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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Venice, Cinque Terre, and Rome

Independent rail trip across Venice, Cinque Terre, and Rome, 8 days

Illustration of Venice, Cinque Terre, and Rome

Railbookers operates this independent rail vacation across 8 days and 7 nights, moving from Venice to Cinque Terre to Rome. The trip opens with two nights in Venice, arriving by private boat transfer, where a small-group tour visits the Doge's Palace and Golden Basilica and a private gondola ride follows in the afternoon. On day 3, a high-speed train to Florence connects onward to La Spezia and then a scenic coastal line ride to Manarola, where travelers settle into a private apartment for three nights, with a meet-and-greet service, a Cinque Terre card, an evening wine tasting, and a pesto-making course. Day 4 is left free, described as a day to spend as you please, with the option to hike the coastal path connecting the five villages. A train along the coast then continues to Rome for two nights, where small-group tours cover the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, and the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The trip suits travelers who want a mix of guided highlights and unstructured time across three distinct parts of Italy.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence does not list specific departure dates for this package; confirm current availability with Railbookers.
  • Breakfast is confirmed as included with the Venice and Rome hotel stays; the included list does not mention breakfast for the three nights in the private Cinque Terre apartment.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Your Journey Begins in Venice

    Welcome to Venice! Make your way to the airport jetty for your private boat transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. There aren't many journeys more impressive than a cruise down the Grand Canal, and once you are settled head out to enjoy this remarkable city. The small alleys and bridges over the countless canals are as unique as you can get, and the ancient Cannaregio district is a great spot for local restaurants for dinner. (Overnight Venice)

  2. Day 2rail

    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's 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. In the afternoon you have a private gondola ride, please do speak to any of our Rail Experts if you might like the accompanying serenade! (Overnight Venice)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3rail

    Venice to Cinque Terre

    Make your way to the station this morning for your highspeed train to Florence, where you change for a train to La Spezia, then a short ride up the wonderfully scenic coastal line to Manarola. You will be met and shown to your own apartment. Along the way, your guide will give you all the information you need for your stay, as well as some suggestions as to what to do and some great restaurants. They will also present you with your Cinque Terre card which will cover any travel in the region during your stay. In the afternoon venture to an ancient wine cellar in Manarola for a warm welcome, and tastings of local wines and nibbles. (Overnight Cinque Terre)

  4. Day 4rail

    Cinque Terre

    Today is a day to spend as you please, be it hiking the famous coastal path and enjoying the breath-taking views, riding the local train (covered by your Cinque Terre Card) visiting each of the five gorgeous villages, or simply relaxing in your apartment and living life like a local. Speak to any of our Rail experts should you like a tour of the local vineyards perhaps, or to take to the water for lunch or dinner with an amazing view. (Overnight Cinque Terre)

  5. Day 5

    Cinque Terre

    Another day in paradise today, and following a leisurely morning enjoy an hour learning the secrets to a true Italian speciality - Pesto. Using a pestle and mortar you will be guided through the heritage of this local speciality, and of course, get the chance to sample some together with some local Focaccia and a glass of Cinque Terre wine. The rest of the day is again yours to enjoy. (Overnight Cinque Terre)

  6. Day 6rail

    Cinque Terre to Rome

    Hope on the local train to La Spezia, then continue along the coast to Rome for a two-night stay. Once checked in head out to enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. Explore the riches of the Barberini Museum perhaps, visit the ancient Pantheon, or enjoy an aperitif on the elegant Piazza Navona before dinner. (Overnight Rome)

  7. Day 7

    Rome

    Make your way to the Vatican in the heart of the city for a tour of the vast Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and San Peter's this morning. The Museum's collections include some of the most precious pieces of art and historical treasures in the whole world, and seeing the spectacular ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon make your way over to the Colosseum for a guided tour of the famous amphitheatre, then walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans once more with a guided stroll around the Roman Forum. These amazing ruins were for centuries the centre of day-to-day life in Rome. (Overnight Rome)

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A small-group tour visits the Doge's Palace and the Golden Basilica, followed by a private gondola ride in the afternoon.
  • Day 3A high-speed train to Florence connects to a train to La Spezia, then a scenic coastal line ride to Manarola in Cinque Terre.
  • Day 4A free day in Cinque Terre offers the option to hike the famous coastal path connecting the five villages.
  • Day 5A guided pesto-making course teaches the heritage of the dish, followed by tasting with local Focaccia and Cinque Terre wine.
  • Day 7A small-group tour visits the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's in the morning, then the Colosseum in the afternoon.

Included

  • Rail travel as per the itinerary 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice 3 nights in a private apartment in Cinque Terre 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome Small-group tour of the Doges Palace and the Golden Basilica in Venice Private gondola ride in Venice Meet and Greet service in Cinque Terre 3-day Cinque Terre card Evening wine tasting in an ancient wine cellar in Cinque Terre One hour Pesto making course in Cinque Terre Small-group tour of Vatican Museums, San Peter's, and the Sistine Chapel in Rome Small-group tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome Private boat transfer from the airport to hotel in Venice

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, including a high-speed train to Florence and onward connections to Cinque Terre on day 3, and a train from Cinque Terre along the coast to Rome on day 6.
Is this trip guided or independent?
Railbookers markets it as an independent rail vacation, with a free-form day 4 in Cinque Terre described as "a day to spend as you please", alongside included small-group tours in Venice and Rome.
Where do travelers stay in Cinque Terre?
A private apartment for three nights, with a meet-and-greet service and a 3-day Cinque Terre card included.
What food and wine experiences are included?
An evening wine tasting in an ancient wine cellar and a one-hour pesto-making course, both in Cinque Terre.
What is included in Rome?
Two nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast, plus small-group tours of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's, and of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
How long is the trip?
The trip runs 8 days and 7 nights, starting in Venice and ending in Rome, with a stop in Cinque Terre.

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