Trip Inclusions
- Operated by Travelmarvel's partner Great Rail Journeys
- 14 nights in premium accommodation
- Services of a Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and expert local guides
- 21 meals - 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 dinners
- See St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and the iconic canals of Venice
- Enjoy a Tuscan rail excursion to Pisa and Lucca and visit Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
- Enjoy a guided tour of Rome including the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain
- Board a special train ferry to Sicily then ride the Circumetnea Train around Mt Etna
Map & Itinerary
Trip Notes
- Itinerary and hotels may be subject to change
- Airport transfers and tipping included
- Prices are for land/rail only. Flights not included
Insider Experiences
Designed exclusively for our guests
Insider Experience
Enjoy an included special or unique excursion or event
Arrive Venice
Open squares, dreamy canals and broad boulevards of Renaissance architecture – there really is nothing quite like the beauty of Venice. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Stay: Two Nights, Venice, Hyatt Centric Murano
Daily :Venice
With its unique cityscape and rich heritage as head of the Byzantine Empire, Venice has enchanted visitors for centuries. Today, you’ll enjoy a guided tour, admiring landmarks such as St Mark’s Basilica and the dazzling Doge’s Palace. The afternoon is free for you to explore.
Daily :Venice, Florence
Leaving Venice, board your high-speed train to Florence. Here you will embark on a tour of this fascinating city. Afterwards, during free time, perhaps take a stroll through the alluring Boboli Gardens or wander down to the Arno.
Stay: Three Nights, Florence, Hotel de la Ville
Daily :Florence, Siena
This morning you’ll travel to the quintessentially Tuscan city of Siena. Its well-preserved centre is interlinked by a web of narrow streets that lead to the Campo, a grand shell-shaped piazza. Take a guided tour of this charismatic city and see sights that include the Siena cathedral, built from strips of black and white marble.
Daily :Florence, Pisa, Lucca
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a Tuscan rail excursion to Pisa and Lucca.
On arrival in Pisa, a guided tour takes you to the Field of Miracles. See the Romanesque Duomo and the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Next, it’s on to Lucca – a delightful city that has escaped the tourist crowds. Enjoy free time to explore the walled city’s medieval core and ramparts, or perhaps visit the Guinigi Tower, known for the majestic oak tree growing from its top. Return to Florence and enjoy this evening at leisure.
Daily :Florence, Rome
Today, set your sights on the Eternal City as you travel to Rome. From the remains of the ancient Roman Empire, including the structurally impressive pantheon, the Roman Forum and, of course, the instantly recognisable Colosseum, to the Baroque detail of the Trevi Fountain, Italy's capital city is a treasure trove of culture and history. There's also a wonderful cafe culture to make the most of, alongside fantastic bars and shops. On arrival, we check into our hotel for three nights.
Stay: Three Nights, Rome, NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento
Daily :Rome
See the mighty Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain as you explore this incredible city on foot during a guided tour. Then spend the afternoon discovering Rome for yourself – sample some culinary delights as you wander the streets or view the masterpiece ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Daily :Rome
With a day at leisure, perhaps climb the famous Spanish Steps, or stand in awe beneath the domed ceiling of the Pantheon, which has stood the test of time for almost 2,000 years.
Daily :Rome, Naples, Sorrento
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Visit a local agriturismo, a farm specialising in authentic, seasonal food. We sit down amid rustic surroundings to enjoy a delicious meal, sampling handmade mozzarella and tasting limoncello, a favourite drink among the locals.
Travel by train to Naples, then continue to Sorrento via coach. En route, visit an Italian farmhouse for a delicious lunch. On arrival in Sorrento, a guided walking tour will take you down narrow cobbled streets, where you’ll see an exciting fusion of palace buildings and quaint old churches.
Stay: Three Nights, Sorrento, Hilton Sorrento Palace
Daily :
Sorrento, Amalfi Coast
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
This evening for dinner, join a local chef and pizza-making expert to learn the secrets of making authentic Italian pizza.
A perfect Mediterranean landscape, the Amalfi Coast’s soaring cliffs and olive groves are both dizzying and wonderful. Sail to Positano, an unspoilt village perched on the cliffside where pretty pastel houses seemingly tumble into the turquoise sea. Enjoy a little time to soak up its photo-worthy beauty before we continue to Amalfi. Here, you have free time to discover its historic delights, before returning to Sorrento.
Daily :Sorrento, Pompeii
Travel by train to ancient Pompeii, which was buried in ash by the Mt Vesuvius eruption in AD79. Take a guided tour of the lost city and see public buildings like the amphitheatre, as well as a selection of private villas.
Daily :Sorrento, Salerno, Giardini Naxos
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
In Villa San Giovanni, the train joins a special ferry for the journey across the Straits of Messina to the island of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean.
Transfer to Salerno for a train journey along Italy’s rugged west coast. Leaving mainland Italy behind travel to Sicily, just off the toe of Italy’s boot. Crowned by mighty Mount Etna, this volcanic island is packed with history and boasts stunning scenery. Check into your hotel in the seaside town of Giardini Naxos.
Stay: Three Nights, Giardini Naxos, Hellenia Yachting Hotel or similar
Daily :Giardini Naxos, Mt Etna, Circumetnea Railway
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Beginning in the village of Adrano, take the winding Circumetnea train and journey around the base of Mt Etna, passing through rugged lava plains.
Today you will enjoy a visit to Mt Etna, an active stratovolcano that measures around 3,330 metres in height and towers over the city of Catania on the island of Sicily.
Daily :Giardini Naxos, Taormina
Today, head out on a guided tour of Taormina’s highlights, including the spellbinding Teatro Greco, an immaculately preserved Greek-style amphitheatre. After the tour, enjoy some time discovering why this is one of Sicily’s most popular summer destinations. This evening, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner.
Daily :Giardini Naxos, Depart Catania
Your rail adventure through Italy draws to its conclusion. Transfer to Catania airport for your onward flight.
Daily :I could not have asked for more regarding a tour guide. Helpful in all ways, terrific personality.
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