ITALY BY TRAIN: Eternal Cities & Pompeii

Arrive in the romantic city of Venice, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Built across more than 100 small islands, Venice is a pleasure to explore on foot as you get lost in the labyrinthine streets, stumbling across hidden cafes and cultural gems along the way. Get out and discover the plentiful delights on this eternal city, such as the immense Piazza San Marco. Overnight stay in Venice Mestre.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a guided walking tour through Venice, through the fascinating streets and across the canals; a crossroads of culture where East meets West. Admire the Basilica and Piazza of San Marco next to Gothic-style Doge's Palace, the Campanile and the Clock Tower stand. Soak up the lively atmosphere of the Campo, a bustling square next to the Church of Santa Maria. Continue to marvel at the grand Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo, uncover legendary tales of Marco Polo and finally return to St. Mark’s Square by strolling through the main Venetian shopping street, the Mercerie, and immerse yourself in the historic buzz of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continue discovering this unique city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Venice Mestre.

Optional Gondola Ride Experience: One of the most famous characteristics of Venice is its historic gondolas and now you can be a part of this legacy yourself! Experience an unforgettable 30-minute gondola ride through the charming waterways of Venice including the iconic Grand Canal. The quintessential Venetian experience! Note: Please note that it is a shared gondola (up to five people for each one) so you might have to share it with other people.

Why not upgrade your trip with our Cultural Highlights of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time,meet your transfer* and head to the train station to catch the high-speed train to Florence. Arrive in Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance, and transfer to the hotel*. Rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city and keep enjoying the Italian cuisine in this gourmet paradise. Overnight stay in Florence.

*Most of hotels in Florence and Venice are located just a few minutes walk from the train stations, in these cases private transfers may not be included.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the Historic Centre of Florence for a guided walking tour of Florence and discover the hidden secrets of the Tuscan capital. Start discovering Piazza Repubblica, one of the fanciest of the city, before heading to Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, a building where a local market takes place. Keep exploring the streets of Florence before arriving at the beautiful and well-known Ponte Vecchio, the most iconic bridge in the city and one of its main symbols. You will then walk through the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Medieval Florence with the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. End the tour admiring Piazza San Giovanni, home to the impressive Florence Cathedral, with its iconic Brunelleschi cupola and the famous Giotto Belltower. Rest of the day at your leisure to continue exploring the captivating sights of Florence. Overnight stay in Florence.

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at your leisure to enjoy your last day in the city. Florence's historical centre is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so why not take a stroll on your own to discover its hidden treasures. Overnight stay in Florence.

Optional Day Trip to Pisa: No trip to Italy is complete without a photo at the iconic leaning tower, so don't miss your chance to take a day trip to Pisa! Enjoy a guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli and its monuments and visit the spectacular Pisa Cathedral before spending time at the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa, learning all about the history of this University city along the way. 

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, meet your transfer* and head to the train station to catch the high-speed train to Rome. Arrive in Rome, the Italian capital, and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this romantic, historic city. The evening is the most magical time of day in Rome when the streets take on an even more charming character. Overnight stay in Rome.

*Most of hotels in Florence are located just a few minutes walk from the train stations, in these cases private transfers may not be included.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the meeting point and enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill*, three of the main archaeological sites of the Eternal City. Learn about the history of this empire, from its birth to the gladiatorial fights in the Colosseum, and appreciate the preserved corners of ancient Rome in the Forum and the Palatine Hill. We recommend the optional Piazzas and Fountains of Rome excursion.** The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the historic streets of Rome and dine on delicious Italian cuisine!*** Overnight stay in Rome.

* Time and days in Rome can be changed according to the availability of the Colosseum tickets. It will be confirmed 15 days before arrival. However, all included excursions are already guaranteed.

** Optional Piazzas & Fountains of Rome Excursion: Take a pleasant walk through the artistic heart of Rome to visit its most symbolic piazzas and fountains! Visit Piazza Navona, the most elegant of all Rome squares and home to Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain. See the Church of San Luigi, the incredible Pantheon and the legendary Trevi Fountain, an icon of the city. Finally, pay a visit to the famous Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, the most photogenic spot in the city!

*** Optional Authentic Italian Dinner at a restaurant in Campo Di Fiori: Enjoy an authentic Italian dinner in beautiful Campo Di Fiori Square, nestled in the heart of historic Rome. Soak up the atmosphere as you indulge in Italian dishes at a local restaurant.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at your leisure in Rome. Perhaps visit the Vatican, trace the footsteps of the greats in the ancient streets of the old city or simply indulge in some delicious Italian ice-cream. However you choose to spend your day, Rome is sure to delight you with its old-world charm and unbeatable sights. We suggest taking the optional Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel*. Overnight stay in Rome.

* Optional skip-the-line guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: In the Vatican Museums, admire the works of art in the Patio Della Pigna and the Gallery of Candelabra, among others. Next, visit the inimitable Sistine Chapel to discover the incredible and well-known ceiling paintings of Michelangelo.

Please note: Optional tour available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays afternoon, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only.

Why not upgrade your trip with our Cultural Highlights of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover one of the most legendary events in Italian history today on an exciting excursion to Pompeii! Head to the meeting point to join the tour and, along the journey, take in the spectacular views before arriving in vibrant Naples where for a brief stop. Afterwards, head towards the eternal silhouette of Mount Vesuvius as you pay a visit to Pompeii, the historic Roman city completely destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The volcanic ash and lava of the eruption have preserved this ancient city in incredible detail. Explore the ruins of fateful Pompeii, some of which even include the remains of Pompeii's citizens, as if frozen in time. With included entrance tickets, enjoy time to explore the site at your leisure before returning to the tour bus to return to Rome. After an unforgettable day, spend the evening relaxing at your own pace. Overnight stay in Rome. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore Rome at your own pace. If you're a lover of Italian cuisine we recommend an optional pasta and Tiramisu masterclass to discover the secrets of authentic Italian cooking!* Overnight stay in Rome.

* Optional Pasta-Making & Tiramisu Masterclass: Learn to cook like a local with a 3-hour class focused on the art of making fresh pasta and Tiramisu. Begin by enjoying a glass of prosecco and antipasti before crafting authentic pasta and Tiramisu from scratch, under the supervision of an Italian and English-speaking chef. Once the hard work is complete, tuck into your freshly prepared homemade meal, accompanied by a selection of wines. A true celebration of Italian gastronomy!

Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight back

* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.