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 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
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 exploration of Italy and Switzerland by train
✓ 13 nights in 4 star accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast
✓ Airport transfers included on the first day
✓ Incredible sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary
✓ Guided city tour of Florence
✓ Guided tour of Colosseum & Roman Forum in Rome
✓ Shared gondola ride in Venice
✓ Second Class high speed rail tickets
✓ Swiss Travel Pass (Day 9 to 14)
✓ 7 Day cooling off period
✈ 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.
Set off on an unforgettable European adventure by rail. Explore Italy's iconic cities, ticking off key landmarks as you take in breathtaking cathedrals, ancient ruins, and outstanding art museums. See Switzerland the best way, on world-famous scenic train journeys through the Swiss Alps. Discover idyllic alpine landscapes, snow-capped peaks, charming mountain villages and luxury resort destinations.
Welcome to Rome! Your private transfer is ready to take you to your hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You can explore the city on your own to discover the most famous symbols of Rome, such as Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Spain Square.
Special Information
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.
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.
This is an independent tour and you will independently make your way between destinations. On certain days, local guides will join you on day tours along the way, as per itinerary.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before joining a guided tour of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum (entrance fees included). You will discover the history of ancient Rome and the gladiators' fights that took place there.
In the afternoon, free time to continue exploring the Eternal City.
Inspiring Highlights
Discover imperial and early Christian Rome and millennia of history as you descend into the Eternal city's underground burial chambers, its long winding catacombs and its crypts. This is the one and only tour that takes you to crypts and catacombs from different historical eras, in various locations and with varying styles. Much of what Rome has to offer is buried underground-and through this tour, our guests can discover the underside of Rome through three select sites--The Cappuccini Crypt (chapel decorated entirely by human bones), Domitilla Catacombs (or San Callisto or San Sebastiano) and the Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere.
(Operates daily)
You'll be guided by our seasoned professional pizzaiolo chef who will lead you through the intricate art of crafting the perfect dough, selecting the freshest toppings, mastering the assembly and baking techniques that characterise the beloved Roman-style pizza. While your meticulously prepared dough rests, you'll discover the delightful world of gelato. Learn the intricate mixture of ingredients that come together to achieve the velvety texture and exquisite taste that define this iconic Italian delicacy. Our talented chef will captivate your senses as they present a live demonstration of the art of gelato-making. Upon the conclusion of your culinary escapade, you'll depart armed with more than just memories. A curated booklet of recipes will accompany you, granting you to recreate the magic of Italy's most cherished culinary treasures within the comfort of your home kitchen. Armed with the knowledge you've acquired and the recipes you've mastered, you'll confidently set forth to share the flavours of Italy with friends and family, creating lasting memories of your own.
(Operates daily)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will head to Rome Termini station to board the high-speed train to Florence.
You are free to explore the city and its numerous impressive museums: the Uffizi Galleries, with the masterpieces of the masters of the Italian Renaissance (Leonardo, Caravaggio, Raffaello, Tiziano, Botticelli and many others), or the Accademia Gallery, which houses the original of Michelangelo's famous statue of David.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5hours. Seat reservation is included.
Today you will discover two thousand years of history of the cradle of the Renaissance through the eyes of an expert local guide, who will take you on an unforgettable journey to discover the most beautiful squares and monuments of Florence. With this half day tour, you will admire with your own eyes the sites and monuments that have made Florence one of the most visited destinations in the world.
Inspiring Highlights
On this small group excursion you will meet one of our famous and charismatic chefs and learn how to cook a nice Tuscan meal in the heart of Florence! First, you will go shopping with the chefs at the central market, picking up the ingredients for your lunch. You will meet the butchers, the bakers, and the farmers selling vegetables from their gardens. You will learn how to distinguish the highest quality ingredients. Next, enjoy a delicious tasting of typical products and you will start putting your hands on the ingredients to create your own meal, driven by the expert guidance of our Chefs. Your menu may slightly vary depending on the season and the fresh ingredients available, but will usually be made of bruschetta, different kinds of fresh home-made pasta from scratch (i.e. tagliatelle and ravioli), sauces for the pasta, and a dessert - accompanied by two glasses of a selection of Chianti wine. A booklet with recipes will let you cook for your friends once you get back home.
Duration: approx. 5 hours.
Start time: 9am.
Maximum group size: 20.
Meeting point:Via Panicale, 43/r, 50123 Firenze, close to Florence Central Market, 15 minutes prior to departure
Please note that when the Central Market is closed (on Sundays and bank holidays) a special introduction and extra tastings at the cooking class location will substitute instead.
Explore the oldest art gallery in the world! This is a unique experience for those of you who want to immerse yourself in Florence’s artistic background and history. You will be guided through the huge rooms and bright hallways to stop in front of and admire such classics as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Leonardo’s The Annunciation and Michelangelo’s Tondo Doni… to name but a few. At the end of the guided tour you can remain in the Uffizi Gallery until closing time.
Duration: approx. 2 hours.
Start time: 8:30am.
Maximum group size: 10.
Meeting point: Ciao Florence office - via Cavour 18,15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.
Do not operate on Mondays.
After breakfast at the hotel, board the high-speed train to Venice S. Lucia station.
After arriving, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, you’ll explore Venice by water in a quintessential experience, with a 30 minute shared gondola ride.
Before dinner in Venice, it is traditional to have an aperitif based on “cichéti” (small snacks) in one of the many “bacari” (taverns) scattered along the “calli” (that is what the Venetian streets are called): a must experience to try!
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. Seat reservation is included.
Gondola ride: commentary is available via an app that you can download to your mobile phone.
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.
This is a walk to admire the most characteristic and important places for the history of Venice from the exterior - an essential tour for the 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.
(Operates daily)
This panoramic city tour will lead you to the discovery of the Venetian Lagoon and of its origins through a 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.
(Operates daily)
After breakfast at the hotel, reach Santa Lucia Rail Station to get the High-Speed Train to Milan.
Enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. Discover Milan's iconic landmarks, including the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, and the Navigli, renowned for their vibrant nightlife. You can also take an internal tour of Teatro alla Scala and its museum, offering a unique opportunity to experience one of the world's most famous theaters.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. Seat reservation is included.
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before boarding the regional train to Como, a journey that takes about 40 minutes.
Once in Como, explore the city and its stunning lake at your leisure. A day ticket for the hop-on/hop-off public boat is included, allowing you to discover the lake at your own pace. You can choose the best stops to explore based on the boat schedule and your return train to Milan.
Enjoy some free time to wander the charming town and shop in its many local boutiques. In the evening, return to Milan for an overnight stay at the hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Seat reservation on your return regional train ticket Milano Centrale - Como San Giovanni – Milano Centrale is not included.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking the morning train from Milano Centrale to Lugano. Upon arrival, drop off your luggage at the hotel and begin your exploration with a stroll along the Lugano Lakeside, where you can admire the flower-filled gardens of Parco Ciani and take in the stunning views of the lake and mountains.
Next, head into the historic center to visit Piazza della Riforma, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and the charming shopping streets like Via Nassa. With your Swiss Travel Pass, you can also explore Lake Lugano by boat. Consider taking a full tour of the lake, soaking in the scenery and stopping at lakeside villages. You can board the boat showing your Swiss Travel Pass - just ensure to check the timetable in advance (note: tickets or seats are not required to be booked).
You might choose to explore Gandria, an ancient fishing village with its narrow streets and traditional houses, or Morcote, known for its beautiful lakeside and the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso.
Return to Lugano in the evening, where you’ll have time for a leisurely walk along the lake or to relax in a café. Enjoy dinner at one of the city center's restaurants, savoring local specialties, before heading back to your hotel for the night.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Seat reservation is not included.
Your Swiss Travel Pass Pass gives you unlimited travel by train, bus and boat, as well as many other advantages: unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns & cities, free admission to more than 500 museums, discount of up to 50% on mountain excursions.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your journey aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express from Lugano. This train ride offers breathtaking views as it winds through the Swiss Alps and passes through the historic Gotthard Tunnel. The experience combines scenic train travel with a boat ride across Lake Lucerne from Flüelen, making it truly unique.
Upon arriving in Lucerne, check in to your hotel and drop off your luggage. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace. Start with a stroll along the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a historic wooden bridge featuring a tower, then wander through the nearby Old Town with its charming squares and colorful buildings. Don’t miss the Lion Monument, a poignant tribute to the Swiss Guards who perished during the French Revolution.
With your Swiss Travel Pass, take advantage of a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and visit picturesque villages like Weggis or Vitznau. You can board the boat showing your Swiss Travel Pass - just ensure to check the timetable in advance (note: tickets or seats are not required to be booked).
In the evening, have dinner at one of Lucerne’s many restaurants, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere before returning to your hotel for the night.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
The train ride from Lugano to Flüelen takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Upon arriving in Flüelen, you’ll transfer from the train to a boat. This transition is smooth, as the train station is located near the boat dock.
The boat ride typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and offers stunning views of the lake.
On the Gotthard Panorama Express Train, the seat reservation is included (panoramic seats not guaranteed).
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending the day at your leisure.
Embark on more scenic boat cruises on Lake Lucerne, made possible with your Swiss Travel Pass. These cruises offer breathtaking views of the stunning landscapes of central Switzerland from a unique perspective. You can board the boat showing your Swiss Travel Pass - just ensure to check the timetable in advance (note:tickets or seats are not required to be booked).
For those who love high altitudes and spectacular panoramas, consider taking a mountain excursion. Lucerne is the gateway to several impressive peaks. You can visit Mount Pilatus, also known as the “Dragon Mountain,” by taking the world’s steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad or the panoramic gondola from Kriens. Alternatively, explore Mount Rigi, referred to as the “Queen of the Mountains,” accessible via cogwheel train from Vitznau or Arth-Goldau. Both mountains provide stunning views, hiking trails, and a chance to experience the Swiss Alps up close. Mount Titlis and Mount Stanserhorn are also excellent options.
Some connections to these mountains are fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (Rigi and Stanserhorn), while others (such as Mount Pilatus) can be accessed at a discounted rate when you show your pass.
After a day filled with natural beauty and adventure, return to Lucerne for a relaxing evening in this charming city before continuing your journey through Switzerland.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before starting your day in Lucerne with a scenic train ride on the Interlaken Express. This journey, part of the famous GoldenPass Line, takes approximately 2 hours and offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and lush valleys.
Upon arriving in Interlaken, a charming town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, check into your hotel where you'll be staying for the next two nights.
In the afternoon, explore Interlaken at your leisure. Start with a leisurely stroll along the Höheweg, the main promenade, where you can take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Jungfrau peak. You might also visit the delightful Japanese Garden or take a short walk to the Aare River.
For those seeking a bit more adventure, consider taking a funicular ride up to Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s local mountain. At 1,322 meters above sea level, the Harder Kulm observation deck offers spectacular panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, as well as the two lakes. Harder Kulm can be accessed at a discounted rate when you show your pass.
Return to Interlaken for a relaxing evening and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Swiss cuisine. Rest well for the exciting day ahead!
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. The seat reservation is included (panoramic seats not guaranteed).
After breakfast, use your Swiss Travel Pass to take a short train ride to Grindelwald (present your travel pass at the station, no reservation is required) , a picturesque village at the foot of the Eiger Mountain. This journey takes about 30 minutes.
Spend the morning exploring Grindelwald, walking through the charming village surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. For an exhilarating experience, consider taking a cable car up to First, where the First Cliff Walk offers breathtaking views.
Using your Swiss Travel Pass, embark on an adventure to Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe.”(this attraction is not included in this tour, and can be booked at a discounted rate upon reception of your Swiss Travel Pass).
You can reach it via a cogwheel train from Grindelwald. The ascent provides incredible views as you navigate through the mountains. Once at the top, explore the Ice Palace, enjoy the snowy plateau, and take in the spectacular views from the Sphinx Observatory.
After descending back to Grindelwald, if time allows, take a scenic walk to Lake Bachalpsee. This hike takes about 1-2 hours and offers picture-perfect views of the mountains reflected in the lake’s clear blue waters.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed afternoon, return to Interlaken and enjoy a boat cruise on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, both included with your Swiss Travel Pass.
Return to Interlaken for your second night. Spend the evening enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the town, perhaps with a walk along the lakeshore or a visit to a local café. Enjoy your overnight stay in Interlaken!
Inspiring Highlights:
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Interlaken before boarding a scenic train to Zurich. The journey offers stunning views of the Swiss countryside and is a comfortable way to travel, with frequent departures.
Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through Italy and Switzerland
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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”
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 three options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,500.00 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 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.
Group Size
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:
Swiss Travel Pass
Discover Switzerland with just a single ticket: The Swiss Travel Pass takes international guests to the most beautiful places in the country on flexible and affordable public transport. Your Swiss Travel Pass Pass gives you unlimited travel by train, bus and boat, as well as many other advantages: unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns & cities, free admission to more than 500 museums, discount of up to 50% on mountain excursions. Please check the inclusions of this tour carefully. The Swiss Travel Pass includes transportation and discounts on activities and excursions. If these excursions are not included in the package but only suggested in the itinerary then then can only be booked independently using your Swiss Travel Pass code to get the discount.
Train Seat Reservation
Please note that some train lines in Italy do not provide a seat reservation which means the seat is available on a first come first served basis. Please refer to the itinerary for more information.
In Switzerland, your seat is reserved on the Scenic Trains (Gotthard Panorama Express and Interlaken Express).
Luggage Requirements
Please note that the maximum luggage allowance is 23 kg due to train compartment restrictions.
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...
28 Feb 2023
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...
23 Feb 2023
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...
30 Jun 2021
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...
