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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Glorious Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast & Eternal Rome

Escorted rail journey from London through Rome to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

Illustration of Glorious Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast & Eternal Rome

Great Rail Journeys operates this 11-day escorted tour from London to Rome and the Amalfi Coast, combining five days of significant rail travel with six nights based in the clifftop town of Sorrento. The journey begins with overnight rail travel from London St Pancras via Paris and the French Alps to Rome, where two days include a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon. The tour then continues by First Class rail and coach to Sorrento, perched above the Bay of Naples. From this base, participants visit the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, take a boat excursion along the Amalfi Coast to Positano and Amalfi, enjoy a pizza-making class with a local pizzaiolo, and dine at a family-run agriturismo with homemade limoncello and mozzarella. The itinerary balances structured excursions with free days for independent exploration. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, and four-star hotel accommodation, most meals, and all transport by rail, coach, and boat are included. This tour suits repeat rail travellers, history enthusiasts, couples, and food-focused travellers who value guided comfort and pre-arranged logistics.

What to know before you look closer

  • Return from Naples to London is by flight on the standard itinerary; upgrading to return by rail extends the tour to 11 days and adds a night in Turin.
  • The single supplement (GBP 4,399) is substantially higher than half the double price (GBP 1,449.50 from the from-price of GBP 2,899); check whether this varies by hotel.
  • Group size is capped at 30 passengers, which is relatively large for an escorted tour.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Chambéry

    To Chambéry for an overnight stay

    Your holiday starts at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and group before boarding the Eurostar for a morning journey to Paris, travelling in spacious Plus class with a light meal served at your seats. On arrival in Paris, change trains and continue by First Class rail to the attractive medieval town of Chambéry, nestled at the foothills of the Alps. Arriving this evening, walk across the street from the station to the hotel and enjoy the first group dinner together.

    Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Rome

    Arriving in the timeless city of Rome

    Leaving Chambéry after breakfast, travel to Rome by rail, passing through Turin, Florence and the Montepulciano wine region. Arriving in Italy's capital this evening, check in to the central hotel. Enjoy dinner at the hotel, then explore Rome's vibrant city streets.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Rome

    Iconic landmarks and La Dolce Vita in Rome

    A guided tour of Rome's most iconic sights: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia and the Pantheon. The tour concludes at lunchtime in Piazza Navona. The afternoon is free to explore at leisure – optional visits to the Vatican, the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese. Dine at one of Rome's many alfresco restaurants this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Sorrento

    From historic Rome to the Amalfi Coast

    After breakfast, travel by First Class rail to Naples, then transfer by coach to Sorrento, arriving around lunchtime. Check in to the Hilton Sorrento Palace. After free time for an independent lunch, enjoy an hour-long guided walking tour of Sorrento. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Dinner at the hotel this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Sorrento

    At leisure in romantic Sorrento

    A free day to explore Sorrento at your own pace. Wander cobbled streets, discover boutiques, enjoy people-watching in Piazza Tasso, or relax at the hotel's citrus garden or rooftop infinity pool. In the evening, explore Sorrento's Old Town or the Marina Grande.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6railovernight: Sorrento

    An excursion to Pompeii, a city captured in time

    Coach transfer to Sorrento's railway station, then a short train journey to Pompeii for a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk among villas, baths, temples, shops and restaurants, and see the oldest amphitheatre in the world and ancient frescoes. Return by train and coach to Sorrento; afternoon and evening are free.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Sorrento

    Sailing to Amalfi and Positano, gems of the Amalfi Coast

    Short transfer to Sorrento harbour, then a boat trip around the Sorrentine Peninsula. First stop is Amalfi – free time to explore the Duomo di Sant'Andrea or relax at a café. Continue to Positano for leisure time. This evening, visit a local agriturismo run by the same family for four generations for a dinner of fresh estate produce including homemade limoncello and mozzarella.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Sorrento

    Free day to relax in Sorrento or explore further

    Another free day to explore Sorrento or venture further afield. Optional visit to the island of Capri by boat. Enjoy local cuisine at one of Sorrento's many cafés or restaurants, including specialities such as Gnocchi alla Sorrentina and Scialatielli ai frutti di mare.

    Meals: Breakfast

  9. Day 9overnight: Sorrento

    Ancient Herculaneum & pizza-making experience

    Coach to Herculaneum for a guided tour of the remarkably preserved Roman city, wealthier than Pompeii and known for its magnificent palaces and mansions with beautiful frescoes. Return to Sorrento for an interactive pizza-making class with a local master pizzaiolo, followed by a relaxed lunch with wine and dessert.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  10. Day 10railovernight: Naples Airport departure / Turin (return by rail option)

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, say farewell to Sorrento and transfer to Naples Airport for the flight back to London Heathrow. If upgraded to the return by rail option, join the Tour Manager for a coach transfer to Naples, then First Class rail to Turin for an overnight stay.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (return by rail option only)

  11. Day 11rail

    Homeward bound (return by rail option only)

    Board a train in Turin after breakfast and travel into France and onwards to Paris. Change trains and join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras, travelling in Plus class with a light meal served at your seats.

    Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: First Class rail journey from Chambéry to Rome passes through Turin, Florence, and the Montepulciano wine region.
  • Day 3Day 3: Guided tour of Rome covers the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, and the Pantheon, concluding at Piazza Navona.
  • Day 6Day 6: Train journey to Pompeii for a guided UNESCO World Heritage tour of villas, baths, temples, and the oldest amphitheatre in the world.
  • Day 7Day 7: Boat trip around the Sorrentine Peninsula visits Amalfi and Positano, followed by dinner at a family-run agriturismo with estate wine and homemade mozzarella.
  • Day 9Day 9: Guided tour of Herculaneum explores the remarkably preserved Roman city with magnificent palaces and frescoes, followed by an interactive pizza-making class and lunch with wine.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 9 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation (10 nights if returning by rail)
  • Eurostar Plus class travel
  • First and Standard Class rail travel throughout
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Flight from Naples to London Heathrow
  • Eurostar light meals
  • Breakfast each day
  • 1 lunch
  • 4 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Rome to Sorrento
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation and travel insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price includes Eurostar Plus class (London to Paris), TGV First Class (Paris to Chambéry), and Frecciargento/Frecciarossa First Class Italian rail travel (Chambéry to Rome and Rome to Naples). The return flight to London is included; rail return to London is an optional upgrade.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Fully escorted. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager from the start in London through the final return. Hotel stays, guided tours, excursions, and coach transfers are pre-arranged.
Which hotels are included?
Two nights at the Bettoja Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio in Rome (4-star) and six nights at the Hilton Sorrento Palace in Sorrento (4-star). The Hilton features a citrus garden and rooftop infinity pool.
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day, one lunch (pizza-making class on Day 9), and four dinners (Days 1, 2, 4, and 7). Meals on Days 3, 5, 6, and 8 are independent. Eurostar includes a light meal at your seat.
When does the tour run?
Great Rail Journeys operates eight departures: in April, May, June, August, September, and October 2026 and 2027.
How much walking is involved?
City walking tours in Rome and Sorrento, guided tours of Pompeii and Herculaneum (walking among ancient ruins and structures), and optional exploration on free days. Moderate fitness is recommended; several days include stairs and uneven surfaces.

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