Italy Rail Express

Italy Rail Express

3,555 Views
9 Days From

$3020

$2265

Italy Rail Express

9 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Rome

Visiting: Rome, Naples, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Florence, Venice, Milan

Tour operator:

Expat Explore Travel

Tour code:

RIT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 51

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3020 $2265 Operator discount: -$755 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Italy has a lot to explore by train! Embark on an Italian exploration that starts in Rome, the capital city and historical icon. Savour traditional Neapolitan pizza on a visit to Naples. Get immersed in Florence's arts and culture. Browse the world's fashion capital, Milan! Pose for a sought-after photo with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, cruise along the canals of Venice and marvel at Pompeii's ancient ruins. A train tour of Italy is the perfect way to explore the breathtaking landscapes, uncover the rich history, behold the iconic architecture and taste the authentic cuisine. Italy awaits!

Highlights

  • Tour Rome and Florence by foot with local guides

  • Snap a photo with the Leaning Tower of Pisa

  • Discover Rome and Naples at leisure on free days

  • Marvel at the ruins of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Rome

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Location: Rome

Meals Included: Dinner

It's time to embark on an Italian rail exploration! The "Eternal City" of Rome welcomes you. After checking into the hotel, get acquainted with your tour leader and tour group before embarking on a guided tour of the city this afternoon. Tick the city's top attractions off your bucket list, including Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. Enjoy uncovering Rome's rich history! This evening, enjoy the first taste of Italy with an included welcome dinner.

  • Discover Rome on a locally guided walking tour

  • Enjoy an Italian welcome dinner in Rome

Day 2: Rome - Naples

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Location: Rome, Naples

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Climb aboard a high-speed train after breakfast and journey from Rome to Naples. An ancient exploration awaits after baggage drop off upon arrival in Naples. Travel to the ancient ruins of Pompeii on a local train. After arriving, enjoy some free time to find a lunch spot. Discover this historic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local tour guide. About two thousand years ago, this city was concealed by rubble and ash from Mount Vesuvius. Travel back to Naples after an incredible day of exploration. This evening, enjoy an included dinner and take advantage of the opportunity to taste traditional Neapolitan pizza!

  • Taste authentic Neapolitan pizza

  • Visit the ancient city of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Day 3: Naples: Free Day

Location: Naples

Meals Included: Breakfast

Discover the beauty of Naples on this free day! The city has an age-old charm and culture that honours tradition. While the third biggest in Italy, this city often seems to be in an entirely different country altogether! The dazzling island of Capri is also accessible via Naples. Choose to join the optional excursion to the Isle of Capri today for an orientation tour and free time before embarking on a private cruise with the most spectacular coastal views. Continue the discovery this evening at leisure and be sure to savour some of the most delectable local cuisine.

Day 4: Naples - Florence - Pisa

Location: Naples, Florence

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Say ciao to Naples this morning and board a speed rail to the capital of Tuscany, Florence, also known as the 'Jewel of the Renaissance'. Upon arrival, sit down at an authentic restaurant for an included lunch. Visit a local shop that makes Italian leather and learn straight from the artisans how these beautiful products are made. Up next is a guided tour of Florence to sightsee and spot top attractions like the Palazzo Vecchio and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Then, head to the Ponte Vecchio viewpoint for unmatched views. Journey to Pisa for this evening's accommodation before embarking on a guided walk through the must-see sights, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa at night!

  • Explore Florence, the “Jewel of the Renaissance”

  • Taste Tuscan cuisine in Florence

  • Enjoy an Italian leather-making demonstration

  • Visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa

Day 5: Pisa - Cinque Terre (Optional)

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Location: Pisa, Cinque Terre

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore Pisa. Traverse the Piazza del Duomo and take plenty of photos posing with the tower – be sure to get at least one where you 'hold it up'! Or instead, choose to embark on the optional excursion to Cinque Terre, five spectacular coastal villages along the Italian Riviera. At the start, your tour leader will provide all the necessary information to explore Cinque Terre, which can only be reached by boat, train ride or walking. Be sure to take in the splendour of the colourful houses and breathtaking vineyards before returning to Pisa with the tour group this evening.

Day 6: Pisa - Venice

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Location: Florence, Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Trade one stunning Italian city for another today as the tour continues through the region of Tuscany en route to Venice. Upon baggage dropoff at this evening's accommodation, embark on a walking orientation tour of Venice, the famous floating city. Venice's top attractions wait to be explored, including the Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, Palazzo Ducale and others! Sit down for an included lunch that's topped off with an authentic gelato. Explore as you like for the rest of the day! Or, cruise along the renowned canals on an optional water taxi ride.

  • Explore Venice on an orientation tour

  • Enjoy lunch in the heart of Venice

Day 7: Venice: Free Day

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Location: Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast

Use this free day to explore even more of the magic of Venice! Start the day with the definitive Venetian experience of an optional gondola ride. Then, seize the chance to head out onto the lagoon by joining the Venice Lagoon Tour optional excursion. Travel by private boat to Murano island which is famous for glassblowing as well as Burano island known for its colourful houses. Alternatively, spend the day exploring Venice at a leisurely pace. Shop for some souvenirs, pop into a museum, and sip on an aperitivo in the lively Piazza San Marco!

Day 8: Venice - Milan

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Location: Venice, Milan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Suit up for an adventure in Milan - the fashion capital of the world! Embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader, and enjoy discovering this fashionable city in style. Duomo Cathedral is bound to be a breathtaking experience! Explore even more must-see attractions, including the remarkable La Scala Milan Opera House and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the oldest shopping gallery in Italy! Sit down for an included farewell lunch with the tour group this afternoon and spend the rest of the day as you wish. There's a lot more to see, plus incredible shopping to take a piece of Milan back home!

  • Visit Milan, the world‘s fashion capital

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner in Milan

Day 9: End Of Tour In Milan

Location: Milan

Meals Included: Breakfast

This Italian rail exploration ends today after nine days of unmissable experiences! After breakfast, exchange contact details with your new travel family before bidding each other farewell. May you go back home with lifelong memories of beautiful Italy! Expat Explore wishes you pleasant and safe travels ahead.Arrivederci!

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)

  • 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)

  • Meals

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

  • Tour Leader

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

What's Not Included

International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.



All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.

Mode of 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)

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)

Traveller Comfort - *RAIL* tours

We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.


Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.


Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the train as we travel to a new destination.


We offer orientation and walking tours in some destinations, and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.


With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this can mean potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.


Many train stations in Europe are in historic buildings, with normal stairs and limited escalators and elevators available. You will be required to carry all of your luggage up and down stairs to reach the platforms.


For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.

Health and Fitness

We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.

Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.

Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the train as we travel to a new destination.

We offer orientation and walking tours in some destinations, and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.

With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this can mean potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.

Many train stations in Europe are in historic buildings, with normal stairs and limited escalators and elevators available. You will be required to carry all of your luggage up and down stairs to reach the platforms.

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”

  • Taste Tuscan cuisine in Florence

  • Enjoy an Italian leather-making demonstration

  • Visit 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 dinner in Milan

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.

  • Children on tour?

    Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have 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. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2005

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc

Reviews of this operator

ANTHONY NDUNGU   ITALY

Balkan Explorer - 16 Days

03-Sep-2024

I had a blast!!!! Simply amazing and would highly recommend.

Roger  

Wonderful new addition

19-Oct-2022

Great new country and addition by Expat. One of the most interesting and beautiful countries I've ever been. Great food, scenery and lovely people.

Jamie the Kingslayer  

Everything I had expected and more

01-Oct-2022

It was my first time traveling to Europe so I was nervous about everything including finding my way around, speaking the languages, and finding lodging. It turned out to be an incredible experience, I couldn't ask for a better your guide. Luke truly is the best in the business and we were so lucky o have him on the last tour of the season. I am definitely going to recommend Expat to my family and friends when they want to travel to Europe. I am going to go as far as finding out when Luke will be the guide and have family/friends specifically book the tour with him.

Randy  

Outstanding!

25-Sep-2022

From orientation to farewell dinner Martina was always there to ensure that everyone was happy and enjoying the tour! It was fast paced, especially with the added excursions, but the tour covered the best of Italy and Martina was absolutely the best. She was entertaining and informative. Look forward to another tour with her!!

Emma  

Perfect combination of sites, history, culture and food

19-Oct-2022

The highlights of Japan tour with Expat Explore was the ideal way to see the country. It had the perfect mix of big cities, small quaint villages, historical sites and food! The tour was well organised and a good pace to enjoy the various places and activities. We had the opportunity to be immersed in local culture and try the cuisine in a range of dining experiences. The hotels were clean and roomy to rest for days filled with adventures. Japan with Expat should be on your wish list!

CCY  

Good experience

07-Oct-2022

Enjoyed the views of different places and learnt about the history of different places in UK/Ireland.

Kendra Olson   United States

Classic Europe - 14 Days

03-Apr-2024

Such a great trip and saw so many places, if we did this trip on our own I think we would only get half of what we did done in this time period. It definitely was busy with not much down time but we didn’t pay to go be bored. Beautiful and memorable trip!

Travelling Solo  

12 Day Italian Delights

18-Oct-2022

A great tour made even better by our tour leader Marty. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. Made us laugh, showed us amazing sites and always had great recommendations.

Tash  

Really nice experience

26-Oct-2022

Loved the small country towns. Very beautiful MARTY AND ALEX THE DRIVER , made the tour experience perfect for me. She is a brilliant guide.

Disappointed  

Totally exhausted

05-Oct-2022

I need a holiday to recover from this full-on, insufficient down time, tour. Late hotel arrivals, late city tours, late dinners and excessive walking due to public transport use and then early morning starts. And to top it off, no seat rotation (tour leader advised on day 2 for covid reasons) which made sense on day 2 but not by day 3 or 4 when we had been grouped together at meals, on walking tours, and sharing rooms with people we had just met...merrily spreading our germs between our group anyway! This seating rule however was waived for a special few...those who insisted that they get travel sickness (and must sit in the front seat) and..those who think the rule is not for them and aren't challenged by the tour leader anyway. No seat rotation also meant not getting the opportunity to get to know everyone on the tour on an equal basis.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Friday

Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
$3020 $2265

Operator discount: -$755

Thursday - Friday

Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$3020 $2265

Operator discount: -$755

Thursday - Friday

Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$3020 $2265

Operator discount: -$755

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.

    At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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