Essence of Italy by Rail Winter | Self Guided Tour | 9 Days

DAY 1:                   ROME

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel by a private car. The rest of the day is at leisure, to explore the Eternal City. Overnight in Rome. 

DAY 2:                   ROME

Today, join our Imperial Tour of Rome to closely admire the monuments of the Roman Forum, enter the Colosseum and listen to our guide’s presentation of the evocative history of ancient Rome and the gladiators’ fights that took place there. In the afternoon, free time to continue exploring the Eternal City. Overnight in Rome. (B) 

DAY 3:                   ROME – POMPEII – NAPLES

After breakfast at the hotel, make your own way to Rome Termini station to board the high-speed train to Naples. Upon arrival in Naples, meet our driver and proceed to Pompeii where you will enjoy a 2-hour stop to visit the archaeological area (tickets included – guide not included but possibility to add it). This ancient Roman city was destroyed when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD and buried it, preserving it under a sea of volcanic ash for nearly 1700 years. At the end of the visit transfer back to Naples, rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Naples. (B)

DAY 4:                   NAPLES

Breakfast at the hotel, then spend the day discovering Naples. In the morning we suggest visiting the Archaeological Museum to see Roman antiquities, including artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum. In the afternoon, explore Castel dell’Ovo and take a stroll along the Lungomare. For panoramic city views, ride the funicular up to Vomero hill and visit the Certosa di San Martino. If you missed the Royal Palace earlier, this is a great chance to explore it. End your day in Piazza Bellini, known for its lively nightlife, cafés, and restaurants – the perfect spot to unwind. Overnight in Naples. (B)

DAY 5:                   NAPLES – FLORENCE 

After breakfast at the hotel, you will reach Napoli centrale rail station by private transfer, to board the high-speed train to Florence. After arriving at your hotel, the day is at leisure to explore Florence, the ‘cradle of the Renaissance’ independently. We would suggest a guided tour of one of the main museums: the Uffizi Galleries, with the masterpieces of the masters of the Italian Renaissance, or the Accademia Gallery, which houses the original of Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, or a half day visit to Pisa and its famous leaning tower. Alternatively, those who are fond of food can have an engaging Italian cooking lesson, which begins at the “Central Market”, the largest, most vibrant and colourful food market in the city. Overnight in Florence. (B)

DAY 6:                   FLORENCE

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will discover two thousand years of history of the cradle of the Renaissance through the eyes of an expert local guide, who will take you in an unforgettable journey to discover the most beautiful squares and monuments of Florence. With this half day tour, you will admire with your own eyes the sites and monuments that have made Florence one of the most visited destinations in the world. Rest of the day at disposal to visit the monuments and/or the museums or Florence or organize an excursion to the surrounding areas. Overnight in Florence. (B)

DAY 7:                   FLORENCE – VENICE

After breakfast at the hotel, make your own way to the train station. Board the high-speed train to Venice S. Lucia. The journey takes about 2h 15′. After arriving, make your own way to your hotel. In the afternoon there will be a 30-minute “gondola ride” with commentary via an app on your mobile phone. Overnight stay in Venice. (B)

DAY 8:                  VENICE

Breakfast at the hotel, then a full day dedicated to exploring Venice or its lagoon. You can take a guided walking tour through the most famous places in the city (Piazza San Marco with the Basilica and the Clock Tower, the Rialto Bridge, Campo Santa Maria Formosa) and others less known; or a skip-the-line guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, with the Doge’s luxurious apartments and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Alternatively, you can go on a boat trip to the islands of the Venice lagoon. Overnight in Venice. (B)

DAY 9:                   VENICE

Breakfast at the hotel before checking out. End of our services. (B)

Accommodation (or similar):

SUPERIOR CLASS:

ROME: Hotel Diana Roof Garden

NAPLES: Starhotels Terminus 

FLORENCE: Florence Hotel Executive 

VENICE: Venice Hotel Principe

Includes:

• 2 nights accommodation in Rome
• 2 nights accommodation in Naples
• 2 nights accommodation in Florence
• 2 nights accommodation in Venice
• 8 breakfasts at the hotel
• Private arrival transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Hotel in Rome city centre
• Half day guided small group tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum 
• Excursion to Pompeii by private car/minivan (from/to Naples – including 2 hours stop in Pompeii)
• Entrance tickets to the Pompeii Archaeological Area (guide not included – possibility to add private guide by supplement)
• Private one-way transfer from the Hotel in Naples to Napoli Centrale station
• Half day guided group tour of Florence
• 30 minutes Gondola ride with commentary on app to be downloaded on your smart phone (English/Spanish/Russian/French) – gondola shared with other passengers
• 2nd class^ high speed train ticket from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale
• 2nd class^ high speed train ticket from Napoli Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station
• 2nd class^ high speed train ticket from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Venezia Santa Lucia rail station

Excludes:

• Transfers from/to the rail stations unless specified under ‘Includes’. Note: The hotels are located walking distance from the rail stations
• Tourist city tax, to be paid on the spot
• Lunches and dinners
• Optional tours and experiences
• Extras, tips, porterage, and everything not expressly listed as inclusion is not included and to be paid on the spot

Things to Note:

• Accommodation is subject to change without notice.
• Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.
• City taxes are not included and are to be paid directly to the hotel.
• ^Class of rail ticket is based on 2^nd class unless the optional upgrade to 1^st class has been selected at the time of booking.