The Ultimate 16-Day Italian Rail Adventure From Venice to Sicily
Embark on a 16-day rail journey through Italy, from Venice’s canals and Florence’s Renaissance treasures to Rome’s ancient wonders, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily’s dramatic landscapes.
With seamless train travel, enjoy iconic sights, local culture, and authentic Italian experiences in style.
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 16-day rail holiday through Italy, ticking off its iconic highlights by train. Explore the rich history, culture, cuisine, and beauty of Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, and Sicily.
Your journey from London to Sicily by train begins in Venice, gliding through its romantic canals by gondola and exploring historic landmarks. Continue to Florence and the rolling hills of Tuscany, immersing yourself in Renaissance art, culture, and local cuisine. In Rome, step back in time among ancient monuments and vibrant piazzas, before heading to the Amalfi Coast to visit Pompeii and relax along the sun-drenched shores of Sorrento and Capri.
Your journey concludes in Sicily, where Taormina’s markets, stunning coastline, and majestic Mount Etna provide the perfect finale. With scenic train travel linking each destination, this holiday combines cultural discovery, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic Italian experiences for the ultimate Italian adventure.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the essence of Venice with a gondola ride along its iconic canals.
- Journey through the picturesque hills of Tuscany and indulge in delightful wine tasting.
- Discover the historic Colosseum, the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, and Pompeii.
- Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast and the enchanting island of Capri.
- Traverse the slopes of Mount Etna, taking in its dramatic vistas.
What's Included
Accommodation
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Geneva with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Venice with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Florence with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Rome with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Sorrento with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Taormina with breakfast included
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Catania with breakfast included
Transport
- Rail journey from London to Geneva (via Paris) and a return flight to the UK from Catania (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
- Secure reservations for the Eurostar, TGV Lyria and Trenitalia trains
- Private transfers between Naples and Sorrento
- Private Transfer to Catania Airport
- Return flight from Catania to the UK
Excursions & Activities
- Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride
- Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery
- Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum Guided Tour Skip the Line
- Private Meet & Greet Transfer, including a 2 hour visit to Pompeii
- Mount Etna excursion
Day’s Itinerary
Geneva
Embark on your journey from London's St Pancras station, with a Eurostar voyage from London to Paris. Transition seamlessly onto a high-speed train, whisking through the picturesque landscapes of France en route to Switzerland in just over three hours. Throughout the journey, you’ll be captivated by the scenic beauty of lakes and mountains unfolding outside your window. Upon reaching the French-speaking city of Geneva, make your way to your hotel for an overnight stay. In the evening, enjoy a delectable meal at a local lakeside restaurant, or opt for a serene boat trip on the lake. Revel in the cosmopolitan ambiance of the city against the stunning backdrop of the Alps and the Jura mountains, an unforgettable setting. (Overnight in Geneva)
Venice
Following breakfast, embark on your journey from Geneva in the morning, journeying over one of Europe's most picturesque routes, the Simplon Pass, on your way to Venice. Unwind as the train meanders along the shores of Lake Leman and through Swiss vineyards, treating you to breathtaking views of the Alps in the distance. Continue your journey southward upon crossing the Italian border, eventually reaching the enchanting city of Venice. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. (Overnight in Venice)
Venice
aAfter breakfast explore Venice at your own pace, before an afternoon guided walking tour, where you'll immerse yourself in tales of the city's intricate streets and charming campos (squares). Later, you’ll enjoy a gondola ride along the iconic Grand Canal. In the afternoon, consider observing the lively ambiance of the city as you enjoy a glass of local wine in one of the city’s numerous bars. (Overnight in Venice)After a restful night's sleep in your private cabin, wake up to the stunning Italian coastline, with the train tracks often just feet from the water. The train reaches the end of the Italian mainline and is then ferried across the Straits of Messina, certainly a unique experience! During the crossing, you can step off the train to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh Mediterranean air before arriving in Messina. From there, continue your rail journey to Taormina. Upon arrival, head to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. (Overnight in Taormina)
Florence
Enjoy your breakfast this morning, and then check-out of your hotel and head to the train station for your journey to Florence. On arrival in Florence, check-in to your hotel for a relaxing two-night stay. After unpacking, treat yourself to one of Florence's renowned gelatos as you explore the vibrant atmosphere of its bustling piazzas. Take in the picturesque sights along the banks of the River Arno and traverse the historic Ponte Vecchio, a 14th-century marvel offering captivating views of the city. (Overnight in Florence)
Florence
Today you’ll embark on an immersive day trip to Tuscany. Traversing scenic landscapes towards Pisa, where you’ll enjoy a tour, and visit the iconic leaning Tower of Pisa. Following this, head to a charming winery nestled in the rustic countryside of Chianti, where you'll indulge in a delectable Tuscan lunch paired with exquisite wines during a delightful tasting session. Later in the day, wander through the medieval charm of San Gimignano and explore the enchanting cobblestone streets of Siena, immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of these ancient towns. You will return to Florence for the evening. (Overnight in Florence)
Rome
Today, you’ll check out from your hotel and embark on a train journey from Florence to Rome, where you’ll enjoy a two-night stay. Admire the historic walls of the Colosseum, soak in the breathtaking vistas from the rooftop terrace of the Capitoline Museums, and don't miss a visit to the renowned Spanish Steps. Conclude your day with a shopping excursion at Piazza di Spagna. (Overnight in Rome)
Rome
Spend a full day exploring Rome and its wonders, discover the Colosseum & Palatine Hill plus enjoy a guided ‘skip the line’ tour of the Roman Forum. (Overnight in Rome)
Sorrento
After breakfast, head to the train station and hop aboard a direct train bound for Naples. In Naples, your private meet-and-greet transfer will be waiting for you outside the station, ready to escort you to Pompeii, for a 2-hour visit, and on to the picturesque town of Sorrento. Marvel at the stunning coastal vistas as you travel, and upon arrival check into your hotel for a two-night stay. (Overnight in Sorrento)
Sorrento
Embark on a picturesque voyage to Capri, an idyllic island nestled off the coast of Naples, celebrated for its breathtaking vistas, opulent ambiance, and dramatic cliffs. Delve into the island's allure, exploring its captivating sights. Later, prepare for an extraordinary encounter with the Blue Grotto, a mesmerizing sea cave along the island's coastline famed for its ethereal blue illumination, created by sunlight filtering through an underwater aperture (subject to weather conditions). (Overnight in Sorrento)
Sorrento
Enjoy a final night relaxing in stunning Sorrento, savour Italian flavours in a local restaurant, or relax at a pavement café.
Taormina
After breakfast this morning, your driver will collect you from your Sorrento hotel and drive you to Naples Centrale station to catch your train to Sicily. Enjoy the scenic views of southern Italy from the comfort of your seat. Upon reaching the Straits of Messina, the train boards a ferry for the journey from mainland Italy to Sicily. Continuing along the coastline, the train arrives in the renowned resort town of Taormina. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Nestled amidst breathtaking natural beauty, including the impressive Mount Etna and sweeping bays of the Mediterranean Sea, Taormina is a picturesque destination. (Overnight in Taormina).
Taormina
Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the sights today. Visit the ancient Teatro Antico di Taormina or relax on the beach. Take a stroll to the picturesque Isola Bella for a swim or hop on a boat to visit the stunning Grotta Azzurra. (Overnight in Taormina).
Catania
After breakfast at your hotel, board the regional train south to Catania, where you will check in for a two-night stay at your hotel. Explore the city's expansive Piazza del Duomo and consider visiting La Pescheria, a bustling weekday fish market surrounded by excellent seafood restaurants. (Overnight in Catania).
Catania
Situated on the island of Sicily, Mount Etna stands as Europe's highest active volcano. Today, your morning tour from Catania allows you to delve into various facets of this majestic mountain. Experience hiking to its inner craters and safely exploring a lava cave. Witness ancient lava flows, uncover the geological history of the volcano, and soak in panoramic views of eastern Sicily. This full-day excursion includes guided exploration, offering insights into local geology and history, along with the use of essential equipment like headlamps and helmets for lava cave exploration. (Overnight in Catania)
Catania
Today is your final day in Sicily. Enjoy a leisurely day exploring at your own pace. Wander through historic streets lined with Baroque architecture, visit local markets brimming with fresh produce and Sicilian delicacies, or relax at a café on Piazza del Duomo. Discover the city's rich history at landmarks like the Roman Amphitheatre and the imposing Castello Ursino. Today is yours to embrace the charm and Flavors of Sicily. (Overnight in Catania)
Return home
Today you will head to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your stay to explore more of Italy by rail, speak to your travel designer.
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Testimonials & Reviews
Got questions about your rail holiday?
What makes Marvellous Escapes’ rail holidays different?
All our trips are 100% tailor-made. We design your journey around your interests, pace, budget, and preferred travel style.
Can you customise my itinerary?
Absolutely. Nothing is off the shelf. Whether you want a scenic rail journey through the Alps, a cultural city break, or a multi-country adventure, we design your itinerary from scratch.
What happens if my train is delayed or cancelled?
If your train is delayed or cancelled, don’t worry, we’re here to help. You’ll have access to our 24-hour on-trip support, and our team will assist with rebooking your journey, adjusting connections, or arranging alternatives where needed. We’ll make sure you can continue your trip with as little disruption as possible.
Do I need to print my train tickets?
We’ll send you a full printed ticket pack 2–3 weeks before departure, which includes all your train tickets, itinerary and travel documents. You’ll also receive a digital copy of your tickets, so you can choose whichever format you prefer when travelling.
What financial protection do you provide?
We protect every booking with our ATOL licence, the UK Package Travel Regulations, and a secure trust account (Protected Trust Services), ensuring your money and your holiday are safe.
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