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Italy Rail Express

Experience Italy by rail over 8 incredible days. Explore the highlights of Rome, Naples, Florence, Venice, Pisa & more!

9 Days | 1 Countries
RomeVenice
Up to $2,860
From
$2,255
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Flexible bookings: 10-day money-back guarantee

Italy Rail Express

9 Days | 1 Countries

Summary

Embark on a 9-day Italian rail adventure! Start in Rome, visit Naples (and taste authentic Neapolitan pizza), and explore Florence’s unmatched arts and cultural scene. See the Leaning Tower of Pisa, admire the Venice canals and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Start living La Dolce Vita now!

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Tour Overview

Start Point IconStart Point

Hotel in Rome

End Point IconEnd Point

Hotel in Venice

Accommodation IconAccommodation

8 Nights, (3 & 4 star hotels)

8 Nights

(3 & 4 star hotels)

Meals IconMeals

8 Breakfasts | 2 Lunches | 2 Dinners

8 Breakfasts

2 Lunches

2 Dinners

Transport IconTransport

Train

Train

Tour Type IconTour Type

Fully-guided tour

Fully-guided tour

Europe tour map

Itinerary

Start Point IconStart Point

Hotel in Rome | 03:00 PM

End Point IconEnd Point

Hotel in Venice | 10:00 AM

Piazza de Spagna in Rome italy. Spanish steps in the morning. Rome architecture and landmark

Welcome to Rome, the “Eternal City”. Check into the hotel before meeting up with your tour leader and fellow travellers. Later this afternoon, enjoy a locally-guided tour of this ancient city. Discover some of Rome’s top sights, including the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. Tonight, enjoy a traditional welcome dinner at a Roman restaurant!

mealsDinner
Experiences:
Included
Discover Rome on a guided walking tour

See some of this ancient city’s highlights like the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Spanish Steps before your free day tomorrow.

Included
Discover Rome on a guided walking tour

See some of this ancient city’s highlights like the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Spanish Steps before your free day tomorrow.

Included
Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome

Join your tour leader and fellow travellers in celebrating the first night on tour with a welcome dinner at a local Italian restaurant.

Included
Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome

Join your tour leader and fellow travellers in celebrating the first night on tour with a welcome dinner at a local Italian restaurant.

hotelBest Western Blu Hotel Roma (or similar)
itlay-rome-roman-forum-ruins

Wake up in Bella Roma and look forward to a free day to spend as you wish! Discover ancient ruins and fascinating museums, wander through charming alleyways or relax at a cosy taverna. The choice is yours. Don’t miss out on the Evening in Trastevere optional excursion to explore this picturesque neighbourhood and to taste delicious local cuisine.

mealsBreakfast
Experiences:
Optional
An Evening in Trastevere

Discover the colourful neighbourhood of Trastevere. Indulge in delicious Roman cuisine and see some of the area’s historic sights.

Optional
An Evening in Trastevere

Discover the colourful neighbourhood of Trastevere. Indulge in delicious Roman cuisine and see some of the area’s historic sights.

hotelBest Western Blu Hotel Roma (or similar)
Ancient Roman city of Pompeii on the background Vesuvius volcano

After breakfast this morning, board a high-speed train and travel from Rome to Naples. Take a local train to the ruins of Pompeii. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to grab lunch. Then, set off on a locally-guided tour of this UNESCO-listed ancient city. Arrive in Naples and enjoy an orientation tour before indulging in authentic Neapolitan pizza for dinner!

mealsBreakfast, Dinner
Experiences:
Included
See Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii

Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins of Pompeii, famously destroyed in 79 AD, in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius with a local guide.

Included
See Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii

Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins of Pompeii, famously destroyed in 79 AD, in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius with a local guide.

Included
Explore Naples on an orientation tour

Discover Naples’ rich history, impressive landmarks and cultural treasures. See the Castel Nuovo, San Carlo Theatre, the Royal Palace, and Piazza del Plebiscito.

Included
Explore Naples on an orientation tour

Discover Naples’ rich history, impressive landmarks and cultural treasures. See the Castel Nuovo, San Carlo Theatre, the Royal Palace, and Piazza del Plebiscito.

Included
Taste authentic Neapolitan pizza

Enjoy a traditional dinner and try Neapolitan pizza! Naples is considered the birthplace of pizza and the art of pizza making is taken very seriously!

Included
Taste authentic Neapolitan pizza

Enjoy a traditional dinner and try Neapolitan pizza! Naples is considered the birthplace of pizza and the art of pizza making is taken very seriously!

hotelRamada by Wyndham Naples (or similar)
italy-naples-panoramic-view

Today is free to explore Naples! Discover this city’s old world charm and uniquely traditional way of doing things. Or, join today’s optional excursion to enjoy a cruise around the Isle of Capri for panoramic views and spend the day taking in the breathtaking beauty of this glamorous island! This evening, explore more of Naples at leisure.

mealsBreakfast
Experiences:
Optional
Scenic Capri

Set off from Naples to Capri and admire the coastal scenery along the way! Enjoy a guided tour of the island’s highlights.

Optional
Scenic Capri

Set off from Naples to Capri and admire the coastal scenery along the way! Enjoy a guided tour of the island’s highlights.

hotelRamada by Wyndham Naples (or similar)
Florence-italy-city-view

Wave arrivederci to Naples and hop on a fast train to Florence, the ‘Jewel of the Renaissance’. Arrive and enjoy a Tuscan lunch before visiting a local Italian leather shop. Then, explore Florence’s top sights with a local guide. Afterwards, head to Pisa. Set off on an orientation walk to see the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa by night!

mealsBreakfast, Lunch
Experiences:
Included
Taste Tuscan cuisine in Florence

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

Included
Taste Tuscan cuisine in Florence

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

Included
Watch an Italian leather-making demonstration

Learn about the centuries-old traditional art of leather-making at a local merchant; Leonardo Leather & Gold.

Included
Watch an Italian leather-making demonstration

Learn about the centuries-old traditional art of leather-making at a local merchant; Leonardo Leather & Gold.

Included
Discover Florence with a local guide

Explore this historic, Renaissance city. See highlights like Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, and the replica of Michelangelo’s David.

Included
Discover Florence with a local guide

Explore this historic, Renaissance city. See highlights like Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, and the replica of Michelangelo’s David.

Included
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Tick the Leaning Tower of Pisa off your bucket list and snap iconic photos of yourself ‘holding up’ this world-famous landmark!

Included
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Tick the Leaning Tower of Pisa off your bucket list and snap iconic photos of yourself ‘holding up’ this world-famous landmark!

hotelHotel NH Pisa (or similar)
Leaning-tower-of-Pisa-italy-tour

Enjoy a free day in Pisa. Take 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. These five picturesque seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera are car-free and boast colourful houses, stunning vineyards and breathtaking views!

mealsBreakfast, Lunch
Experiences:
Optional
Cinque Terre

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre! Spend the day wandering around the five colourful villages.

Optional
Cinque Terre

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre! Spend the day wandering around the five colourful villages.

hotelHotel NH Pisa (or similar)
gondola-venice-italy

Travel through Tuscany towards Venice today! Set off on an orientation walking tour of this magical floating city this afternoon. After, enjoy a local lunch which ends off with a delicious gelato. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. Cruise the legendary canals with an optional water gondola or water taxi ride!

mealsBreakfast
Experiences:
Included
Explore Venice on an orientation tour

Discover the heart of this unique floating city. Visit must-see sights like St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and Rialto Market.

Included
Explore Venice on an orientation tour

Discover the heart of this unique floating city. Visit must-see sights like St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and Rialto Market.

Included
Enjoy lunch in the heart of Venice

Complete your exploration of Venice’s winding alleyways with a taste of local cuisine. Look forward to authentic Italian gelato for dessert!

Included
Enjoy lunch in the heart of Venice

Complete your exploration of Venice’s winding alleyways with a taste of local cuisine. Look forward to authentic Italian gelato for dessert!

Optional
Venice Gondola Ride

No visit to Venice is complete without a traditional gondola ride! Experience an ancient Venice tradition as you cruise the city’s famous canals.

Optional
Venice Gondola Ride

No visit to Venice is complete without a traditional gondola ride! Experience an ancient Venice tradition as you cruise the city’s famous canals.

Optional
Venice by Night

Take a water taxi night cruise of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the sights and sounds from the palazzos and tavernas.

Optional
Venice by Night

Take a water taxi night cruise of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the sights and sounds from the palazzos and tavernas.

hotelHotel Venezia (or similar)
aerial-view-st-marks-basilica-square-venice-italy

Discover even more Venetian magic on this full free day! 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.

mealsBreakfast
Experiences:
Optional
Venice Lagoon Tour

Take a private boat across the lagoon to Venice’s colourful islands. Enjoy a glass-making demonstration in Murano and learn about lace-making in Burano.

Optional
Venice Lagoon Tour

Take a private boat across the lagoon to Venice’s colourful islands. Enjoy a glass-making demonstration in Murano and learn about lace-making in Burano.

hotelHotel Venezia (or similar)
coffee-cup-end-of-train-tour

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!

mealsBreakfast

Tour Highlights

Included Experience
Discover Rome on a guided walking tour
Discover Rome on a guided walking tour

See some of this ancient city’s highlights like the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Spanish Steps before your free day tomorrow.

Included Experience
See Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii
See Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii

Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins of Pompeii, famously destroyed in 79 AD, in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius with a local guide.

Optional Experience
Scenic Capri
Scenic Capri

Set off from Naples to Capri and admire the coastal scenery along the way! Enjoy a guided tour of the island’s highlights.

Optional Experience
Venice Gondola Ride
Venice Gondola Ride

No visit to Venice is complete without a traditional gondola ride! Experience an ancient Venice tradition as you cruise the city’s famous canals.

Included Experience
Discover Florence with a local guide
Discover Florence with a local guide

Explore this historic, Renaissance city. See highlights like Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, and the replica of Michelangelo’s David.

Highlights

You'll Love

11 Included Experiences!

  • Discover Rome on a guided walking tour
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome
  • See Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii
  • Explore Naples on an orientation tour
  • Taste authentic Neapolitan pizza
  • Taste Tuscan cuisine in Florence
  • Watch an Italian leather-making demonstration
  • Discover Florence with a local guide
  • See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Explore Venice on an orientation tour
  • Enjoy lunch in the heart of Venice

Optional Experiences

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

Book On Tour
An Evening in Trastevere€50

Discover the colourful neighbourhood of Trastevere. Indulge in delicious Roman cuisine and see some of the area’s historic sights.

Book On Tour
Scenic Capri€190

Set off from Naples to Capri and admire the coastal scenery along the way! Enjoy a guided tour of the island’s highlights.

Book On Tour
Cinque Terre€100

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre! Spend the day wandering around the five colourful villages.

Book On Tour
Venice Gondola Ride€35

No visit to Venice is complete without a traditional gondola ride! Experience an ancient Venice tradition as you cruise the city’s famous canals.

Book On Tour
Venice by Night€40

Take a water taxi night cruise of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the sights and sounds from the palazzos and tavernas.

Book On Tour
Venice Lagoon Tour€69

Take a private boat across the lagoon to Venice’s colourful islands. Enjoy a glass-making demonstration in Murano and learn about lace-making in Burano.

Dates & Rates

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If you are planning to travel a different year, please select here to view the relevant itinerary:

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Show Special Offers
Price Breakdown
Standard Tour Cost US$2,255
Total Price US$2,255

Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).

Contact Us

Full payment is required on tours starting within the next 60 days

Price Breakdown
Standard Tour Cost US$2,445
Total Price US$2,445

Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).

Contact Us

Full payment is required on tours starting within the next 60 days

Price Breakdown
Standard Tour Cost US$2,445
Total Price US$2,445

Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).

Contact Us

Full payment is required on tours starting within the next 60 days

Price Breakdown
Standard Tour Cost US$2,445
Total Price US$2,445

Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).

Contact Us

Full payment is required on tours starting within the next 60 days

Price Breakdown
Standard Tour Cost US$2,445
Total Price US$2,445

Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).

Contact Us

Full payment is required on tours starting within the next 60 days

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. 

All rooms are twin share with private, en suite bathrooms. Solo travellers will be paired with another traveller of the same gender. Single supplements are available upon request at checkout. A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in Rome and Venice book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.

best-western-blu-hotel-roma-hotel-roombest-western-blu-hotel-roma-hotel-bathroom
Accommodation Icon Best Western Blu Hotel Roma
excel-roma-montemairo-roomexcel-roma-montemario-garden
Accommodation Icon Excel Roma Montemario
warmth-hotel-rome-twin-roomwarmthotel-rome-outside
Accommodation Icon Warmthotel
ramada-naples-florida-standard-double-roomramada-naples-in-florida
Accommodation Icon Ramada by Wyndham Naples
Hotel-NH-Pisa-twin-roomHotel-NH-Pisa-breakfast-room
Accommodation Icon Hotel NH Pisa
Venice-Hotel-San-Giuliano-bedroomVenice-Hotel-San-Giuliano-reception
Accommodation Icon Hotel San Giuliano

Reviews

Overall RatingRatings Star4.8/529 Reviews
D
Verified Traveller Dee
31 Dec 2023
Ratings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings Star
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
Verified Traveller Mia
31 Dec 2023
Ratings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings Star
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 wa...

D
Verified Traveller Donna
20 Nov 2023
Ratings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings Star
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 cheerf...

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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.

Help Center

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights. Please click here to visit Skyscanner - a useful tool for comparing prices from the vast majority of airlines.

When you book for more than one person, we will pair you with someone from your booking in a twin-share room with a private bathroom, unless you inform us otherwise. Single rooms are available upon request, at an additional cost.

If your group has an uneven number of travellers (e.g. 3, 5, 7), the remaining traveller will be roomed with another passenger of the same gender. Please note: minors under 18 cannot share a room with someone outside of your own booking.

If you are making separate bookings but want to share a room, just send us an email with your booking references and preferred rooming arrangements. We’ll take care of the rest!

Yes, and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Passengers and their personal property travel with Expat Explore solely at their own risk. A suitable insurance policy should provide adequate cover for medical expenses arising through illness or accident prior to or during the holiday, and loss of holiday monies through cancellation or curtailment of the holiday or other insurable reasons. Clients should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities in their tour. 

For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries. To receive a quote from our preferred travel insurance partner please visit World Nomads*.

For more information on what to look for in a travel insurance policy, click here.

While Expat Explore cannot assist with booking pre or post-tour accommodation, we have partnered with Booking.com for affordable accommodation options prior to and after the tour. 

If you would like to receive the hotel list in advance so that you can book accommodation at or nearby the start hotel, please request this by sending an email to info@expatexplore.com with your booking reference.

Expat Explore can provide travellers requiring visas with visa support documents on a request basis. Please note that you are required to pay for your tour in full in order to receive the documents. This is an embassy/consulate requirement by law. Once you have received confirmation that your booking has been paid in full, you can request your visa support documents by emailing info@expatexplore.com - please allow up to 10 working days to receive these documents.

All travellers are required to carry their own bags. Our walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down stairs. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.

Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email for consideration. Expat Explore reserves the absolute right to accept or decline a booking at our discretion.

Your deposit secures your spot on tour and locks in the price you pay. Although the deposit you pay at the time of booking is non-refundable, you're protected by our 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee – a full refund if you cancel within 10 days of making your booking.

For more information, please refer to the 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee in our Terms & Conditions.

Before the tour starts, you will receive an email from us requesting your dietary requirements. There is always a vegetarian option available. We try as much as we can to offer you the traditional local cuisine.

No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. We have partnered with Welcome Pickups to secure a hassle-free service. You will be met at the arrivals gate by your driver. Your driver will track your flight, so they'll wait for you even if it's delayed. Please click here to book an airport transfer.

This is up to you and will vary depending on how much you wish to spend on snacks, drinks, souvenirs etc. We do not include entrance fees to attractions and museums. We do, however, provide you with free time to see everything you want, and our tour leaders will have all the information on pricing and locations so you can manage your own budget. Please refer to your tours specific pre-departure information and optional excursions guide for further details.