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Rail Escape

Art and Romance: Amsterdam to Rome and Venice

14-day rail journey from Amsterdam through Frankfurt, Munich, Venice to Rome.

Illustration of Art and Romance: Amsterdam to Rome and Venice

Rail Escape's Art and Romance itinerary spans 14 days and 13 nights, departing Amsterdam and arriving in Rome via Frankfurt, Munich, and Venice. The journey pairs first-class train travel with 4-star hotel stays in each city, beginning with three days exploring Amsterdam's museums and canals, including a canal cruise past 17th-century merchant houses. From there, travellers take the train to Frankfurt for two nights of Old Town exploration and the Städel Museum, then onward to Munich for three nights with views of Nymphenburg Palace and the Englischer Garten, and optional day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle. The route continues by train into Italy, stopping two nights in Venice for gondola rides and Piazza San Marco, before a final three days in Rome visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican, and Sistine Chapel. Each day includes a full breakfast at the hotel. The tour suits repeat rail travellers, couples, history lovers, and photographers seeking a multi-city European itinerary with guided structure at the hotels but independent exploration of each destination.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of USD 5,249 covers accommodation, breakfast, airport transfers, and first-class rail; lunches, dinners, entrance fees, and activities are booked and paid separately.
  • Some regional trains may offer second-class seating only, despite the first-class promise.
  • Local transportation within cities (taxis, buses, subways) is not included; budget accordingly for sightseeing.
  • Entrance fees to major attractions like the Rijksmuseum, Vatican, Colosseum, and Uffizi are not covered.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Amsterdam

    Arrive in Amsterdam

    Welcome to the Netherlands! After checking into your hotel for a three-night stay, get oriented in this picturesque Dutch city by joining a canal cruise that passes iconic 17th-century merchant houses and leaning gabled buildings. [Night in Amsterdam]

  2. Day 2overnight: Amsterdam

    Discover Amsterdam

    Spend today experiencing Amsterdam's highlights like the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the charming Jordaan neighborhood, and lively Dam Square. Be sure to take time to wander the quaint canals and bridges. [Night in Amsterdam]

  3. Day 3overnight: Amsterdam

    More of Amsterdam

    With another day in Amsterdam, you can visit any museums or neighborhoods you missed, or take a half-day trip to see the iconic Dutch windmills in Kinderdijk or the tulip fields at Keukenhof (Mid-April to mid-May). You could also explore the trendy De Pijp district. [Night in Amsterdam]

  4. Day 4railovernight: Frankfurt

    Travel to Frankfurt

    Leave Amsterdam after breakfast and take the train to Frankfurt, Germany. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Get oriented with an stroll along the Main River and see the historic Römerberg plaza in the heart of the Old Town. [Night in Frankfurt]

  5. Day 5overnight: Frankfurt

    Exploring Frankfurt

    Today, experience the major attractions in the financial hub of Frankfurt. Visit the Gothic St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Städel Museum housing an excellent art collection. You may also enjoy wandering the lively Sachsenhausen district. [Night in Frankfurt]

  6. Day 6railovernight: Munich

    Journey to Munich

    Depart Frankfurt after breakfast and travel by train to Munich in Bavaria. After checking into your hotel, get your first taste of Munich at the famous Marienplatz square with its New Town Hall glockenspiel clock show. [Night in Munich]

  7. Day 7overnight: Munich

    Munich's Attractions

    Explore top sites in Munich like Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty, as well as the nearby Englischer Garten, one of the world's largest city parks. You could also visit the BMW Museum and factory. [Night in Munich]

  8. Day 8overnight: Munich

    Day Trip from Munich

    Use today to take a day trip from Munich to places like the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the idyllic village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, or the nearby Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site for a somber reminder of history. [Night in Munich]

  9. Day 9railovernight: Venice

    Travel to Venice

    Leave Munich after breakfast and take the train into Italy to the canal city of Venice. After checking into your hotel for two nights, get acquainted with Piazza San Marco and St. Mark's Basilica, the iconic heart of Venice. [Night in Venice]

  10. Day 10overnight: Venice

    Exploring Venice

    Today, experience the true essence of Venice by getting purposefully lost in the labyrinth of canals, bridges and piazzas. Take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, visit the Rialto Bridge area, and simply soak in the unique Venetian atmosphere. [Night in Venice]

  11. Day 11railovernight: Rome

    Travel to Rome

    Depart Venice after breakfast and take the train to the Italian capital of Rome. After checking into your hotel for three nights, you could spend the afternoon visiting the historic Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon. [Night in Rome]

  12. Day 12overnight: Rome

    Discovering Ancient Rome

    Today is for immersing yourself in the most iconic sites of ancient Rome like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. You'll be walking in the footsteps of Caesars, senators, and gladiators in these remarkably preserved wonders. [Night in Rome]

  13. Day 13overnight: Rome

    Vatican and More Rome

    Start your day marveling at the spiritual heart of the Vatican City on a visit to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Spend the afternoon checking out sights like the Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori market, or one of Rome's many museums. [Night in Rome]

  14. Day 14

    Depart Rome

    On your final day in Italy's capital, visit any attractions you may have missed, do last-minute souvenir shopping, or simply relax at an outdoor cafe and soak in the bustling energy of this ancient city before departing.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Canal cruise through Amsterdam past 17th-century merchant houses and leaning gabled buildings.
  • Day 6Day 6: Arrival at Munich's Marienplatz to witness the New Town Hall's glockenspiel clock show.
  • Day 9Day 9: Train arrival in Venice, followed by a first visit to Piazza San Marco and St. Mark's Basilica.
  • Day 12Day 12: Walking the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill in Rome.

Included

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey.
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience.
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options.
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Not included

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights.
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs.
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility.
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered.
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion.
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail Escape includes first-class rail travel throughout the 14-day itinerary, connecting Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Venice, and Rome. Some regional trains may operate in second class.
What hotels are included?
The package includes 4-star hotels: NH City Centre (Amsterdam, 3 nights), Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer (2 nights), 25 hours the royal bavarian (Munich, 3 nights), Hotel Palazzetto Madonna (Venice, 2 nights), and Bettoja Atlantico Hotel (Rome, 3 nights).
What meals are included?
Daily full breakfast is provided at all hotels. Lunch, dinner, and other meals are not included and are your responsibility.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
The itinerary is self-guided. Rail Escape provides hotel accommodation, rail travel, airport transfers, and a welcome package, but does not assign a tour guide for daily activities.
What is not included in the price?
International airfare, entrance fees to museums and attractions, meals beyond breakfast, local transportation within cities, personal expenses, tips, gratuities, and local taxes are not included.
When does this tour depart?
Rail Escape does not list specific departure dates in the package information. Contact the operator directly to confirm available dates.

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