Venice, The Vatican and La Dolce Vita
Explore the cultural heart of Italy's Renaissance during this 11-day rail journey from the canals of Venice in the northeast, down to Tuscany and then onto Florence, famous for its leaning tower but also home to some great architecture.
From £1645 (tour only)
Relax and unwind in an agriturismo in the Tuscan countryside, free to explore the surrounding area on foot, before moving on to mighty Rome. Your time in the 'Eternal City' is spent visiting some major highlights, including the Coliseum and Trevi Fountain, with time to wander and soak up the culture. Continuing south, you'll spend two blissful nights in the coastal town of Sorrento, visiting Pompeii, the city destroyed by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius and still wonderfully preserved. Art, culture, history and romance, Italy has it all and our comprehensive, yet flexible itinerary makes for an ideal tour.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive in Venice
Day 2 - Day in Venice (optional Murano visit)
Take a stroll through the infamous canals and sidestreets of this romantic city before possibly visiting Murano to see how Venetian glass is made.
Day 3 - Train to Florence
Today you'll travel across the beautiful Apennines towards famous Florence, where the stunning Duomo dominates the skyline of the city.
Day 4 - Free day in Florence (optional Pisa visit)
Spend your day wandering around Florence, or head to Pisa, which is not only home to the infamous Leaning Tower, but also the Baptistry, Duomo and Camposanto (cemetery).
Day 5 - Train to Siena
Day 6 - Visit San Gimignano (optional walk in the area)
San Gimignano is home to some truly wonderful examples of Medieval and Renaissance art, housed in numerous towers, churches and traditional buildings.
Day 7 - Train to Rome
Day 8 - Free day in Rome
Spend your day admiring the magnificent Coliseum, the Roman Forums, Trevi Fountain and Venice Square, or hole up in one of the countless cafés.
Day 9 - Transfer to Sorrento (visit Pompeii)
Admire the beauty of the Bay of Naples before transferring over to Pompeii, the Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius nearly 2000 years ago.
Day 10 - Free Day in Sorrento
Day 11 - Tour ends Sorrento
What price includes
- 8 nights Hotel
- 2 nights traditional Tuscan Agriturismo farmhouse
- 10 breakfasts
- 1 dinner
- Explore Tour Leader
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Pensione Seguso, Venice
Santa Lucia Railway Station
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
From Santa Lucia railway station, take the Vaporetto (Water Bus) number 51 to Zattere.
How to get there:
London to Venice (via Paris)
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
Hotel Sorrento Peninsular, Sorrento
Sorrento train station
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
The station is a short taxi ride from the hotel
How to get back:
Train from Sorrento to London (via Naples)
