggage will be sent on to tonight's hotel in Sorrento.

After exploring Pompeii, we transfer to Sorrento, our base for the next three nights. You have a free evening to head out and find somewhere nice for dinner in this pretty coastal town.

Sorrento - Capri - Sorrento. After breakfast, we set off on a full-day trip to the island of Capri. From the Sorrento pier, we take a ferry to Marina Grande, where we transfer to a smaller vessel for our included boat tour. We marvel at landmarks like the welcoming “Scugnizzo” statue, Tiberius’ Leap, and the natural arches and dramatic cliffs that are sprinkled around the coastline. Depending on the weather conditions, we may also be able to visit the famous Blue Grotto (entry by rowboat is optional and paid separately).

After returning to Marina Grande, a minibus takes us up to Anacapri and the iconic Piazzetta, offering spectacular views. You will have some free time to explore Capri at your own pace before we make the return journey to Sorrento for the night.

Sorrento - Positano - Amalfi - Sorrento. This morning we transfer to the Port of Sorrento to embark on a full-day cruise along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Our first port of call is the elegant town of Positano, known as the "Pearl of the Coast", with its colourful cliffside houses. There's free time for lunch here.

Later, we continue to Amalfi, another jewel of the Costiera, with its stunning Cathedral of Sant’Andrea, overlooking the bay and terraced houses cascading down the hills. As the sun begins to set, we cruise back to Sorrento.

Sorrento - Rome. After breakfast in Sorrento, we check out and transfer back to Naples train station, where we board a high-speed train to Rome. On arrival, you will be given a ticket for the city's Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, which is valid for 24 hours. Your luggage will be forwarded to our hotel, so use this afternoon to enjoy a panoramic tour of Italian capital, taking in sights such as the legendary Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

Later, we regroup and set out on a 'Highlights of Rome' walking tour, exploring the city’s Baroque treasures. Admire Piazza Navona, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and marvel at the Pantheon, once a pagan temple and now a magnificent church. We then transfer to the hotel for check in, where your luggage will be waiting.

Today is free for you to explore the Italian capital further, or you can join an optional tour to the Vatican Museums, home to an extraordinary collection of art spanning centuries. Highlights include Michelangelo’s stunning Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel.

On our final evening, there is an optional farewell dinner in Trastevere, a charming bohemian neighbourhood across the Tiber River, including hotel transfers.

Tuck into a final breakfast at the hotel before check out. Make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.

We recommend extending your stay in Rome to explore more of the city. Pre and post tour accommodation and airport transfers can be booked on request.