Italy by Rail
May 6-12, 2004
A unique visit to Italy...Your Way
For its sheer breathtaking beauty and tempting, mouth-watering cuisine, Italy is hard to beat. Iconic, instantly recognizable monuments, medieval towers and palazzos, and pastel-colored villages clinging to cliffsides are just some of the images this enticing country conjures up.
Join YMCA Alumni as we visit Rome, Florence and Cinque Terre for 8 nights by Trenitalia, Italy's national rail carrier, via high-speed train into the heart of the destination.
Visit three of Italy’s most beautiful destinations on this eight-night vacation. Beginning in the ancient capital of Rome, travel to the heart of the renaissance Florence for two nights, before heading to the coast for three nights in idyllic Cinque Terre where you will stay in your own private apartment and explore all five villages, before returning to Rome for your final night.
Option: Combine this trip with TransAtlantic crossing
Make this a trip of a lifetime by combining with our Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas Transatlantic Crossing departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida April 21-May 5, arriving in Rome in time to join our Italy by Rail land tour. Fly home from Rome. Click to
"AT SEA: Transatlantic Crossing" for complete details.
Day-by-Day By Rail
Day One -- Rome: Welcome to The Eternal City. On arrival make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay, then enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. Explore the riches of the Barberini Museum perhaps, visit the ancient Pantheon, or enjoy an aperitif on the elegant Piazza Navona before dinner. (Overnight Rome).
Day Two -- Rome: Make your way to the Vatican in the heart of the city for a tour of its vast museums, Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter’s this morning. The Museum collections include some of the most precious pieces of art and historical treasures in the whole world, and seeing the spectacular ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon make your way over to the Colosseum for a guided tour of the famous amphitheatre, then walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans once more with a guided stroll around the Roman Forum. These fantastic ruins were for centuries the center of day-to-day life in Rome. (Overnight Rome).
Day Three -- Florence: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before hopping on the high-speed train to Florence for a two-night stay. Once checked in at your Florence hotel, why not pay a visit to the iconic San Lorenzo market, a great place for traditional goods as well as an authentic Tuscan lunch? In the afternoon, take a stroll along the banks of the Arno, and perhaps head over to the glorious Pitti Palace, home to the famous Medici family and blessed with a fantastic view of the city. (Overnight Florence).
Day Four -- Florence: A fascinating day of sightseeing lies ahead today, with two great tours. First is a small group tour of the world-famous Accademia gallery, home to some of the most important paintings and sculptures including Michelangelo’s David. In the afternoon, it’s a wonderful information-guided tour of the streets of Florence, ending with priority access to the fascinating Uffizi Gallery. (Overnight Florence).
Day Five -- Florence to Cinque Terre: From Florence, watch the hills of Tuscany roll by as you take the train to La Spezia, then change for a short and wonderfully scenic regional train ride to Manarola. You will be met and shown to your own apartment. Along the way, your guide will give you all the information you need for your stay, as well as some suggestions as to what to do and some great restaurants. They will also present you with your Cinque Terre card which will cover any travel in the region during your stay. In the afternoon, venture to an ancient wine cellar in Manarola for a warm welcome, and tastings of local wines and nibbles. (Overnight Cinque Terre) .
Day Six -- Cinque Terre: Today is a day to spend as you please, be it hiking the famous coastal path and enjoying the breath-taking views, riding the local train (covered by your Cinque Terre Card) visiting each of the five gorgeous villages, or simply relaxing in your apartment and living life like a local. Speak to any of our Rail experts should you like a tour of the local vineyards perhaps, or to take to the water for lunch or dinner with an amazing view. (Overnight Cinque Terre).
Day Seven -- Cinque Terre: Another day in paradise today, and following a leisurely morning enjoy an hour learning the secrets to a true Italian speciality – Pesto. Using a pestle and mortar you will be guided through the heritage of this local speciality, and of course, get the chance to sample some together with local Focaccia and a glass of Cinque Terre wine. The rest of the day is again yours to enjoy. (Overnight Cinque Terre).
Day Eight -- Cinque Terre to Rome: Wave goodbye to your apartment and take the train back to Rome for your final night. The Trevi Fountain is particularly beautiful at night and certainly worth a visit. (Overnight Rome).
Day Nine: Your fabulous rail journey ends in Rome today.
Si diverta! Have a good time.
What will it cost?
The cost of our rail trip into Italy is from $2,799 per person. Included in your tour price are 3 nights (including breakfast) in Rome and Florence and 3 nights in a private apartment in Cinque Terre; small group tours of Vatican, St. Peters, Sistine Chapel, Coliseum, Roman Forum in Rome; Academia Gallery, walking tour and priority access to Uffizi Gallery in Florence; wine tasting in ancient cellar and pesto making course in Cinque Terre, plus use of a Cinque Terre transportation card.
Where will we stay?
You choose your hotel by location from among six choices in Rome, including the Mercure Roma Centro Collisimo, Intercontinental Rome Ambasciatour, Inn st Spanish Steps and more; in Florence, Hotel Corretani Firenze Gallery, Grand Hotel Adriatico, Hotel Celli and others. Your private, fully furnished apartment in Cinque Terre choices include a deluxe penthouse, quiet apartment in the center of town, beautifully renovated apartment in the heart of Manarola and more.
More Info & To Book
Contact Go Travel by clicking the blue button below and indicate your interest in this trip or any other. A travel representative will contact you.