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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Iconic Italy

15-day independent rail trip through Italy from Milan to Rome

Illustration of Iconic Italy

Railbookers operates this 15-day, 14-night independent rail vacation through Italy, running from Milan to Rome by way of Lake Como, Venice, Sestri Levante, and Florence. Every city-to-city leg travels on Trenitalia, Italy's national rail network, with a change of train required on some routes, such as Como to Venice via Milan and Sestri Levante to Florence via Pisa. The trip spends multiple nights in most stops, from two nights at Lake Como to three each in Venice, Sestri Levante, and Rome, and mixes included walking tours, such as the Doge's Palace in Venice and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, with unguided free days to explore Milan, Como, and Sestri Levante at your own pace. Along the way, the route runs from lakeside villas and alpine views at Como to the beaches of Sestri Levante's Ligurian coast and the Colosseum and Vatican in Rome. The trip suits travelers who want a mix of major cities and quieter coastal towns without a fixed group schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are listed as multiple options per city, for example five choices in Florence ranging from the Cellai Boutique Hotel to the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, so the final property depends on the tier booked.
  • Several days are unguided free time rather than escorted sightseeing, including Milan on day 1, Lake Como on day 3, a day in Venice, and two days in Sestri Levante, consistent with the trip's independent-travel format.
  • Some rail connections require a change of train rather than a single direct service, for example Como to Venice routes via Milan, and Sestri Levante to Florence via Pisa.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Overnight in Milan

    Milan

    Welcome to Italy's fashion capital. The day is free to explore the city on your own. You'll discover monuments and art galleries, delicious cuisine, quaint cobbled streets and charming courtyards, picturesque canals, and the Duomo's hidden treasures.

  2. Day 2overnight: Overnight in Como

    Milan to Lake Como

    Travel onboard Trenitalia from Milan to Como. Explore the beautiful scenery of Lake Como and the charming town as you wish. You'll fall in love with the historic architecture and stunning natural beauty of this little corner of the world.

  3. Day 3overnight: Overnight in Como

    Lake Como

    You can choose to take a leisurely boat tour of the lake on your own and enjoy the sights of grand villas, rolling hillside vineyards, historic towns, alpine peaks, and wooded islands that line the shore. In the evening, spend some time strolling along the town's cobblestone streets to the bustling public square of Piazza Cavour or visiting a lakeside restaurant and having dinner.

  4. Day 4overnight: Overnight in Venice

    Como to Venice

    Board Trenitalia from Como to Milan, then Milan to Venice. As soon as you arrive in Venice, you'll see why it's a destination that's off the beaten cobblestone. And it's more than just the sprawling canals that make this city so charming. Visit vibrant St. Mark's square and soak up the lively atmosphere. Begin using your Vaporetto Pass to taxi around the waterways or take a gondola ride and pass the Bridge of Sighs before finding a popular waterfront restaurant for dinner.

  5. Day 5overnight: Overnight in Venice

    Venice

    Set out to explore the crowd-pleasing landmarks, museums, and attractions Venice is known for during your included walking tour. Admire the stately Doge's Palace and marvel at the gorgeous mosaics that adorn St. Mark's Basilica. Finish your day by stopping on the islands of Murano and Burano to see the famous glassblowers and colorful houses.

  6. Day 6overnight: Overnight in Venice

    Venice

    Continue discovering "the Queen of the Adriatic" on your own along the meandering, gondola-doted canals.

  7. Day 7overnight: Overnight in Sestri Levante

    Venice to Sestri Levante

    Travel from Venice to Milan, then Milan to Sestri Levante, a small seaside town on Italy's Ligurian coast halfway between Genoa and La Spezia. This is the perfect destination to relax and soak up the sun along the beaches of the Silent Bay and Bay of Fairy Tales.

  8. Day 8overnight: Overnight in Sestri Levante

    Sestri Levante

    Stroll along the romantic harbor and gaze at the tall colorful houses, shop along Via Aprile XXV, and visit the Gualino Castle.

  9. Day 9overnight: Overnight in Sestri Levante

    Sestri Levante

    The old town, built around the promontory, is the best place to explore. See the Basilica of Santa Maria by Carlone, the town hall, and the 12th-century Romanesque San Nicolo dell'Isola church. Grab some seafood or pizza at a seaside restaurant while watching the sun set.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Overnight in Florence

    Sestri Levante to Florence

    Catch your Trenitalia train from Sestri Levante to Pisa, then Pisa to Florence. Get to know the city at your own pace today. Why not enjoy some gelato as you stroll through the Florence's lively piazzas?

  11. Day 11overnight: Overnight in Florence

    Florence

    This morning, embark on your included walking tour of the city and visit the popular Uffizi Gallery to see the Renaissance works of artists such as Raphael, Botticelli, and Michelangelo. Later, visit the Duomo Basilica and marvel at its gorgeous frescoes and dramatic dome that dominates the skyline.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Overnight in Rome

    Florence to Rome

    Take the train directly to Rome, Europe's largest open-air museum. Packed with ancient architecture, beautiful churches, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history, your visit is sure to be memorable.

  13. Day 13overnight: Overnight in Rome

    Rome

    Use your included hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to discover the best Rome has to offer. See the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, Vatican Museum, St Peter's Basilica, and much more!

  14. Day 14overnight: Overnight in Rome

    Rome

    Continue using your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to revisit your favorite attractions or anything you didn't get the chance to yesterday. Check out the Spanish Steps, National Gallery of Ancient Art, Piazza Venezia, and the Sistine Chapel.

  15. Day 15

    Your Journey Ends in Rome

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3A boat tour of Lake Como can take in grand villas, hillside vineyards, and alpine peaks along the shore.
  • Day 5A walking tour visits the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica, finishing with a stop on the glassblowing island of Murano and the colorful houses of Burano.
  • Day 9Sestri Levante's old town, built around a promontory, includes the Basilica of Santa Maria di Carlone and the 12th-century San Nicolo dell'Isola church.
  • Day 11A walking tour of Florence includes the Uffizi Gallery, home to Renaissance works by Raphael, Botticelli, and Michelangelo, and the frescoed dome of the Duomo Basilica.
  • Day 13A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour in Rome covers the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museum, and St Peter's Basilica.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Como
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Sestri Levante
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Florence
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome Walking tour of Doge’s Palace and the Golden Basilica in Venice Walking tour in Florence Uffizi Gallery tour in Florence Multi-day sightseeing tour in Rome

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, all rail travel is included and runs on Trenitalia, Italy's national rail operator, connecting Milan, Lake Como, Venice, Sestri Levante, Florence, and Rome.
Is this a guided tour or independent travel?
It is an independent rail vacation from Railbookers. Walking tours are included in Venice, Florence, and Rome, but several days are left free to explore at your own pace.
Which cities does the trip visit?
Milan, Lake Como, Venice, Sestri Levante, Florence, and Rome.
What hotels are used?
The evidence lists several hotel options per city, ranging from boutique properties like the Cellai Boutique Hotel in Florence to upscale hotels such as the Hilton Milan, the InterContinental Rome, and the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. The final hotel depends on the tier booked.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $2,449 per person, which works out to about $163 per day.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes walking tours of the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica in Venice and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, plus a two-day hop-on-hop-off pass in Rome, so expect sustained city walking on most days.

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