Grand Tour of Italy - Experience Italy‘s magnificent cities by rail

Experience the very essence of Italy as we compare the Eternal City of Rome, graceful Renaissance Florence and the labyrinthine port of Venice, with the flower-strewn beauty of the Tuscan countryside.

Tour highlights

• Overnight stops in Paris and Turin
• Rome including a city tour and Colosseum entrance
• Castelgandalfo
• Palazzo Chigi di Ariccia
• A city tour of Florence
• A guided tour of Lucca
• Venice including a guided tour
• Farewell dinner

Days 1-2 - By train to Rome via Paris

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris travelling in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board. This evening is free to explore this fascinating city - why not enjoy a cruise down the Seine to admire the twinkling lights of France's capital? On Day 2 we travel down through France and the heart of Italy, arriving in its magnificent capital and transferring to the Massimo D'Azeglio Hotel, our base for four nights. (Day 1- E; Day 2-B,D)

Day 3 - Exploring Rome

We enjoy a half-day guided tour of the ancient city today. Highlights include the Colosseum, the huge arena commissioned in 72AD, the incredibly well-preserved Roman Forum, and the theatrical Trevi Fountain. This afternoon you are free to savour the sights and sounds of Rome's seductive beauty, before dinner this evening in the hotel. (B,D)

Day 4 - A day at leisure in Rome

You have the opportunity to explore this fascinating city at your own pace today or visit the superb St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican museums (payable locally). Alternatively, you may simply wish to stroll through Rome's atmospheric streets, ascend the monumental Spanish Steps or relax in one of Rome's many squares with a coffee or ice-cream and watch the world go by. (B)

Day 5 - Into the hills to Castelgandolfo

Today's excursion by coach takes us into the hills beyond Rome, crossing the ancient Appian Way and wending our way through beautiful villages, including a visit to Palazzo Chigi di Ariccia, an austere and noble palace. We enjoy dinner tonight at Castelgandolfo, the Pope's summer retreat on Lake Albano. (B,D)

Day 6 - By train to Florence

This morning, we take the high-speed train to Renaissance Florence, regarded by many as Europe's artistic capital. We spend three nights at the Hotel Santa Maria Novella, a short walk from the city's historic attractions. We enjoy a guided tour this afternoon, visiting the spectacular Duomo with its distinctive orange-tiled dome, rising up above the heart of the city, and the unique Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, constructed in 1345. Dinner tonight is in a typical Tuscan restaurant. (B,D)

Day 7 - A day at leisure

Today is free for you to discover Florence at your own pace. The Basilica di Santa Croce, which houses the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo is well worth a visit, and don't forget to visit the Uffizi art gallery. (B)

Day 8 - Excursion to Lucca

Our rail excursion today takes us to the beautiful walled city of Lucca, one of the most perfectly preserved medieval towns in Europe. We enjoy a guided tour here and enjoy lunch in a typical Lucchese restaurant, followed by some free time. Take a stroll through the narrow winding streets of the Old Town or perhaps climb one of the bell-towers for lovely views over the jumbled maze of red-tiled roofs. (B,L)

Day 9 - By train to Venice

Sit back and enjoy our high-speed rail journey to Venice. On arrival, we walk to our hotel for three nights, the splendid Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, looking out over Venice's most famous stretch of water. There is time for you to start your exploration of this incredible floating city before we meet for dinner tonight. (B,D)

Day 10 - Sightseeing in Venice

We begin our guided tour today in the very heart of Venice, St Mark's Square, which is dominated by the magnificent Basilica di San Marco and the venerable Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace. This afternoon, why not soak up the atmosphere with a romantic gondola ride? For those who prefer a bird's-eye view, take the opportunity to climb the Campanile de San Marco, which offers incredible vistas over the buildings clustered around the centre, and shimmering lagoons further out. (B)

Day 11 - A day at leisure in Venice

Today is at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Venice lends itself to idle wandering, and possibly the best way to enjoy its captivating charms is to let yourself get lost in the myriad of winding alleys and twisting lanes that make up the city centre. Alternatively, why not sail to the island of Murano, famous for its gorgeous glassware, or Burano, well-known for its lace-making industry? This evening we conclude with a farewell dinner in a locallyrenowned restaurant in San Marco. (B,D)

Days 12-13 - Farewell to Italy

After a free morning, we take the direct train to Turin, where we spend the night at the 4-star Hotel ATA Concord. On Day 13 we travel on by TGV to Paris, where we transfer by coach across the city. We continue on the Eurostar service to St Pancras International with a light meal and drinks served before our arrival. (Day 12- B,D; Day 13-B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Grand Tour Of Italy - Luxury Escorted Rail Tours - Rail Holidays

Grand Tour Of Italy, Experience Italy's Magnificent Cities on this 14 day luxury escorted Rail Tour. Frequent departures, Find out more.
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