Tours Rail Tours Italy Rail Express

Italy Rail Express

Countries: 1 Days: 9 Per Day: US$ 251
Start Point:Rome
End Point:Milan
Transport:Train
Accommodation:Hotel
Ages:10 - 75+
WasUS$ 3,020
From US$ 2,265
check-greenFlexible booking: 10-day money-back guarantee

Price per person in twin share room

2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price

More reasons to book with us

  • Flexible bookings: 10-day money-back guarantee & free date changes
  • Low deposit secures your booking
  • Pay 10% now; rest in instalments
  • Smaller group sizes & fully guided
  • FREE Wi-Fi in hotels

Summary

Discover the many wonders of Italy by train! This Italian adventure starts in Rome, the country’s historic and iconic capital. Visit Naples and taste authentic Neapolitan pizza. Explore Florence and soak up its unmatched arts and cultural scene. Experience Milan, the fashion capital of the world! Get a photo with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, grab the chance to cruise the Venice canals and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Touring Italy by train offers stunning scenery, fascinating history, gorgeous architecture and delicious cuisine. Start living La Dolce Vita now!

Highlights

  • Discover Rome and Florence with expert local guides
  • Explore Venice and see the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Free days to explore Naples and Venice in-depth
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii 

Start Point

Hotel in Rome | 03:00 PM

End Point

Hotel in Milan | 10:00 AM
DAY 1: Rome

Are you ready for an Italian rail travel adventure? Welcome to Rome, the “Eternal City”. Check into the hotel before meeting up with your tour leader and fellow travellers. Later this afternoon, look forward to a guided tour of this ancient city with an expert local guide. Discover some of Rome’s top sights, including the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, and learn all about Rome’s fascinating history. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group and get your first taste of Italian cuisine!

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Rome

Are you ready for an Italian rail travel adventure? Welcome to Rome, the “Eternal City”. Check into the hotel before meeting up with your tour leader and fellow travellers. Later this afternoon, look forward to a guided tour of this ancient city with an expert local guide. Discover some of Rome’s top sights, including the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, and learn all about Rome’s fascinating history. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group and get your first taste of Italian cuisine!

Experiences

Rome guided tour: Embark on a tour with a local guide to discover Italy’s Eternal City! See major sites including the incredible Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum and the Pantheon. This guided tour will share stories about how Rome came to be and what it is today!

Italian welcome dinner: Tonight, dine like the Italians do! Enjoy a three-course welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Rome and take this chance to get to know your travel friends who will be with you for the next nine days.

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: Rome - Naples

After breakfast this morning, board a high-speed train and travel from Rome to Naples. After arriving and dropping your bags off at tonight’s accommodation, get ready to embark on an ancient adventure! Take a local train to the ruins of Pompeii. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to grab lunch. Then, meet up with a local guide and set off on a tour of this iconic ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site that was covered in the ash and debris of Mount Vesuvius nearly two thousand years ago. After a truly unforgettable afternoon, head back to Naples and enjoy an included dinner this evening. This is your chance to try authentic Neapolitan pizza!

Experiences

Visit Pompeii: Pompeii is so remarkable because it was almost frozen in time as the ash and volcanic debris of Mount Vesuvius covered the city for many centuries. The preservation of Pompeii allows its visitors a glimpse into ancient times. Enjoy a two-hour guided walking tour through this fascinating ancient site.

Dinner in Naples: Enjoy a traditional dinner and take the chance to try some of Naples’ famous pizza! Naples is considered the birthplace of pizza and the art of pizza making is taken very seriously, meaning that you can be assured of some truly delectable slices.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 3: Naples: Free Day

Today is free to explore Naples! Discover this city’s old world charm and uniquely traditional way of doing things. Naples may be the third-largest city in Italy but it often feels like a completely different country! Naples is also a gateway to the picturesque and ultra-glamorous island of Capri. Join today’s optional excursion to enjoy a private cruise around the Isle of Capri and spend the day taking in the breathtaking beauty of the coastline! This evening, explore more of Naples at leisure and discover some of the must-try food and local experiences.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 4: Naples - Florence - Pisa

Wave arrivederci to Naples and hop on a fast train to Florence, the ‘Jewel of the Renaissance’ and capital of the Tuscany region. Arrive and enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant before visiting a local Italian leather shop to learn about how these expert craftsmen make fine leather goods. Then, explore Florence with a local guide. See top sights including the Palazzo Vecchio and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and admire the views from the Ponte Vecchio viewpoint. Afterwards, it’s time to head to Pisa. Check into the hotel for the night and set off on an orientation walk which will reveal the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa by night! 

Experiences

Lunch in Florence: Try some authentic Tuscan cuisine at an excellent local restaurant over a group lunch in Florence.

Leather-making demonstration: Step inside the world of Italian leather crafting; visit a local leather shop and factory, Leonardo Leather and Gold, for insight into how bespoke Italian leather goods are produced. Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries!

Guided tour of Florence: See some of the cultural and historic sights that have made the city of Florence a favourite among travellers. Discover top sights including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Renaissance’, Florence boasts a huge variety of important buildings and famous artworks.

See the Leaning Tower of Pisa: A bucket-list item for most, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most iconic monuments in Italy and perhaps one of the most recognisable structures in the world.

Meals

BreakfastLunch

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 5: Pisa - Cinque Terre (Optional)

Enjoy a free day in Pisa. Take some time to explore the Piazza del Duomo and be sure to snap some memorable photos of you “holding up” the tower! Alternatively, join the optional excursion to Cinque Terre. Your tour leader will take the group to the starting point and give you all the information needed to discover these five picturesque seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera. Cinque Terre can only be accessed by boat, train or on foot and its colourful houses and stunning vineyards offer a breathtaking outlook. The group will return to Pisa together in the evening.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 6: Pisa - Venice

From one spectacular Italian city to another, the tour travels through the Tuscan region towards Venice today! After dropping off your bags at tonight’s hotel, set off on an orientation walking tour of this magical floating city. See top Venice attractions including the Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, Palazzo Ducale and more! After, enjoy an included lunch which ends off with a delicious gelato. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. This is the perfect time to cruise the legendary canals with an optional water taxi ride!

Experiences

Orientation tour of Venice: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour and a trip into the heart of this unique floating city. See St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

Lunch in Venice: Weaving through the tiny alleys and crossing the many bridges of Venice is hungry work! This exploration will be rewarded with a taste of Venice. Look forward to some authentic Italian gelato for dessert!

Meals

BreakfastLunch

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 7: Venice: Free Day

Discover even more Venetian magic on this full free day! The best way to start the day is with an optional gondola ride - this is a quintessential Venice experience! Afterwards, why not take this opportunity to venture out in the lagoon? The Venice Lagoon Tour optional excursion travels to the island of Murano, known for its glass blowing and the colourful island of Burano on a private boat! Alternatively, take this free day to explore Venice at your own pace. Visit a museum or do some shopping and enjoy an aperitivo in the vibrant Piazza San Marco!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 8: Venice - Milan

Next up on this whirlwind Italy rail tour is the fashion capital of the world - Milan! Get acquainted with this super stylish city on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Of course, the incredible Duomo cathedral is sure to take your breath away. Other top sights include the impressive La Scala Milan Opera House and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery! This afternoon, enjoy an included farewell lunch with the group. Take the rest of the evening to relax, explore more or do some last minute shopping before the tour comes to an end tomorrow.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Milan: Travel to the centre of the fashion capital with your tour leader. Your tour leader will point out some of Milan’s top sights and offer tips for how to spend the free afternoon.

Farewell lunch in Milan: After a morning of sightseeing, enjoy a final farewell lunch with the group at a local restaurant.  

Meals

BreakfastLunch

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 9: End of tour in Milan

After plenty of Italian adventures, this nine-day rail journey comes to an end today. Say farewell to your new travel friends over breakfast and be sure to swap contact details. We hope that this tour of bella Italia has provided many unforgettable moments and memories to last a lifetime! Expat Explore wishes you a safe onward journey. Buon Viaggio!

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 8 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Meals

  • 8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • All rail travel throughout your tour with reserved seat selection 
  • Standard Class Rail
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

12 Experiences!

  • Discover Rome on a locally guided walking tour
  • Enjoy an Italian welcome dinner in Rome
  • Taste authentic Neapolitan pizza
  • Visit the ancient city of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Explore Florence, the “Jewel of the Renaissance” on a locally guided tour
  • Taste Tuscan cuisine in Florence
  • Enjoy an Italian leather-making demonstration
  • See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Explore Venice on an orientation tour
  • Enjoy lunch in the heart of Venice
  • Visit Milan, the world’s fashion capital
  • Enjoy a farewell lunch in Milan

Accommodation

We partner with a range of hand-picked hotels in each destination. The hotels listed below are those we stay at most frequently. However, you may stay at different hotels of a similar standard. 

A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in Rome and Milan book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.

Rome

Photos of the tour

Optional Excursions

Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Dates & Rates

2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price

Our pricing model: Whether you book early or take advantage of our special promotions, you’ll always get fantastic value when you choose to travel with us.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
21 Aug 2025 - 29 Aug 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-08-21Book now with low depositUS$3,020 US$2,265
11 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-11Book now with low depositUS$3,020 US$2,265
02 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-10-02Book now with low depositUS$3,020 US$2,265

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre .

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

29 reviews
D
Dee Verified Buyer 2023-12-31
This was so much more then a bucket list!
Our tour guide Will was super helpful and entertaining. There were so many highlights such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, cruising along the Venice Canal and the Cinque Terra.
M
Mia Verified Buyer 2023-12-31
Good tour with amazing sites
I really enjoyed the train tour of Italy. Most of the hotels were in walking distance of the train and easy to get to. It would've been nice to spend two nights in Venice, but I was able to see the highlights in each of the cities we visited.
D
Donna Verified Buyer 2023-11-20
I'd do it again!
I loved this tour! We visited so many places and saw so much! Our tour leader, Antonio was wonderful! He was attentive to all in the group and took care of any special needs cheerfully and efficiently.
C
Cathy Verified Buyer 2023-10-30
Wonderful experience!
Had an amazing time in Italy on the 9 day rail tour. Got to see so much in a short time. Tour leader was wonderful, very patient, organized and witty! Highly recommend the trip! Found many places I want to return to!
C
Connie Verified Buyer 2023-10-29
Italy tour with Firo.
Great time! Firo was personable, relatable, fun, and thorough. He was able to navigate 20+ people through Italy with ease. I would recommend this tour to anyone who likes the concept of a tour experience but with freedom to explore on your own part of the time. Good people…Good food… Good times!

Why this tour?

Exploring Italy by train is an adventure unlike any other! Not only do you get to visit top cities, you also get to see spectacular scenery along the way. Italian train tours are about the journey as well as the destination! 

Travel from Rome to Naples and see the ancient city of Pompeii! Witness the wonders of Florence and Pisa. Explore the magical city of Venice and visit Milan, Italy’s fashion capital. Enjoy the options to visit the colourful coastal town of Cinque Terre and the luxurious island of Capri. 

This Italian rail tour features a number of highlights: 

  • Experience guided tours of Rome, Florence and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pompeii as well as orientation tours of Naples, Venice and Milan. 
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome and delicious group lunches in Naples, Florence, Venice and Milan!
  • Visit and take a picture with the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa!
  • Discover how local crafts are made with a leather making workshop in Florence and lacemaking and glass blowing workshops in Venice.
  • Fantastic optional activities such as a gondola ride in Venice and visits to Cinque Terre, Capri and Lake Como.
  • Free days to spend as you wish in Rome and Naples.
  • Admire the gorgeous scenery between destinations along the Italian railroad!

Is this the right tour for me?

Italy is one of the world’s top bucket-list destinations due to its incredible art, history, culture and cuisine. Travelling through Italy by train allows you to experience all of this and more! Italian train tours showcase the country’s natural beauty and allow you to travel in a unique, comfortable and convenient way.

How much does it cost to travel in Italy by train? 

Travelling to Italy can be expensive. However, the great thing about travelling with Expat Explore is that you won’t have to worry about any unnecessary fees as transportation and accommodation costs are already covered. Most activities and meals are included too!

Is 9 days enough to tour Italy by train?

9 Days is a great amount of time to see some of Italy’s top highlights! This Italy by train tour is a great mix of visits to top tourist attractions, included activities and free time.

What will the transportation be like?

You’ll enjoy 9 days of travel in Italy by train on this tour. Rail travel is fast, scenic and offers travellers extra space and comfort. Admire the views and even walk around the train as you go. Rail travel is generally faster than coach travel and the itinerary has been designed to maximise time spent at each destination. 

Spend 9 days on this bella Italia rail journey to discover many of Italy’s bucket-list attractions in a fun, convenient and affordable way!