Italy Rail Express

Italy

Discover the many wonders of Italy by train! This Italian adventure starts in Rome, the country’s historic and iconic capital. Visit Naples and taste authentic Neapolitan pizza. Explore Florence and soak up its unmatched arts and cultural scene. Experience Milan, the fashion capital of the world! Get a photo with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, grab the chance to cruise the Venice canals and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Touring Italy by train offers stunning scenery, fascinating history, gorgeous architecture and delicious cuisine. Start living La Dolce Vita now!

Italy Rail Express Tour (RIT)

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)

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” on a locally guided tour
  • Taste Tuscan cuisine in Florence
  • Enjoy an Italian leather-making demonstration
  • See 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 lunch in Milan

Extras

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

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)

DAY 1: Rome

Are you ready for an Italian rail travel adventure? Welcome to Rome, the “Eternal City”. Check into the hotel before meeting up with your tour leader and fellow travellers. Later this afternoon, look forward to a guided tour of this ancient city with an expert local guide. Discover some of Rome’s top sights, including the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, and learn all about Rome’s fascinating history. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group and get your first taste of Italian cuisine!

DAY 2: Rome - Naples

After breakfast this morning, board a high-speed train and travel from Rome to Naples. After arriving and dropping your bags off at tonight’s accommodation, get ready to embark on an ancient adventure! Take a local train to the ruins of Pompeii. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to grab lunch. Then, meet up with a local guide and set off on a tour of this iconic ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site that was covered in the ash and debris of Mount Vesuvius nearly two thousand years ago. After a truly unforgettable afternoon, head back to Naples and enjoy an included dinner this evening. This is your chance to try authentic Neapolitan pizza!

DAY 3: Naples: Free Day

Today is free to explore Naples! Discover this city’s old world charm and uniquely traditional way of doing things. Naples may be the third-largest city in Italy but it often feels like a completely different country! Naples is also a gateway to the picturesque and ultra-glamorous island of Capri. Join today’s optional excursion to enjoy a private cruise around the Isle of Capri and spend the day taking in the breathtaking beauty of the coastline! This evening, explore more of Naples at leisure and discover some of the must-try food and local experiences.

DAY 4: Naples - Florence - Pisa

Wave arrivederci to Naples and hop on a fast train to Florence, the ‘Jewel of the Renaissance’ and capital of the Tuscany region. Arrive and enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant before visiting a local Italian leather shop to learn about how these expert craftsmen make fine leather goods. Then, explore Florence with a local guide. See top sights including the Palazzo Vecchio and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and admire the views from the Ponte Vecchio viewpoint. Afterwards, it’s time to head to Pisa. Check into the hotel for the night and set off on an orientation walk which will reveal the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa by night! 

DAY 5: Pisa - Cinque Terre (Optional)

Enjoy a free day in Pisa. Take some time to explore the Piazza del Duomo and be sure to snap some memorable photos of you “holding up” the tower! Alternatively, join the optional excursion to Cinque Terre. Your tour leader will take the group to the starting point and give you all the information needed to discover these five picturesque seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera. Cinque Terre can only be accessed by boat, train or on foot and its colourful houses and stunning vineyards offer a breathtaking outlook. The group will return to Pisa together in the evening.

DAY 6: Pisa - Venice

From one spectacular Italian city to another, the tour travels through the Tuscan region towards Venice today! After dropping off your bags at tonight’s hotel, set off on an orientation walking tour of this magical floating city. See top Venice attractions including the Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, Palazzo Ducale and more! After, enjoy an included lunch which ends off with a delicious gelato. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. This is the perfect time to cruise the legendary canals with an optional water taxi ride!

DAY 7: Venice: Free Day

Discover even more Venetian magic on this full free day! The best way to start the day is with an optional gondola ride - this is a quintessential Venice experience! Afterwards, why not take this opportunity to venture out in the lagoon? The Venice Lagoon Tour optional excursion travels to the island of Murano, known for its glass blowing and the colourful island of Burano on a private boat! Alternatively, take this free day to explore Venice at your own pace. Visit a museum or do some shopping and enjoy an aperitivo in the vibrant Piazza San Marco!

DAY 8: Venice - Milan

Next up on this whirlwind Italy rail tour is the fashion capital of the world - Milan! Get acquainted with this super stylish city on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Of course, the incredible Duomo cathedral is sure to take your breath away. Other top sights include the impressive La Scala Milan Opera House and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery! This afternoon, enjoy an included farewell lunch with the group. Take the rest of the evening to relax, explore more or do some last minute shopping before the tour comes to an end tomorrow.

DAY 9: End of tour in Milan

After plenty of Italian adventures, this nine-day rail journey comes to an end today. Say farewell to your new travel friends over breakfast and be sure to swap contact details. We hope that this tour of bella Italia has provided many unforgettable moments and memories to last a lifetime! Expat Explore wishes you a safe onward journey. Buon Viaggio!

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21/08/2025 29/08/2025 £1,321 Book
11/09/2025 19/09/2025 £1,321 Book
02/10/2025 10/10/2025 £1,399 Book
21/05/2026 29/05/2026 £1,555 Book
02/07/2026 10/07/2026 £1,555 Book
03/09/2026 11/09/2026 £1,555 Book
15/10/2026 23/10/2026 £1,555 Book

Please contact Global Coach Tours for a list of the latest optional activities available.

Capri - €190

Set off from Naples to Capri and admire the coastal scenery along the way! Enjoy a guided tour of the island’s highlights.

Florence - €100

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre! Spend the day wandering around the five colourful villages.

Venice - €30

See Venice from the water in comfort and style as you cruise along Venice’s famous Grand Canal in a classic water taxi and see the main sights!

Venice - €65

Take a private boat across the lagoon to Venice’s colourful islands. Enjoy a glass-making demonstration in Murano and learn about lace-making in Burano.

Venice - €35

No visit to Venice is complete without a traditional gondola ride! Experience an ancient Venice tradition as you cruise the city’s famous canals.

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