Verona, Venice, Florence & Pisa By Rail
- Duration: 10 days
- Board Basis: Mixed Board
- Tour Ref: D2TLEGETIVFP
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Rail
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
10 Day Itinerary
Day 1
Make your own way to London St. Pancras International where you will meet your friendly Tour Manager and board the Eurostar to Paris. We then change trains and join the high-speed connecting train to Turin in northern Italy. On arrival, we take the short walk to our hotel where we check in for a two-night stay.
Day 2 - Alba with Wine Tasting
After breakfast, we head out on our coach for a full-day included excursion into the stunning Langhe wine country. This beautiful region is renowned for its rolling hills, charming towns, and world-renowned wines. We visit the picturesque town of Alba, famous for its truffles and medieval architecture, and enjoy a wine tasting in the renowned Barolo wine region, known as the “King of Wines” and “Wine of Kings.”
We enjoy a light lunch in Alba, followed by free time to take a stroll around the town and soak up the scenery before returning to our hotel.
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 - Verona Guided Walking Tour
We leave Turin behind and travel by train to the historic city of Verona. On arrival, our coach will take us to our hotel where we check in for a two-night stay.
This afternoon, we are joined by a local walking guide for a tour of Verona's historic centre.
Situated alongside the River Adige, Verona is the second largest city in the Veneto region and is famously the setting for William Shakespeare’s 'Romeo and Juliet'. Verona was a Roman city, and many Roman ruins have been preserved, notably the Arena. Most of the historical sights you can see today date from the past 800 years. Verona's military importance has also left city fortifications and an excellent castle.
The many charms of the city will be brought to life as you walk through its streets accompanied by our local guide. Admire the 1st-century Arena, home to the prestigious Verona Opera Festival, which dominates the main square. Verona also boasts an abundance of fine palaces, churches, and monuments, which adorn its alleyways and squares. Our informative guide will reveal many of the fascinating stories behind the history of the buildings and personalities that will allow you to appreciate to the full the charming nature of this fine old historic town.
You will have time at leisure to browse amongst the shops or take a coffee break in one of the many cafés in Piazza Bra, overlooking the Arena, before we return to the hotel.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Peschiera del Garda
After breakfast, we travel by coach to Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda, famed for its crystal-clear waters, scenic villages, and mountain backdrop. We visit Peschiera del Garda, a charming lakeside town with historic fortifications. Here, you may choose to take a boat cruise to Sirmione, a picturesque peninsula town known for its thermal baths and the ancient Catullo Cave ruins. We return by coach to our hotel.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Venice Guided Walking Tour
We travel by train from Verona to Venice. On arrival, our coach takes us to our hotel in Venice Mestre where we spend the next two nights.
This afternoon, we include a walking tour to the floating city of Venice with a local guide. Venice is renowned for its beauty, architecture, and its artwork. It is the world’s only pedestrian city, which makes it easy to explore on foot. Our guide will show us some of the famous sights such as the Doge’s Palace, the symbolic seat of Venetian power and the enclosed Bridge of Sighs. You’ll also see St. Mark’s Square, the principal public square of Venice which is dominated at its eastern end by the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, a superb example of the Romanesque-Byzantine style.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Free Time in Venice
Today is free to relax or explore Venice at your own pace. You may choose to take a Venice lagoon cruise and see Murano Island, famous for its glassmaking, as well as several of the small islands including San Lazzaro degli Armeni, Sant’Erasmo and Vignole.
You could even take a ride on a gondola, with your expert gondolier steering you through the busy waterways of Venice, or maybe sit back and relax at Harry’s Bar with one of their famous Bellini cocktails – the choice is yours!
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Florence Guided Walking Tour
We leave Venice behind and take the train to Florence, the capital city of Tuscany. On arrival, we are transferred by coach to our hotel, where we spend the next two nights.
This afternoon, we include a walking tour of Florence’s historical centre in the company of our local guide. Regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, Florence is like an open-air museum and the best way to explore is by walking through the cobbled streets, taking in the piazzas and palazzos which were designed by illustrious artists such as Brunelleschi and Michelangelo.
Our guide will point out The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), Brunelleschi’s Dome, Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio. We’ll also see Ponte Vecchio, the iconic medieval bridge lined with jewellery shops. This evening, we’ll dine out in a local trattoria, to give you an authentic taste of Italy!
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Pisa & Lucca Guided Walking Tour
After breakfast, we head out on a full-day included excursion by coach to Pisa and Lucca. Our first stop is the historic centre of Pisa, known as the ‘Piazza dei Miracoli’ which translates to ‘Square of Miracles’, where you will find the Baptistery of St. John, the cathedral, and the famous Leaning Tower. We include lunch here and you’ll have some free time to explore before we head to Lucca.
Arguably one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets, the city is hidden by ancient ramparts and gardens. We include a walking tour with a local guide where we’ll explore Anfiteatro Square and the Guinigi Tower, which has an ancient oak tree growing on top, and wander along streets lined with antique dealers. During your free time, be sure to try the local Buccellato, a sweet bread filled with raisins and aniseed.
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 - Free Time in Turin
We leave Florence behind and travel by train to the city of Turin for our final overnight stay. You’ll have free time to explore the city, known for its baroque architecture and elegant cafes and restaurants.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 10
We travel by train to Paris and board the Eurostar for our return to London St Pancras International. After arriving in London, you will make your own way home.
Meals - Breakfast