Heart of Italy: Rome to Venice

Experience the best of Italy on a 12-day rail tour from Rome to Venice, with Pompeii, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Lake Como, and more!
Experience the best of Italy on an unforgettable 12-day rail journey from Rome to Venice. Explore the Colosseum and Pompeii, discover Renaissance Florence, taste the wines of Chianti, wander through colourful Cinque Terre, cruise Lake Como and enjoy a gondola ride in Venice. With guided sightseeing, scenic train travel and free time to explore, this tour offers the perfect blend of history, culture and breathtaking scenery
12 Days from $5369/person CAD
Food & Wine
Honeymoon & Anniversary
Premium
Rail & Train
Romantic
Self-Guided
UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Primary Location

Italy, Europe

Departures

Available from March to October

Included:

  • 11 nights' accommodation with daily breakfast in 4-star hotels
  • 3 nights in Rome
  • 2 nights in Florence
  • 2 nights in La Spezia
  • 2 nights in Milan
  • 2 nights in Venice
  • Guided group tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum with entrance tickets
  • Full-day Naples and Pompeii tour with transportation, English-speaking guide and Pompeii entrance ticket
  • Full-day coach tour of Siena, San Gimignano and the Chianti region wine tasting
  • 48-hour Cinque Terre Train Card
  • Lake Como public boat day pass with unlimited travel between Como and Bellagio
  • 30-minute shared Venice gondola ride
  • Private arrival transfer from Rome Airport to your hotel
  • Round-trip second-class high-speed train tickets between Rome and Naples
  • Second-class high-speed train ticket from Rome to Florence
  • Second-class regional train ticket from Florence to La Spezia
  • First-class Intercity train ticket from La Spezia to Milan
  • Round-trip first-class regional train tickets between Milan and Como
  • Second-class high-speed train ticket from Milan to Venice

Not Included:

  • Unless otherwise specified, transportation to the designated meeting point and back to your hotel for guided tours is not included
  • Transfers to and from the train stations are not included unless otherwise specified in the itinerary and inclusions
  • International or domestic airfare
  • Gratuities to guides and drivers
  • Travel insurance
  • Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary
  • Local city tax for overnight stays
  • Visas required for entry into the country as necessary
  • Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in included

Pricing Details

Click Book Online for pricing!

  • The itinerary is subject to change based on the availability of tours. In the event that a particular service is not available, an alternative option will be provided
  • Additional charges may apply during fairs, holidays, and special events
  • From price is CAD per person, based on double occupancy
  • The final price will vary and is also based on the month of travel
  • Prices are subject to change

Optional Extras:

  • Upgrade your train tickets to first class for added comfort
  • Enhance your trip with additional options and upgrades available in Italy. You have the flexibility to customize your experience by adding extra nights, opting for the convenience of private airport or train station transfers, selecting from a variety of additional shared, small-group, or private activities, and upgrading your accommodation to perfectly suit your preferences

Custom Itinerary

Choose between booking the pre-designed itinerary or opt for a custom trip crafted to your preferences, budget, interests, and dates. Our travel specialists are skilled at creating a stress-free experience with any special requests you may have.

Find out more

Itinerary

DAY 1: ROME ARRIVAL

Upon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel by private car. After settling into your accommodation, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to begin exploring the Eternal City. Take the opportunity to discover Rome’s iconic landmarks, such as Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps, at your own pace.

Accommodation at Hotel Diana Roof Garden, Rome, or similar

DAY 2: IMPERIAL ROME WITH THE COLOSSEUM

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out for another day of exploring Rome. Today, you’ll join an Imperial Tour of Rome to admire the monuments of the Roman Forum, enter the Colosseum, and listen to your guide’s presentation of the evocative history of ancient Rome and the gladiator battles that took place there.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to continue exploring the Eternal City. Consider joining an optional afternoon tour to visit the Vatican Museums, an unforgettable experience with its vast collection of art and history, including the renowned Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and much more. Meals: B

Optional Activity – Vatican City Experience (pre-booking is required):

Step inside the world’s smallest country and discover centuries of breathtaking art, history, and grandeur. Marvel at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica—an unforgettable highlight of any visit to Rome. Please note that the Vatican is closed on Sundays and during religious holidays.

Looking for Another Afternoon Experience in Rome?

Consider joining a Rome foodie tour and discover the city through its authentic flavours and local specialties. Let us know what interests you, and we’ll be happy to suggest additional experiences tailored to your preferences.

Accommodation at Hotel Diana Roof Garden, Rome, or similar

DAY 3: ROME TO NAPLES & POMPEII DAY TRIP

After breakfast, travel by high-speed train from Rome to Naples for a full-day guided excursion. Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried by Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, before discovering Naples and its vibrant streets, rich history and authentic southern Italian charm. Return to Rome by train in the evening for an overnight stay. Meals: B

Accommodation at Hotel Diana Roof Garden, Rome, or similar

DAY 4: ROME TO FLORENCE BY HIGH-SPEED TRAIN

After breakfast, travel from Rome to Florence by high-speed train, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Check in to your hotel and enjoy free time to explore Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Join an optional guided walking tour or visit the Uffizi Galleries or Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David. Overnight in Florence. Meals: B

Optional Activities – Florence Experiences (pre-booking is required):

• Florence Highlights Walking Tour
Discover the heart of Florence on a guided walk through its historic centre. Admire iconic squares, magnificent monuments and Renaissance treasures while an expert local guide brings the city’s fascinating art, culture and history to life.

• Florence’s Renaissance Masterpieces
Explore the Uffizi Galleries, home to Renaissance masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, Botticelli, and others, or visit the Accademia Gallery to admire Michelangelo’s iconic David.

Accommodation at Hotel Executive, Florence, or similar

DAY 5: SIENA, SAN GIMIGNANO & CHIANTI WINE TOUR

After breakfast, depart Florence for a full-day Tuscany journey through the scenic Chianti countryside. Visit medieval Monteriggioni, explore Siena’s Piazza del Campo, Cathedral and Torre del Mangia, and discover the UNESCO-listed hill town of San Gimignano, famous for its historic towers and Vernaccia wine. Complete the day with a Chianti wine-tasting experience before returning to Florence. Meals: B

Accommodation at Hotel Executive, Florence, or similar

DAY 6: FLORENCE TO LA SPEZIA & CINQUE TERRE

After breakfast, travel by regional train from Florence to La Spezia, the gateway to the spectacular Cinque Terre. Your included two-day Cinque Terre Train Card provides access to the national park, local buses and regional trains connecting Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Explore the colorful coastal villages at your own pace before an overnight stay in La Spezia. Meals: B

Accommodation at Hotel Corallo, La Spezia, or similar

DAY 7: EXPLORE CINQUE TERRE AT YOUR OWN PACE

Spend a free day discovering the colorful villages and breathtaking coastline of Cinque Terre. Your included Cinque Terre Train Card provides access to the national park, regional trains connecting all five villages, and local bus services, making it easy to explore at your leisure. Overnight in La Spezia. Meals: B

Accommodation at Hotel Corallo, La Spezia, or similar

DAY 8: LA SPEZIA TO MILAN BY TRAIN

After breakfast, travel from La Spezia to Milan by Intercity train, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. Check in to your hotel and explore Milan at your own pace, visiting landmarks such as the Duomo, Sforza Castle, Sant’Ambrogio Basilica and the Navigli. You may also visit La Scala Theatre and Museum. Overnight in Milan. Meals: B

Accommodation at Hotel Flora, Milan, or similar

DAY 9: LAKE COMO DAY TRIP FROM MILAN

After breakfast, travel by regional train from Milan to Como in approximately 40 minutes. Explore Como and its beautiful lake at your own pace using the included hop-on, hop-off public boat pass, with the freedom to visit your preferred lakeside towns. Meals: B

Alternative Lake Como Experience from Milan:

Alternatively, join an optional guided Lake Como and Bellagio tour from Milan. Discover the highlights of Como, admire the lake’s breathtaking scenery and explore Bellagio’s charming streets, elegant villas and picturesque waterfront with an experienced guide. Return to Milan in the evening for an overnight stay.

Please indicate your preferred experience at the time of booking.

Accommodation at Hotel Flora, Milan, or similar

DAY 10: MILAN TO VENICE & GONDOLA RIDE

After breakfast, travel from Milan to Venice by high-speed train in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Check in to your hotel before enjoying a 30-minute gondola ride. In the evening, we suggest experiencing a traditional Venetian aperitivo with cicchetti at a local bacaro before an overnight stay in Venice. Meals: B

Accommodation at Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal, Venice, or similar

DAY 11: VENICE AT YOUR OWN PACE

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then dedicate a full day to discovering Venice or exploring its lagoon. Meals: B

Optional Activities – Venice Experiences (pre-booking is required):

• Venice Walking Tour
Join a guided walking tour through Venice’s enchanting streets, hidden passageways, and picturesque squares, and discover the fascinating history and timeless charm of this remarkable floating city.

• Skip-the-Line Doge’s Palace Tour
Step inside the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace on a skip-the-line guided tour. Explore the Doge’s lavish apartments and cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs.

• Venetian Lagoon Islands Cruise
Cruise through the Venetian Lagoon to discover its enchanting islands: Murano, celebrated for its centuries-old glassmaking traditions; Burano, known for its colorful fishermen’s houses and delicate lace; and historic Torcello, the lagoon’s earliest settlement.

Accommodation at Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal, Venice, or similar

DAY 12: VENICE DEPARTURE

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and conclude your unforgettable Italian journey. An optional private transfer to Venice Airport can be arranged, or you may extend your stay with additional travel services tailored to your plans. Meals: B

    Please provide your contact details

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

      Please provide your contact details

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

      Shopping Cart

      ×