A thrilling train journey through the heart of picturesque Italy. After you enjoy the lovely scenery, spend three nights each exploring the wonders of Venice, Florence and Rome.

View Prices and Dates Tour Highlights and Inclusions Images and Route Map View Itinerary

• Rome:Views of the Forum and the Circus Maximus and guided visits of the Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica.
• Florence:Walking tour of the city of Florence. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce and the tombs of Italy's great men. Guided visit of the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence including Michelangelo's David.
• Pisa:See the Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
• Venice:Canal cruise by private launch. Guided walking tour of 'Secret Venice' to the Rialto Bridge and famous fish market. See St. Mark's Square, the Byzantine Basilica, Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Visit a Murano glass-blowing workshop.
• Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Rome.
• 9 hot buffet breakfasts.
• 1 three-course dinner with local wine.
• Local highlight lunch with wine in Pisa.
• Farewell dinner with wine in Venice.
• First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges and tips, hotel baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
• Porterage at train stations.
• Sightseeing in air-conditioned coach.
• Services of a professional multi-lingual Tour Director.
• A qualified local city guide in Rome, Florence and Venice.
• High speed 'Frecciargento' train from Rome to Florence and high-speed 'Frecciargento' train from Florence to Venice. Both journeys reserved in standard class.
• A stylish wallet, travel documents and Welcome on Tour book with map.
• Airport Transfers on arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport will operate at 09.30, 12.30 and 15.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel.

Day 1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to Rome. Flight not included.

Day 2 - Arrive Rome
Welcome to Rome, the capital of Italy! After check-in you have time to relax or take a walk around the Eternal City before meeting up with your travelling companions and Tour Director this evening for a Welcome Drink. Later, an orientation drive offers the perfect introduction to this exciting city. Overnight Rome.

Day 3 - Rome Sightseeing
Michelangelo spent 11 years painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, but you will have a little less time to admire it on your included visit of the Chapel inside the Vatican Museums! Your guided tour will continue with a visit of St. Peter's Basilica before crossing the River Tiber to ancient Rome. Here overlook the Forum and the Circus Maximus where chariot races took place and then visit the mighty Colosseum. Later, time at leisure to perhaps explore the city further or to sit at a pavement café on the Via Veneto and watch the world go by. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight Rome. (BB / D)

Day 4 - Rome - At Leisure
A full day to enjoy the many attractions this beguiling city has to offer. You could take a trip to visit the Catacombs on the outskirts of the city or even venture into the Roman countryside to the perched town of Tivoli to visit the house and gardens of the Villa d'Este. This evening, why not throw a coin in the Trevi fountain to ensure your return one day to the Eternal City. Overnight Rome. (BB)

Day 5 - Rome - High Speed Train - Florence
You are transferred to Rome's mainline station to board the high-speed 'Frecciargento' train to Florence. After a comfortable journey (1 hour 35 minutes) through pretty countryside seeing hilltop villages and towns, arrive in this perfect example of a Renaissance city. Your expert Florentine guide will welcome you to the city so loved by Dante, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci! Enjoy astounding views from Piazzale Michelangelo and afterwards go on a walking tour of the Medieval and Renaissance quarters. Highlights include the Holy Cross Basilica with the tombs of almost all the greatest men Italy has produced, including Michelangelo. Then visit the Fine Arts Academy where you will see one of the most famous works of the Renaissance - Michelangelo's 'David'. To finish you will visit the Piazza Signoria with its wonderful sculptures. Overnight Florence. (BB)

Day 6 - Florence - Excursion To Pisa
A short drive by coach along the Arno Valley will bring you to the one-time maritime city of Pisa. Although famous for its incredibly Leaning Tower, Pisa has a lot more to offer. A beautifully sculpted marble Cathedral, the delicate lacework of its Baptistery as well as a cemetery which is said to have soil brought from Calvary in the Holy Land. Time to explore these sights in the aptly named 'Square of Miracles' before a special Highlight Lunch sampling local produce. Later return to Florence. (BB, HL)

Day 7 - Florence At Leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure to take advantage of this historically rich and attractive city. Apart from the obvious museums, there are beautiful gardens such as the Boboli and wonderful palaces to visit like the Pitti Palace. A little way outside of the city, in the heart of Chianti, there are many villages with fine wines and wonderful markets. Florence is also a centre for fashion. It's wonderful to wander the elegant shopping streets and admire the goods in the sophisticated boutiques. This evening, you should take advantage of an optional excursion and perhaps partake in a trip into the Chianti hills for dinner! Overnight Florence. (BB)

Day 8 - Florence - High Speed Train - Venice
All aboard the express train for Venice! A wonderful morning of scenery as the train passes through the Apennine hills and down to the Veneto plain. In 2 hours 3 minutes reach the city of Venice, its ornate Gothic and Renaissance palaces beautifully reflected in the Venetian lagoon. This evening, what would be better as an introduction to this enchanting place than a gondola ride along the picturesque canals! Overnight Venice. (BB)

Day 9 - Canal Cruise and Orientation
Savour the sights and sounds of this Byzantine city as you cruise across to St. Mark's Square by private launch. See the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian Churches, the Customs House, Grand Canal, St. Mark's Basilica and Campanile as well as the Doge's Palace on your orientation of the city. A stroll across St. Mark's Square will bring you to one of the oldest glass-blowing workshops on the islands to witness how this ancient craft is performed. Then you are free to perhaps visit the Fine Arts Academy or to spend some time at one of the cafés on St. Mark's Square - the most elegant drawing room in Europe. Your Tour Director will suggest you might like to enjoy a cruise to one of the islands of the lagoon for a delicious seafood lunch! Overnight Venice. (BB)

Day 10 - Secret Venice Walking Tour
Todays guided commentary from your local expert guide will bring the city to life as you cruise along the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge. Cross the Rialto and visit the colourful fish market which has existed for centuries. Continue through the 'calle' seeing sites such as the house of Marco Polo, and other interesting and beautiful works of art. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening get together with your fellow travellers and celebrate the last night of your touring experience at a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Venice. (BB, FD)

Day 11 - Venice - USA
'Arrivederci' to Italy as your tour comes to an end today, after breakfast. Airport transfers are available depencent on flight time. . Conditions apply. (BB)