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railtour suisse · Independent rail holiday

Grand Train Tour of Italy

Eight-day independent rail loop through Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan on Interrail pass

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Italy

Railtour Suisse's Grand Train Tour of Italy is an eight-day independent rail holiday that moves you through four of Italy's most celebrated cities: Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. You travel on a four-day Interrail pass in second class, with trains scheduled one to three hours apart. The package includes seven nights in three-star hotels with breakfast, starting and ending in Rome. Days are yours to fill: in Rome you can visit the Vatican and Colosseum; in Florence the Uffizi Gallery and Duomo; in Venice the Doge's Palace and lagoon; in Milan the Cathedral and da Vinci's Last Supper. You arrange your own arrival and departure, and the itinerary can be reversed. This tour suits independent travellers and first-time rail users who want art and history without a guide, couples seeking a romantic loop, and anyone building a first Italian journey around the country's major heritage sites.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour returns to Rome on Day 7 for a seventh night, then you arrange your own return journey on Day 8; the 3 nights in Rome are split across arrival and departure.
  • Only four of the eight days involve train travel; the other four are free exploration days in the hotels.
  • Rail fare is covered by Interrail/Eurail pass; no separate rail booking is needed beyond what Railtour Suisse arranges.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Arrival in Rome

    Individual arrival in Rome.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Explore «the Eternal City». Vatican, Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, everywhere the eyes are pampered with history and art. Browse through the lively markets and enjoy an aperitif in Trastevere.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Florence

    Rome – Florence (1h40)

    Train ride to Florence, the queen of the Italian cities, rich in art treasures and sights such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and excellent cuisine; don't miss a visit to the oldest pharmacy in Europe.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Venice

    Florence – Venice (2h20)

    Train ride to Venice, the city for lovers. Romantic streets, hidden squares, small islands and idyllic canals give this city a unique atmosphere.

  5. Day 5overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Visit the Doge's Palace and enjoy the unique view over the lagoon city from the observation deck of the Campanile (bell tower). Optional romantic gondola ride through the canals or a boat trip to Murano to the world famous glass blowing shop.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Milan

    Venice – Milan (2h30)

    Train ride to Milan, well known for shopping and cultural highlights such as the Cathedral or Leonardo Da Vinci's world-famous «The Last Supper».

  7. Day 7railovernight: Rome

    Milan – Rome (3h05)

    Train ride to Rome. Enjoy another day in this extraordinary city.

  8. Day 8

    Rome and return journey

    Time at leisure and individual return journey. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2 in Rome: explore the Vatican, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain; browse lively markets and enjoy an aperitif in Trastevere.
  • Day 3Day 3: 1 hour 40 minute train to Florence; visit the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the oldest pharmacy in Europe.
  • Day 4Day 4: 2 hour 20 minute train to Venice; explore the lagoon city's canals and hidden squares.
  • Day 5Day 5 in Venice: ascend the Campanile bell tower for views over the lagoon; optional gondola ride or boat trip to Murano glass shops.
  • Day 6Day 6: 2 hour 30 minute train to Milan; visit the Cathedral and see Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper.

Included

  • Rail journey incl. seat reservation Rome–Florence–Venice–Milan–Rome with Interrail/Eurail 1 Country Pass Italy, 4 days in 2nd class
  • 3 nights in Rome, 3* hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 1 night in Florence, 3* hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 2 nights in Venice, 3* hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 1 night in Milan, 3* hotel, standard double room with breakfast

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes a four-day Interrail/Eurail 1 Country Pass Italy in second class covering Rome to Florence, Florence to Venice, Venice to Milan, and Milan back to Rome, plus seat reservations.
Is this a guided or independent tour?
Independent. You arrange your own arrival and departure; Railtour Suisse books the hotels and rail pass. Days are free to explore at your pace.
What hotels are included?
Three-star hotels with standard double rooms and breakfast: three nights in Rome, one in Florence, two in Venice, and one in Milan.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary does not specify physical demands. City exploration typically involves walking through museums, plazas, and neighborhoods at your own pace.
What is not included?
Individual arrival and departure journeys to/from Rome, meals other than breakfast, entrance fees to attractions, and optional extras such as gondola rides or visits to Murano glass shops.

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