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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Rome, Venice, and Milan

8-day independent rail trip: Rome, Venice, Milan, Zurich

Illustration of Rome, Venice, and Milan

Railbookers' Rome, Venice, and Milan trip is an 8-day, 7-night independent rail vacation with small group tours, traveling by high-speed train from Rome through Venice and Milan to Zurich. The trip opens with three nights in Rome, including a guided, skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum, and an included culinary walking tour through the city's historic markets and gourmet shops. A high-speed train then carries travelers to Venice, passing through Florence, Bologna, and Padova before crossing the lagoon into Santa Lucia station, where a classic gondola ride through the canals is included. In Venice, a guided tour visits the Golden Basilica, with skip-the-line access to the Doge's Palace at your own pace. The train continues to Milan for sightseeing around the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, before a final high-speed train reaches Zurich. With guided tours balanced by free time in each city, this suits travelers who want a broad, food-forward introduction to Italy that also reaches into Switzerland.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers offers 24 accommodation options across different tiers and cities for this trip, so the exact hotel and its standard depend on which option you choose.
  • The evidence available does not list current departure dates for this vacation; confirm availability directly with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Your Journey Begins in Rome

    Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel for a three-night stay. Italy's capital boasts a wealth of history on every street, and the evening is yours for exploring the 'Eternal City'. Why not wander to the Trevi Fountain to throw your coins into the famous water?

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

    This morning you'll embark on a guided tour through two of the most popular attractions in Rome - the Vatican museums and the Colosseum - avoiding the long queues as you skip the line with your expert guide. Admire the famous artworks housed in the smallest country in the world and gaze up at Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. After seeing all that the Vatican museums and St Peter's Basilica have to offer, it's time to explore ancient Rome through the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

  3. Day 3overnight: Rome

    Rome

    On your last full day in Rome, your holiday includes an authentic culinary walking tour at lunchtime. Visit one of Rome's oldest cafes for a cappuccino or espresso, then embark on a walking tour to historic markets, gourmet shops, and traditional Roman restaurants where you will sample the very best food the city has to offer.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Venice

    Rome to Venice

    After breakfast, head to the train station and board a high-speed, direct train to Venice. Speed through Florence, Bologna and Padova before traveling across the stunning lagoon and into Santa Lucia station. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. After check-in, treat yourself to a classic gondola ride through the maze of canals before tucking into some Cicchetti (Italian tapas), washed down with a glass of sparkling Prosecco.

  5. Day 5overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Spend a full day exploring the unique, canal-side city of Venice today. Discover the city's hidden gems and highlights on a guided tour through the Golden Basilica, one of the most impressive and significant landmarks in Venice. You will also have Skip-the-Line access to Doge's Palace to explore at your own pace.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Milan

    Venice to Milan

    From one fascinating city to another, take the train from the center of Venice to the center of Milan. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend your time in Milan exploring Europe's capital of fashion! Take a trip to the Quadrilatero d'Oro (Golden Quad) where top designers have established their flagship stores or seek out the vintage boutiques for a fantastic bargain.

  7. Day 7overnight: Milan

    Milan

    Get ready for a day of exploring using your included Hop-on, Hop-off sightseeing pass. Stroll to the historic Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) and the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. In the evening, enjoy Milanese cuisine at a local trattoria.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Zurich

    Milan to Zurich

    Head to the Milan train station after breakfast for a high-speed train journey, arriving in Zurich only 3 hours later. On arrival in Zurich, make your way to your hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the evening enjoying a tasty meal at a local restaurant or take a relaxing stroll through the city centre.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided, skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum, taking in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.
  • Day 3An included culinary walking tour through Rome's historic markets, gourmet shops, and traditional Roman restaurants.
  • Day 4A high-speed train from Rome to Venice passing through Florence, Bologna, and Padova before crossing the lagoon into Santa Lucia station, followed by a gondola ride through the canals.
  • Day 5A guided tour of the Golden Basilica with skip-the-line access to the Doge's Palace.
  • Day 8A high-speed train from Milan to Zurich, arriving about three hours later.

Included

  • Rail travel in standard class throughout
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
  • Small group tours of the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel
  • Gondola ride in Venice
  • Skip-the-Line tickets for the Doge's Palace
  • Sightseeing tour of Milan

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, rail travel in standard class is included throughout, with high-speed trains from Rome to Venice, Venice to Milan, and Milan to Zurich.
Is it escorted or independent?
Railbookers calls this an independent rail vacation with small group tours, so free time such as the Rome arrival evening and the Doge's Palace visit ('explore at your own pace') is self-guided.
Which cities does it visit?
Rome, Venice, Milan, and Zurich, in that order.
What is included?
Rail travel in standard class throughout, hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome, Venice, and Milan, small-group tours of the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel, a gondola ride in Venice, skip-the-line tickets for the Doge's Palace, and a sightseeing tour of Milan.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 24 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace in Rome and the Hotel Metropole Venice in Venice; the exact hotel depends on the option chosen.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $1,429 USD.

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