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Travel to Europe (To-Europe) · Independent rail circle tour

8-Day Italy Rail Circle Tour (8R05)

Italian rail circle: Rome, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Tuscan towns

Illustration of 8-Day Italy Rail Circle Tour (8R05)

Travel to Europe's 8-Day Italy Rail Circle Tour is a self-guided independent rail package that departs from Rome and returns to the same city after visiting Venice, Florence, and charming Tuscan towns. Over seven nights, travelers stay in three hotels: Rome (2 nights), Venice (2 nights), and Florence (3 nights), connected by second-class trains. The itinerary balances unguided exploration and structured experiences: Days 1 and 2 offer free time in Rome plus a guided walking tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Day 3 brings a train journey to Venice with visits to St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace. Day 4 includes a free English-speaking walking tour. Day 5 features a speed train to Florence for sightseeing at Il Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. Days 6 and 7 add escorted coach tours into the Chianti countryside to Siena and San Gimignano, and to Pisa's Square of Miracles. This blend of rail travel, independent city exploration, and guided excursions appeals to first-time rail travelers, history enthusiasts, and couples seeking a structured yet flexible Italian experience.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement is high: USD 3,399 compared to USD 2,119 for a double room.
  • One reviewer noted the Rome hotel was not up to the standard of the Venice and Florence properties.
  • All meals other than breakfast are not included; lunch and dinner must be arranged and paid separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Free time for sightseeing in Rome City Center, including the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Three-hour English-speaking walking tour covering the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Venice

    Venice

    Rail from Rome directly to Venice. Sightseeing including the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace.

  4. Day 4overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Free English-speaking Venice walking tour covering St. Mark's Square, Marco Polo's House and the Cannaregio District.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Florence

    Florence

    Speed train from Venice directly to Florence. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Il Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio.

  6. Day 6overnight: Florence

    San Gimignano and Siena

    Escorted coach tour through the Chianti countryside to Siena (Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico) and San Gimignano (Collegiate Church, Church of Saint Augustine), returning to Florence in the evening.

  7. Day 7overnight: Florence

    Pisa

    Escorted coach tour to Pisa with a local guide for a walking tour of the Square of Miracles, including the Leaning Tower and the Cathedral.

  8. Day 8rail

    Rome

    High-speed train back to Rome, where the tour ends. Post-tour accommodation in Rome can be arranged on request.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided three-hour walking tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with an English-speaking guide.
  • Day 3Rail journey from Rome to Venice, arriving in the lagoon city to see the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square.
  • Day 5Speed train from Venice to Florence; visit the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Il Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio.
  • Day 6Escorted coach tour through Chianti countryside to Siena and San Gimignano, returning to Florence in the evening.
  • Day 7Guided half-day coach tour to Pisa to see the Square of Miracles, Leaning Tower, and Cathedral with a local guide.

Included

  • 3-hour English-speaking Rome walking tour (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill)
  • Train ticket Rome to Venice
  • Free English-speaking Venice walking tour
  • Speed train ticket Venice to Florence
  • Escorted coach tour to San Gimignano and Siena and back to Florence
  • Half day escorted coach tour to Pisa
  • Train ticket Florence to Rome
  • Buffet breakfast daily
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation per itinerary

Not included

  • Airfare from/to your origin to/from Rome International Airport
  • All meals other than breakfast
  • Gratuities (tips)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes second-class rail tickets from Rome to Venice, Venice to Florence, and Florence back to Rome. A first-class upgrade is available for an additional USD 149 per person.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is a self-guided independent tour. Travel to Europe provides a day-by-day itinerary and information sheets. Guided experiences include a three-hour Rome walking tour, a free Venice walking tour, and escorted coach tours to Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa.
What hotels are included?
Hotel Napoleon in Rome (2 nights), Hotel Abbazia in Venice (2 nights), and Embassy Hotel in Florence (3 nights). Buffet breakfast is included daily.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes a three-hour walking tour in Rome, a free walking tour in Venice, and walking tours during the coach excursions to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano. Days 1, 3, and 5 include additional free time for personal sightseeing on foot.
When does the tour run?
The pack does not specify departure dates. Contact Travel to Europe directly for current availability.
What is not included?
Airfare to and from Rome, all meals except breakfast, and gratuities are not included.

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