Search

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Italian Wonders

Twelve-day rail journey from Geneva through Venice, Florence, Rome to Sorrento

Illustration of Italian Wonders

Italian Wonders is a 12-day tailor-made rail holiday operated by Marvellous Escapes that departs from London St Pancras and concludes in the coastal town of Sorrento. The journey opens with travel via Eurostar and high-speed rail through Paris and Geneva, arriving in Venice for two nights of guided exploration including a walking tour and gondola ride. From there, the trip moves southward by train, spending two nights each at Desenzano on the shimmering shores of Lake Garda, in Florence to visit the Uffizi Gallery with priority access, in Rome to tour the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and finally in Sorrento for a street food experience with a local guide. All accommodation includes breakfast, and rail reservations across Europe are secured in advance. The pace is relaxed, with two-night stays allowing time to settle in each destination. This package suits history lovers drawn to Renaissance Florence and ancient Rome, couples seeking romantic moments like a Venice gondola ride, and first-time rail travellers who want guided support and pre-arranged bookings across multiple countries.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of £2,599 is for the package only; Eurostar and international flights are arranged separately and billed to you directly
  • This is a tailor-made package, so dates and availability depend on your chosen departure window and the operator's schedule

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Geneva

    Geneva

    Embark on your rail holiday to Venice starting from London's St Pancras station, with a Eurostar voyage to Paris, then a high-speed train to Geneva.

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Following breakfast, journey from Geneva over the Simplon Pass to Venice, checking in at your hotel for a two-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    Venice

    After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour immersing yourself in the city's intricate streets and campos, followed by a gondola ride along the Grand Canal.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Desenzano

    Desenzano

    Board a train bound for Desenzano del Garda, settling into your hotel for a two-night stay and soaking in the shoreside elegance of Lake Garda.

  5. Day 5overnight: Desenzano

    Desenzano

    Spend another day touring the Lake Garda area, discovering nearby Sirmione, Roman ruins, the Valpolicella/Soave/Bardolino vineyards, or Verona's opera.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Florence

    Florence

    Continue your rail tour through Italy by train from Lake Garda to Florence, passing through Tuscan countryside dotted with cypress trees, and check in for a two-night stay.

  7. Day 7overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Spend the full day exploring Florence with priority access to the Uffizi Gallery, admiring works by Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raphael and Michelangelo, plus the Duomo Cathedral.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Rome

    Rome

    Embark on a train journey from Florence to Rome for a two-night stay, admiring the Colosseum, the Capitoline Museums, and the Spanish Steps.

  9. Day 9overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Full day exploring Rome and its wonders, discovering the Colosseum and Palatine Hill plus a guided 'skip the line' tour of the Roman Forum.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Sorrento

    Sorrento

    Head to the train station for a direct train to Naples, where your private transfer takes you to Sorrento, checking in for a two-night stay.

  11. Day 11overnight: Sorrento

    Sorrento

    Discover the flavours and hidden corners of Sorrento on a guided Street Food Experience, from Piazza Tasso to Valle dei Mulini and Marina Grande.

  12. Day 12

    Return home

    After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport with a private driver for your flight back to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Travel from Geneva over the Simplon Pass by train to arrive in Venice
  • Day 3Day 3: Guided walking tour through Venice's streets and campos, followed by a gondola ride along the Grand Canal
  • Day 6Day 6: Train journey from Lake Garda through Tuscan countryside dotted with cypress trees to reach Florence
  • Day 7Day 7: Priority access to the Uffizi Gallery to view works by Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Michelangelo, plus the Duomo Cathedral
  • Day 9Day 9: Guided skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum in Rome

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Geneva with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Venice with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Desenzano with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Florence with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Rome with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Sorrento with breakfast included
  • Flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
  • Secure reservations for the Eurostar, TGV Lyria (SNCF) & TrenItalia/Trenord trains
  • Venice walking tour and gondola ride
  • Uffizi Gallery Entrance Ticket with Priority Access
  • Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum Guided Tour Skip the Line
  • Street Food Experience In Sorrento In The Company Of A Local Guide

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes secures reservations on Eurostar from London St Pancras, TGV Lyria trains through France, and TrenItalia and Trenord trains within Italy. International flights to and from the UK are included or a roundtrip train journey from London St Pancras is offered as an alternative.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
It is escorted. Guided walks and experiences are included in Venice, Florence, Rome, and Sorrento. You have unguided free time on Days 5 and some of Day 11.
What is included in the price?
Hotel accommodation with breakfast at all six destinations, rail reservations, guided tours (Venice walking tour and gondola, Uffizi Gallery priority access, Rome Forum skip-the-line tour, Sorrento street food experience), and private airport transfers.
How many nights do I spend in each city?
One night in Geneva, two nights each in Venice, Desenzano, Florence, Rome, and Sorrento.
How much walking is involved?
There is city walking on guided tours in Venice and Rome, and you will explore Florence and Sorrento largely on foot during free time. Day 5 at Lake Garda offers optional activities including a visit to Sirmione or nearby vineyards.
When can I depart?
This is a tailor-made package. Confirm available dates with Marvellous Escapes before booking.

Similar journeys