• Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • Trip Includes
  • Trip Excludes
  • Hotels

Best of Italy: Venice to Rome

Experience the Best of Italy by Rail

Immerse yourself in Italy’s incredible history, art, architecture, food and wine on this 8-day journey by rail. Begin by getting delightfully lost in Venice’s labyrinth of canals, alleyways, and bustling piazzas. Then take in Milan’s innovative spirit and global fashion influence. After marveling at Florence’s Renaissance art and architecture, conclude your journey in the Eternal City of Rome – rambling through ancient ruins and savoring every last taste of authentic Roman life.

We’ve put together a tour that allows you to savor the magic and essence of each city. You’ll have enough time to visit bucket-list sights like St. Mark’s Square and the Colosseum, while also wandering through charming piazzas, sampling exquisite regional cuisine, shopping at artisan boutiques, and experiencing the Italian lifestyle.

As you travel seamlessly between cities aboard comfortable and efficient rail, we’ll handle all the logistics from hotel stays to timed train journeys. You’re free to immerse yourself fully in the rich experiences coming up at every turn.

Embrace the true essence of Italy – a journey overflowing with amazing history, art, food, wine, and that indefinable vibe around every turn and prepare to fall in love with the beauty and romance of la dolce vita.

What your itinerary will look like:

Itinerary with Flexible Activities: You can follow our recommended itinerary to experience the highlights of each destination, or customize it to suit your personal preferences.

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrive in Venice

Welcome to the canal city of Venice! After checking into your hotel for two nights, get acquainted with the iconic Piazza San Marco and St. Mark's Basilica, the awe-inspiring heart of Venice. Take an evening stroll along the Grand Canal. [Night in Venice]

Day 2

Exploring Venice

Today, experience the true essence of Venice by getting purposefully lost wandering through the labyrinth of canals, bridges, and piazzas. Take a iconic gondola ride, visit the lively Rialto Bridge area, and simply soak in the unique Venetian atmosphere. [Night in Venice]

Day 3

Travel to Milan

Depart Venice after breakfast and take the train to the metropolitan city of Milan. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Spend the afternoon exploring sights like the iconic Duomo cathedral and the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. [Night in Milan]

Day 4

Discover Milan

Use today to visit some of Milan's artistic and cultural highlights. Don't miss seeing Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece The Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. You could also explore the Castello Sforzesco, Brera art district, or one of Milan's top museums. [Night in Milan]

Day 5

Journey to Florence

Leave Milan after breakfast and take the train through the Tuscan countryside to Florence. After checking into your hotel for two nights, spend the afternoon strolling through Piazza della Signoria to see the Palazzo Vecchio, and cross the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. [Night in Florence]

Day 6

Florence's Museums

No visit to Florence is complete without seeing its world-renowned Renaissance art. Visit the Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's sublime David sculpture. You'll also want to tour the incredible Uffizi Gallery housing masterworks by Botticelli, Raphael, and more. [Night in Florence]

Day 7

Travel to Rome

Depart Florence after breakfast and take the train to the Eternal City of Rome. After checking into your hotel, you could spend the afternoon visiting the historic Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon in the heart of the city. [Night in Rome]

Day 8

Depart Rome

On your final morning in Italy's capital, devote some time to the most iconic sites of ancient Rome like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. If time allows, you could also visit the immense St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City before departing.

Your rail adventure and hotel package includes: 

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey. 
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating. 
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience. 
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options. 
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience. 

Your rail adventure and hotel package does not include: 

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights. 
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs. 
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility. 
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.  
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered. 
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion. 
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included. 

 

Important Notes 

  • Customs Fees and Duties: Any – if applicable - customs fees or duties for goods purchased while traveling are the responsibility of the traveler. 
  • Extra Nights: Any additional hotel nights or early check-ins and late check-outs outside the scheduled itinerary will incur extra charges.  
  • Visa and Passport Fees: Guests are responsible for securing their own visas and any associated costs. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. 
  • Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Please arrange this separately, as it is not included in the package. 

All our hotel options have been carefully selected, conveniently located near the train station for your comfort.

Venice

Our Included Favourite

Hotel Palazzetto Madonna

Decor dating back to the thirteenth century

Waterfront

Popular Alternative

Hotel Belle Epoque

Belle Époque décor style

Modern, clean and comfortable rooms

Luxe Alternative

Venice Times Hotel

Internal garden

Wine bar

Milan

Our Included Favourite

NYX Hotel Milan by Leonardo Hotels

Rooms with designer furniture and city views

Fully equipped gym

Popular Alternative

B&B Hotel Milano Aosta

Modern and Comfortable Rooms

Breakfast buffet

Luxe Alternative

Hotel Viu Milan, a Member of Design Hotels

Perfect blend of elegance, design and charm

Spa area

Florence

Our Included Favourite

The Market Urban Hotel

Organic and locally sourced breakfast

Contemporary design

Popular Alternative

Hotel Number Nine

The interiors create an environment of pure luxury and comfort

Personalized gym sessions

Luxe Alternative

The Place Firenze

Rooftop views

Restaurant at piazza

Rome

Our Included Favourite

Bettoja Atlantico Hotel

1930s building

Vintage atmosphere

Popular Alternative

Kennedy Hotel

Established in 1963 to honor the memory of President John F. Kennedy

Family friendly

Luxe Alternative

NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento

Fitness Center

Roof terrace with city views