Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Top to Toe of Italy

Top to Toe of Italy, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Explore Italy, from Venice in the North to Sicily in the South, on this escorted rail holiday. Take in Florence, Rome and beautiful Sorrento by train.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Turin

    A first taste of Italy in Turin

    Holiday begins at London St Pancras International. Meet the Tour Manager before joining the train to Paris, travelling in Eurostar Plus with a light meal served at seats. Change trains in Paris and continue by First Class rail to Turin. Coach transfer to hotel on arrival. Walk to a nearby restaurant for the first three-course dinner in Italy.

    Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Venice (Lido)

    Through northern Italy to Venice

    Buffet breakfast and a free morning in Turin. Around midday, First Class train journey to Venice via Milan. Private boat transfer to the five-star hotel on the island of Lido. Dinner in the on-site restaurant. Note: For departures 26th April and 6th September, accommodation is at the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice (Lido)

    Touring the 'Floating City' of Venice

    Guided tour of Venice. Boat transfer to Cornoldi Pier. Tour of characterful backstreets, church where Vivaldi was born, Bridge of Sighs, St Mark's Square, St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. Free afternoon and evening to explore independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Florence

    Arrival in Renaissance Florence

    Private boat transfer to the railway station, then First Class rail to Florence. Check in to central four-star hotel. Guided tour of Florence including the Duomo, Giotto's campanile, Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi in Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio. Free time before dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Florence

    The traditional Tuscan city of Siena

    Day trip by rail to medieval Siena. Guided tour from the Fortress of Santa Barbara, church of San Domenico, Baptistery, the Duomo, via di Città, Tolomei Square and Piazza del Campo. Free time at leisure before returning to Florence by rail. Free evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6railovernight: Florence

    Another side of Tuscany in Pisa and Lucca

    Travel by rail to Pisa. Guided tour of the Field of Miracles including the Romanesque cathedral, circular Baptistry and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Afternoon rail journey to the walled city of Lucca with free time to explore. Return to Florence early evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7railovernight: Rome

    From Florence to the Eternal City, Rome

    Final free morning in Florence. Early afternoon First Class train to Rome. Check in to hotel. Free time to explore. Dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Rome

    Discovering La Dolce Vita in Rome

    Guided tour of Rome including the exterior of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Roman Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. Free afternoon and evening to explore independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  9. Day 9overnight: Rome

    A free day in glorious Rome

    Full free day in Rome. Suggested attractions include the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Villa Borghese park, Spanish Steps and Borghese Gallery. Free choice of lunch and dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast

  10. Day 10railovernight: Sorrento

    To Sorrento, on the Amalfi Coast

    First Class rail journey from Rome to Naples. Coach transfer to Sorrento, stopping en route at a local agriturismo for a lunch of fresh produce including homemade limoncello and mozzarella. Arrive Sorrento late afternoon. Check in for three nights. Short orientation tour of Sorrento. Free evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  11. Day 11overnight: Sorrento

    Cruising the Amalfi Coast

    Coach transfer to Sorrento's port. Cruise on the Tyrrhenian Sea to Amalfi (free time to visit the cathedral) and then Positano (free time to explore). Return to Sorrento in the late afternoon. Free evening to relax and dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  12. Day 12railovernight: Sorrento

    Exploring the ancient streets of Pompeii

    Coach transfer to the station, then local train to Pompeii for a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site including streets, shops, villas, baths, temples, restaurants, the oldest amphitheatre in the world, and extraordinary frescoes. Free time to continue exploring independently. Return to hotel for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  13. Day 13railovernight: Giardini Naxos

    Travelling by rail to Sicily

    Early breakfast. Transfer to Salerno for First Class train to Sicily along the Calabrian coast. At Villa San Giovanni, the train is shunted onto a ferry across the Strait of Messina. Continue by rail to Taormina, then coach to hotel in Giardini Naxos. Free evening with local restaurant options.

    Meals: Breakfast

  14. Day 14railovernight: Giardini Naxos

    Exploring Mount Etna

    Coach transfer to Rifugio di Sapienza on Mount Etna to view the Silvestri craters and volcanic landscape. Optional cable car or Jeep excursion (payable locally). Afternoon coach to Adrano to join the Circumetnea Railway to Randazzo for scenic views of lava fields around the base of the volcano. Free evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  15. Day 15overnight: Giardini Naxos

    Touring the ancient Greek city of Taormina

    Coach to Taormina for a two-hour guided tour including the Greek theatre (dating from around the 3rd century BC) with views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Tour concludes at a local pasticceria for a cannolo tasting. Option to spend the afternoon in Taormina independently. Three-course farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  16. Day 16

    Homeward bound

    Final breakfast. Coach transfer to Catania airport for flight to London Gatwick.

    Meals: Breakfast

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 15 nights' 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus travel
  • First Class rail travel throughout
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Flight from Catania to London Gatwick
  • Eurostar light meals
  • Breakfast each day
  • 1 lunch
  • 6 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Venice to Taormina
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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