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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Venice, Bologna, and Milan

Independent rail trip through Venice, Bologna, and Milan, 7 days

Illustration of Venice, Bologna, and Milan

Railbookers runs this independent rail vacation across 7 days and 6 nights, moving from Venice to Bologna to Milan. The first two nights are spent in Venice, where a small-group tour visits the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica, followed by a guided walking tour through the city's quieter lanes. On day 3, a scenic train carries travelers to Bologna, often described as Italy's gastronomic capital, for two nights built around food: a visit to local food markets and a guided tour of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese production, alongside sightseeing at Piazza Maggiore and the medieval Two Towers. A further train on day 5 continues to Milan for two nights, where a walking tour covers the Duomo's exterior, Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, and the Sforza Castle gardens. Rail travel and breakfast are included throughout. The trip suits travelers who want a mix of Venetian sightseeing, a food-focused stop in Bologna, and Milan's art and fashion in one independent itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence does not list specific departure dates for this package; confirm current availability with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Venice

    Your Journey Begins in Venice

    On arrival, check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. More than any other city in the world, Venice's reputation precedes it. If you have not been before you are in for a treat, because this destination more than lives up to expectations.

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Venice

    This morning, make your way to St Mark’s Square for the start of your small group tour to the Doges Palace, and mesmerizing Golden Basilica. Following this, it is a guided walking tour through the quieter lanes and alleys, where you will see some architectural gems and historical buildings that are often overlooked by the crowds.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Bologna

    Venice to Bologna

    Embark on a scenic train journey to Bologna, often hailed as Italy's gastronomic capital. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and begin your exploration of Bologna's historic city centre, where you will find the magnificent Piazza Maggiore and the city's iconic Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda. For dinner, savour a traditional Bolognese meal at one of Bologna's celebrated osterias, and immerse yourself in the authentic flavours of this culinary haven.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Bologna

    Bologna

    Today, dive deep into the world of Italian gastronomy. Begin your day at the local food markets, where you can interact with local vendors, sample fresh produce, and learn about the ingredients that make Italian cuisine so renowned. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the secrets of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese production on a guided tour. Witness the traditional methods that have been preserved for generations in producing this world-famous cheese. The evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure, allowing you to further explore Bologna's vibrant dining scene.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5railovernight: Milan

    Bologna to Milan

    Enjoy a final breakfast in Bologna before heading back to the station to board a train to the fashion capital, Milan! Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel for a two-night stop in the fashion capital!

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6overnight: Milan

    Milan

    Following breakfast, get ready to explore more of the city on your walking tour! Make the most of the city by learning about its greatest artistic achievements. See the Duomo's stunning exterior, visit the world-famous Leonardo’s Last Supper, and explore the Sforza Castle gardens. Be sure to listen out for tips and tricks on the best restaurants to enjoy an evening meal, pointed out by the guide to enjoy your last evening with delicious cuisine!

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A small-group tour visits the Doge's Palace and the Golden Basilica at St Mark's Square, followed by a guided walking tour of Venice's quieter lanes.
  • Day 3A scenic train journey takes travelers to Bologna, where an exploration of the historic center takes in Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda.
  • Day 4A guided tour explores the secrets of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese production after a morning at Bologna's local food markets.
  • Day 6A walking tour of Milan takes in the Duomo's exterior, Leonardo's Last Supper, and the Sforza Castle gardens.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Bologna 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan Small-group city tour of Venice with Doges Palace and St Marks Basilica Small-group food tour in Bologna Small-group city tour of Milan with the Last Supper

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, with a scenic train from Venice to Bologna on day 3 and a further train from Bologna to Milan on day 5.
Is this trip guided or independent?
Railbookers markets it as an independent rail vacation, though small-group tours are included in Venice, Bologna, and Milan.
What food experiences are included?
A small-group food tour in Bologna, including a visit to local food markets and a guided tour of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese production.
What hotel nights are included?
Two nights with breakfast in each of Venice, Bologna, and Milan.
What does the Milan tour cover?
A small-group city tour of Milan that includes Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper.
How long is the trip?
The trip runs 7 days and 6 nights, starting in Venice and ending in Milan, with a stop in Bologna.

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