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Rome and the Italian Riviera

Rome to the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre by rail

Illustration of Rome and the Italian Riviera

Railbookers operates this 10-day rail vacation that begins and ends in Rome, with stays in La Spezia and Sestri Levante on the Italian Riviera in between. The first two days in Rome combine a guided Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour and a secret food tour with a multi-day hop-on hop-off bus pass for self-directed sightseeing. On day 3, a high-speed Trenitalia train reaches La Spezia, the base for three days exploring the Cinque Terre villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola using an included rail and trekking card. Day 6 continues by train to Sestri Levante for three nights, where day 7 follows a coastal path to Punta Manara and day 8 adds a scenic cruise to San Fruttuoso and Portofino. A final train returns to Rome for one more night before departure. With a trekking card built into the itinerary and long stretches of unguided time, this suits independent travelers who want to walk the Ligurian coast at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence for this trip does not list specific hotel names or accommodation tier, only that breakfast is included with each stay; confirm the hotel standard with Railbookers before booking.
  • Sightseeing in Rome is largely self-directed via a multi-day hop-on hop-off bus pass, apart from the included Vatican and food tours; the Cinque Terre and Sestri Levante days are also described as free time rather than guided excursions, except for the day 8 cruise.
  • The evidence provided does not list specific current departure dates for this trip; confirm availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Your Journey Begins in Rome

    Welcome to Rome! On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Use your two day hop on hop off city bus tour to start to explore at your own pace. Then in the evening get ready to enjoy your secret food tour. Italian food is recognised around the world for its delicious flavours, exquisite dishes and world class ingredients. Although many countries now have some great Italian food, it is only when you visit Italy that you can taste the true passion and the best flavours this country has to offer. Wear comfortable shoes as this is a 3hour walking tour with a guide who will explain the history and take you to various destinations for different food tasters concluding with a sample of the local prosecco, lager and wine. (Overnight in Rome)

    Meals: B

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Today after breakfast, explore the heritage of ancient Rome with a fascinating Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour. Your coach will pick you up from your hotel and on arrival, you will be able to skip past the long entrance lines with your priority-access ticket. After the tour use your hop on hop off pass to explore more of Rome, perhaps taking in a museum or the iconic Colosseum. Come the evening, be sure to visit the Trevi Fountain and throw in a coin or two. The architecture is quite spectacular when lit up at night (Overnight in Rome)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: La Spezia

    Rome to La Spezia

    Take the comfortable, high-speed Trenitalia train from Rome to La Spezia today, and on arrival, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Just minutes east of Cinque Terre by train, friendly La Spezia is the perfect base from which to explore the region. The town itself features winding cobblestoned streets with charming trattorias featuring the finest regional cuisine. (Overnight in La Spezia)

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: La Spezia

    La Spezia

    After breakfast this morning, spend the day discovering the stunning hillside towns situated along the rugged coastline of the Cinque Terre by train. The picturesque villages - Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola - each offer their own unique, sun-kissed version of authentic Italian seaside bliss. Start with the 20-minute train ride from La Spezia to Monterosso, the westernmost village known for its lemons, anchovies and a beautiful little stretch of beach. After exploring the town, take the three-minute train ride to Vernazza, the steepest of the villages, and stroll along Via Roma, peeking into the little cafes that line the street. From Vernazza, travel to Manarola for a sunset dinner and unforgettable views. After dinner, take the short train ride back to La Spezia and relax at your hotel after a memorable day. (Overnight in La Spezia)

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5overnight: La Spezia

    La Spezia

    Enjoy more of the stunning region today at your leisure. Discover the winding streets of La Spezia or head back to the coast for more exploration of the beautiful villages of the Cinque Terre. (Overnight in La Spezia)

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6railovernight: Sestri Levante

    La Spezia to Sestri Levante

    After breakfast today, check out of your hotel and take the train north to Sestri Levante. Check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. The city itself is a lovely little Riviera town extending around two bays - the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fables (named for Hans Christian Andersen who lived here for a time). Amble around the winding streets, stop for a famous ice cream or unwind on the wide public beach. Make use of your Cinque Terre card which allows you to use the railway which connects the five villages and allows you on trekking trails around the region. (Overnight in Sestri Levante)

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7overnight: Sestri Levante

    Sestri Levante

    Spend the day discovering beautiful Sestri Levante, popular among tourist and locals alike. Explore the walkable old town with many elegant shops and terrific seafood restaurants. Relax on the large sandy beach at the Bay of Silence or follow the path leading from the old town to Punta Manara for amazing panoramic views of the shoreline from Levanto to Portofino. (Overnight in Sestri Levante)

    Meals: B

  8. Day 8overnight: Sestri Levante

    Sestri Levante

    Enjoy a scenic cruise today across the Gulf of Tigulio to the nearby towns of San Fruttuoso and Portofino. Discover the incredible history and scenery in San Fruttuoso, including the ancient Benedictine Monastery that straddles the beach. In Portofino, enjoy a meal at one of the harbourside restaurants or wander along the historic fishing village's tiny streets to discover numerous hidden gems, including art galleries and jewellery shops. (Overnight in Sestri Levante)

    Meals: B

  9. Day 9overnight: Rome

    Sestri Levante to Rome

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and board Trenitalia for the first-class journey back to Rome. On arrival in Rome, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay and a last chance for any sightseeing. (Overnight in Rome)

    Meals: B

  10. Day 10rail

    Depart Rome

    Check out of your hotel this morning and continue with your onward travels. If you wish to extend this holiday with additional nights in a particular destination, one of our Rail Experts can help you with all of the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour uses priority-access tickets to skip the entrance lines.
  • Day 4A 20-minute train from La Spezia reaches Monterosso, the first of the Cinque Terre villages explored by train that day, along with Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola.
  • Day 7A path from Sestri Levante's old town leads to Punta Manara, with panoramic views of the shoreline from Levanto to Portofino.
  • Day 8A scenic cruise crosses the Gulf of Tigulio to San Fruttuoso, home to a Benedictine Monastery on the beach, and on to Portofino.

Included

  • Train travel as specified in the itinerary 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Rome 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in La Spezia 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Sestri Levante Secret Food Tour Rome Multi Day Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing city tour in Rome Tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in Rome Multi Day Cinque Terre Rail and Trekking Card

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Train travel is included as specified in the itinerary, including Trenitalia trains between Rome, La Spezia, and Sestri Levante, plus a Multi Day Cinque Terre Rail and Trekking Card for exploring the villages.
Is this trip guided or self-directed?
It is a mix. The Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour and the Secret Food Tour in Rome are guided, while Rome sightseeing otherwise uses a hop-on hop-off pass, and the Cinque Terre and Sestri Levante days are largely free time.
What does the Cinque Terre Rail and Trekking Card cover?
It is a multi-day pass included in the package that covers rail travel between the Cinque Terre villages and trekking access to the walking trails connecting them.
How many nights are spent in each place?
Three nights in Rome, split between the start and end of the trip, three nights in La Spezia, and three nights in Sestri Levante.
Is a cruise included?
Yes. Day 8 includes a scenic cruise across the Gulf of Tigulio from Sestri Levante to San Fruttuoso and Portofino.

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