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Tailor Made Rail · Self-guided rail holiday

Essential Cities of Northern Italy

Milan, Bologna, Venice, and Verona by Frecciarossa train, 10 days.

Illustration of Essential Cities of Northern Italy

Essential Cities of Northern Italy is a 10-day self-guided rail holiday run by Tailor Made Rail, beginning in Milan and visiting four of the region's major historic cities by Frecciarossa train. You spend two nights in Milan exploring the Duomo di Milano and the city's galleries and restaurants, then travel south to Bologna for two nights in a city home to the world's oldest university. The journey continues by train to Venice for three nights immersed in the Grand Canal, gondolas, and Renaissance art galleries, before a final Frecciarossa journey to Verona for two nights among medieval cobbled streets and a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman arena. On day 10, you return to Milan with the option to continue onward to Zurich, Lake Como, or the airport. All rail journeys in Standard Class are included, along with nine nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast and seat reservations. The self-guided format and straightforward connections between city centres suit independent travellers and those new to rail travel in Europe alike.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 10 involves a train journey back to Milan, but no onward rail travel to Zurich or Lake Como is included in the base package; those are listed as optional extensions.
  • The trip is self-guided with no escorted group activities or included meals beyond hotel breakfasts.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Milan

    Milan

    Begin exploring Milan's galleries, restaurants, plazas and shops, including the Duomo di Milano, the world's largest gothic cathedral.

  2. Day 2overnight: Milan

    Milan

    Further time in Milan.

  3. Day 3overnight: Bologna

    Milan to Bologna

    Late-morning Frecciarossa service directly to Bologna in a little over an hour, for a 2-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Bologna

    Bologna

    Explore Bologna's medieval walkways, historic architecture and one of the world's oldest universities.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Venice

    Bologna to Venice

    Late-morning train to Venice (around an hour), followed by a boat transfer, for a 3-night stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Explore the Grand Canal, St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, the gondolas and the Bridge of Sighs.

  7. Day 7overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Further time in Venice, including art galleries showcasing Canaletto, da Vinci and Titian, and artisan glassblowers.

  8. Day 8overnight: Verona

    Venice to Verona

    Late-morning Frecciarossa to Verona's Porta Nuova station, arriving in time for lunch, for a 2-night stay.

  9. Day 9overnight: Verona

    Verona

    Explore Verona's cobbled lanes and squares, take a day trip to Lake Garda, or visit the nearly 2,000-year-old Roman arena.

  10. Day 10rail

    Verona to Milan

    Train back to Milan Central Station, with onward options to continue through the Alps to Zurich, Lake Como, or the airport.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Explore Milan's Duomo di Milano, described as the world's largest gothic cathedral, along with the city's galleries, restaurants, and plazas.
  • Day 3Travel by Frecciarossa from Milan to Bologna in just over an hour.
  • Day 5Board a late-morning train from Bologna to Venice, arriving for a boat transfer into the lagoon city.
  • Day 6Walk across the Bridge of Sighs and visit St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and the Grand Canal by gondola.
  • Day 8Take the Frecciarossa from Venice to Verona, arriving at Porta Nuova station in time for lunch.

Included

  • All rail journeys, in Standard Class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 9 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruption

Questions travellers ask

Is all rail travel included?
Yes, all rail journeys are included in Standard Class, along with seat reservations where required. You travel by Frecciarossa between Milan, Bologna, Venice, and Verona.
Is this escorted or self-guided?
This is a self-guided rail holiday. Tailor Made Rail provides easy-to-follow travel documentation and proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruption, but no guide accompanies the group.
What is included in the price?
The price includes all rail journeys in Standard Class, nine nights of handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast, seat reservations, travel documentation, and proactive rerouting support.
How many nights does the trip include?
The package includes nine nights: two in Milan, two in Bologna, three in Venice, and two in Verona.
Can I extend the trip or start elsewhere?
Yes. Optional extras include adding rail travel from the UK, starting or finishing in different locations, and adding stops in Lake Como or Switzerland via onward connections from Milan or Verona.
What kind of hotels are included?
Tailor Made Rail includes nine nights in handpicked hotels: Hotel Berna in Milan, Hotel Internazionale in Bologna, Hotel Bisanzio in Venice, and Accademia Hotel in Verona.

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