Travel around Italy by train, from Venice in the North, taking in Florence, Rome, Naples, and Sicily in the South, in just a week. A lifetime experience of discovery that will have you immersed in a vivid and vibrant culture with a history that goes back centuries and food and wine that is the stuff of dreams.
Italy by Train
From the ‘Floating City’ with its striking architecture and beautiful bridges, head to Florence, home of the world’s most important Renaissance art, then stop in Rome to throw a few coins into the Trevi Fountain for luck before heading to Naples, the home of pizza. The train will then cross the Strait of Messina in the grandest fashion to take you to Europe’s largest Mediterranean island, Sicily, where this epic journey concludes.
Day 1
Venice
Starting in Venice, you’ll catch your first glimpse of this unique city from a water taxi as it whizzes you to your hotel.
Take an early morning stroll across the most famous bridge in the world, the Rialto, and head to Piazza San Marco for your first coffee of the day. The piazza is the beating heart of Venice and home to St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Starting early will ensure that you beat the crowds and enable you to pack a lot into your day.
A walk between San Marco Campanile and the Doge’s Palace brings you to the Riva degli Schiavoni, the waterfront area offering incredible views of canals, San Giorgio Maggiore, and the Bridge of Sighs.
Once the crowds start arriving, head to the quieter neighbourhoods like Dorsoduro, Castello, and Cannaregio. Here, you’re bound to stumble on a tucked-away chapel or crumbling palazzo. The cicchetti in Dorsoduro is incredible and the perfect way to end your day with a glass of Bellini in hand; after all, it was invented here.
Day 2 of travelling around Italy by train
Florence
Florence is about 2 hours away by high-speed train, so start your journey early to maximise time. Trains start at about 05:30 and run from Venezia San Lucia into Florence Santa Maria Station every hour.
Meander the cobbled streets to Piazza d’ella Signoria and discover gems like the Neptune fountain, sculpted by Ammannati, or head to the Uffizi gallery, home to some of the most important Renaissance art in the world. Don’t miss Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia.
Why not climb up the steps of the II Duomo to marvel at its stained windows and paintings? The dome is quite impressive too. Alternatively, cross the Ponte Vecchio, a covered bridge lined with shops, to the Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of Florence, the perfect backdrop to your photos. On your way back, try some fresh local produce at St Lorenzo, the oldest market in the city.
Day 3 of Italy by train will see you heading to the capital city
Rome
A mere 90 minutes away by fast train, you may be tempted to sleep in, but there is so much to see here. Trains start at about 06:00 and depart from Santa Maria Novella to Rome Termini every 15 minutes.
Given all its treasures, it’s impossible to explore all of Rome in a day. However, one of the many must-sees is the Colosseum, the world’s biggest amphitheatre. Don’t forget to throw a coin for luck at Neptune’s feet at the Trevi fountain as you head to the Pantheon with its giant dome and Raphael’s resting place.
Vatican City
You can also leave Rome altogether and head to the Vatican! Technically, the Vatican is a separate country headed by the Pope. You’ll find Michelangelo’s famous frescoes at the Sistine Chapel, whilst the Vatican Museums house priceless paintings and artefacts. If you happen to be here on a Wednesday, you may get a glimpse of the Pope at St Peter’s Square, where he holds court whenever he’s in Rome. Forno Campo de’Fiori in Centro Storico is where you need to head for the famous Roman pizza bianco.
On Day 4 of your Italy by train journey, head to the gateway of the Neapolitan Riviera
Naples
Fast trains from Rome Termini into Naples Centrale start at about 07:00, running hourly to start off with and more frequently after 09:00.
Head straight to the historic centre of the city, one of the oldest in the world. Take a walk down Via San Gregorio Armeno, known as Christmas Alley due to its artisan shops selling nativity figurines. Here, you’ll find one of Naples’ most characteristic churches.
Indulge in a seafood lunch with a glass of the local wine, Fiano di Avellino, before heading off to Pompeii for the afternoon. Take the Trenitalia train from Napoli Piazza Garibaldi to Pompeii; it is faster and takes around 40 minutes, taking you to Pompeii city centre and close to Piazza Anfiteatro, the less crowded entrance to the amphitheatre. Head to Villa dei Misteri for the most beautiful frescoes in Italy, or head straight for the ruins.
Amalfi
If Pompeii isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Complete your tour of the Centro Storico and get a train from Napoli Piazza Garibaldi to Vietri Sul Mare Amalfi, which takes around 75 minutes. Trains are frequent but look out for a direct one. You then have a whole afternoon to lose yourself in this picturesque town before the last train departs at around 21:45, getting you back just after 23:00.
Stroll through narrow lanes that blend Mediterranean, Norman, and Saracen cultures, evident by the architecture, or head to the beach for a bit of downtime; the choice is yours but be sure to try some of the local delicacies on offer. Delizia al Limone is a firm favourite with tourists and locals alike. The coastline is also renowned for its high-quality restaurants with the freshest of ingredients.
Day 5
The longest portion of your Italy by train adventure falls on day 5; it’s also the most adventurous as you head to the largest island in the Mediterranean.
Sicily
Catch the InterCity train from Naples Centrale at 09:50 to head south along the Calabrian coast to Sicily. Though long, the trip will give you time to catch your second wind and experience one of the most unusual train journeys. The entire train boards a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina to Sicily – this alone is worth the trip! Legend has it that one must tuck into arancini as you pass the statue of Madonna on the crossing, and who are we to refuse such a tradition?
Once in Sicily, you have a choice to make as the train splits in two; you can head south into Taormina, arriving at about 16:40, Catania at around 17:25, or continue east to the capital city of Sicily, Palermo, arriving at roughly 19:25.
Day 6
It’s only right that your last day, day 6, of this epic journey by train through Italy, should conclude here.
Palermo
This is a day of taking everything in your stride, and you are bound to bump into a church, a fountain, or even a palace. Go at a slower pace to indulge the foodie in you, as Palermo recently ranked among the world’s Top 20 Street Food Cities. Head to Piazza Vigliena, one of the most famous intersections in Europe, with eight sides to it. On one side, there are four streets, and on the other, four baroque facades that appear to hug the square.
The streets here are lined with charming al fresco restaurants serving authentic, delicious, local food choices. Enjoy a coffee with a Cannoli at Caffe Spinnato, open since 1860, or the fizz in town at Bottiglieria del Massimo, open since 1968. Mercato del Capo is brilliant for street food, especially in the evenings. This is where all the locals go, and to join them, head to Ke Palle. Of course, there’s always the choice of a beach, with Mondello Beach only 15 minutes away by car.
Tickets
The cheapest way to get your tickets for this journey is to get a pass valid for 4-days within a month. You may, however, be required to pay a supplement when using high-speed trains. Book your tickets directly with Trenitalia or ItaliaRail.
Excited for your next adventure? Our friends at Where to Go, produced by the team behind the award-winning DK Eyewitness travel guides, are here to help!
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