Railbookers · Escorted tour

Rome, Florence, and Cinque Terre

9-day Italy rail tour through Rome, Florence, and Cinque Terre

Illustration of Rome, Florence, and Cinque Terre

Railbookers runs this 9-day, 8-night escorted rail tour across Italy, starting and ending in Rome with stops in Florence and Cinque Terre. The first two days in Rome mix a small-group tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with free time on the Piazza Navona. A high-speed train carries travelers to Florence for two nights built around the Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Gallery, including a stop to see Michelangelo's David. Day 5 shifts pace: a train through the Tuscan hills to La Spezia, then a scenic regional train to Manarola, where a private apartment awaits for three nights in Cinque Terre. Those days are largely unstructured, with hiking the coastal path, a pesto-making course, and a wine tasting offered rather than scheduled. A final train returns travelers to Rome for one more night before departure. This suits travelers who want guided culture in the cities balanced with independent time in a coastal village, and who enjoy hands-on food experiences.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence pack lists no specific departure dates for this trip; confirm availability with Railbookers.
  • Days 5 through 7 in Cinque Terre are mostly unguided beyond a meet-and-greet, the wine tasting, and the pesto class; the itinerary describes the time there as 'yours to enjoy,' a shift from the small-group tours in Rome and Florence.
  • Day 9 has travelers make their own way to the airport for the flight home; airport transfer is not listed among the included items.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Your Journey Begins in Rome

    Welcome to the Eternal City! On arrival make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay, then enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. Explore the riches of the Barberini Museum perhaps, visit the ancient Pantheon, or enjoy an aperitif on the elegant Piazza Navona before dinner. (Overnight in Rome)

  2. Day 2overnight: 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. the Museums' collections include some of the most precious pieces of art and historical treasures in the whole world, and seeing the spectacular ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is an unforgettable experience. 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. These fantastic ruins were for centuries the centre of day-to-day life in Rome. (Overnight in Rome)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Florence

    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? In the afternoon take a stroll along the banks of the Arno, and perhaps head over to the glorious Pitti Palace, home to the famous Medici family and blessed with a fantastic view of the city. (Overnight in Florence)

    Meals: B

  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. (Overnight in Florence) B *Please note the Accademia and Uffizi galleries are closed on Mondays.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5rail

    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. Along the way, your guide will give you all the information you need for your stay, as well as some suggestions as to what to do and some great restaurants. They will also present you with your Cinque Terre card which will cover any travel in the region during your stay. In the afternoon venture to an ancient wine cellar in Manarola for a warm welcome, and tastings of local wines and nibbles. (Overnight Cinque in Terre)

  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 (covered by your Cinque Terre Card) visiting each of the five gorgeous villages, or simply relaxing in your apartment and living life like a local. Speak to any of our Rail Experts should you like a tour of the local vineyards perhaps, or to take to the water for lunch or dinner with an amazing view. (Overnight in Cinque Terre)

  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, and of course, get the chance to sample some together with some local Focaccia and a glass of Cinque Terre wine. The rest of the day is again yours to enjoy. (Overnight in Cinque Terre)

  8. Day 8railovernight: Rome

    Cinque Terre to Rome

    Wave goodbye to your apartment and take the train back to Rome for your final night. The Trevi Fountain is particularly beautiful at night and certainly worth a visit. (Overnight in Rome)

  9. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in Rome

    Following breakfast at your hotel, make your way to the airport for your flight home or speak to any of our Rail Experts should you like to extend your travels elsewhere. B Flash Sale Save Big on Rail Journeys Save up to $500 per couple on rail, hotels, and sightseeing when you book a vacation during the Railbookers Savings Event.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Tour the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's in the morning, then a guided tour of the Colosseum in the afternoon.
  • Day 4Join 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 5Take the train from Florence to La Spezia, then a scenic regional train to Manarola, watching the hills of Tuscany roll by.
  • Day 6Spend a free day in Cinque Terre hiking the coastal path between the five villages or riding the local train covered by the Cinque Terre Card.
  • Day 7Learn to make pesto with a pestle and mortar, then sample it with focaccia and a glass of Cinque Terre wine.

Included

  • Rail travel as per the itinerary 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Florence 3 nights in a private apartment 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 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

Questions travellers ask

Is this trip guided?
It is billed as an escorted tour with small-group tours of the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, Accademia Gallery, and Uffizi Gallery in Rome and Florence, though the days in Cinque Terre are largely unguided, described as 'yours to enjoy.'
Which trains are used?
The itinerary includes a high-speed train from Rome to Florence, a train from Florence to La Spezia connecting to a regional train to Manarola in Cinque Terre, and a return train from Cinque Terre to Rome.
Where do travelers stay?
3 nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome, 2 nights in Florence, and 3 nights in a private apartment in Cinque Terre.
Is hiking included?
Day 6 offers the option to hike the Cinque Terre coastal path between the five villages, with a 3-day Cinque Terre Card included for the local train as an alternative.
What food experiences are included?
The package includes an evening wine tasting in an ancient wine cellar and a one-hour pesto-making course, both in Cinque Terre.

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