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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Scenic Italy

15-day rail journey from Venice to Rome through Italy's cities and coast

Illustration of Scenic Italy

Marvellous Escapes' Scenic Italy is a 15-day tailor-made rail journey from Venice to Rome, with three intermediate stops at Lake Como, Sestri Levante, and Florence. You travel independently between cities on Trenitalia trains, with pre-booked rail tickets and hotel rooms at each destination included. The itinerary balances guided experiences and free time: your first three days in Venice include a walking tour, gondola ride, and day trip to Murano and Burano by boat. Lake Como offers a full-day tour to Bellagio and Varenna by boat, with leisure time to explore lakeside villages. Sestri Levante, a coastal town on the Ligurian coast, provides two days for beach relaxation and wandering the old town. In Florence, a priority-access visit to the Uffizi Gallery is included; in Rome, a skip-the-line guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum completes the journey. All accommodation includes breakfast. Marvellous Escapes provides 24-hour support throughout. This suits couples, history enthusiasts, and travellers who value both guided highlights and independent exploration.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (GBP 2,899) includes flights to the UK or an optional rail journey from London St. Pancras with extra nights in Geneva and Milan or Zurich; confirm which gateway and transport option suits you before booking
  • This is a tailor-made journey with guided excursions at each stop but independent travel between destinations; no daily tour guide accompanies you throughout
  • Day 10 involves two train connections: Sestri Levante to Pisa, then Pisa to Florence, requiring a change of trains

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Embark on your journey to Venice today. Upon arrival enjoy a private water taxi service to your accommodation and settle in for your three-night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Following breakfast, your day begins with some free time to explore the winding streets and canals. In the afternoon join your included walking tour and marvel at iconic landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica and the Rialto Bridge. Enjoy a classic 30-minute gondola ride, gliding through the picturesque waterways.

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Today you'll enjoy a serene boat journey to the Venice lagoon islands of Murano and Burano. Start in Burano, exploring a lace workshop and sampling the island's famous 'bussolai' cookies. Then, head to Murano to visit one of its oldest glass factories and witness a live glassblowing demonstration.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lake Como

    Lake Como

    Today you will board TrenItalia to Como. Explore the stunning scenery of Lake Como and its charming town at your own pace, captivated by the historic architecture and breathtaking natural beauty.

  5. Day 5overnight: Lake Como

    Lake Como

    Today you'll embark on a captivating full-day tour exploring the enchanting towns of Bellagio and Varenna, nestled along the shores of Lake Como, beginning with a scenic boat journey across the serene lake. Visit the gardens of Villa Melzi or the historic Villa Serbelloni, and continue to Varenna to visit Villa Monastero.

  6. Day 6overnight: Lake Como

    Lake Como

    Today, enjoy your final day exploring Como and its surroundings. Unwind at one of the numerous lakeside beaches, with many restaurants and pizzerias nearby, or embark on a leisurely cruise across the serene waters of Lake Como.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Sestri Levante

    Sestri Levante

    Today, you'll check out from your hotel and embark on a train journey to Sestri Levante. This quaint seaside town is on Italy's Ligurian coast, situated halfway between Genoa and La Spezia, the perfect destination to relax and soak up the sun along the beaches of Silent Bay and the Bay of Fairy Tales.

  8. Day 8overnight: Sestri Levante

    Sestri Levante

    Spend the day in Sestri Levante strolling along the romantic harbour, admiring the tall colourful houses, shopping along Via XXV Aprile, and visiting the Gualino Castle.

  9. Day 9overnight: Sestri Levante

    Sestri Levante

    The old town, built around the promontory, is the ideal place to explore. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria by Carlone, the town hall, and the 12th-century Romanesque San Nicolo dell'Isola church. Enjoy seafood or pizza at a seaside restaurant while watching the sunset.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Florence

    Florence

    After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and board your Trenitalia train from Sestri Levante to Pisa, then onward from Pisa to Florence. Spend today exploring the city at your leisure, perhaps treating yourself to some gelato as you wander through Florence's vibrant piazzas.

  11. Day 11overnight: Florence

    Florence

    After breakfast it's time to start exploring this beautiful city. Begin at the famous Uffizi Gallery with your included Priority Access ticket, then head over to the Mercato Centrale. Come dinner, why not try the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina (the Tuscan steak) with some local wine?

  12. Day 12railovernight: Rome

    Rome

    Today you'll hop on the train straight to Rome, known as Europe's largest open-air museum. Brimming with ancient architecture, stunning churches, delectable cuisine, and captivating history, your visit promises to be unforgettable.

  13. Day 13overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Full day exploring Rome and its wonders, discover the Colosseum & Palatine Hill plus enjoy a guided 'skip the line' tour of the Roman Forum.

  14. Day 14overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Today is your final day in Rome to explore at your own leisure. Admire the historic walls of the Colosseum, soak in the breathtaking vistas from the rooftop terrace of the Capitoline Museums, and don't miss a visit to the renowned Spanish Steps. Conclude your day shopping for souvenirs at Piazza di Spagna.

  15. Day 15rail

    Return home

    Today you will head to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, if you'd like to extend your stay to explore more of Italy by rail, speak to your travel designer.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided walking tour of Venice includes St. Mark's Basilica and Rialto Bridge, followed by a 30-minute gondola ride through the canals
  • Day 3Day trip to Murano and Burano: visit a glass factory with live glassblowing demonstration and explore a lace workshop
  • Day 5Full-day Lake Como tour by boat to Bellagio and Varenna, with visits to Villa Melzi and Villa Monastero
  • Day 11Uffizi Gallery with priority access ticket, then Mercato Centrale market; optional Bistecca alla Fiorentina dinner with local wine
  • Day 13Guided skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum

Included

  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Venice with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Lake Como with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Sestri Levante with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Florence with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Rome with breakfast included
  • Flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras, with extra night in both Geneva and Milan/Zurich)
  • Secure reservations for the Trenitalia and regional trains
  • Private transfers water taxi transfer in Venice
  • Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride
  • Burano & Murano tour
  • Bellagio and Varenna full-day tour on Lake Como
  • Uffizi Gallery Entrance Ticket with Priority Access
  • Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum Guided Tour Skip the Line

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. Secure reservations on Trenitalia and regional trains are included, covering journeys from Venice to Lake Como, Como to Sestri Levante, Sestri Levante to Florence (via Pisa), and Florence to Rome.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is independent tailor-made travel with guided walking tours and excursions at each destination. Marvellous Escapes provides 24-hour on-trip support. You travel between cities on your own with pre-booked rail tickets.
What is included in the price?
Flights or rail from the UK, 14 nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, Trenitalia train reservations, private water taxi in Venice, guided walking tours in Venice and Rome, a gondola ride, day tours to Murano and Burano, a Lake Como boat tour, Uffizi Gallery priority access, and a Roman Forum guided tour.
How many nights do I spend in each city?
Venice 3 nights, Lake Como 3 nights, Sestri Levante 3 nights, Florence 2 nights, Rome 3 nights.
How much walking is involved?
Days include guided walking tours in Venice and Rome, strolling through towns like Sestri Levante and Como, and visits to museums and galleries. No hikes or high-altitude activity.

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