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Italy

Italian Holidays by Rail

If you're looking for a relaxed yet engaging way to explore Italy, then an Italian rail holiday is ideal. Filled with historical landmarks, incredible art, and a rich culture, Italy is a country that captivates every visitor.

Travelling by train with us offers a unique opportunity to discover Italy like never before. Enjoy delicious local food and wine in Tuscany, discover Sicily's Greek history, and see some of the most famous landmarks in Italy including Mount Etna and Pompeii.

Wherever you go, amazing wonders lie around every corner. In the north of Italy, uncover the unique ambience of the floating city of Venice and in southern Italy experience a sunset stroll along the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast, famous for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear seas.

Start planning your Italian holiday now and explore all the marvels this country has to offer. From exciting exploration to peaceful relaxation, this stunning region has something for every traveller. Or, tailor your adventure with one of our independent escapes.

Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.

Italian holidays by rail

Italian Lakes

Experience a serene retreat to the Italian Lakes. Whether it's Como, Garda, Maggiore, Iseo, or Orta - each is a masterpiece framed by Alpine peaks. Lake Como offers elegance, Maggiore botanical wonders, and Garda diverse attractions. Cruise azure waters, explore villas, and savour lakeside cuisine. A harmonious blend of relaxation and adventure awaits in this alpine heaven. From Bellagio's glamour to Stresa's tranquility, a rejuvenating escape awaits.

Italian Cities

Italy's cities are vibrant canvases painted with history, culture, and modern flair. Rome, Florence, and Venice showcase the country's rich heritage, each with its own allure. Rome's ancient marvels, Florence's Renaissance treasures, and Venice's romantic waterways create a landscape of discovery. The dynamic energy of Italian cities exploration of art, architecture, and local lide.

Southern Italy

Southern Italy beckons with its sun-drenched landscapes, rich history, and culinary delights. From the Amalfi Coast's dramatic cliffs to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, this region has a choice of diverse experiences including the rustic charm of Puglia's trulli and the timeless allure of Sicily's ancient temples. Southern Italy is a sensory feast, where history and tradition intertwine with the vibrant colours and flavours of the Mediterranean.

Italian Cuisine

Italy's spirit is reflected in its delicious food, and savouring authentic dishes is a must. Menus often highlight pasta and pizza, along with unique regional specialties that capture the diverse flavours of the nation. From the seafood delights of the Venetian Riviera and Sorrento to the mouthwatering T-bone steaks in Tuscany, there's a culinary treat for every taste. Gelato is a big deal in Italy and one of the joys of any holiday here is hunting down your personal favourite. And let's not forget the exceptional wines, which are also a real treat for the connoisseurs.

Discover the beauty of Italy at your own pace with our non-escorted Independent Rail Adventures. Click here to explore a world of freedom, crafted by over 50 years of luxury travel expertise.

Holiday ideas for Italy

Simply Lake Garda
4.3 stars(205 reviews)
2024AprMayJunJulAug...
10 days from
£1,795 pp
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Puglia & Basilicata
3.9 stars(92 reviews)
2024MayJunSepOct
12 days from
£2,545 pp
View Details
Highlights of Tuscany
4.2 stars(139 reviews)
2024AprMayJunJulAug...
10 days from
£2,145 pp
View Details
The Italian Riviera
4.0 stars(126 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSepOct
10 days from
£2,145 pp
View Details
Top to Toe of Italy
4.1 stars(20 reviews)
2024MaySepOct
16 days from
£4,545 pp
View Details
Sirmione on Lake Garda
4.4 stars(216 reviews)
2024AprMayJunJulAug...
2025MarAprMayJunJul...
10 days from
£2,545 pp
View Details
Stresa & Lake Maggiore
4.0 stars(49 reviews)
2024AprMayJunAugSepOct
10 days from
£2,345 pp
View Details
The Magic of Sicily
4.1 stars(20 reviews)
2024AprMayJunSepOct
8 days from
£1,945 pp
View Details

34 results matching: Italy

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Europe 2023

Order your rail holiday brochure today

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Simply Lake Garda
4.3 stars(205 reviews)
2024AprMayJunJulAug...
10 days from
£1,795 pp
View Details
10 days from
£1,795
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationItaly
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Sirmione on Lake Garda
4.4 stars(216 reviews)
2024AprMayJunJulAug...
2025MarAprMayJunJul...
10 days from
£2,545 pp
View Details
10 days from
£2,545
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationItaly
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International, London St Pancras
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
The Italian Riviera
4.0 stars(126 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSepOct
10 days from
£2,145 pp
View Details
10 days from
£2,145
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationItaly
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Highlights of Tuscany
4.2 stars(139 reviews)
2024AprMayJunJulAug...
10 days from
£2,145 pp
View Details
10 days from
£2,145
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationItaly
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Girolata Bay
2024AprMayJunAugSep
12 days from
£3,145 pp
View Details
12 days from
£3,145
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationFrance, Italy
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
A Grand Tour of Italy
4.2 stars(50 reviews)
2024MayJunSepOct
12 days from
£3,495 pp
View Details
12 days from
£3,495
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationItaly
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation

Europe 2023

Order your rail holiday brochure today

Order today
Rome, Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast
3.8 stars(83 reviews)
2024AprMayJunAugSepOct
10 days from
£3,095 pp
View Details
10 days from
£3,095
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationItaly
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International / London Heathrow
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Puglia & Basilicata
3.9 stars(92 reviews)
2024MayJunSepOct
12 days from
£2,545 pp
View Details
12 days from
£2,545
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationItaly
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International / London Gatwick
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Stresa & Lake Maggiore
4.0 stars(49 reviews)
2024AprMayJunAugSepOct
10 days from
£2,345 pp
View Details
10 days from
£2,345
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationItaly
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
The Magic of Sicily
4.1 stars(20 reviews)
2024AprMayJunSepOct
8 days from
£1,945 pp
View Details
8 days from
£1,945
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationItaly
  • Starts / EndsLondon Gatwick
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportFlight, Rail
Map and accommodation
Chianti Hills, Italy
2024MayOct
10 days from
£2,645 pp
View Details
10 days from
£2,645
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationItaly
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Lake Iseo
New Tour
2024AprMayJunAugSep
10 days from
£2,595 pp
View Details
10 days from
£2,595
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationItaly
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Our customers love our Italy tours
Italian Christmas & Austrian New Year
18/Jan
Rowena Wolfe
5 stars
“Excellent food and hotels. Very well planned and, above all a great tour leader.
Collected by Trustpilot
Glorious Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast & Eternal Rome
19 Nov 2023
Jim Halcro-Johnston
5 stars
“A very well run holiday experience. Train and hotel bookings were excellent and the tour party of about 26 people were blessed with an outstanding tour guide.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Italian Riviera
31 Oct 2023
R Gunston
5 stars
“It was a well organised and enjoyable trip
Collected by Trustpilot
Top to Toe of Italy
28 Oct 2023
Mr Noble
5 stars
“The hotels and travelling logistics was excellent and well planned. Communication prior to the holiday was good. The cities we visited and day excursions were well organised. Our tour guide was excellent always at hand to answer questions of iron out little snags. If any negative the organised evening meals were of poor quality, but overall it was a five star holiday.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Magic of Sicily
28 Sep 2023
Paul Fitzpatrick
5 stars
“We had a wonderful time. The itinerary was extremely interesting with plenty of sightseeing and historic sites to visit. We highly recommend this tour
Collected by Trustpilot
Sirmione on Lake Garda
13 Nov 2023
Mrs M Roy
4 stars
“Excellent holiday in every way except for the substitution of a coach journey for what should have been a rail journey (due to circumstances beyond your control) but no option to reschedule.
Collected by Trustpilot
Puglia: Italy’s Undiscovered Coast
08 Nov 2023
Lesley
4 stars
“The overall trip and experience was fantastic. Saw loads of amazing of things and places. Two points I would like to raise. Porterage of suitcases was very noticeable by its absence and lifts are not high on Italy's priority at railway stations on the whole. (I presume this had been part of our payment to you). Also the set meals were at best average only. To the extent that when 'bigged up' as being deficient in both quality and quantity. For example, the final meal in Monopoli where the choice was between seafood or meat as a main constituent, those who selected meat only saw two or three slices of dried cured local ham as part of a starter. Then saw no further meat in their meal whatsoever.
Collected by Trustpilot
Highlights of Tuscany
06 Nov 2023
Janet
4 stars
“Really lovely holiday.Well organised and good value for money. Would highly recommend.
Collected by Trustpilot
Simply Lake Garda
03 Nov 2023
there
4 stars
“I have 'done' the Simply Lake Garda before and was looking forward to repeating the experience with my sister who had never been to Italy. Unfortunately the beginning of the holiday was marred by the luggage service which never arrived to collect my suitcase, despite emails, phone calls and the offer of Google map and mobile number. The second disappointment was the downgrade by GRJ on EuroStar to Standard class, so no food or drinks on either journey, unless you struggled through several long, swaying carriages to collect them and then stagger back with hot paper cups and a bag of food. One member of the group grazed an elbow. I have made very many journeys with GRJ over the last 17 years and I have always felt that it is a cut above all other similar travel groups in every respect. Having a drink and some lovely food on Eurostar has always been one of the great experiences and a relaxing and enjoyable start to a holiday. Now you have to pay extra for an upgrade and I am sad that it seems to have been felt necessary to cut down on what could be a superb - even unique - experience to save a few pounds. The visit to Venice included long sea journeys round the industrial areas instead of short journeys across the Grand Canal, These, and an over-long talk where we only saw St Marks and one other square, cut down drastically on personal sight-seeing opportunities and meant that there was little time and no space to sit down to eat even a snack before embarking on a gondola ride (which was superb). Those were the downsides, but our tour manager was marvellous, and did his very best to ensure that, despite the poor weather as the week went on, we would make the most of every opportunity. The visit to Isola del Garda was wonderful and our guide, the very best. It was sad that the journey to Turin had to be by coach due to a major landslip, and a train strike on the last day meant another coach journey from Chambery, but Great Rail and our Tour manager had all that organised and got us to our destinations as soon as possible. I am very glad the GRJ have limited their guest number to maximum 25, As always on Great Rail Journeys everyone is very friendly and we all had a lot of fun. The hotels were great and the food superb. I am sorry not to be able to give 5 stars, as I have always done for GRJ and I hope that my comments will be read and considered.
Collected by Trustpilot

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official currency of Italy?

The official currency of Italy is the Euro(€).

What is the main language spoken in Italy?

The main language spoken in Italy is Italian.

What is the capital city of Italy?

The capital city of Italy is Rome.

What time zone does Italy follow?

Italy follows the Central European Standard Time (Greenwich Mean Time plus 1 hour).

How long does it take to travel by rail from Rome to Northern Italy (Turin)?

The rail travel time from Rome to Northern Italy (Turin) is approximately eight hours.

What is the average flight time to Italy, and does it vary?

Flight times to Italy vary between 3-5 hours, depending on the specific location within the country.

When is the best time to visit Italy?

Italy is known for its warm weather throughout the year. Summer is ideal for the Tuscan hill and beaches, while spring and autumn are best for visiting big cities with fewer crowds. Winter is great for the Dolomites and Alps.

What should I pack for a trip to Italy?

Packing depends on the season. In summer, pack loose clothes, suncream, sunglasses, and a hat. For colder months, layering is recommended. Don't forgot a waterproof jacket, a light jacket for cooler evenings, and water-resistant shoes for excursions.

What are some local customs in Italy?

Italy has strong traditions in religion, food, and family. Modest dress is required in places of worship. Meals are meant to be savoured, and Italian restaurants focus on traditional food. Coffee customs include reserving milky coffee for breakfast and enjoying espressos at any time.

It is necessary to speak Italian while travelling in Italy?

While English is widely understood, locals appreciate basic knowledge of the local language. It's beneficial to brush up on some Italian basics before your trip.

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