12 Day Absolute Italy By Rail
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Independent touring – explore at your own pace with pre-booked trains, accommodation and some guided day tours. Enjoy time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible: the choice is yours.
✓ Second Class rail tickets as per itinerary (upgrade to First Class available)
✓ Incredible sightseeing and experiences including a guided tour of the Colosseum & Roman Forum in Rome, full day tour to Naples and Pompeii, visit Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti area in Tuscany with an included wine tasting, 48hrs Cinque Terre Train Card, full day unlimited public ferry ticket on Lake Como, and a 30 minute Gondola ride in Venice
✓ 11 nights in central, 3 star accommodation (upgrade to 4 star accommodation available)
✓ Airport transfers included on the first day
✓ Breakfast daily, and 1 wine tasting in Tuscany
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Rome! Your private transfer is ready to take you to your hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Whether you’re booked on the 3 star or 4 star package, you will enjoy hotels located in the heart of the city with close proximity to the train station and all the sights that Rome has to offer.
Please note - the rest of the itinerary is unescorted, with local guides joining you for day tours along the way. You will make your way between destinations.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note - if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
Guests booked on the 4* upgraded package will be accommodated at Hotel Gambrinus or similar
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before making your way to the meeting point to join a tour to discover Imperial Rome.
Accompanied by a local historian, step back in time as you explore Rome’s most significant ancient temples and monuments. Walk through the incredible Roman Forum surrounded by the ruins of ancient government buildings and then enjoy skip the line access as we continue our tour to the mighty Colosseum as you walk its tiers in the footsteps of gladiators and emperors past.
The rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own, or alternatively you may wish to join one of the optional tours below.
Guests booked on the 4* upgraded package will be accommodated at Hotel Gambrinus or similar
Make your way to the Vatican and meet your guide 15 mins prior for a tour of the incredible Vatican Museums (20 travellers maximum). Skip the queues with your Skip The Line ticket and visit the largest art collection in the world. Your expert guide will lead you into the museum and its best galleries where you will admire frescoes, statues, tapestries and historical maps. Walk through the famous Hall of Maps and the Gallery of the Tapestries until you reach the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s Last Judgement.
Please note St. Peter's Basilica is not included in this tour.
Duration: approx. 3 hours.
Start time: 3.30pm. This tour does not operate on Sundays and during religious festivities.
Meeting Point: Viale Vaticano 97, 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.
After breakfast at the hotel, make your way to the station where you will board the high-speed train to Naples. On arrival at the station you will be met by your guide and join your group as you begin a full day excursion of the ancient city of Pompeii and Naples. First discover the famous archaeological site of Pompeii with the assistance of an expert historian. Enjoy skip the line entrance as your guide leads you through the ancient Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.Once a thriving and sophisticated Roman city, Pompeii has been preserved under meters of ash and pumice and now excavated ruins of streets and houses stand on display with intact frescoes and mosaics. Following this we travel to Naples where you will immerse yourself its undisputed charm on a guided tour of the city’s highlights. In the evening, return to Rome by train and make your way back to the hotel where the rest of the evening is at leisure.
Guests booked on the 4* upgraded package will be accommodated at Hotel Gambrinus or similar
Make your way to Rome Termini station to board the high-speed train for your 1.5 hour journey to Florence. On arrival, make your way to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional group tour below.
Guests booked on the 4* upgraded package will be accommodated at Hotel Executive or similar
Experience Florence through the perspective of the powerful Medici family and marvel at the artworks that have shaped history, with a special emphasis on Michelangelo, one of the Renaissance's greatest geniuses.
During this walk, you will see Piazza della Signoria with the town hall Palazzo Vecchio, the Medici Riccardi Palace where Lorenzo the Magnificent lived, the historic ""Loggia del Porcellino," an unmissable stop in Piazza del Duomo, Santa Trinita Church, and Orsanmichele Church.
Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Start time: 9:45am.
Maximum group size: 25.
Meeting Point: Piazza Repubblica, 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.
In this tour (20 travellers maximum) you will learn to make pizza and gelato just like the Italians do! First, your professional pizza chef will show you the techniques to make your own dough, the secret of a perfect sauce, and how to stretch, roll, prepare and bake your very own pizza. Then your expert chef will fill you in on why gelato remains Italy's favourite dessert while giving you an insight into the "gelato culture" that continues to grow. Get to know the basic raw ingredients, and how to select the best products available according to specific principles during a presentation and tasting of some of the flavours used in gelato making.
Duration: approx. 3 hours.
Start time: 6.30pm. Operates daily.
Meeting Point: Via Panicale Via Panicale, 43/r, close to Florence Central Market, 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then meet your group for a full day tour of Tuscany. We first visit the ancient town of Monteriggioni known for its medieval fortifications and watchtowers. The tour then continues to Siena, where you will discover the impressive Piazza del Campo, Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral, Palazzo Pubblico and the famous Torre del Mangia. Following this, the tour will head to the walled town of San Gimignano, famous for its white wine, the world renowned Vernaccia, and its many towers, also declared a World heritage Site by UNESCO! The tour will continue with a visit to the Chianti area and a wine tasting experience of the Chianti red wine. Return to Florence in the evening where the rest of the evening is at leisure.
Guests booked on the 4* upgraded package will be accommodated at Hotel Executive or similar
After breakfast at the hotel, make your way to the train station to board the regional train for a 2.5 hour journey to La Spezia. La Spezia is the starting city to explore the famous Cinque Terre, the stretch of coast with five fishing villages perched over the sea: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. On arrival, make your way to our hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Included in your package is a two-day Cinque Terre Train Card which allows access to the National Park area and the use of regional trains that connect the villages and of local buses so you can experience this fabulous region at your own pace.
Guests booked on the 4* upgraded package will be accommodated at Hotel The Poet or similar
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then the day is free to visit the towns of the Cinque Terre on your own using your included Cinque Terre Train Card.
Guests booked on the 4* upgraded package will be accommodated at Hotel The Poet or similar
After breakfast at the hotel, make your way back to the train station to board the intercity train for your 3.5 hr journey to Milan. On arrival, make your way to the hotel where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the fashion capital on your own.
Guests booked on the 4* upgraded package will be accommodated at NYX Hotel Milan or similar
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before making your way to the train station to take the regional train for a 40 minute journey to Como. Today you are free to discover the city of Como and its famous lake on your own. A day ticket is included for the hop-on, hop-off public boat which will allow you unlimited ferry travel to discover the lake and its beautiful towns including Bellagio and Monterosso. Spend as little or as much time in each town exploring cobblestoned streets and quaint artisan stores. Make your way back to Como for your return regional train to Milan where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Guests booked on the 4* upgraded package will be accommodated at NYX Hotel Milan or similar
After breakfast, make your way to the train station to board the high-speed train for your 2.5 hour journey to Venice. On arrival, make your way to the hotel before enjoying a 30-minute gondola ride this afternoon.
Guests booked on the 4* upgraded package will be accommodated at Hotel Amedeus or similar
Today you are free to explore the canals or surrounding islands of Venice on your own. Get lost wandering the winding canals, shop at the many boutiques or enjoy a gelato in one of the many piazza’s.
Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional group tour below.
Guests booked on the 4* upgraded package will be accommodated at Hotel Amedeus or similar
Take a guided walk to admire the most characteristic and important sites of Venice - an essential tour for the historical understanding of Venice. A qualified and experienced guide will take you to the main sites which includes Piazza San Marco, Basilica San Marco, Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), Bell Tower, Clock Tower and Procuratie. Continue to Santa Maria Formosa - history and anecdotes related to this wonderful and characteristic square. Campo San Giovanni e Paolo - the "Pantheon" of Venice, the Great School of Charity, the Captains of fortune. Marco Polo’s House and Malibran Theater - anecdotes and distant and recent history intersect in this beautiful corner of Venice. Return to San Marco through the Mercerie, a vital connection between Rialto and San Marco, and the main shopping street.
Duration 1.5 hours
Start time: 9amMeeting point: Calle Larga de l'Ascension, in front of the Post Office, 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.
Please note this tour is not suitable for guests with impaired mobility.
Accompanied by a qualified expert guide, walk through Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo (the “Pantheon” of Venice), view Marco Polo’s House and the Malibran Theatre. Return to San Marco through the main shopping area, Mercerie, vital connection between Rialto and San Marco and main shopping street. During the second part of the tour, enjoy the visit to the magnificent Doge's Palace with skip the line entrance included. Following this, visit one of the world's most majestic cathedrals, St Mark’s Basilica with skip the line entrance included. Follow a tour guide through one of the most majestic cathedrals in the world and learn about byzantine art and its religious background while taking a glimpse at the gold mosaics and marble floors.
Duration 3.5 hours
Start time: 9am. Operates Monday - Saturday only. This tour does not operate in case of unplanned religious functions.
Please note, for the visit of the Basilica proper clothing are required.
Please note, this tour is not suitable for guests with impaired mobility.
This panoramic city tour will lead you to the discovery of the Venetian Lagoon and of its origins through a suggestive boat excursion that will stop in the three most important islands of the city: Murano, Burano and Torcello. On board, an expert hostess will tell you the story of each island, revealing their peculiarities and traditions. In Murano, you will visit an historical glassblowing factory, where you will be shown how they still work the typical glass that made Venice famous all over the world. In Burano, the island known for its colorful houses, you will admire the famous hand-made laces. Last stop is Torcello, where you will witness the vestiges of the first settlements of the inhabitants of Venice.
Duration 4.5 hours
Start time: 11.30am.
Meeting point: Alilaguna ticket office in front of the Royal Gardens close to St. Mark's Square, 20 minutes prior to departure.
Please note, this tour is not suitable for guests with impaired mobility.
Your Italian journey comes to an end after breakfast at the hotel.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Inspiring Stay
First Class Rail Upgrade ($152 per person)
Select this supplement if you would like to upgrade your itinerary to 1st class rail on all sectors.
With rows of 3 seats instead of 4, extra space for your legs, a wider seat and backrest, First Class has been designed for your comfort and serenity.
Please note the seat reservation is not available on First Class on the following train rides: Florence - La Spezia / La Spezia - Milan / Milan - Como.
4 Star Hotel upgrade ($464 per person. Single price on application.).
Select this supplement if you would like to upgrade your hotel to 4*.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,695.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Train - Reserved Seats
Please note that some train lines do not provide a seat reservation which means the seat is available on a first come first served basis. This apply to Second Class and First Class.
The seat is reserved on the following train rides only : Rome - Naples / Rome -Florence / Milan -Venice.
The seat reservation is not available on the following train rides (even on 1st Class Upgrade) : Florence - La Spezia / La Spezia - Milan / Milan - Como.
Venice has implemented an access fee charged to day trip visitors who are not staying overnight in the municipality of Venice, during specific high season dates. The calendar of dates is available here.
If you are staying in an accommodation in the municipality of Venice, then you are exempt from this fee. However, to avoid paying the fee you must register for an exemption by filling out an exemption request here. The exemption form will provide you with a QR code you can show on your phone.
If required for your travel dates, you may pre-book once you have received your final documents confirming your hotel. The exemption must be completed before entering the city, but can be done while traveling.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Click HERE for more information on weather in Italy.
19 Mar 2024
Over the last two thousand years, Italy has taken the best cuisine the world has to offer and made it its own If you could only eat one cuisine for the rest of your life what would it be? Japanese perhaps? Thai maybe? Or is it Italian? Yes, it’s probably Italian. From crusty pizzas and rich pastas, to brightly-coloured...
14 Sep 2020
Wrap your heads around the ruins of Rome and its long and glorious history Visiting Rome can be overwhelming when you consider its historical and cultural importance – after all, it was once called 'the Capital of the World' for a reason. The city is thousands of years old, filled with monuments, wonders, and relics fr...
14 Sep 2020
From decadent tagliateli al ragù to savoury Parmigiano Reggiano right from the source, you’ll discover instantly why Emilia Romagna is considered—by Italians no less—the beating heart of Italian cuisine The competition is fierce, but if Italy has a foodie capital then the title may well belong to Emilia Romagna, home o...
14 Sep 2020
With its iconic landmarks, ancient ruins, famed cuisine and passionate people, Italy is one of the world’s true treasures. But, when is the best time to go? Italy attracts travellers from all over the globe with its incredible food, art, architecture, culture and history. Thanks to the sheer number of attractions, and...
