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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

A Flavour of Italy

13-day Italian rail tour from Rome to Milan with cooking classes and food tours

Illustration of A Flavour of Italy

Marvellous Escapes' 13-day A Flavour of Italy is an independent tailor-made rail journey through Italy's culinary heartland, departing Rome and concluding in Milan. The itinerary moves south to north, pausing for two nights in each of six destinations: Rome, La Spezia, Florence, Bologna, Verona, and Milan. Train travel connects each city on Eurostar, TGV Lyria, and Trenitalia services, with the Cinque Terre Rail Card included for exploring five Mediterranean coastal villages near La Spezia. Days blend self-guided exploration with structured culinary experiences: guided food tours in Rome and Bologna, a pasta-making session, a Tuscan winery visit and lunch, a pizza-making class in Milan, and informal market and trattoria visits. You travel independently between cities but receive 24-hour on-trip support. The trip suits food enthusiasts and independent travellers who want hands-on cooking instruction alongside sightseeing in art and history.

What to know before you look closer

  • The price from GBP 2,499 includes flights to and from the UK or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras, plus hotel and tour content; confirm which option applies when booking.
  • This is an independent journey with guided food tours and small-group walking tours at certain stops, not a fully escorted tour; you make your own way between some activities.
  • Day 7 requires you to make your own way to Bologna train station after breakfast; the 40-minute train journey is included but unguided.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Upon arrive into the Eternal City, you will settle into your hotel and then begin your exploration of this historic metropolis. Wander through the city streets and discover its iconic attractions and landmarks. In the evening, venture just outside the city centre to dine like a local, treating yourself to the classic Pasta alla Carbonara and other Roman delicacies such as Carciofi alla Romana, Suppli, or Coda alla Vaccinara.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Explore Rome at your leisure today, walk in the footsteps of gladiators at the famous Colosseum and stroll through the ruins of the Roman Forum. Save some room for your experience this evening at your Twilight Trastevere Food Tour.

  3. Day 3railovernight: La Spezia

    La Spezia

    Head to the train station after breakfast and embark on a picturesque train ride along the stunning Mediterranean coast to La Spezia. Use your included Cinque Terre Rail Card to hop on short, scenic train rides between Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Monterosso. Later, choose one of the villages to savour a delectable seafood dinner.

  4. Day 4railovernight: La Spezia

    La Spezia

    Spend another day making use of your included Cinque Terre Rail Card, there is so much scenery to enjoy and many charming scenic villages to visit.

  5. Day 5overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Today you'll head to Florence! Explore the famous Uffizi Gallery with your skip-the-line ticket, then head to the Mercato Centrale. Come dinner, why not try the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina with some local wine?

  6. Day 6overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Embark on a guided day trip to discover Tuscany's most iconic destinations: the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the medieval allure of Siena, the hilltop town of San Gimignano, and Chianti, including a winery tour with a Tuscan lunch and wine tastings.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Bologna

    Bologna

    Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, then make your own way to the train station for your 40-minute journey to Bologna. After checking into your hotel stroll along the ancient arcades, visit the Axinellid and Griselda towers, and see Bologna's own canals near Via Paella.

  8. Day 8overnight: Bologna

    Bologna

    Join your local food walking tour where you will taste your way through this incredible city, learning all the history along the way with your expert guide, trying Italy's best meats, cheeses, and the Bolognese that the city is famous for.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Verona

    Verona

    After breakfast, it's time for a short train ride over to Verona, arriving in just under an hour. Check out Casa di Giulietta, Piazza delle Erbe, one of Italy's most picturesque squares, and the Torre dei Lamberti for incredible views.

  10. Day 10overnight: Verona

    Verona

    Fully immerse yourself in an exploration of Verona today, with a small group walking tour. This Roman amphitheatre built in 30 AD is astonishingly still in use today, for large scale productions.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Milan

    Milan

    Your last destination in Italy is Milan, only a quick train ride from Verona. Enjoy a day leisurely exploring the Duomo, the Galleria, or any of the other popular sights in Italy's fashion capital.

  12. Day 12overnight: Milan

    Milan

    On your second day in Milan you'll enjoy your final culinary immersion, with a pizza making class! Finally enjoy the evening sights of this great city before heading home tomorrow.

  13. Day 13

    Return home

    Following breakfast, check-out of your hotel, and begin your onward travel plans from Milan. If you would like to extend your time in Italy, spend some additional days in another city, or region, the Marvellous Escapes team are on hand to assist you.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Twilight Trastevere Food Tour in Rome, dining on classic Pasta alla Carbonara and Roman specialities.
  • Day 3Day 3: Scenic train ride along the Mediterranean coast to La Spezia with included Cinque Terre Rail Card access to five coastal villages.
  • Day 6Day 6: Full-day guided tour of Tuscany visiting Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti with winery tour and wine tastings.
  • Day 8Day 8: Local food walking tour in Bologna sampling Italian meats, cheeses, and Bolognese sauce with an expert guide.
  • Day 12Day 12: Pizza-making class in Milan followed by exploring the city's evening sights.

Included

  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Rome with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in La Spezia with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Florence with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Bologna with breakfast included
  • 2-night's hotel accommodation in Verona with breakfast included
  • 2-night's hotel accommodation in Milan with breakfast included
  • Flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
  • Secure reservations for the Eurostar, TGV Lyria and Trenitalia trains
  • Rome Trastevere Guided Food & Wine Tour
  • Cinque Terre Rail Card
  • A Special Day In Tuscany: Full Day Tour
  • Taste Bologna Food Walking Tour
  • Guided Walking Tour Of Verona In A Small Group
  • Gelato and Pizza Making Class In Milan

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes secure reservations for Eurostar, TGV Lyria, and Trenitalia trains connecting Rome, La Spezia, Florence, Bologna, Verona, and Milan, plus the Cinque Terre Rail Card for five coastal villages.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
It is independent tailor-made. You travel between destinations on your own schedule, with guided food tours and cooking classes at each stop and 24-hour on-trip support from Marvellous Escapes.
What hotels are included?
Two nights in each of six cities: Rome, La Spezia, Florence, Bologna, Verona, and Milan. All include breakfast.
What guided experiences are included?
Twilight Trastevere Food and Wine Tour in Rome, Taste Bologna Food Walking Tour, Guided Walking Tour of Verona in a small group, Full Day Tour of Tuscany with winery visit and lunch, and Gelato and Pizza Making Class in Milan.
How much walking is involved?
Walking tours are included in Rome, Bologna, and Verona; city exploration at your pace in Florence and Milan; and a full-day Tuscany tour on Day 6. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
When does this tour depart?
Marvellous Escapes does not publish fixed departure dates; this is a tailor-made journey that can be arranged on request.

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