Rome to Milan by Train
PRIVATE TOUR: Uncover the main highlights of central Italy on this private tour, travelling between Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan by train. Enjoy guided sightseeing in all four cities, taking in highlights such as the Vatican City, Colosseum, Galleria dell'Accademia, St Mark's Basilica, Duomo Cathedral, Sforza Castle, Colonne di San Lorenzo, and La Scala Opera House. Enjoy an included gondola ride in Venice, taste regional wine in the Chianti region and enjoy lots of free time too, in which to explore at leisure.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Rome free time & dinner
Day 1 Rome free time & dinner
Welcome to Italy. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to our hotel in the city. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure, so you can head to explore some of the sights. Perhaps the iconic Trevi Fountain, or the Piazza Della Rotonda, home to the Parthenon.
This evening, you will be collected and taken to a local restaurant in Trastevere, one of the most vibrant districts in the Italian capital. Enjoy an included dinner at a traditional Roman trattoria and indulge in local specialties dating back in time. After dinner, you will be returned to the hotel.
Please note: On Saturday departures, the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica tour will be replaced with another private tour or rescheduled to the first day based on your arrival time in Rome. This is due to the weekly closure of the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel.
Day 2 Vatican City & the Colosseum
Day 2 Vatican City & the Colosseum
After breakfast, you will be collected by a driver and taken to the Vatican for a guided tour of the museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica. Take in some of the most famous works of art in the world, including works by artists including Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael and Giotto. Explore the Sistine Chapel, which dates to 1483 and is the most famous chapel in the world thanks to its elaborate ceiling and of course the famous painting, The Final Judgement by Michelangelo.
After exploring the Vatican City (and ticking another country off your to-visit list), there is free time for lunch. You will then be joined by an expert guide for a tour of the Colosseum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This ancient stadium once held 50,000 - 80,000 spectators and was the scene of vicious battle re-enactments and games, where gladiators fought to the death. You also visit the Arch of Constantine and the historic Forum. Then its on to Palatine Hill to learn about the legend of Romulus and Remus, before the rest of the day is free to explore Rome further at leisure.
Day 3 Rome to Florence by train
Day 3 Rome to Florence by train
Rome - Florence. After breakfast, you are transferred to Termini Station, and will take the included two-hour high speed train to Florence, capital of the Tuscany region. Arriving at the hotel, there is free time to settle in before you embark on a tour of the city with an expert guide. You will see Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly referred to as the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio), and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Our tour also includes 'skip the line' entrance tickets to the famous Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze or “Gallery of the Academy of Florence”, the home of Michelangelo's sculpture David.
The evening is at leisure in Florence.
Day 4 Chianti wine tasting
Day 4 Chianti wine tasting
Florence - Poggio al Sole - Florence. Today you will explore the picturesque Chianti wine region. You will be transferred to the quaint winery of Poggio al Sole, passing through vineyards and olive groves, small hamlets surrounded by intact medieval walls, winding streets, castles and fortresses en route. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the cellars and take part in an included wine tasting session and local lunch of Tuscan specialties. Bellies full and heads a little light, you return to Florence for the evening.
Day 5 Florence at leisure
Day 5 Florence at leisure
Today is completely free for you to further explore the Renaissance city of Florence. Lose yourself in the stunning architecture, find a good local restaurant for lunch, or take in other attractions such as the world famous Uffizi Gallery.
Day 6 Venice gondola ride & food tour
Day 6 Venice gondola ride & food tour
Florence - Venice. This morning, take the train to Venice and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the morning is free to settle in. This afternoon you will enjoy an included private gondola ride along the canals, the main bucket list activity in the Canal City. Take in many of the city's iconic highlights and lesser-known gems from the water. You then enjoy an included "Bacaro" tour, visiting a handful of local wine bars in order to sample some of the city's best wine and "cicchetti", a kind of Venetian Tapas. After our food and wine tour, the rest of the day is at leisure in Venice.
Day 7 Venice walking tour
Day 7 Venice walking tour
You are exploring on dry land today, with a guided walking tour of Venice. This tour includes 'skip the line' tickets to the magnificent St Mark's Basilica, perhaps the most famous building in the city. You can also take in the the Palazzo dei Dogi, symbol of Venice’s glorious past as well as the legendary Ponte dei Sospiri or “Bridge of Sighs”.
After the tour, the rest of today is at leisure. You could visit Harry's Bar, a place of legend that has been serving Hollywood stars and royalty since opening in 1931. There's a strict dress code to adhere to, and if you do go, we recommend you try a Bellini - this bar invented them!
Day 8 Venice at Leisure
Day 8 Venice at Leisure
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel this morning, you'll have a free day to explore Venice at your own pace. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience more of what Venice has to offer, beyond what was covered in the city tour. Venice, a city of over 100 canals with no roads, is a lagoon city on the Adriatic Sea, brimming with historical and outdoor attractions.
You can visit unforgettable sites such as Burano, Murano, the Doge's Palace, and Teatro La Fenice. There are also numerous museums to explore, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Museo Correr, Ca' Rezzonico, and many others. If you prefer a more leisurely day, you can relax and enjoy the local wines and cuisine.
Day 9 Venice to Milan by Train
Day 9 Venice to Milan by Train
In the morning, wake up at your centrally located hotel and transfer to Venice Santa Lucia railway station. Board the high-speed train to Milan, where you'll check in at your hotel and have some free time to explore.
Day 10 Milan Walking Tour
Day 10 Milan Walking Tour
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At approximately 09:30AM, meet your private English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby to begin your walking tour of the city. This tour will take you to several fascinating locations, including the Duomo, Sforza Castle, Colonne di San Lorenzo, and La Scala Opera House.
Near your hotel, you can visit the magnificent Duomo Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture and the largest church in Italy. From there, walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th-century glass-vaulted shopping arcade filled with fashionable shops and cafés. Originally designed as a covered passage between the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House, it allowed theatre-goers to stay dry on rainy days.
At the end of the Galleria, you will arrive at Milan's most famous opera house, the legendary La Scala Theatre. Founded in 1778 and still in use today, La Scala has hosted some of the world’s greatest musicians and opera singers, including Pavarotti, Maria Callas, and Giuseppe Verdi. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure.
Day 11 Milan
Day 11 Milan
Today your tour ends. Enjoy a final breakfast in the hotel before your included transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport, or Milan Linate Airport.
Tour Highlights
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Prices & Dates
Hotels
Located in the heart of Rome's vibrant Prati district, the NH Collection Roma Centro offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and timeless elegance. This upscale hotel features a variety of stylishly appointed rooms, ranging from Superior and Premium rooms to spacious Junior Suites, all equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and plush bedding. Guests can savour Italian and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant, enjoy a drink at the sleek bar, or take advantage of the well-equipped fitness centre. The hotel's prime location ensures easy access to Rome's iconic attractions. The Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Castel Sant'Angelo are just a short stroll away. Additionally, the nearby Lepanto metro station offers convenient connections to the rest of the city, making it an ideal base for visitors.
Nestled along the banks of the Arno River, the NH Firenze in Florence seamlessly combines modern sophistication with Tuscan charm. The hotel offers a range of elegant rooms and suites, from Standard rooms to expansive Suites, all featuring free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and luxurious linens. Guests can indulge in exquisite Tuscan and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant or unwind with a cocktail at the stylish bar. The hotel also boasts a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, providing breathtaking views of Florence's skyline. Ideally situated, NH Firenze is within walking distance of Florence's renowned attractions, including the historic Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Florence Cathedral. The nearby Porta al Prato station offers excellent transport links, making it easy to explore the city and beyond.
NH Rio Novo Hotel, nestled in the heart of Venice, offers a luxurious retreat blending contemporary comfort with Venetian charm. Each guest rooms indulge in spacious accommodations adorned with modern amenities and stunning canal views. The hotel features a stylish restaurant serving delectable Venetian cuisine, complemented by an extensive wine selection. Guests unwind at the chic bar, savouring signature cocktails in a relaxed ambiance. Additionally, guests can rejuvenate at the fitness centre or relax on the panoramic terrace, soaking in breath-taking views of Venice.
Located 1 km from Porta Venezia metro station, this bright, modern hotel is just 2 km from both the La Scala opera house and the iconic Duomo di Milano, the city’s renowned Gothic cathedral. The airy rooms feature neutral-coloured furnishings and wooden floors, and are equipped with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and desks. Guests can enjoy a hot breakfast buffet, as well as dine in a relaxed restaurant offering both local and international cuisine. The hotel also boasts a casual coffee and cocktail bar, a veranda overlooking the garden, a business centre, and six meeting rooms.
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