Top to Toe of Italy by Rail | 12 Days

DAY 1:                 VENICE

Upon arrival in Venice (airport or rail station), join a shared transfer by boat to Venice city centre, to reach the hotel of your stay. Rest of the day at disposal to discover Venice and its beautiful lagoon.

DAY 2:                   VENICE

Breakfast at the hotel, then a full day dedicated to exploring Venice. 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 3:                   VENICE – FLORENCE

After breakfast at the hotel, make your own way to Venice Santa Lucia station to board the high-speed train to Florence. The journey takes about 2h 15′. 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 4:                   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 5:                   FLORENCE – ROME

After breakfast at the hotel, make your own way to Santa Maria Novella rail station to board the High-Speed Train to Roma Termini. The journey will take about 1h30′. After arriving at the hotel, enjoy free time for an independent visit of Rome. Overnight in Rome. (B)

DAY 6:                   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 7:                   ROME – NAPLES – POMPEII – SORRENTO

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 to Sorrento, famous for its picturesque old town centre and characteristic fisherman’s village of Marina Grande, one of the most authentic treasures of the city. Overnight in Sorrento. (B)

DAY 8:                   SORRENTO – CAPRI – ANACAPRI – SORRENTO

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will participate in a small group tour (max 20 pax) in Capri and Anacapri, with the famous Blue Grotto included. Through this excursion, you can visit the beautiful Blue Grotto, with its colours and atmosphere known throughout the world (please note: the visit of Blue Grotto is weather permitting). Afterwards, you can visit Anacapri and Capri and discover the beauties of this wonderful island (lunch not included). In the afternoon, return to Sorrento by ferry. Once you arrive at the port, make your own way back to the hotel. Overnight in Sorrento. (B)

DAY 9:                   SORRENTO – NAPLES – REGGIO CALABRIA

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Naples Afragola station. Here, you will take the high-speed train in the direction of Reggio Calabria where you can admire the beautiful landscapes of Southern Italy, as you approach the tip of the Italian boot. Arrive in Reggio Calabria, city with a huge heart, scene of myths, legends and culture. Reggio Calabria is one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in Southern Italy. Its very long promenade (Lungomare Falcomatà) is one of the longest and most romantic in Italy. Walking along the seafront of Reggio, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of Sicily, divided only by the Strait of Messina. Reggio also has an elegant historic centre full of attractions, such as the magnificent city Basilica, the Aragonese Castle and the many historical museums. You can also find excellent restaurants that still preserve the typical flavours and recipes of Calabria, one of the Italian regions where food is revered and is a symbol of hospitality and care towards people. Overnight in Reggio Calabria. (B)

DAY 10:                   REGGIO CALABRIA – TAORMINA/GIARDINI NAXOS

After breakfast, make your own way to the port of Reggio Calabria and board the ferry to Messina, saying goodbye to beautiful Calabria. The ferry crosses the Strait of Messina, place of legends and ancient Greek poems. On arrival to the port of Messina, a private transfer awaits to take you directly to Taormina, one of the most fascinating cities in Sicily. Check-in at the hotel (early check-in not guaranteed) and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Taormina/Giardini Naxos. (B)

DAY 11:               TAORMINA/GIARDINI NAXOS

Breakfast at the hotel, then a full day dedicated to exploring Taormina and its surrounds. For those who love relaxation, we recommend enjoying the sea and the beautiful beaches of the town. For the more adventurous, we suggest taking a half-day trip to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Explore the craters and enjoy the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, return to Taormina and spend the afternoon relaxing on the stunning Isola Bella beach, reachable by cable car from the city centre. Overnight in Taormina/Giardini Naxos. (B)

DAY 12:                                TAORMINA/GIARDINI NAXOS

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

Accommodation (or similar):

SUPERIOR CLASS:

VENICE: Hotel Principe

FLORENCE: Hotel Executive

ROME: Hotel Diana Roof Garden

SORRENTO: Hotel Michelangelo

REGGIO CALABRIA: Hotel Torrione

TAORMINA/GIARDINI NAXOS: Hotel Arathena Rocks

Includes:

• 2 nights accommodation in Venice
• 2 nights accommodation in Florence
• 2 nights accommodation in Rome
• 2 nights accommodation in Sorrento
• 1 night accommodation in Reggio Calabria
• 2 nights accommodation in Taormina/Giardini Naxos
• 11 breakfasts at the hotel
• Arrival transfer by shared shuttle boat in Venice (from Venice Marco Polo Airport or Venice Santa Lucia Station to set stops in Venice city centre)
• Private one-way transfer from Naples to Sorrento with 2 hours stop in Pompeii
• Private one-way transfer from Sorrento to Napoli Afragola station
• Private one-way transfer from Messina port to Hotel in Taormina/Giardini Naxos
• 30 minutes Gondola ride with commentary on app to be downloaded on your smart phone (English/Spanish/Russian/French) – gondola shared with other passengers
• Half day guided group tour of Florence
• Guided small group tour of Colosseum and Roman Forum
• Entrance tickets to the Pompeii Archaeological Area (guide not included – possibility to add private guide by supplement)
• Group excursion to Capri Island from Sorrento including visit to the Blue Grotto ***weather permitting – no refund in case of bad
• 2nd class^ high speed train ticket from Venice Santa Lucia to Florence Santa Maria Novella
• 2nd class^ high speed train ticket from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Roma Termini
• 2nd class^ high speed train ticket from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale
• 2nd class^ high speed train ticket from Napoli Afragola to Reggio Calabria Centrale
• One-way public ferry ticket from Reggio Calabria port to Messina port

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^ndclass unless the optional upgrade to 1^stclass has been selected at the time of booking.