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Rail Escape

Best of Italy: Venice to Rome

Eight-day rail journey through Venice, Milan, Florence, and Rome

Illustration of Best of Italy: Venice to Rome

Rail Escape's Best of Italy is an eight-day rail journey from Venice to Rome, stopping in Milan and Florence. You spend two nights in each of the first three cities, allowing time to explore at a leisurely pace before your final night in Rome. The operator includes first-class rail travel between cities, four-star hotel accommodation conveniently located near train stations, daily breakfast, airport transfers, and a welcome package with travel information. Days are unguided, so you navigate Venice's canals and bridges, visit the Uffizi Gallery and Colosseum, and sample local cuisine on your own schedule. You will need to purchase entrance fees and meals beyond breakfast separately. This tour suits history-minded travellers, couples seeking extended stays in each city, and those new to rail travel in Europe who want comfort and straightforward logistics.

What to know before you look closer

  • Some regional trains may offer only second-class seating despite the first-class rail travel promise
  • Entrance fees to museums and attractions are not included; major sites like the Uffizi Gallery and Colosseum require separate tickets
  • Lunch, dinner, and all meals beyond breakfast are your responsibility
  • Local transportation within cities, including taxis, gondolas, and metro systems, is not covered

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Venice

    Arrive in Venice

    Welcome to the canal city of Venice! After checking into your hotel for two nights, get acquainted with the iconic Piazza San Marco and St. Mark's Basilica, the awe-inspiring heart of Venice. Take an evening stroll along the Grand Canal. [Night in Venice]

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Exploring Venice

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

  3. Day 3railovernight: Milan

    Travel to Milan

    Depart Venice after breakfast and take the train to the metropolitan city of Milan. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Spend the afternoon exploring sights like the iconic Duomo cathedral and the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. [Night in Milan]

  4. Day 4overnight: Milan

    Discover Milan

    Use today to visit some of Milan's artistic and cultural highlights. Don't miss seeing Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece The Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. You could also explore the Castello Sforzesco, Brera art district, or one of Milan's top museums. [Night in Milan]

  5. Day 5railovernight: Florence

    Journey to Florence

    Leave Milan after breakfast and take the train through the Tuscan countryside to Florence. After checking into your hotel for two nights, spend the afternoon strolling through Piazza della Signoria to see the Palazzo Vecchio, and cross the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. [Night in Florence]

  6. Day 6overnight: Florence

    Florence's Museums

    No visit to Florence is complete without seeing its world-renowned Renaissance art. Visit the Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's sublime David sculpture. You'll also want to tour the incredible Uffizi Gallery housing masterworks by Botticelli, Raphael, and more. [Night in Florence]

  7. Day 7railovernight: Rome

    Travel to Rome

    Depart Florence after breakfast and take the train to the Eternal City of Rome. After checking into your hotel, you could spend the afternoon visiting the historic Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon in the heart of the city. [Night in Rome]

  8. Day 8

    Depart Rome

    On your final morning in Italy's capital, devote some time to the most iconic sites of ancient Rome like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. If time allows, you could also visit the immense St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City before departing.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrive in Venice and take an evening stroll along the Grand Canal after visiting Piazza San Marco and St. Mark's Basilica
  • Day 2Experience Venice by gondola ride and explore the Rialto Bridge area
  • Day 3Travel by train to Milan and visit the famous Duomo cathedral and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
  • Day 5Take the train through Tuscan countryside to Florence and cross the Ponte Vecchio bridge
  • Day 7Travel by train to Rome and visit the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Pantheon

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 between Venice, Milan, Florence, and Rome, though some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
Where will I stay each night?
You stay two nights each in Venice (Hotel Palazzetto Madonna), Milan (NYX Hotel Milan by Leonardo Hotels), and Florence (The Market Urban Hotel), and one night in Rome (Bettoja Atlantico Hotel). All are four-star hotels.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast at your hotel is included. Lunch, dinner, and other meals are not included and are your responsibility.
Are entrance fees to museums and attractions included?
No. The package does not cover entrance fees to sites like the Uffizi Gallery, Colosseum, or any guided tours. These are additional costs.
Does the price include flights?
No. International airfare is not included. Rail Escape can arrange flights separately at an additional cost.
What is included in the package?
The package includes first-class rail travel, four-star hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, airport transfers, and a welcome package with travel essentials and itinerary details.

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