Great Rail Journeys
Simply Puglia
8 daysfrom $1,735
The Railway Touring Company · Escorted tour
Railways, Scenery and World War History in Italy
A 9-day escorted tour based in Verona and Taranto, covering the Dolomites' scenic funiculars, Venice, WWI/WWII history at Monte Grappa and Taranto, and the hilltop city of Matera.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Verona
Arrive Verona
Fly direct from London to Venice and transfer to Verona, where your holiday begins in a centrally located hotel. Enjoy some free time to explore this historic city, home to its iconic Roman Arena, older even than Rome's Colosseum. You then join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
- Day 2overnight: Verona
World War History at Verona's Fort Lugagnano
After breakfast, enjoy free time to explore Verona's Old Town and the banks of the River Adige. In the afternoon you visit the remarkably well preserved Fort Lugagnano on the western outskirts of the city, built by the Austrians in 1861, which played a role in both World Wars. Your visit is enhanced by volunteer re-enactors and displays of historic military equipment and vehicles.
- Day 3railovernight: Verona
Venice - The Floating City
Venice is just an hour from Verona by fast and frequent rail services. This morning, travel by train to the world-famous lagoon city, arriving at Venezia Santa Lucia station by mid-morning. Your excursion includes Venice admission and a Vaporetto travel pass. Enjoy time to explore Venice at your own pace, from St Mark's Square and the Rialto to the maze of alleyways and waterways. After a memorable day, return to Verona by direct train in the late afternoon.
- Day 4railovernight: Verona
Mountain Magnificence and scenic railways in the Dolomites
Today you explore the Italian Alps and the Dolomites on some of Italy's most scenic railway lines and panoramic funiculars. You travel by direct EuroCity train on the Brenner line via Trento and Bolzano, before continuing by private coach to Ortisei. Here you take the Raschötz funicular, one of Italy's longest and most scenic, offering sweeping views at the summit (2,122m). You continue by coach to Kaltern for a ride on the Mendelbahn, a scenic funicular through rolling hills and hilltop churches, before returning to Bolzano for a direct train back to Verona.
- Day 5overnight: Verona
Monte Grappa WW1 Memorial
You visit one of the most impressive WWI battlefield memorials in Europe, the 'Sacrario Militare' at the summit of Monte Grappa in the Veneto region, standing at 1776 m above sea level, built between 1932 and 1935. The site marks the location of intense fighting in 1917-18, when Monte Grappa served as a vital Italian stronghold, with events immortalised in Ernest Hemingway's 'A Farewell to Arms'. You reach the memorial on a scenic drive from Verona and return in the evening for a group dinner.
- Day 6railovernight: Taranto
By high speed train to Taranto
You travel in style by FS high speed train from northern to southern Italy, enjoying scenic views along the Adriatic coast, passing Rimini and Pescara, reaching Bari where there is an interchange to the next service to Taranto, on the 'heel' of the Italian peninsula. The beautiful port town of Taranto has castles, fortresses, broad seaside avenues and a delightful old town. You check in to your centrally located hotel and dine together in the hotel restaurant.
- Day 7overnight: Taranto
World War II History in Taranto
Today is entirely dedicated to exploring Taranto with a local guide and World War II historian, discovering the city's architecture alongside its wartime sites, monuments, and museums. Taranto is best known for the Royal Navy's 'Operation Judgement' from November 1940, when Fairey Swordfish aircraft launched from HMS Illustrious struck the Italian fleet. Enjoy a free evening to explore Taranto at your own pace.
- Day 8overnight: Taranto
The stunning hilltop stone city of Matera
Made famous to a global audience by the 2021 James Bond film 'No Time to Die', Matera is one of Italy's most extraordinary cities and a jewel of the Puglia region, renowned for its ancient cave dwellings. Enjoy a day trip by coach from Taranto, accompanied by your local guide and historian, with free time to explore Matera's old town, including filming locations from the Bond movie. Return to Taranto in the evening for a farewell dinner.
- Day 9
Return to London
This morning you transfer to Bari airport for the return flight from Bari back to London.
Included
- Return flights from London to Italy and transfers
- 8 Nights accommodation in centrally located hotels in Verona and Taranto
- Daily breakfast and 4 dinners
- First Class rail travel in Italy, including high-speed train journeys (where possible)
- Private coach travel and all excursions as detailed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees, local guides and sightseeing visits as detailed in the itinerary
- Venice admission and Vaporetto pass
- Scenic Dolomite funicular journeys on the Raschötzbahn and Mendelbahn
- The services of a Tour Manager
