Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Rome, Venice, Florence, and Sorrento

Independent Italy rail journey linking Rome, Venice, Florence, and Sorrento

Illustration of Rome, Venice, Florence, and Sorrento

Railbookers operates this 11-day independent rail vacation across Italy, running from Rome to Sorrento with stops in Venice and Florence. Two nights in each of the first three cities give time to see the major sights without a same-day departure, then three nights in Sorrento anchor day trips to the Amalfi Coast and to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. The days mix free time with included guided elements: on day 2, a guided tour covers the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and on day 9 the itinerary climbs to the rim of Mount Vesuvius after exploring the ruins of Pompeii. Trains carry travelers between the main cities, including a high-speed service from Rome to Venice, while a private driver handles the coastal transfer from Naples to Sorrento. The pace suits travelers who want a structured route with room to explore each city independently between the included tours, and who don't mind a short hike on the Vesuvius excursion.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list is 24 accommodation OPTIONS across tiers and cities, not a single fixed set of stays, so the actual hotel depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • The day 7 leg from Florence to Sorrento uses a train only as far as Naples; the Naples-to-Sorrento coastal stretch is a private driver transfer, not rail.
  • No departure dates are listed in this evidence pack; confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Your Journey Begins in Rome

    Welcome to Rome! Make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. The rest of the day is yours at leisure – the perfect opportunity to stroll through the city and visit some of the key spots! Why not head over to trevi fountain at a chance for some good luck, followed by a walk around the Pantheon and across to the Spanish Steps.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

    After breakfast, make your way over to the Colosseum for a guided tour of the famous amphitheater, then walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans once more with a guided stroll around the Roman Forum.

  3. Day 3railovernight: 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 travelling across the stunning lagoon and into Santa Lucia station. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: 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.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Florence

    Venice to Florence

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your way to the train station for your journey to Florence. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and enjoy a two-night stay. Admire the charming views along the river Arno and cross the city's oldest bridge, the 14th-century Ponte Vecchio.

  6. Day 6overnight: Florence

    Florence

    After breakfast this morning, spend another day discovering Florence. The Uffizi Gallery is immensely popular so avoid the queues by pre-booking your ticket and admire the works of Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raphael and Michelangelo. In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour with a local guide, take a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, admire the spectacular Duomo Cathedral.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Sorrento

    Florence to Sorrento Via Naples

    Your journey to the Amalfi Coast begins with a train from Florence to Naples, where your private driver will meet you at the station. Along the coastal drive to Sorrento, take in the breath-taking views of the gulf of Naples and the coast. Arrive in Sorrento and check into your hotel for a three-night stay.

  8. Day 8overnight: Sorrento

    Day Trip to Amalfi Coast

    Today you'll get to explore more of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast on a guided tour, visiting the picturesque towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Admire the cliffside villages, colorful houses, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea as you explore each town.

  9. Day 9overnight: Sorrento

    Day Trip to Pompeii and Vesuvius

    Get ready for another day of exploring today, this time with a visit to Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius! Meet your driver-guide today and enjoy Skip-The-Line access to these historic sights. After a relaxed stroll around the archaeological site of the ancient city of Pompeii, take a short hike up to the rim of the volcano to meet a mountain guide and peer into the crater's rim.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Rome Airport

    Sorrento to Rome Airport Via Naples

    This morning, make your journey to Naples Station via private transfer, ready to meet your train to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, a driver will be waiting for you to take you to the airport for your overnight stay. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

  11. Day 11rail

    Your Journey Ends in Rome Airport

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided tour of the Colosseum followed by a guided stroll around the Roman Forum.
  • Day 4A guided tour through St. Mark's Basilica and skip-the-line access to the Doge's Palace in Venice.
  • Day 6A pre-booked visit to the Uffizi Gallery to see works by Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Michelangelo, followed by a walking tour past the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo Cathedral.
  • Day 8A guided small-group tour of the Amalfi Coast, visiting Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
  • Day 9A visit to the archaeological site of Pompeii followed by a hike up to the rim of Mount Vesuvius.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Florence
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Sorrento
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome Airport
  • Rome Explorer Pass - Choice of 3 attractions including Roman Catacombs, the Pantheon and Hop-on, Hop-off Tour
  • Walking Tour of Rome with the Roman Forum and the Colosseum
  • Venice Walking tour with the Doge's Palace, and St' Mark's basilica
  • Florence Museums Tour - Skip the Line Accademia + Uffizi Masterclass
  • Small-group tour of the Amalfi Coast with Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello
  • Skip-The-Line small-group tour of Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius
  • Private Transfer from Naples to Sorrento; Private Transfer from Sorrento to Naples Station; Private Transfer from Rome Station to Rome Airport

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included on this trip?
Yes. Railbookers includes rail travel throughout the itinerary, including a high-speed direct train from Rome to Venice, a train from Venice to Florence, and a train from Florence to Naples.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with small-group tours included, such as guided visits to the Colosseum, the Doge's Palace, and the Uffizi Gallery, alongside days at leisure.
Which hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 24 accommodation options across the trip's cities and tiers, including the Kolbe Hotel Rome and the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace in Rome and the Hotel Metropole Venice in Venice; the final hotel depends on the tier and city selected.
How much walking or activity is involved?
The trip includes guided walking tours of Rome, Venice, and Florence, plus a hike to the rim of Mount Vesuvius on day 9.
What's included in the price?
Hotel breakfasts throughout, rail travel as per the itinerary, a Rome Explorer Pass, guided tours of Rome, Venice, and Florence, small-group tours of the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii and Vesuvius, and private transfers between Naples, Sorrento, and Rome airport.

Similar journeys