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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Milan, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Rome

10-day independent rail trip: Milan, Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome

Illustration of Milan, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Rome

Railbookers runs this 10-day, 9-night independent rail vacation through Italy, from Milan to Florence, three nights in Cinque Terre, and on to Rome. Two nights in Milan include a private guided walking tour of the Duomo, Teatro alla Scala, and the Sforza Castle gardens, before a high-speed train carries travelers to Florence for two nights that take in the Accademia Gallery's Michelangelo's David and priority access to the Uffizi. A regional train through the Tuscan hills then reaches Manarola in Cinque Terre, where travelers stay three nights in a private apartment, with a wine cellar tasting, a pesto-making course, and the choice of hiking the coastal path between the five villages. The trip ends with two nights in Rome, built around guided tours of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. It suits travelers who want a mix of galleries, food, and coastal walking, managing their own pace between well-organized city and village stops.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are drawn from a list of 24 accommodation options across Milan, Florence, and Rome spanning several tiers, from Starhotels Anderson and Crowne Plaza to the Armani Hotel Milano and Four Seasons Hotel Milano, so the final hotel depends on the tier and city selected at booking.
  • Cinque Terre's coastal-path hike on day 6 is one option among several; the day can also be spent on the local train between villages or relaxing at the apartment.
  • Railbookers doesn't list specific departure dates for this trip; confirm current availability with them before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Milan

    Your Journey Begins in Milan

    Welcome to Milan! Once you have arrived, make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. For dinner this evening, be sure to have a Milanese special such as a delicious Risotto alla Milanese with a glass of local sparkling wine.

  2. Day 2overnight: Milan

    Milan

    Today enjoy a three-hour private guided walking tour, encompassing entrance to the magnificent Duomo, historic Teatro alla Scala, gorgeous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Sforza castle's magnificent gardens.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Florence

    Milan to Florence

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before hopping on the high-speed train to Florence for a two-night stay. Once checked in at your hotel why not pay a visit to the iconic San Lorenzo market, a great place for traditional goods as well as an authentic Tuscan lunch?

  4. Day 4overnight: Florence

    Florence

    A fascinating day of sightseeing lies ahead today, with two great tours. First is a small group tour of the world-famous Accademia gallery, home to some of the most important paintings and sculptures including Michelangelo's David. In the afternoon it's a wonderful information-guided tour of the streets of Florence, ending with priority access to the fascinating Uffizi Gallery.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Cinque Terre

    Florence to Cinque Terre

    From Florence, watch the hills of Tuscany roll by as you take the train to La Spezia, then change for a short and wonderfully scenic regional train ride to Manarola. You will be met and shown to your own apartment. In the afternoon venture to an ancient wine cellar in Manarola for a warm welcome, and tastings of local wines and nibbles.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Cinque Terre

    Cinque Terre

    Today is a day to spend as you please, be it hiking the famous coastal path and enjoying the breath-taking views, riding the local train visiting each of the five gorgeous villages, or simply relaxing in your apartment and living life like a local.

  7. Day 7overnight: Cinque Terre

    Cinque Terre

    Another day in paradise today, and following a leisurely morning enjoy an hour learning the secrets to a true Italian speciality - Pesto. Using a pestle and mortar you will be guided through the heritage of this local speciality.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Rome

    Cinque Terre to Rome

    Hope on the local train to La Spezia, then continue along the coast to Rome for a two-night stay. Once checked in head out to enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

  9. Day 9overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Make your way to the Vatican in the heart of the city for a tour of the vast Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and San Peter's this morning. In the afternoon make your way over to the Colosseum for a guided tour of the famous amphitheatre, then walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans once more with a guided stroll around the Roman Forum.

  10. Day 10rail

    Your Journey Ends in Rome

    Check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport for your flight home or do speak to any of our Rail experts if you would like to continue your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Day 4: A small-group tour of the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David, followed by a guided walk through Florence with priority access to the Uffizi Gallery
  • Day 5Day 5: A scenic regional train from La Spezia to Manarola, followed by an evening wine tasting in an ancient wine cellar
  • Day 6Day 6: A free day in Cinque Terre with the option to hike the coastal path connecting the five villages
  • Day 7Day 7: A one-hour pesto-making course learning the traditional technique with a pestle and mortar
  • Day 9Day 9: Guided tours of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's, followed by the Colosseum and the Roman Forum

Included

  • Rail travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Florence
  • 3 nights in a private apartment in Cinque Terre
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • Private walking tour in Milan
  • Small group tour of Accademia Gallery in Florence
  • Small group walking tour and Uffizi Gallery priority access in Florence
  • Meet and Greet service in Cinque Terre
  • 3-day Cinque Terre card
  • Evening Wine tasting in an ancient wine cellar in Cinque Terre
  • One hour Pesto making course in Cinque Terre
  • Small group tour of Vatican Museums, San Peter's, and the Sistine Chapel in Rome
  • Small group tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Trenitalia trains link every stop, including a change at La Spezia for the scenic regional train into Cinque Terre.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Railbookers markets it as an independent rail vacation. Private and small-group tours are included in Milan, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Rome, but travel between cities is unescorted.
What hotels are used?
The trip draws from 24 accommodation options across Milan, Florence, and Rome, ranging from Starhotels and Crowne Plaza to the Armani Hotel Milano and Four Seasons; Cinque Terre uses a private apartment for all three nights.
How much walking or hiking is involved?
Day 6 in Cinque Terre offers an optional hike along the coastal path connecting the five villages, alongside a less strenuous local train option; other days involve guided city walking tours.
What does it cost?
Prices start from $3,099 per person, about $310 per day.

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