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Scott Dunn · Rail & Sail cruise extension

Italian Cities by Rail: Cruise Extension

Florence to Milan on Frecciarossa high-speed trains, six days, five nights

Illustration of Italian Cities by Rail: Cruise Extension

Scott Dunn's Italian Cities by Rail extension spans six days and five nights, connecting Florence, Bologna, and Milan via the Frecciarossa high-speed train in Business Class. The journey opens with two days in Florence, where you explore Renaissance landmarks and visit a working Tuscan farm for a private picnic amongst blooming gardens and local Chianti. A high-speed rail journey carries you to Bologna for two nights, featuring a guided market tour with a local chef and a hands-on private cooking class in the city's pasta traditions, culminating in a gourmet lunch you prepare yourself. A final train ride transports you to Milan for an exclusive afternoon with a personal fashion expert exploring the Quadrilatero della Moda and historic ateliers. The pace is relaxed, with two-night stays allowing time to settle into each city. This extension suits luxury travellers, couples seeking intimate experiences, food enthusiasts, and those who value expert-led guidance throughout their journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a cruise extension; the package does not include the main cruise component. Confirm with Scott Dunn how this five-night segment integrates with your full itinerary.
  • Only one night in Milan (Day 5 overnight); most time is concentrated in Florence and Bologna.
  • The itinerary is fully guided and scheduled; limited flexibility for independent exploration.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Hotel Lungarno, Florence

    An Afternoon in the Cradle of the Renaissance

    Begin in Piazza della Repubblica before losing yourself in medieval streets that open onto Piazza della Signoria. The city's icons unfold in succession: the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Galleria dell'Accademia, home to Michelangelo's David.

  2. Day 2overnight: Hotel Lungarno, Florence

    A Gentle Escape into the Tuscan Countryside

    A working farm where life moves at a different pace, spending time with the resident donkeys before an enchanting botanical garden, where a private picnic awaits amongst the blooms, surrounded by flowering scents and the stillness of the Italian countryside.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Grand Hotel Majestic Gia Baglioni, Bologna

    An Introduction to Europe's Oldest University City

    Board your Business Class Frecciarossa high-speed train towards Bologna. A guided city walk pauses at the Fontana del Nettuno, the medieval towers and the Basilica di San Petronio.

  4. Day 4overnight: Grand Hotel Majestic Gia Baglioni, Bologna

    A Market Morning and Private Cooking Class

    Accompanied by a local chef, select seasonal ingredients at the neighbourhood market before a private kitchen lesson in Bologna's pasta traditions, finishing with a long lunch made entirely by your own hands.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Portrait Milano, Milan

    A Private Tour of the Fashion Capital

    The Frecciarossa high-speed train transports you to Milan for an exclusive afternoon with a personal fashion expert, from the Quadrilatero della Moda to the artisanal spirit of Brera, with rare access to historic ateliers.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Walk through Florence's medieval streets to Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the Galleria dell'Accademia.
  • Day 2Visit a working Tuscan farm, spend time with resident donkeys, then enjoy a private picnic in a botanical garden with local Chianti.
  • Day 3Travel by Frecciarossa Business Class from Florence to Bologna; guided walk tours the Fontana del Nettuno, medieval towers, and Basilica di San Petronio.
  • Day 4Shop at a neighbourhood market with a local chef, then take a private cooking class in Bologna's pasta traditions, finishing with lunch you prepared.
  • Day 5Board the Frecciarossa to Milan; meet a personal fashion expert for an exclusive afternoon exploring the Quadrilatero della Moda and historic ateliers.

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The Frecciarossa high-speed train in Business Class, operating Florence to Bologna on Day 3 and Bologna to Milan on Day 5.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Escorted. Scott Dunn provides guided city walks, a private cooking class, market tour, and fashion expert access throughout.
What accommodation is included?
Hotel Lungarno in Florence (2 nights), Grand Hotel Majestic Gia Baglioni in Bologna (2 nights), and Portrait Milano in Milan (1 night).
What meals are included?
A private picnic in a Tuscan botanical garden on Day 2 with local Chianti, and a gourmet lunch prepared by your own hands on Day 4 after the cooking class.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate. City walks in Bologna and Milan, a farm visit, and a market shopping trip. Most days include guided walks through town centres.
Is rail travel included in the price?
Yes. The two Frecciarossa Business Class journeys between the three cities are included in the package price.

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