Italy Rail Express
Italy Rail Express
$3020
Italy Rail Express
9 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Rome
Visiting: Rome, Naples, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Florence, Venice, Milan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
RIT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour 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
Itinerary
Day 1: Rome
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
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)
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
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
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
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
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Friday
Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Thursday - Friday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Thursday - Friday
Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Book 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.