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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Italian Cities & Coastal Delights

14-day rail journey from Geneva through Italy's cities and Cinque Terre

Illustration of Italian Cities & Coastal Delights

Marvellous Escapes operates this 14-day tailor-made rail holiday linking six Italian and Swiss destinations. You begin in Geneva, travel by train through the Alps into Italy, spend two nights each in Venice, Milan, and Turin, three nights in the clifftop villages of Cinque Terre, and finish with three nights in Rome. Days 1 through 7 combine train travel and guided city tours: a gondola ride and walking tour in Venice; skip-the-line entry to Milan Cathedral and La Scala Theatre; and a small-group visit to Turin's Royal Palace, a UNESCO site. Days 8 and 9 offer leisure time in Manarola to explore Cinque Terre's five villages on foot and by local train. Days 11 through 13 bring guided small-group access to Rome's Colosseum Arena, Roman Forum, and Vatican Museums. The itinerary suits first-time rail travellers, history enthusiasts, and couples seeking a blend of escorted landmark visits and self-guided exploration. From GBP 2,699 per person, not including UK transport to Geneva.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 2,699 is for the package only; UK flights or London-Paris-Geneva rail must be booked separately or upgraded.
  • Manarola accommodation is an apartment, not a hotel; breakfast is not mentioned for this stop.
  • The tour is described as tailor-made; confirm exact departure dates and hotel names with Marvellous Escapes before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Geneva

    Geneva

    Today, you will fly from the UK to Geneva. Alternatively, roundtrip rail is available from London via Paris. Take the evening to unwind and explore Geneva's lakeside promenade or historic Old Town.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Venice

    Venice

    Wake up in Geneva and prepare for a spectacular rail journey to Venice, through the heart of the Swiss Alps and into Italy's rolling vineyards, arriving in Venice for your first evening.

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Immerse yourself in the beauty of Venice with a guided walking tour, exploring St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace, followed by a gondola ride through the serene canals.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Milan

    Milan

    After enjoying the beauty of Venice, board the train to Milan, Italy’s fashion and design capital, arriving in the afternoon.

  5. Day 5overnight: Milan

    Milan

    Head to Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) with skip-the-line access, then the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Teatro alla Scala, plus a 24-hour hop-on-hop-off bus pass to visit Castello Sforzesco.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Turin

    Turin

    Today, board a train for Turin, a city known for its baroque architecture and rich history, with free time to explore or settle into your accommodation.

  7. Day 7overnight: Turin

    Turin

    Today, immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Royal Palace of Turin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring the Royal Armory and the Chapel of the Shroud.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Manarola

    Manarola

    Today, travel by train from Turin to the stunning Cinque Terre region, changing at La Spezia to reach Manarola, one of the five charming villages of Cinque Terre.

  9. Day 9overnight: Manarola

    Manarola

    Enjoy two full days at leisure in Manarola with your Cinque Terre Treno MS Card, exploring Riomaggiore, the Via dell'Amore coastal path, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare.

  10. Day 10overnight: Manarola

    Manarola

    Enjoy two full days at leisure in Manarola with your Cinque Terre Treno MS Card, exploring Riomaggiore, the Via dell'Amore coastal path, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Rome

    Rome

    Travel south to Rome via La Spezia, catching a fast train to the 'Eternal City'; your first evening is free to admire the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, or the illuminated Trevi Fountain.

  12. Day 12overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Step back in time with an exclusive tour of the Colosseum's Arena, followed by Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, in a small-group experience.

  13. Day 13overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Embark on a semi-private tour (max 15 people) of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, admiring Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldachin.

  14. Day 14rail

    Return Home

    Check out of your hotel today and head to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, extend your stay to explore more of Italy by rail.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Train journey from Geneva through the Swiss Alps and Italian vineyards to Venice.
  • Day 3Guided walking tour of Venice's St. Mark's Square and Basilica, followed by gondola ride through the canals.
  • Day 8Train from Turin to Cinque Terre, arriving in Manarola.
  • Day 12Small-group tour of the Colosseum's Arena, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum.
  • Day 13Semi-private tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with no more than 15 people.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Geneva with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Venice with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Milan with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Turin with breakfast included
  • 3-nights apartment stay in Manarola
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Rome with breakfast included
  • Flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras with extra night in Milan/Turin)
  • Discover Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride
  • Milan Tour with Skip-the-line Entrance To The Cathedral And La Scala Theatre
  • Royal Turin Small Group Tour: Discover The Royal Palace With Local Guide With Skip The Line Passes
  • Guided Tour To Roman Forum, Palatine Hill And Colosseum With Gladiators' arena
  • Semi-private Tour Of Vatican Museums And St. Peter's Basilica

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, rail connections between Geneva, Venice, Milan, Turin, Cinque Terre, and Rome are included. UK transport to Geneva is offered separately as either a flight or roundtrip rail from London via Paris.
Is the tour guided or independent?
It is a mix: guided walking tours are included in Venice, Milan, Turin, and Rome, plus skip-the-line museum access and small-group experiences. Days in Cinque Terre (days 9 and 10) are free time at leisure.
What is included in the price?
Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Geneva, Venice, Milan, Turin, and Rome; a 3-night apartment in Manarola; guided tours in Venice and Rome; skip-the-line access to Milan Cathedral and La Scala; the Royal Palace of Turin tour; a gondola ride in Venice; and the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card for rail and coastal path access.
How much walking is involved?
Expect walking tours in cities and leisure exploration of Cinque Terre villages, including the Via dell'Amore coastal path. The itinerary does not mention strenuous hikes.
When does this tour operate?
Marvellous Escapes does not publish specific departure dates in the available information; contact them to confirm availability.

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