19 Day Grand Train Tour of Italy with Mediterranean Cruise

✓ Independent exploration of Italy by train (Days 1-12) and a Mediterranean cruise with MSC Cruises (Days 12-19)
✓ 11 nights in 3 star accommodation (upgrade to 4 star accommodation available) 
✓ 7 nights aboard the prestigious MSC Lirica cruise ship
✓ Breakfast daily, plus 6 lunches and 7 dinners
✓ Airport transfer included on the first day
✓ Second Class rail tickets as per itinerary (upgrade to First Class available)
✓ Sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✓ Wine tasting in Tuscany
✓ Port Taxes and Hotel Service charges 
✓ 7 Day cooling off period

• Rome -  Colosseum & Roman Forum tour,
• Naples - Naples & Pompeii tour 
• Tuscany - Wine tasting
• Cinque Terre - Explore the fishing villages
• Lake Como - Explore Bellagio and Monterosso
• Venice - Gondola ride
• Mediterranean Cruise - Roundtrip to Montenegro, the Greek Islands including Mykonos and Santorini, as well as Ancona

MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises has a rich history rooted in a deep love for the sea, spanning across multiple generations. The company is committed to sharing this passion with future generations, making each cruise a remarkable journey of exploration and unforgettable experiences for every guest. With a focus on enrichment and immersion, MSC Cruises provides a safe and enjoyable cruise experience. Guests can indulge in international dining options, delight in world-class entertainment, partake in award-winning family programs, and experience the latest user-friendly technology available onboard. MSC Cruises strives to create cherished memories and ensure that each guest's voyage is filled with discovery, excitement, and lasting emotions.

Please click HERE to learn more about the cruise ship.

MSC Lirica Cabin Inclusions & Upgrades

Please note, MSC will assign your cabin number. Cabin will be attributed 40 days before your cruise and can change at any time up until embarkation.

Interior (IB or IM1) is included as part of your package price. 

• Surface 13 sqm, deck 7-8
• Relaxing armchair
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request*)
• TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

Oceanview (OB, OM1 or OM2) FROM $256 per person. Single price on application.

• Surface 13 sqm, deck 7-10.
• Window with sea view or obstructed view
• Relaxing armchair
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer
• TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

Exterior Balcony (BB or BM1) FROM $861 per person. Single price on application.

• Surface 13 sqm, balcony 3 sqm, deck 9-10
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
• TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

Cabin Upgrades and prices are subject to availability upon booking. Please select this option upon booking to indicate your upgrade preference. Once your upgrade has been confirmed, the additional amount will be added to your invoice and payable with your final payment.

First Class rail upgrade from $90 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 from $289 per person, twin share (single from $683)
Select this supplement if you would like to upgrade your hotel stays to 4*.

Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

1. At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
2. Pay a 1st installment of $700.00 per person within 7 days.
3. Pay a 2nd installment of $1,399.00 per person within 90 days.
4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

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:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances. 

It is the traveler'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.

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.

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 ”1”

1 - Leisurely
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. ​The itinerary may include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.

Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.

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 $3,650.00 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.

Group Size
Minimum two passengers. For tours that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.

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: 

• Independent - 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 lo
  nger or pick up the pace and see as much as possible.

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):

• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (skip the line) (Day 2) - $183 per person
• Florence walk and talk: on the Medici's footsteps (Day 4) - $68 per person
• Cooking class: pizza and gelato making cooking (Day 4) - $154 per person
• Walking Tour of Venice (Day 11) - $70 per person
• Absolute Venice combined morning tour: walking tour including skip the line "Doge's Palace" & "The Golden Basilica" (Day 11) - $248 per person
• Venice Islands: Murano, Burano & Torcello (Day 11) - $49 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.

• International airfares
• Departure airport transfer
• Transfer to/from port, train, bus station
• Visas
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Local hotel city taxes to be paid locally
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Click HERE for more information on weather in Italy.