ITALY BY TRAIN: Eternal cities, 5 Terre & Como

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.

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 lunch 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, St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel: Explore the priceless treasures held within the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel! Visit the Pio Clementino Hall, Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere, Maps Gallery, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestries Gallery and the incredible Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, discover the incredible St. Peter’s Basilica and the atmospheric St. Peter’s Square, dominated by Michelangelo’s imposing Cupola!

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

Why not upgrade your trip with our Must see`s 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 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 hotels in Florence are located just a few minutes walk from the train station, in this case private transfer 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 Half-Day Tour to Pisa & The Leaning Tower: 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 transfer* to the train station to catch the train to Genova, a charming port city and the capital of Italy's Liguria region. Arrive, transfer to the hotel and get settled in before enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure. Famed for its maritime history, Genova is known for its lighthouse, pretty harbor, flanked by colorful buildings and monumental squares, such as Piazza de Ferrari. Overnight stay in Genova.

* Most hotels in Florence are located just a few minutes walk from the train station, in this case private transfer may not be included.

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the beautiful seaside villages of Cinque Terre* on a full-day excursion today. Self -transfer to the station to catch a train to La Spezia to begin a day of charming landscapes and beautiful sea views. Head to the meeting point before continuing by train to Vernazza, one of the most colorful villages in the region. Spend some free time exploring this picturesque village at your leisure, admiring its pastel-colored houses and spectacular sea views. The next stop of the day is Monterosso, the largest of the Cinque Terre seaside towns. Explore its idyllic beaches and indulge in a delicious limoncello tasting session at a traditional shop. Limoncello is a sweet lemon-flavored liqueur, characteristic of this region. Next up is fabulous Riomaggiore, one of the most photographed villages of Cinque Terre. See the local fishermen going about their daily lives and soak up the traditional atmosphere of this charming place. End the day back in La Spezia before returning by train to Genova. The evening is at your leisure to indulge in the unique flavors of Ligurian cuisine and discover more of Genova. Overnight stay in Genova.

*From November to March this tour will be replaced by Gastronomic & Wine Tour of Genoa, due to seasonality. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Head north today as you transfer to the station to catch a train to Milan. Arrive, transfer to the hotel and, once settled, head to the meeting point to start your city tour of Milan to discover the history and culture of this Gothic city. Stop at Parco Sempione and Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress rebuilt and embellished by the Sforza family in 1450. Walk through the surrounding gardens and admire the castle from the outside. Continue to the Teatro alla Scala, the Milanese Salone and the Tempio dell'Opera. See the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an opulent shopping arcade, famous for its vaulted glass and iron arches, before admiring the incredible Duomo Cathedral from the outside, a true architectural marvel and the fifth largest cathedral in Europe! The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Milan at your leisure. Why not go out for a few scoops of gelato this evening or pay a visit to the fabulous Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, one of the most famous sights in Milan. Overnight stay in Milan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the hustle and bustle behind as you set off on a full-day excursion to Lake Como and Bellagio. Head to the meeting point and depart northwards to the Italian Alps, home to the stunning shores of Lake Como, one of the most sought-after destinations in the country. Known for its tranquil waters and glamorous resorts, explore the natural beauty of the surroundings and enjoy some free time for shopping or lunch. Afterwards, embark on a 2-hour cruise across Lake Como to take in the Alpine views and cool, clear air. Disembark at the upmarket town of Bellagio and spend some time at your leisure to get to know its charming streets and cosmopolitan cafes before returning to Milan. Overnight stay in Milan

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the station to catch high-speed train to Venice (Mestre Station). 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 of this eternal city, such as the immense Piazza San Marco. Overnight stay in Venice Mestre.

* Most hotels in Venice Mestre 7are located just a few minutes walk from the train station, in this case private transfer may not be included.

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 Must see`s of Italy package of 2 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer by car from Venice Mestre 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.