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A Grand Tour of Italy

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You are viewing the 2025 itinerary. Select your departure year
20252026
12 days From £3,899 £3,799 per person
4.2 stars(59 reviews)
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Experience six iconic Italian cities exploring their cultural and artistic landscapes with guided tours and free time

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Save £100pp on selected Europe 2025 holidays when you book by 16th December 2024.

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Mobility Rating 3

2025 Tour code: IEG25

About the tour

Join us on a tour of six of Italy's great historic cities, encountering a wealth of artistic and cultural treasures. Enjoy guided tours of ancient Rome, the Vatican City, and Renaissance Florence.

We visit the lovely Tuscan city of Lucca, Pisa's iconic tower, and complete our grand tour in Venice. Along the way, experience Italy's most iconic sights, savour local cuisine, and embrace the culture and history of this remarkable country.

Unforgettable Experiences

Discovering Rome and the Vatican City
Discovering Rome and the Vatican City
Soak up the classical sites of Rome and the Vatican City with guided tours of the city’s ancient Roman heritage, and entrance into the impressive Vatican complex.
Experiencing Florence
Experiencing Florence
Encounter the Renaissance treasures of Florence then relax on a walk along the Arno river, in one of the city’s peaceful parks, or cool off in a shady piazza.
Exploring Pisa and Lucca
Exploring Pisa and Lucca
Visit the iconic site of Pisa on a tour of the Field of Miracles, where we see the Leaning Tower and the white marble Duomo, before free time in the beautiful walled medieval city of Lucca.
Touring Venice
Touring Venice
Experience the unique ambience of the floating city of Venice, its extraordinary history and stunning architecture on a guided tour of its highlights and hidden gems.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - London to Turin: Straight to Italy

Our holiday starts when we meet our Tour Manager and fellow travellers at London St Pancras to board the Eurostar to Paris. From the French capital, we continue by First Class rail to Chambéry. After a short break, we board a coach for a beautiful journey through the Alps. Enroute, we enjoy stops to absorb the incredible views of towering, alpine peaks, before arriving in Turin where we spend the night. We have our first dinner together at a local restaurant in this Italian city.

Includes
  • Eurostar Light Meal
  • Dinner
Day 2 - A morning in Turin and arrival in Rome

With a morning free in Turin there's time to explore your surroundings. The city is an important centre of business, finance and technology - but is also a showcase of Baroque, Renaissance and modern architecture. Fringed by the Italian Alps, the city's wide boulevards and grand public squares are lined with cafés and bars.

This afternoon we travel by rail - past the French and Italian Alps - to Rome, still regarded by many as the centre of the world. From the remains of the ancient Roman Empire to its Baroque fountains and cafés, there are endless places to experience in the 'Eternal City' and checking into our hotel, we have three nights here to explore.

2025 is an especially significant time to visit Rome, as it marks a Jubilee (or Holy Year), a religious event proclaimed by the Pope every 25 years. During a Jubilee year, the four major basilicas in Rome-St. Peter's, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls-open their Holy Doors, which are usually sealed. The next regular Jubilee will draw many Catholics from around the world to Rome to visit the Holy Doors and participate in various religious events and ceremonies. Tonight we have dinner with the group.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - The Vatican

This morning we are taken by coach for a tour of the Vatican City. As the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican is home to the Pope and an incredible vault of art and architecture. In the Vatican Museums, we see some of ancient Rome's most significant sculptures and some of the world's greatest Renaissance treasures. These include the breathtaking frescoes which cover the walls and ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo, Perugino, and Botticelli.

After the tour, you are at leisure for the rest of the afternoon and evening. You can remain in the Vatican City complex for as long as you wish, or transfer back to the hotel and continue sightseeing this amazing city. Many great architects and artists of the Renaissance period were involved in creating this masterpiece and you have the option of climbing the cathedral dome, using a lift or the stairs. This evening is free to dine independently. Rome offers countless places to eat, often alfresco, where you can enjoy renowned Italian cuisine.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - Touring Rome’s iconic landmarks

This morning we're introduced to Rome's most iconic landmarks on a guided tour. We transfer by coach to the Colosseum, Italy's world-acclaimed classical site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Entry is not included but you could return to the site during your free time in Rome.

Beginning our tour, we see the impressive Roman Forum - once the powerful governing centre of ancient Rome, the elegant Piazza Venezia and the Roman Pantheon - a stunning architectural masterpiece. We also visit the Trevi Fountain before a short break at Giolitti, the oldest gelateria in the city. Here we enjoy gelato at the same parlour that Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck visited in the classic film 'Roman Holiday'.

Our tour ends in Piazza Navona, an atmospheric square where you are free for the rest of the afternoon and evening. Before you leave the square, take time to admire the famous Fiumi Fountain, the 'Fountain of the Four Rivers' with a statue sculpted by Bernini. Tonight you dine independently, and there are countless eating places to discover in the city.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - By rail to Florence and a guided tour

We travel by rail to Florence, the Renaissance capital of the world, where we spend three nights. After checking into our central, stylishly decorated 4-Star hotel, there is time to relax over lunch before we set out on a guided tour of the city. Take in the striking terracotta-tiled Duomo, which dominates the centre of Florence, and the ornate free-standing campanile tower designed by Giotto. We also pass the Santa Maria Novella Church and its piazza, the legendary Ponte Vecchio, the city's renowned medieval bridge now lined with jewellery shops. Other striking squares we encounter include Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Repubblica.

After the tour, you are free to return to our hotel at leisure. There is time to do some shopping or enjoy a drink in one of Florence's squares, before dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - At leisure in Florence

Explore Florence at your own pace today. The city is rich with Renaissance art, architecture, and piazzas. To see Michelangelo's statue of David, visit the original at the Accademia or view impressive copies at Piazza della Signoria and Piazzale Michelangelo. The Uffizi Gallery, a short walk from our hotel, offers an astonishing art collection, but it's best to book ahead to avoid long queues.

For lunch, head to one of the city's roof terraces or stroll through the tranquil Boboli Gardens, known for their Renaissance statues and beautiful views. To experience local life, visit the Mercato di San Lorenzo, Florence's largest market, offering fresh produce, leather goods, crafts, dining areas, and a Chianti wine booth. In the evening, choose from numerous dining options in Florence's central districts.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 - A tour of Pisa’s sights and time at leisure in Lucca

This morning, we travel by rail through rural Tuscany's rolling hills and olive groves to visit two historic cities. In Pisa, a guided tour takes us to the famous Field of Miracles, where we see the iconic Leaning Tower and the stunning Romanesque Duomo. Next, we rail to Lucca, a beautiful walled medieval city perfect for exploring on foot. To avoid getting lost, grab a map at the Tourist Office.

Lucca's maze-like centre features a Duomo, unique churches, and charming piazzas. Piazza Anfiteatro, once a Roman amphitheatre, is surrounded by small restaurants and cafés. Inside the city walls, you can visit the botanical garden, art galleries, and Palazzo Pfanner's garden. For a great view, walk along the preserved city walls. We return to Florence by rail in the early evening, and you are free to dine independently this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - Arrival in the floating city of Venice

After a leisurely morning, we board the train to Venice, known as La Serenissima in reference to its title as one of the 'Most Serene Republics'. On arrival, we are taken by private boat directly to the waterfront of our stylish 4-Star hotel on the island of Murano where we spend the next three nights. Your luggage will be transferred from Florence directly to the hotel. Away from the crowds of Venice, and with a more laid-back atmosphere, this picturesque island is actually a group of small islands joined by bridges, and it has a frequent ferry boat connection with the main island.

Renowned worldwide for its glass production heritage, Murano is more residential than the mainland and features traditional Venetian architecture with pretty canals of ochre-toned buildings. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore independently before we gather again for dinner at the hotel this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Walking tour of Venice

After a short boat ride, we explore Venice on a guided walking tour. Known for its intricate network of lagoons and canals, Venice has enchanted visitors for centuries with its romantic heritage. Our local guide takes us through hidden backstreets to the church where Vivaldi was baptised, the Bridge of Sighs, and St Mark's Square - the heart and soul of Venice for hundreds of years. Here, we admire St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, now a museum.

After the tour, discover more of the city at your own pace. Visit St Mark's Basilica or the Doge's Palace, wander through Venice's winding alleys, or relax at a café. You could also try cicchetti and a local drink like prosecco, Aperol spritz, or Bellini. Dining independently this evening, you could choose a restaurant on the main island of Venice before making your own way back to the hotel by ferry or water taxi. The ferry service is every 30 minutes and runs into the evening. Please check at the ferry points for the last departure time.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 10 - A day at leisure to explore Venice

Today, explore Venice at leisure. You could climb the Campanile di San Marco for panoramic views of the city and its shimmering lagoons or visit the Basilica di San Marco for its Byzantine interiors. Venice has 170 churches and San Giorgio Maggiore is particularly beautiful with its stunning façade and Tintoretto artworks.

For art lovers, the Peggy Guggenheim Gallery in Dorsoduro offers canal views and a peaceful garden. This side of the island has a lot of character along with several waterside eating places, as do the districts of San Polo and Cannaregio. The ultimate Venice experience is a gondola ride through the city's luminous canals - gliding beneath ancient bridges, passing ornate Venetian palazzos and historic buildings. After your day of exploration, we are transferred by private boat for dinner in a popular restaurant this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - By rail to France

After saying arrivederci to Venice, we take the train across northern Italy to Milan. In this stylish city, we change trains for a journey via Turin to France. We check in to our hotel near Chambéry station and enjoy a final dinner at our hotel this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 - Homeward bound

Leaving Chambéry after breakfast this morning, we travel by First Class rail to Paris. On the journey, we have time to reflect on our grand tour. In Rome, we explored iconic landmarks like the Vatican City and Colosseum and then moved on to Florence with its Renaissance art and architecture before three nights in Venice enchanted us with its labyrinthine canals and historic sites. On arrival in the French capital, we change trains, joining the Eurostar service to London St Pancras where your holiday ends.

Includes
  • Breakfast
  • Eurostar Light Meal

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Hotel de la Ville

Hotel de la Ville, Florence

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Hyatt Centric Murano Venice, Murano

Hyatt Centric Murano Venice, Murano

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Romanico Palace Luxury Hotel & Spa, Rome

Romanico Palace Luxury Hotel & Spa, Rome

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Donna Laura Palace, Rome

Donna Laura Palace, Rome

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Hotel Orazio Palace, Rome

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Hotel Della Concilliazione, Rome

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Trains

Eurostar
Frecciargento
Frecciarossa
TGV
Trenitalia

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Extending your European holiday in Paris
London Hotels
UK rail connections
Door to door luggage service

Reviews

4.2 stars4.2 / 5 · 59 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (32)
  2. 4 stars
    (15)
  3. 3 stars
    (7)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (4)

G Schuster

4 stars

Submitted 25/Oct

Pleased with trains, hotels, meals and tour guide. Disappointed with last second Rome itinerary changes which disrupted our own bookings. Overall great Italy tour and train experience.

Collected by Trustpilot

Carol Schierholz

3 stars

Submitted 24/Oct

Breakfast was suppled by hotels not the tour and were pretty good. Tours supplied dinners were so, so. City tours were okay but we had several unexpected changes. Would have liked to have better help on how to get to hotel on arrival. All in all it was okay, but probably not something we would do with a tour again.

Collected by Trustpilot

Judith Rienzo

5 stars

Submitted 20/Oct

Great trip! Tour guide was excellent!

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Judy, we were delighted to read that you had a great time on our Grand Tour of Italy trip. We noticed that you marked 1 star for the trip, was this on accident? If not, we would love to hear more about your experience and see how we can improve.
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Jeanette Bowerman

3 stars

Submitted 28/Sep

This trip was not as described in the brochure! The journey times were unrealistic. Arriving in Turin the first night at 9.30 and eating at 10pm did not lead to a relaxing start . It would have been nice to do a whole day in Turin not just a few hours. We were literally in Basel on way home for 12hrs just long enough to eat and sleep ! Our tour guides in Rome failed to turn up at the Vatican so we had a rushed visit doing it ourselves . No recompense from the company . Tour guides in Florence , Piza and Venice very good . 3 hotels were great the others Mediocre. However the group we travelled with were great

Collected by Trustpilot

Lesley Smith

5 stars

Submitted 27/Sep

This was my third Great Rail tour, and it fully lived up to my expectations. The hotels were comfortable and welcoming; the cities (Turin, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Venice) were of course stunning, each in its own way. Where there were hitches - trains delayed or cancelled - the tour manager had the know-how to improvise and bring the schedule back on track. Overall, the organisation was excellent. I am already planning my next Great Rail tour.

Collected by Trustpilot

Rail enthusiast

4 stars

Submitted 27/Sep

Despite many mix ups beyond her control our tour guide went above and beyond to take care of our group and the guests in our group.

Collected by Trustpilot

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