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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Iconic Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome

Eight-day escorted tour from Rome to Venice via Florence and Tuscany by rail

Illustration of Iconic Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome

Vacations By Rail's eight-day famous Italy tour is an escorted journey starting in Rome and ending in Venice, with three nights in Florence and day trips through Tuscany. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, guiding tours of Rome's Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon, then by train to Florence to explore Renaissance landmarks such as the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. The itinerary branches to the medieval walled towns of San Gimignano, Pisa (including the Leaning Tower) and Lucca before traveling by train to Venice, where the tour is based on the island of Murano. Breakfast is included daily, along with four group dinners, all rail and coach transport, guided tours, and luggage transfers between hotels. This tour suits first-time rail travellers seeking structure and expert guidance, history lovers drawn to Italy's artistic heritage, and couples wanting a balanced mix of organized activities and free time to explore each city independently.

What to know before you look closer

  • Mobility Rating 3 indicates substantial walking, stairs and activity; confirm with the operator if you have mobility concerns.
  • Some departures (May 11, September 7, October 5) stay at The Hive Hotel in Rome instead of the Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo.
  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; you arrange your own way to Rome and home from Venice.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Arriving in the ancient capital, Rome

    Check in to the hotel for two nights; free time to explore; first group dinner with the Tour Manager. Note: May 11, September 7 and October 5 departures stay at The Hive Hotel in Rome.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Exploring the Eternal City

    Guided tour taking in the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona; free time for the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese Park or St. Peter's Square.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Florence

    To Florence in the heart of Tuscany

    Train to Florence; guided tour of the Duomo, Giotto's campanile, Santa Maria Novella and the Ponte Vecchio.

  4. Day 4overnight: Florence

    A day trip to San Gimignano

    Coach excursion to the walled UNESCO medieval town of San Gimignano with a local guide; free time for lunch and local specialties.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Florence

    Touring Pisa and at leisure in Lucca

    Rail through rural Tuscany to Pisa for a guided tour of the Field of Miracles (Leaning Tower, Duomo), then on to the walled city of Lucca for free time.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Venice (Murano)

    The Floating City of Venice

    Train to Venice; private boat transfer to a hotel on the island of Murano for two nights (luggage transferred separately); free time to relax.

  7. Day 7overnight: Venice (Murano)

    Discovering Venice

    Guided walking tour of Venice including St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs; free afternoon and evening.

  8. Day 8

    Tour conclusion

    Check out of the hotel in Venice; the tour concludes and travelers begin their journey home independently.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided tour of Rome taking in the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona.
  • Day 3Train to Florence; guided tour of the Duomo, Giotto's campanile, Santa Maria Novella and the Ponte Vecchio.
  • Day 4Coach excursion to the walled UNESCO medieval town of San Gimignano with a local guide.
  • Day 5Rail through rural Tuscany to Pisa for a guided tour of the Field of Miracles and the Leaning Tower, then on to the walled city of Lucca.
  • Day 7Guided walking tour of Venice including St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 7 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks; all rail and coach travel throughout
  • Breakfast each day, 4 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Rome to Venice
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and Airport transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel on Italian regional and high-speed trains (Frecciargento, Frecciarossa and Trenitalia) is included throughout the tour, along with all coach travel.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is a fully escorted tour. A Tour Manager travels with the group from start to finish and leads all guided tours and excursions.
What is included in the price?
The from-price of USD 2,799 covers seven nights in four-star hotels, breakfast each day, four dinners, all rail and coach travel, all guided tours and excursions, and luggage transfers from Rome to Venice. Cancellation insurance, flights and airport transfers are not included.
Which trains are used on this tour?
The tour uses Italian regional and high-speed trains including the Frecciargento and Frecciarossa (Standard Class) to travel between Rome, Florence and Venice.
How much free time is there each day?
Day 1 includes free time after check-in; Day 2 includes free afternoon after the guided tour; Day 4 has free time in San Gimignano for lunch; Day 5 includes free time in Lucca; Day 6 has free time after arrival in Venice; Day 7 has a free afternoon and evening.
What is the activity level?
The operator rates this tour Mobility Rating 3, which reflects guided walking tours through cities and coaching excursions, including a walking tour of Venice.

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