Italy by train

Arrival in Rome and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free.

Known for being the cradle of our civilization, Rome is an exquisite city. Blessed with a crazy charm, the capital perfectly juggles its glorious past with its desire for renewal. Land of emperors, city of fantasies, Rome invites you to discover the Colosseum, the ancient Roman Forum, the Pantheon and the Vatican (as well as its incredible works of art).

For your first day, we recommend the “classic” tour visiting the remains of the ancient Roman Empire before heading to other equally impressive monuments. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and admire the Pantheon of Agrippa. Take a minute to sit down for a coffee in one of the many cafes in the city, and in the evening stroll through the Plaza d’Espagna and the Piazza Navona.

Overnight in Rome 

Free day to discover the city.

On day two, discover the Vatican. Go as early as possible and visit the Pope’s city in the heart of St. Peter’s Square. Marvel at the sumptuous works of art, including Michelangelo’s iconic fresco in the heart of the Sistine Chapel. On your way back, stop at the San Angelo castle, open daily from 9 am to 7:30 pm.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Rome 

Free day to discover the city.

On your third day in Rome, soak up the city and visit some of the lesser-known sites such as the Villa Borghese or the Victor Emmanuel II monument. Stroll through the narrow Italian streets and stop for a few minutes at Antico Café Greco or Roscioli Café for the best coffee in the city.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Rome 

Free day to discover the city.

Take advantage of this day in Rome to discover some sites you may have missed until now, such as the Trastevere, a scenic and pleasant neighborhood on the left bank of the Tiber not far from the historic center. This corner of Rome looks like an old postcard with narrow streets, beautiful churches and plenty of terraces where you can sip a cappuccino, cool off, and enjoy typical, inexpensive dishes in the many restaurants. Get lost in Trastevere’s winding alleys or stroll through the small Italian streets.

Rome is not only history and architecture, but also a culture of cuisine and sharing. When in Rome, don’t forget to eat local, especially at Osteria Trattoria da Fortunata at 17 Corso del Rinascimento, which offers great rolled pasta, taglionis (fine pasta ribbons), and succulent raviolis. Meat lovers will appreciate the oxtail (coda alla vaccinara). For Lasagna, we recommend the Ai Tre Scalini, a restaurant/wine bar where you can get your fill.

Main sites to discover: Coliseum, Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon, the Catacombs.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Rome

See southern Italy highlights on your first day minitour from Rome. Departure by coach heading south crossing the regions of Lazio and Campania. The first stop is Naples, one of the most enchanting cities in the Mediterranean famous worldwide for its rich history, art, culture and gastronomy, where you will take a short panoramic tour to discover its beauty from the comfort of your coach climbing up the Vomero hill. The town overlooks the bay of Naples which extends from the Sorrento peninsula to the volcanic area of Phlegrean fields, and the skyline is dominated by the majestic and still active volcano Vesuvius, offering an impressive sight perfect to take stunning pictures.

Descending towards the port of Mergellina, you will leave the city and travel south towards Mount Vesuvius and, once you reach the town of Pompeii, you will have lunch with the real Neapolitan pizza!

After lunch, you will enter into one of the most important archaeological sites in the world: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Pompeii, with Skip the Line entrance and a guided tour. Through the remains and ruins of this ancient city you will learn how the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD destroyed the city, killing its inhabitants and burying it under tons of ash. The site was lost for about 1,500 years until its initial rediscovery and the objects beneath the city have been well-preserved for centuries. So you can walk along the ancient streets for a glimpse into the lives of the Romans, discovering ancient houses, bakeries and shops and imagine everyday life in the Roman times.

After the visit, you will drive along the Sorrentine Coast, arriving in Sorrento for dinner (dress code: jacket for men).

Meal: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Overnight in Sorrento

Free day to discover the city or choose a boat tour that takes you to Capri (optional). Upon arrival and if weather permits, visit the Blue Grotto. Head toward Anacapri for lunch. After your meal, stop at the Gardens of Augustus, consisting of a series of panoramic flower-decked terraces overlooking the Faraglioni on the one side and the Bay of Marina Piccola and Via Krupp on the other. Free time for shopping. Return to your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast – Dinner
Overnight in Sorrento 

After breakfast, transfer to the beautiful coastal town of Amalfi. Rest of the day to discover the area.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Amalfi 

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the wonderful ancient Capital of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, taking in the city’s main sites, plunging into the waters of the gulf of Salerno, or sipping on some of the locally-produced limoncello.

Meal: Breakfast 
Overnight in Amalfi

Transfer to Naples train station. Train to Florence. Rest of the day free to discover the city.

The jewel of a city called Firenze in Italian is one of the artistic centers of the world. Your first day will revolve around the Piazza del Duomo; enjoy the cathedral and the view from the Giotti bell tower after you have climbed 414 steps!

Continue to Ponte Vecchio, another work of Florentine art. Crossing the bridge towards Oltrarno you will be able to see the beautiful Boboli Gardens. Your tour will end at the Piazza Michelangelo.

You can’t go on without a real Italian snack like a famous panini at Panini Toscani, one of the best- known establishments in Florence. Then go on to discover the Accademia gallery which boasts Michelangelo’s David which has made this one of the most often visited museums in Florence. After this cultural experience, stop for an ice cream at the highly recommended Festival de Gelato, 75 Via del Corso.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Florence 

Free day to discover the city.

The Uffizi Gallery tops the menu on your second day. Probably the best- known museum in Florence, here you will find artifacts from the Baroque, Rococo and Renaissance periods. After your tour, why not head to the Mercato Central? Take time to stroll through the stalls of this indoor market, enjoy the local scents and have a bite to eat.

In the afternoon visit the lively Santa Croce district including its central square, Piazza Santa Croce. In the early evening, relax at the View on Art, a rooftop bar with a breathtaking view.

For foodies, Florence has many good addresses. Lovers of Italian cuisine will appreciate the Osteria de Peccatori or La Trattoria la Casalinga, two local restaurants that will fulfill your craziest desires. For those who are tempted by a great pizza, two places: Il Pizzaiuolo and Gustapizza compete for the best in Florence…maybe in all of Italy!

Main sites to visit: Piazza del Duomo, Academia Gallery, Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral, Santa Croce, Piazzale Michelangelo

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Florence 

After breakfast, pick up your car at the nearest rental car office. Free days to tour the Tuscany area on your own. You can head to Sienna, San Gimignano or tour the Chianti wine region.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight not included 

Free day to discover Tuscany on your own.

Overnight not included

Free day to discover Tuscany on your own.

Overnight in Tuscany

Drive to La Spezia. Drop off the car at the rental car office. Rest of the day free to discover the city.
A small area of Italy, Cinque Terre has become well known due to the many images on social media. Situated in the northwest of the country, overlooking the sea, Cinque Terre consists of five gorgeous villages: Monterosso, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Riomaggiore, connected to each other by picturesque paths.

Overnight in La Spezia 

On your first day, start by visiting Monterosso al Mare where you will appreciate the 14th century Loggia del Podesta and the church of San Giovanni Battiste. This is a small town ideally visited on foot. Next, head to Vernazza, a very photogenic village with no cars that is nestled among rocks and that becomes extremely busy in the summer. Don’t hesitate to hike uphill so you can admire the view.

Take the train to Corniglia, a charming village. To reach the center you will have to climb no less than 300 steps. For many this is the most authentic village of Cinque Terre offering breathtaking views, especially from the church of San Pietro.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in La Spezia 

Free day to discover the city.

On your last day in Cinque Terre, head to Manarola, known for its rocky cliffs, its beach and its colourful houses. Then on to Riomaggiore, the largest, most photographed village in the region. The marina offers a magnificent view and is the perfect place to watch the sunset.

If you are looking for typical cuisine, this is the place to be! In Riomaggiore, for example, the Fuori Rotta is one of the notable restaurants. Here you can feast on dishes based on fish, squid and seasonal vegetables while enjoying a view of the surrounding vineyards.

In Manarola, we recommend La Regina de Manarola for pizza lovers. Cinque Terre is a paradise for seafood lovers no matter where you are in the area.

Main attractions to discover: The lovely villages of Monterosso, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Riomaggiore, the beach, hiking trails.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in La Spezia 

Train to Venice. Rest of the day free to discover the city.

Welcome to the heart of the most romantic city in Italy! World famous for its canals, Venice has always been known as the “city of lovers”. The palaces built in the Middle Ages that line the canals and its famous Carnival give Venice a magical feeling.

Over the course of your stay, you will be able to discover Venice’s beautiful secrets such as the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s square and cathedral, must-see sites. If you have the chance, take a gondola and tour around the city, passing under the Bridge of Sighs before stopping for an “Aperitivo”.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Venice 

Free day to discover the city.

Spend your second day doing things slightly off the beaten path such as visiting the old Jewish quarter and climbing to the top of the Campanile. Or get on a ferry to Murano, Burano or Torcello, three of the best- known islands next to Venice.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Venice 

Free day to discover the city.

Day three in Venice is devoted to culture. Begin at the palazzo Venier dei Leoni where you can marvel at hundreds of works of surrealist and expressionist art. Continue to the Ca’D’oro, a splendid palace dating from the 15th century which houses a magnificent art collection. End your day at the Punta della Dogana which was once the customs house where all goods that entered Venice were inspected. Today it is a museum.

Finally, don’t forget to try all the local flavors. Venice is known for its seafood and Restaurant Ribot is a good example. We also recommend the Trattoria Antiche Carampane where the chef uses fresh local products to create some of the best seafood dishes in the city and for pizza, try the Al Profeta restaurant, the best in town.

Main attractions to discover: St. Mark’s Square, Venetian gondolas, the bridges of Venice, the Punta della Dogana customs house, the Palace of Venier dei Leoni, the Carnival of Venice.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight in Venice 

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Montreal.

Meal: Breakfast