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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Rome, Venice, Salzburg, and Munich

Rome, Venice, Salzburg, and Munich rail journey across three countries

Illustration of Rome, Venice, Salzburg, and Munich

Railbookers operates this 13-day independent rail vacation across three countries, running from Rome to Munich by way of Venice and Salzburg. Each city gets a three-night stay, so the trip settles into a steady rhythm rather than rushing between stops. Guided elements are woven through otherwise free days: day 3 brings an exclusive small-group tour of the Colosseum with access to the arena floor, and day 7's train from Venice to Salzburg crosses the Arlberg Pass in the Austrian Alps. Day 9 adds a guided half-day trip to the fairy-tale town of Hallstatt, and day 12 travels through the Bavarian countryside to Neuschwanstein Castle. High-speed trains link Rome, Venice, Salzburg, and Munich throughout. This trip suits travelers who want the structure of pre-booked sightseeing at Rome's ancient sites and Bavaria's castles, combined with unscheduled days, such as day 8 in Salzburg, to wander at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list is 23 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.
  • 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! Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel for a three-night stay. Why not wander to the Trevi Fountain to throw your coins into the famous water?

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Today after breakfast, you'll be picked up at your hotel in the early morning for a small group tour. First, tour the Vatican Museum and marvel at the ornate ceiling of the Sistine Chapel before discovering the rest of the 'Eternal City.'

  3. Day 3overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Your final day in Rome includes an exclusive small-group tour of the Colosseum, including access to the arena floor where the gladiators once stood, previously not available to the public. Afterwards, walk around the Roman Forum and enjoy the fantastic view from the top of Palatine Hill.

  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. After check-in, treat yourself to a classic gondola ride through the maze of canals.

  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 and the Doge's Palace, two of the most impressive and significant landmarks in Venice.

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Have breakfast in the morning before embarking on a boat ride to the nearby islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello on a guided tour, including a visit to a glass-blowing factory.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Salzburg

    Venice to Salzburg

    Head to the train station this morning for a scenic train ride from Venice to Salzburg. Be sure to have your camera ready as you pass through some of the most beautiful parts of Austria and the famous Arlberg Pass. Arrive in Salzburg and settle in for a three-night stay.

  8. Day 8overnight: Salzburg

    Salzburg

    Spend the day discovering the beauty and charm of Salzburg at your own leisure. Explore the city's baroque architecture, stroll through the quaint streets of Old Town, or take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for stunning views over the city.

  9. Day 9overnight: Salzburg

    Salzburg & Hallstatt

    After breakfast, you're headed on a guided tour of the picturesque, world-famous town of Hallstatt. Known for its rich history and charming buildings, Hallstatt is sure to captivate you with its fairy-tale atmosphere.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Munich

    Salzburg to Munich

    Board a high-speed train to the Bavarian capital and check in to your hotel for a three-night stay. Head out to get your bearings in the city, perhaps enjoying some traditional Bavarian cuisine at a traditional beer hall.

  11. Day 11overnight: Munich

    Munich

    Spend a full day in Munich, exploring the many famous sights and attractions on a guided walking tour of the Alpine city. Explore the Marienplatz at the heart of the city and take in the city views from the top of the Town Hall. No visit to Munich is complete without a visit to a beer hall! The Hofbräuhaus am Platzl is undoubtedly the most famous of these.

  12. Day 12overnight: Munich

    Munich

    After breakfast, embark on a guided tour through the Bavarian countryside to one of the most famous castles in Europe, Neuschwanstein Castle, the extravagant inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty. Return to Munich this afternoon and enjoy your final night in Germany.

  13. Day 13rail

    Your Journey Ends in Munich

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you'd 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 small-group tour of the Vatican Museum, admiring the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
  • Day 3An exclusive small-group tour of the Colosseum with access to the arena floor, "previously not available to the public."
  • Day 7A scenic train ride from Venice to Salzburg through the Arlberg Pass in the Austrian Alps.
  • Day 9A guided tour of the fairy-tale town of Hallstatt.
  • Day 12A guided tour through the Bavarian countryside to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Included

  • Rail travel in standard class throughout
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Salzburg
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Munich
  • Exclusive Underground Colosseum Tour including the Arena Floor
  • Sightseeing tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica
  • Gondola ride in Venice
  • Walking tour of Venice with the Doge's Palace and Golden Basilica
  • Sightseeing tour of Murano, Burano, and Torcello Islands
  • Half-day tour to Hallstatt from Salzburg
  • Walking tour in Munich
  • Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included on this trip?
Yes, standard class rail is included throughout, including a high-speed direct train from Rome to Venice, a scenic train through the Arlberg Pass from Venice to Salzburg, and a high-speed train from Salzburg to Munich.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It's an independent rail vacation with small-group tours included at each stop, such as the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, and Neuschwanstein Castle, alongside free time such as day 8 in Salzburg.
Which hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 23 accommodation options across the trip's four cities and tiers, including the Kolbe Hotel Rome and the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace in Rome; the final hotel depends on the tier and city selected.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Three nights each in Rome, Venice, Salzburg, and Munich.
What's included in the price?
Standard class rail throughout, hotel breakfasts in all four cities, an exclusive underground Colosseum tour, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, a Venice gondola ride, a Murano, Burano, and Torcello islands tour, a half-day Hallstatt tour, a Munich walking tour, and a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle.

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