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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

The Best of Italy and the Amalfi Coast

9-day independent rail trip: Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Capri

Illustration of The Best of Italy and the Amalfi Coast

Railbookers operates this 9-day, 8-night independent rail vacation through Italy, starting in Venice and traveling by Trenitalia to Florence, Rome, and finally Sorrento. After two nights in Venice that include a gondola ride through the canals and visits to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, the trip moves to Florence for a full-day Tuscany excursion covering Pisa, a Chianti winery lunch, San Gimignano, and Siena. In Rome, a guided tour covers the Colosseum and Roman Forum, with free time near the Trevi Fountain. The final leg trades the train for a private driver from Naples to Sorrento, stopping at the ruins of Pompeii, followed by a sail to Capri for the Blue Grotto sea cave, weather permitting. Because it is mostly self-guided, with select guided tours built in, travelers set their own pace between the pre-booked trains, hotels, and excursions. It suits travelers who want a classic tour of Italy's cities and the Amalfi coast without a fixed group itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list is a set of 23 accommodation options across cities and price tiers rather than one fixed itinerary, so the specific hotel booked in each city depends on the tier and dates chosen.
  • The Capri Blue Grotto visit on day 8 is weather permitting, so it is not guaranteed.
  • The evidence lists no current departure dates for this package.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Venice

    Your Journey Begins in Venice

    Private transfer from Venice airport to your hotel for a two-night stay. Explore the canals, architecture, and try a Bellini at Harry's Bar.

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Full day exploring Venice, including a gondola ride through the historic canals, Doge's Palace, and St. Mark's Basilica.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Florence

    Venice to Florence

    Train journey to Florence for a two-night stay. Stroll through lively piazzas, along the River Arno, and cross the Ponte Vecchio.

  4. Day 4overnight: Florence

    Florence and Tuscany

    Full-day excursion through Tuscany: tour of Pisa and the Tower of Pisa, a Chianti winery lunch and wine tasting, San Gimignano, and Siena.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Rome

    Florence to Rome

    Train ride to Rome for a two-night stay. Explore ancient artifacts, architecture, and basilicas such as St Peter's and St Martin's.

  6. Day 6overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Free time near the Trevi Fountain.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Sorrento

    Rome to Sorrento Via Naples and Pompeii

    Train from Rome to Naples, then a private driver takes you along the coastal drive to Sorrento, stopping at the ruins of Pompeii.

  8. Day 8overnight: Sorrento

    Capri and The Blue Grotto

    Sail to Capri and experience the Blue Grotto, a sea cave famous for its intense blue light (weather permitting).

  9. Day 9

    Your Journey Ends in Sorrento

    Private transfer from your Sorrento hotel to Naples Airport for your flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A full day exploring Venice, including a gondola ride through the historic canals, the Doge's Palace, and St. Mark's Basilica.
  • Day 4A full-day excursion through Tuscany with a tour of Pisa and the Tower of Pisa, a Chianti winery lunch and wine tasting, San Gimignano, and Siena.
  • Day 6A guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, with free time near the Trevi Fountain.
  • Day 7A train from Rome to Naples, then a private driver along the coastal drive to Sorrento, stopping at the ruins of Pompeii.
  • Day 8A sail to Capri to experience the Blue Grotto, a sea cave known for its intense blue light.

Included

  • Rail travel in standard class throughout
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Florence
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Rome
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Sorrento
  • Gondola ride in Venice
  • Day trip to Tuscany with wine tasting from Florence
  • Sightseeing tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum
  • Sightseeing tour of Capri and the Blue Grotto
  • Private airport transfer upon arrival in Venice to your hotel
  • Private transfer from Naples station to your Sorrento hotel with a guided tour of Pompeii along the way
  • Private transfer from your Sorrento hotel to Naples airport

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, standard class Trenitalia rail travel is included throughout, connecting Venice, Florence, Rome, and on to Naples before a private transfer to Sorrento.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is mostly an independent, self-guided rail vacation, with select guided tours included, such as the Tuscany day trip, the Colosseum and Roman Forum tour, and the Pompeii stop.
Which places does the trip visit?
Venice, Florence, Rome, and Sorrento, with day trips to Tuscany, Pompeii, and Capri.
What hotels are included?
The evidence lists 23 accommodation options across the trip's cities and price tiers, including choices such as the Belmond Hotel Cipriani and Hotel Metropole Venice in Venice, and the Anglo American Hotel Florence, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Is the Capri Blue Grotto visit guaranteed?
No, the itinerary notes that the Blue Grotto visit on Capri is weather permitting.
How long is the trip and what does it cost?
9 days and 8 nights, priced from $2,359 per person, about $262 a day.

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