Absolute Italy by Rail
Absolute Italy by Rail
Absolute Italy by Rail
12 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Venice, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Florence, La Spezia, Milan, Como, Venice
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 2
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy with the "Absolute Italy by Rail" tour. This adventure takes you from the historic streets of Rome, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, to the romantic canals of Venice. Discover the artistic treasures of Florence, the medieval charm of Siena and San Gimignano, and the breathtaking beauty of the Cinque Terre. Enjoy a full-day excursion to Naples and Pompeii, marvel at the Last Supper in Milan, and relax with a wine tasting in the Chianti region. Travel seamlessly between destinations with high-speed and regional trains, ensuring a comfortable and scenic experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Rome Arrival
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel
On your arrival at the airport, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. During the rest of the day free time at your disposal for a first exploratory tour of the Eternal City. In case of an early arrival in Rome, we recommend a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, to admire Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel and other masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance more closely. It is also possible to participate in a series of other optional activities, such as a cooking lesson to learn how to make pizza or pasta and ice cream. For the evening, we recommend a nice walk in the Trastevere district, full of typical restaurants.Overnight in Rome
Day 2: Rome (B/-/-)
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and discover Imperial Rome on a group tour including the Forum and the magnificent Colosseum. The rest of the day is free to explore the city. You can join an excursion to visit Rome Catacombs or for the sporty ones there is also the option of an electric bike tour, to discover the historic centre with its symbols or even a more secret and unusual Rome.
Overnight in Rome
Day 3: Rome – Naples – Pompeii – Rome (B/-/-)
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, you will board the high-speed train to Naples; the journey takes about 1h 15. Upon arrival at Naples station you will begin a full day excursion to visit Pompeii and Naples. You will first discover the famous archaeological site of Pompeii, ancient Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD and then you will immerse yourself in the undisputed charm of the city of Naples. In the evening, return to Rome by train
Overnight in Rome
Day 4: Rome – Florence (B/-/-)
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, you will reach Rome Termini station to board the high-speed train to Florence; the journey takes about 1h 30. After arriving, hotel accommodation and free time available for an independent visit of the city, the 'cradle of the Renaissance'. It is possible to participate in a guided walking tour that reaches the symbols of the city (Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio with the goldsmiths' shops), or a guided tour of one of the main museums: the Uffizi Galleries, with the masterpieces of the masters of the Italian Renaissance (Leonardo, Caravaggio, Raffaello, Tiziano, Botticelliand many others), or the Accademia Gallery, which houses the original of Michelangelo's famous statue of David.Overnight in Florence
Day 5: Florence – Siena – San Gimignano – Monteriggioni - Chianti Area - Florence (B/-/-)
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day tour heading to the Chianti area and visiting Monteriggioni, with its still intact medieval walls. The tour continues to Siena, where you will discover the suggestive Piazza del Campo, Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral, Palazzo Pubblico and the famous Torre del Mangia. After Siena, the tour will head to the walled town of San Gimignano, renowned for its white wine, the world-renowned Vernaccia, and its skyscrapers, also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO! The tour will continue with a visit to Chianti area and a wine-tasting experience of the Chianti red wine. Return to Florence in the evening.Overnight in Florence
Day 6: Florence – La Spenzia (B/-/-)
Location: La Spezia
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, we board the regional train to La Spezia. The journey takes about 2h30m. 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. The two-day Cinque Terre Train Card is included, allowing access to the National Park area and using regional trains that connect the villages and local buses.Overnight in La Spenzia
Day 7: La Spenzia – Le Cinque Terre – La Spenzia (B/-/-)
Location: La Spezia
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel, then free day to continue the visit of the Cinque Terre, you can participate in a food tour to taste the typical season specialties of the territory. Sports enthusiasts can opt for a mountain e-bike ride with a guide on one of the many scenic routes of the Gulf of Poets.
Overnight in La Spenzia
Day 8: La Spenzia – Milan (B/-/-)
Location: Milan
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, we board the intercity train to Milan. The journey takes about 3h20m. After arriving, hotel accommodation and free time for all to visit the city on ones own. We suggest discovering the most famous symbols of Milan, such as the Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco, the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio and the Navigli, the famous canals, the very hub of the Milanese nightlife. You can continue your visit to the city with an internal visit of the Teatro alla Scala and its museum, a unique experience to visit one of the most famous theatre houses in the world. For the sports enthusiasts, a bike tour tour is also available.Overnight in Milan
Day 9: Milan – Como - Lake Como – Milan (B/-/-)
Location: Como
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and then take the regional train to reach Como. The journey takes about 40 min. 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 to discover the lake departing from Como. You can choose the best stops to get off for a walk according to the departures of the boats and the time of the train back to Milan. Enjoy some free time in Como to get to know the town and shop in the many local boutiques. Return to Milan in the evening.Overnight in Milan
Day 10: Milan – Venice (B/-/-)
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, we board the high-speed train to Venice. The journey takes about 2h30m. After arriving, hotel accommodation, so in the afternoon there will be a 30-minute “gondola ride” with commentary via app on your mobile phone. 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.Overnight in Venice
Day 11: Venice (B/-/-)
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel, then a full day dedicated to the discovery of Venice or its lagoon. You can take a guided walking tour through the most famous places in the city (Piazza San Marco with the Basilica and the Clock Tower, the Rialto Bridge, Campo Santa Maria Formosa) and others less known; or a skip-the-line guided tour of the Doge's Palace, with the Doge's luxurious apartments and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Alternatively, you can go on a boat trip to the islands of the Venice lagoon: Murano, known all over the world for its famous glass craftmanship; Burano, famous not only for its lace but also for the picturesque fishermen's houses all painted in bright colors; and Torcello, the first settlement center in the lagoon.Overnight in Venice
Day 12: Venice (B/-/-)
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, after breakfast at the hotel, make your own way to your airport for your flight back.
What's Included
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11 nights accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar
Stay in comfortable accommodations for 11 nights on a twin-sharing basis at the listed hotels or similar.
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Daily breakfast
Enjoy daily breakfast during your stay.
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Arrival transfer in Rome by private Car/Minibus
Receive a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Rome upon arrival.
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Service of English-speaking tour guide
Benefit from the services of an English-speaking tour guide throughout the tour.
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Sightseeing as per the itinerary
Participate in sightseeing activities as outlined in the itinerary.
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Entrance to Colosseum & Roman Forum Group tour (3hrs)
Gain entrance to the Colosseum and Roman Forum for a 3-hour group tour.
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Full Day Tour to Naples and Pompeii from Naples railway station
Enjoy a full-day tour to Naples and Pompeii starting from Naples railway station.
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Entrance ticket to Pompeii
Receive an entrance ticket to explore the archaeological site of Pompeii.
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Full Day Tour by modern AC coach to Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti Area from Florence
Take a full-day tour by modern air-conditioned coach to Siena, San Gimignano, and the Chianti Area from Florence.
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48hrs Cinque Terre Train Card
Get a 48-hour Cinque Terre Train Card for access to the National Park area and regional trains connecting the villages.
What's Not Included
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Items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities
Expenses of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities are not included.
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Departure airport transfers
Transfers from the hotel to the airport at the end of the tour are not included.
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Return train station transfers
Transfers to and from train stations are not included.
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Local city taxes (to be paid directly at the hotel)
Local city taxes, which must be paid directly at the hotel, are not included.
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Items not mentioned as included
Any items not specifically mentioned as included are excluded.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with high-speed and regional train tickets, private car/minibus transfers, and a modern AC coach for various excursions, ensuring seamless connectivity between Rome, Naples, Florence, La Spezia, Milan, and Venice.
Accommodation
Enjoy 11 nights of comfortable accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar, ensuring a restful stay throughout your Italian adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes high-speed and regional train tickets, private car/minibus transfers, and a modern air-conditioned coach for various excursions, ensuring seamless connectivity between Rome, Naples, Florence, La Spezia, Milan, and Venice.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 11 nights of comfortable accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar, ensuring a restful stay throughout your Italian adventure.
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Is breakfast included in the tour package?
Yes, daily breakfast is included during your stay.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes several guided tours such as a group tour of Imperial Rome including the Forum and Colosseum, a full-day tour to Naples and Pompeii, and a full-day tour to Siena, San Gimignano, and the Chianti Area from Florence.
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What activities are available on the free days?
On free days, you can explore the cities on your own or participate in optional activities such as guided tours of the Vatican Museums, cooking lessons in Rome, electric bike tours, food tours in Cinque Terre, and guided walking tours in Venice.
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Is there a wine tasting experience included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a wine tasting experience in the Chianti Area.
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What is the duration of the gondola ride in Venice?
The gondola ride in Venice is 30 minutes long and includes commentary via an app on your mobile phone.
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Are entrance fees to major attractions included?
Yes, entrance fees to major attractions such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pompeii are included in the tour package.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Arrival transfer in Rome by private car/minibus is included, but departure airport transfers are not included.
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What is the Cinque Terre Train Card and what does it include?
The Cinque Terre Train Card is a 48-hour pass that allows access to the National Park area and the use of regional trains connecting the five fishing villages, as well as local buses.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions