2024 2025
ITALY BY RAIL
RAIL NETWORK
Bergen Orkney Islands John o’Groats
ACROSS EUROPE
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EDINBURGH Glasgow BELFAST
Local Intercity Carlisle
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Local Intercity Galway
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Ferry
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UNITED KINGDOM
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Ferry
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Den Haag Penzance
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Eurostar
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TGV
Oviedo
Arcachon Local Intercity
Kaisersl Metz
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TGV
Sa
Dijon Belfort Besançon
Geneva Lyon
FRANCE
Strasbourg
Mulhouse
La Souterraine
Brive-la-Gaillarde
Nancy
Ba
Golden Pass Luc Interlaken Lausanne
Limoges
Bordeaux Gijón
LUXEMBOURG
Thalys Reims
Les AubraisOrléans Eurostar Vierzon
Tours Poitiers
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Lille
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Rennes
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Le Croisic
Hoek van Rotterdam Holland Bruges Calais Ghent Ypres Antwerp
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Lannion
NETHERLANDS Netherl
Ebbsfleet Ashford
SWI
Montreux Zermatt
Glacier Express
B
Lake Maggior
Agen Eurocity Mâcon San Biarritz Dax Milan Montauban TGV Sebastiá /Donostia Hendaye Pau Miranda Altsasu Puebla de Sanabria Turin Irún Toulouse de Ebro Local Intercity Porto Nimes Avignon Lourdes Tarbes Vitoria/ Local Intercity Palencia Montpellier Zamora Pamplona Burgos Gasteiz Carcassonne Aix-en-Provence Arles Sestri Le Sud Express Fuentes Valladolid Beziers TGV Cinqu de Oñoro Cannes Medina del Campo Tudela Narbonne Nice Coimbra Marseille de N. Salamanca St-Raphaël Huesca Perpignan TGV Toulon Segovia Calatayud Zaragoza Ávila Figueres Entroncamento Valencia de Lleida Girona Alcántara Guadalajara AVE MADRID Barcelona Cáceres LISBON Teruel Badajoz Tarragona Toledo Mérida Cuenca Santander
Bilbao
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SPAIN
PORTUGAL
Ciudad Real AVE
Bus Faro
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Local Intercity Murcia
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RABAT Al-Boraq train Casablanca
MOROCCO
Local train
Marrakech Bus Agadir
2 I To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent
The Flåm Railway
Flam
n
NORWAY
Ferry
STOCKHOLM
TALLINN
St. Petersburg
ESTONIA
Gothenburg
Local Intercity
DENMARK
RIGA
Ferry
Bus
COPENHAGEN
LATVIA
Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian routes to Beijing & Vladivostock
LITHUANIA Eurocity
ICE
Local Intercity
GERMANY
asel
VILNIUS
Bus Poznan
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Wroclaw
Local Intercity
POLAND
WARSAW
Nightjet PRAGUE
ICE Nuremberg
ALX
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Stuttgart
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cerne
ITZ.
BERLIN
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RUSSIA
Gdansk
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Salzburg
Innsbruck Bernina Express Tirano
Villach Euronight
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CROATIA
Venice
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Local Intercity Brasov
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Siena Nightjet
Euronight
Local Intercity
Florence
Pisa
ROMANIA
ZAGREB
Bologna Lucca
Railjet
LJUBLJANA
Nightjet
Verona
evante ue Terre
VIENNA
Nightjet
AUSTRIA
Chur St. Moritz
re
n
Allegro
HELSINKI
X2000
lautern
Brig
FINLAND
SWEDEN
OSLO
Stavanger
Slands
ogne
Local trains to Umeå, Luleå, Narvik & Galivare
Local trains to Trondheim & Bodø
Myrdal
SERBIA
BUCHAREST
La Frecce Dubrovnik ROME
ITALY Bari
Naples Sorrento Circumvesuviana
Ferry Local Intercity Palermo Taormina Catania
GREECE Patras
Siracusa Pozzallo Ferry VALLETTA
To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent I 3
WHY RAILBOOKERS?
Railbookers offers expertly planned tailor made vacations with an extensive range of trips to North America, Europe and beyond. We take the complexity out of independent rail travel and offer all our customers unparalleled service, incredible travel experiences and the very best value. The team at Railbookers is made up of proud ‘train geeks’ with comprehensive knowledge and passion for all things rail.
Venice
RAIL EXPERT KNOWLEDGE We know rail; from the best routes to the best times ensuring you have the best vacation.
MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY ny destination, any date A for any length of time… simply put, if the train goes there, so do we.
BOOK AND TRAVEL FROM TODAY TO 2 YEARS AHEAD
LARGEST RAIL VACATION SELECTION
You can depart today or book your bucket-list trip 2 years ahead; either way, we have you covered.
From luxurious, multicountry journeys to extending your cruise, or creating a tailor made rail itinerary, we have it all.
NO RAIL TRIP IS TOO COMPLICATED FOR US What is confusing is our easy and anything can be customized.
4 I To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent
CONTENTS Everything You Need to Know About Our Vacations
7
Italy 8-29 Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Rome 10-11 Cinque Terre via the Alps 12 Grand Venice, Florence and Rome 13 Paris, Florence and Rome via the Alps 14 Rome and Sorrento 15 Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris 16 Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice and Rome 17 Venice and the Bernina Express 18 Lake Como and the Swiss Alps 19 Classics of France, Switzerland and Italy 20-21 The Best of Italy, The Amalfi Coast and Sicily 22-23 Grand Tour of Sicily 24-25 Best of the Italian Lakes 26 Florence, Siena, and Lucca 27 Gems of Italy 28-29
OUR RAIL PARTNERS
To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent I 5
6 I To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent
Rome
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR VACATIONS HOW DO I MAKE A RESERVATION? Call Railbookers 877-579-9217 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Rail Experts to book your perfect rail vacation, call your local travel agent or visit our website to submit an online request at www.railbookers.ca
WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU REQUIRE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING? All passenger first and last names, and all dates of birth, are required at the time of booking. Certain train providers will require passport information.
CAN I CUSTOMIZE MY TRIP? Absolutely. We can add hotel nights to give you extra time to explore your destination, or add in additional destinations to help you discover new ones! We can also add transfers for ultimate ease and convenience and have an extensive range of sightseeing options so you can make the most of your trip. Just speak with our Rail Experts and we’ll start creating the perfect rail vacation for you.
CAN YOU RECOMMEND THE MOST SCENIC ROUTE TO GET TO MY DESTINATION? We’re always advocates of taking the scenic route! With so much to see from the train windows on all our rail vacations, you’re in for a treat. If there’s a different route you could take for some extra special scenery, we’ll be excited to let you know!
CAN I UPGRADE TO FIRST-CLASS RAIL ON SOME OR EVEN ALL OF MY TRAIN JOURNEYS? You certainly can. We know that many of our customers like to upgrade some or all of their train journeys to first-class. Upgrading will give you a larger seat, more legroom and even a meal and drinks on certain routes. To find out more, please speak with one of our Rail Experts who will tell you the advantages of first class on your specific route.
CAN I TAKE A RAIL VACATION THAT YOU OFFER IN REVERSE? Yes! We can offer a reverse option on any of our itineraries. If you are already planned to be in one destination and would like to visit cities on one of our packages in a different order or start/finish in a different location, please call us and speak with a Rail Expert.
WHERE ARE YOUR HOTELS LOCATED? Our hotels are centrally located within each city we offer. Most are within a short distance of local sights and/or your railway stations.
HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING? In general, each passenger can take two items of luggage plus one personal item. There are no weight restrictions - just remember you’ll need to carry everything!
CAN I ADD ON ADDITIONAL SIGHTSEEING OR ADDITIONAL HOTEL NIGHTS? Yes, you can add additional sightseeing activities and/or hotel nights to most existing rail vacation packages we offer. When you speak with a Rail Expert, request an explanation of the upgrade options to your vacation package as you wish. Additional charges may apply.
AM I ABLE TO TRAVEL ON MY CHOICE OF DATES? There are no set departure dates with our vacations, with the exception of private train journeys such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Most trains will run every day, which means our vacations do too!
CAN I CHOOSE MY TRAIN TIMES? Our packages don’t have set departure times, and if there is a train running when there are multiple trains a day, your Rail Expert will be able to talk you through the different departures. If there’s a particularly convenient time or a departure that will ensure you catch the best scenery, we’ll be sure to recommend it.
HOW LONG BEFORE THE TRAIN DEPARTS SHOULD I BE AT THE STATION? With the exception of Eurostar, which has a 45-minute check-in time, there is no official checkin required for train journeys in Europe or North America. Of course, we always recommend arriving at the station in plenty of time.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS? After we receive full payment, travel documents will be sent to you approximately 21 days prior to your departure.
To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent I 7
ITALY With its iconic cities, instantly recognizable monuments, sheer breath-taking beauty and tempting, mouth-watering cuisine, Italy is hard to beat.
8 I To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent
Venice
To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent I 9
VENICE, FLORENCE, CINQUE TERRE AND ROME
Venice ➡ Florence ➡ Cinque Terre ➡ Rome
Your journey begins with 2 nights in Venice
2 VENICE
Adriatic Sea
ITALY
CINQUE TERRE 3
Venice
2 FLORENCE
Mediterranean Sea
KEY
1 Nights stay
Your journey ends with 2 nights in Rome
2 ROME
10 I To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent
Rome
10 DAYS
Cinque Terre
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP VACATION INCLUDES: • Rail travel from as per the itinerary • 9 nights hotel accommodations with breakfast • Small group walking tour of Venice, the Doges Palace and the Golden Basilica • Private gondola ride in Venice • Small group tour of Accademia and Uffizi Gallery in Florence • Meet and Greet service in Cinque Terre • 3-day Cinque Terre card • Evening Wine tasting in an ancient wine cellar in Cinque Terre • One hour Pesto making course in Cinque Terre • Small group tour of Vatican Museums, San Peter’s and the Sistine Chapel in Rome
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION Venice - Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli & Gran Canal Florence - Grand Hotel Adriatico Cinque Terre - Lambiccu Apartment Rome - Hotel Atlantico Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
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.
DAY 7 - 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 some local Focaccia and a glass of Cinque Terre wine. The rest of the day is again yours to enjoy.
DAY 8 - CINQUE TERRE TO ROME DAY 1 - YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS IN VENICE Welcome to Venice! Make your way to the airport jetty for your private boat transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. There aren’t many journeys more impressive than a cruise down the Grand Canal, and once you are settled head out to enjoy this remarkable city. The small alleys and bridges over the countless canals are as unique as you can get, and the ancient Cannaregio district is a great spot for local restaurants for dinner.
DAY 2 - VENICE This morning, make your way to St Mark’s Square for the start of your small group tour to the Doges Palace, and mesmerizing Golden Basilica. Following this it’s a guided walking tour through the quieter lanes and alleys, where you will see some architectural gems, and historical buildings that are often overlooked by the crowds. In the afternoon you have a private gondola ride, please do speak to any of our Rail Experts if you might like the accompanying serenade!
DAY 3 - VENICE TO FLORENCE Make your way to the station this morning for your highspeed train to Florence for a two-night stay. Once checked-in at your 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.
DAY 4 - 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 wonderfully information guided tour of the streets of Florence, ending with priority access to the fascinating Uffizi Gallery
DAY 5 - 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 you guide will give you all the information you need for your stay, as well as some suggestions as 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
DAY 6 - CINQUE TERRE Today is a day to spend as you please, be it hiking the famous coastal path and enjoying the breathtaking views, ride the local train (covered by your
Hope on the local train to La Spezia, then continue along the coast to Rome for a two-night stay. Once checked in head out to 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.
DAY 9 - ROME Make your way to the Vatican in the heart of the city for a tour of the vast Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and San Peter’s this morning. The Museum’s 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 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 amazing ruins were for centuries the centre of day-to-day life in Rome.
DAY 10 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN ROME Check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport for your flight home or do speak to any of our Rail experts if you would like to continue your travels elsewhere.
To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent I 11
CINQUE TERRE VIA THE ALPS
Cinque Terre
Geneva ➡ Cinque Terre ➡ Rome
7 DAYS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP VACATION INCLUDES: • Rail travel throughout • 1 nights’ hotel stay in Geneva • 4 nights’ stay with breakfast in Cinque Terre • 1 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Rome • Meet and Greet service in Cinque Terre • 3-day Cinque Terre card • Evening Wine tasting in an ancient wine cellar in Cinque Terre
Your journey begins SWITZ. with 1 night in Geneva
GENEVA 1 Travel through the stunning Swiss Alps along the Simplon Pass
ITALY
CINQUE TERRE
KEY
Mediterranean Sea
1 Nights stay
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION Geneva - Hotel Cornavin Cinque Terre - Lambiccu Apartment Rome - Hotel Atlantico
MILAN
Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
4 Adriatic Sea
Your journey ends with 1 night in Rome
DAYS 3 TO 5 - CINQUE TERRE
1 ROME
DAY 1 - YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS IN GENEVA Upon your arrival in Geneva, make your way to your hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the evening enjoying a tasty meal at a local lakeside restaurant or take a relaxing boat trip out on the lake and admire the city’s cosmopolitan feel and the stunning backdrop of the Alps and the Jura mountains.
Cinque Terre
the border into Italy before arriving in Milan and changing onto the service heading west to the beautiful Liguria. You will be met and shown to your own apartment. Along the way you guide will give you all the information you need for your stay, as well as some suggestions as what to do and some great restaurants. Make use of your Cinque Terre card by taking the train or bus to explore the area or access one of the many trekking paths. In the afternoon venture to an ancient wine cellar in Manarola for a warm welcome, and tastings of local wines and nibbles. Perhaps spend the day in Riomaggiore, with its charming multi-coloured houses which are arranged over the hillside overlooking the sea.
DAY 6 - CINQUE TERRE TO ROME Bid farewell to your apartment and make your way to the train station for the journey south to the Italian capital, and once arrived check-in at your hotel for a one-night stay.
DAY 2 - GENEVA TO CINQUE TERRE
DAY 7 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN ROME
After breakfast, make your way to the train station and board a service bound for Milan. This route, which winds through the Simplon Pass, is one of the most scenic in Europe. Relax whilst the train follows the shores of Lake Leman and across Swiss vineyards, with stunning views of the Alps in the background. Travel further south after crossing
Following breakfast at your hotel, checkout and make your way to the airport for your flight home. Do speak to any of our Rail Experts should you wish to extend your stay in Rome.
12 I To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent
GRAND VENICE, FLORENCE AND ROME
Venice
Venice ➡ Florence ➡ Rome
7 DAYS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP
VENICE 2
Your journey begins with 2 nights in Venice
2 FLORENCE Adriatic Sea
2 ROME
Mediterranean Sea
ITALY Your journey ends with 2 nights in Rome
KEY
1 Nights stay DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN VENICE
DAY 3 - VENICE TO FLORENCE
Check in at your hotel in Venice today for a twonight stay before setting out to acquaint yourself with the classic Italian city. Stroll down the banks of the shimmering canals and discover the magnificent architecture that lines the cobbled streets and square. Come the evening, relax at an outdoor trattoria by the sparkling lagoon, or why not head to Harry’s Bar to try a delectable Bellini in the cocktail’s birthplace.
Check out of your hotel after breakfast and catch a high-speed train to Florence. Speed in true comfort through picturesque Italian scenery before arriving in Tuscany’s capital. Check in to your hotel for a two-night stay and set out to explore the city.
DAY 2 - VENICE Spend a full day exploring Venice today. Discover the city’s hidden gems and highlights on a walking tour, and take an iconic, relaxing gondola ride included with your vacation. You will also have skipthe-line access to Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, two of the city’s most popular monuments.
DAY 4 - FLORENCE Spend a full day at leisure in Florence today. Your vacation includes skip-the-line passes to the Uffizi Gallery, home of famous Renaissance masterpieces such as Boticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’ and Michelangelo’s ‘Doni Tondo.’ You will also be able to discover the city’s rich history and culture with a knowledgeable guide on a walking tour through the pretty, winding streets of the city. This evening, be sure to sample some authentic
VACATION INCLUDES: • Rail travel in first class throughout • 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Venice • 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Florence • 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Rome • Walking tour, Doge’s Palace entrance and gondola tour in Venice • Skip the Line: Uffizi Gallery Florence • Florence City Tour • Skip the Line: Ancient Rome & Colosseum half-day walking tour in Rome • Skip the Line: Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel tour in Rome
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION Venice - Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli & Gran Canal Florence - Grand Hotel Adriatico Rome - Hotel Atlantico Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
Tuscan cuisine, including a glass of wine from the hills that surround the city.
DAY 5 - FLORENCE TO ROME Check out of your hotel after breakfast and catch the train directly to Rome. Check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and head out to get your bearings in the ‘Eternal City.’ Italy’s capital boasts a wealth of history on every street, which you’ll be able to explore at your own leisure and on a walking tour of the city’s ancient history, including skip-the-line entrance to the Colosseum.
DAY 6 - ROME After breakfast this morning, spend the whole day unearthing the ancient and modern wonders of the Italian capital. Discover the city’s catholic heritage and Michelangelo’s phenomenal ceiling with a skipthe-line tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Come the evening, why not wander to the Trevi Fountain to throw your coins into the famous water. Don’t miss the chance to try authentic, ice-cold Italian gelato, either!
DAY 7 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN ROME Check out of your hotel in Rome this morning and continue your onward journey. Speak to one of our Rail Vacation Specialists about extending your vacation, perhaps by traveling south through Italy to the Italian Riviera and Naples by rail.
To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent I 13
PARIS, FLORENCE AND ROME VIA THE ALPS
Paris
Paris ➡ Geneva ➡ Milan ➡ Florence ➡ Rome
8 DAYS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP VACATION INCLUDES: • Standard class train travel as specified in the itinerary • 7 nights hotel stay with breakfast • Paris sightseeing pass, • Small group city tour in Florence including the Accademia gallery, Florence Duomo and Uffizi gallery • Small group tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome
PARIS 2
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION Paris - Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel Geneva - Hotel Cornavin Florence - Grand Hotel Adriatico Rome - Hotel Atlantico
Arrive in Paris for a 2 night stay
SWITZ.
GENEVA 1 FRANCE
KEY
1 Nights stay
Travel through the stunning Swiss Alps along the Simplon Pass
Mediterranean Sea Mediterranean Sea
Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
MILAN ITALY 2 FLORENCE
Your journey ends with 2 nights in Rome
2 ROME
DAYS 1 & 2 - ARRIVE IN PARIS Begin your vacation by arriving in the romantic city of Paris for a two-night stay. Spend two days getting acquainted with the landscapes, architecture and fine cuisine of the ‘City of Light.’
DAY 3 - PARIS TO GENEVA After breakfast at your hotel, take the train to Geneva for an overnight stay. Perhaps visis a local lakeside restaurant and admire the stunning backdrop of the Alps and the Jura mountains.
DAY 4 - GENEVA TO FLORENCE
Rome
Enjoy breakfast in your hotel before boarding the train to Florence via Milan. Enjoy one of the most scenic routes in Europe, the Simplon Pass, relaxing while the train follows the shores of Lake Leman and across Swiss vineyards, with stunning views
of the Alps in the background. Travel further south after crossing the border into Italy and catching the transfer in Milan to Florence. Check in at your hotel for a two-night stay.
DAY 5 - FLORENCE Explore Florence at your own pace today. No visit to the city is complete with a visit to the Duomo Basilica with phenomenal views over the umber city. Don’t miss a trip to see the magnificent collection of Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery, home to the works of artists such as Raphael and Michelangelo. Or you may wish to soak up the local architecture and visit some of the city’s iconic churches, such as Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce.
DAY 6 - FLORENCE TO ROME After breakfast in the hotel, take a train from Santa Maria Novella station and journey south, past charming rural villages and green fields, ahead of your arrival in Rome. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay.
DAY 7 - ROME Spend a full day exploring Rome today. Walk in the steps of the gladiators at the imposing Colosseum, or head to the Vatican to explore the Sistine Chapel - complete with Michelangelo’s intricate ceiling.
DAY 8 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN ROME Check out of your hotel after breakfast and depart Rome.
14 I To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent
ROME AND SORRENTO
Rome
Rome ➡ Naples ➡ Sorrento
6 DAYS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP VACATION INCLUDES: • Rail travel throughout • 2 nights hotel stay with breakfast in Rome • 3 nights hotel stay with breakfast in Sorrento • Imperial Rome tour - Roman Forum and Colosseum • Pompeii and Herculaneum day trip
ITALY
Arrive in Rome for 2 nights stay
ROME 2
Tyrrhenian Sea
1 Nights stay
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION Rome - Hotel Atlantico Sorrento - Antiche Mura Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
NAPLES
KEY
Adriatic Sea
3 SORRENTO
Your journey ends with 3 nights in Sorrento
Mediterranean Sea
DAY 3 - ROME TO SORRENTO Travel from Rome to Naples. From Naples, there is a private railway line (the Circumvesuviana) down to Sorrento. This journey is payable locally. You can also travel by boat from Naples to Sorrento during the summer months, again payable locally. Railbookers can arrange a private car transfer from Naples to Sorrento for you. On arrival in Sorrento, check in for a three-night stay at your hotel.
DAY 4 - SORRENTO DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN ROME On arrival, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Enjoy two days exploring Europe’s largest open air museum. Take a tour of the Vatican to discover the fascinating stories behind the smallest country in the world. Stop for a delicious Italian ice cream in one of the pretty cafés by the Trevi fountain and then walk in the footsteps of gladiators at the famous Colosseum.
DAY 2 - ROME
Sorrento
After breakfast, visit the Spanish Steps or stroll through the wide-open spaces of the Villa Borghese. Stop for a traditional wood-oven pizza in one of the charming trattorias or enjoy beautiful homemade pasta and regional desserts such as ricotta cake.
Many invaders have passed through the city over the generations - the Etruscans, the Greeks, the Romans and later the Normans. Take a walk through the town to discover the lovely piazzas and sample a glass of Limoncello liqueur or some traditional Sorrentine cuisine at a local restaurant. Explore Via San Nicola and the numerous other pretty streets, lined with shops selling leather, handmade gifts, spices and traditional chinaware.
DAY 5 - SORRENTO Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning and then why not take a boat to the glamorous island of Capri - just 30 minutes from Sorrento’s harbor?
DAY 6 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN SORRENTO Check out of your hotel after breakfast and depart Sorrento.
To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent I 15
VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS FROM VENICE TO PARIS
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Venice ➡ Paris
7 DAYS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP VACATION INCLUDES: • 5 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast • Overnight accommodation on the Venice SimplonOrient Express • Meals on board the Venice Simplon-Orient Express as specified in the itinerary including mineral water and coffee • Walking Tour and Gondola Tour in Venice • Dinner and show at the Moulin Rouge in Paris • Private boat transfer from airport to hotel in Venice • Private car transfer from hotel to airport in Paris
English Channel End your journey with 2 nights in Paris
PARIS 2
AUSTRIA SWITZ.
Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
FRANCE Travel overnight on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express through stunning Alpine scenery from Venice to Paris
KEY
1 Nights stay
Mediterranean Sea
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION
Venice - Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli and Gran Canal Paris - Crown Plaza Republique
3 VENICE
ITALY
Arrive in Venice for a 3 night stay before boarding the Venice SimplonOrient-Express to Paris
Adriatic Sea
DAY 1 - YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS IN VENICE
DAY 3 - VENICE
Your adventure begins in the lagoon-side paradise of Venice, collected from the airport and taken directly to your handpicked hotel in your own private boat. Stroll through the winding cobbled streets of Venice, stopping for dinner in a quaint, local trattoria and tucking into some delicious Venetian gastronomy.
After breakfast this morning, don’t miss a trip on a romantic gondola ride, where a stripe-shirted gondolier will paddle you down the winding waterways of the city. For a relaxing afternoon, stroll the sandy shores of Venice’s Lido or take a boat out to the island of Murano, famous for its exquisite glassmaking.
DAY 2 - VENICE
DAY 4 - DEPART VENICE
Start this day with a short walking tour with a local guide for some stories of the city’s labyrinthine streets and Campos (squares), then enjoy a gondola ride down the Grand Canal. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere in St. Mark’s Square, while marveling at the beautiful mosaics that adorn the Basilica and maybe visit the Doge’s Palace.
Embark on one of the world’s most luxurious journeys today as you board the Venice SimplonOrient-Express. A fine three-course lunch will be served in one of the opulent restaurant cars, as the train meanders through the stunning scenery of the Italian Dolomites, and the Austrian and Swiss Alps. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a marvelous fourcourse dinner and Champagne in the piano bar!
DAY 5 - ARRIVAL INTO PARIS Wake up to a tasty breakfast served to your compartment by your steward. Continue relaxing on board before the train pulls into Paris in the late morning. Make your way to your hotel for a twonight stay and begin exploring the incredible ‘City of Light.’
DAY 6 - PARIS Spend a full day exploring the fashion and romance capital of the world! Take in the views from the top of the Eiffel Tower or enjoy a scenic boat tour along the River Seine. In the evening, enjoy the worldfamous Moulin Rouge show and dinner.
DAY 7 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN PARIS Check out of your hotel after breakfast and be whisked to the airport by your private transfer.
16 I To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent
Paris
VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS FROM PARIS TO VENICE AND ROME
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Paris ➡ Venice ➡ Rome
8 DAYS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP GERMANY
Arrive in Paris for a 2 night stay
2
PARIS
Travel overnight on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express through stunning Alpine scenery from Paris to Venice
AUSTRIA SWITZ.
FRANCE
2 VENICE
ITALY Adriatic Sea
VACATION INCLUDES: • Overnight accommodation on the Venice SimplonOrient-Express in a double cabin • Meals on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as specified in the itinerary • 6 nights hotel stay with breakfast • Rail travel as per itinerary • Shared transfer from the station to your hotel in Venice • Dinner and Show at the Moulin Rouge in Paris • Walking tour and gondola ride in Venice • Small group tour of the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION Paris - Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel Venice - Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli & Gran Canal Rome - Hotel Atlantico Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
be served a delicious four-course meal. Retire to your compartment for the night, which will now have been transformed into a cozy bedroom by your steward.
DAY 4 - ARRIVE IN VENICE
KEY
Mediterranean Sea Your journey ends with 2 nights in Rome
1 Nights stay
2 ROME
DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN PARIS Your vacation begins in Paris with a two-night stay. Indulge in a bit of shopping along the famed Champs-Élysées, or find a traditional Parisian bistro to enjoy dinner.
DAY 2 - PARIS After breakfast, spend a full day discovering the wonders of Paris at leisure. This evening enjoy a riotous evening of music and colour at the legendary Moulin Rouge.
DAY 3 - BOARD THE VENICE SIMPLONORIENT-EXPRESS
Paris
After your steward has helped you settle into your comfortable quarters, it will soon be time to dress for dinner. Visit the famous bar car before moving on to one of the magnificent restaurant cars, where you will
Awake to the magnificent scenery of the Swiss Alps as a delicious continental breakfast is served in your compartment. At lunchtime, enjoy a leisurely three-course meal served in one of the beautiful restaurant cars. Later, your steward will bring a sumptuous afternoon tea, before you disembark in Venice for your two-night stay.
DAY 5 - VENICE Enjoy a short walking tour with a local guide, then enjoy a gondola ride down the Grand Canal. Later, visit St. Mark’s Square to see the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
DAY 6 - VENICE TO ROME After breakfast, sit back and relax on your rail journey to Rome for a two-night stay. Pass quaint Italian villages and rolling fields before arriving at Rome Termini. Discover the Eternal City at your own pace
DAY 7 - ROME Explore the Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel. Then, why not visit the Colosseum?
DAY 8 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN ROME Check out of your hotel after breakfast and depart Rome.
To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent I 17
VENICE AND THE BERNINA EXPRESS
Venice
Zurich ➡ Milan ➡ Venice
6 DAYS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP VACATION INCLUDES: • Rail travel throughout • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Zurich • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Milan • 3 nights hotel stay with breakfast in Venice • Seat reservations on the Bernina Express between Chur and Tirano • Small group tours of the Doges Palace and Golden Basilica • Small group walking tour in Venice
Arrive in Zurich for a 1 night stay
ZURICH 1 SWITZERLAND
CHUR
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION Zurich - Zurich Swiss Chocolate by Fassbind Milan - Starhotel Anderson Venice - Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli & Gran Canal
Bernina Express excursion from Chur to Tirano
Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
TIRANO
MILAN 1
3 VENICE
ITALY
KEY
1 Nights stay
DAY 3 - VENICE
Your journey ends with 3 nights in Venice
DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN ZURICH Welcome to Zurich! Make the most of your time in the beautiful city - amble down the Lake Promenade and the winding streets of the Old Town or unearth the artistic masterpieces of the Kunsthaus.
DAY 2 - THE BERNINA EXPRESS TO ITALY
Bernina Express
Today you’ll take one of the world’s most scenic journeys - the Bernina Express! Travel through the Swiss Alps from Zurich to Chur, where you will pick up the panoramic train. The tracks of the Bernina Express have now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the journey winds through snowdusted mountain ranges, across striking stone viaducts and along the banks of the area’s sparkling lakes. At Tirano, connect onto the Trenord train and roll past Lake Como en route to Milan.
After breakfast, make the journey from Milan to Venice by rail, enjoying views of the Italian countryside as you go. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay and start exploring the city! Waterside Venice’s reputation no doubt precedes it, and many say there is nowhere on earth that matches the beauty and tranquility of its splendid canals.
DAY 4 - VENICE A visit to Venice is not complete without a classic Gondola ride through the city’s canals. Also soak up the vibrant atmosphere in St. Mark’s Square, while marveling at the beautiful mosaics that adorn the Basilica, and pay a visit to the Doge’s Palace, with its origins dating back to the 14th century.
DAY 5 - VENICE Spend an additional day discovering the fascinating museums, exquisite art galleries and ornate churches of Venice. Marvel at the Basilica in the Piazza San Marco, including its iconic Clock Tower. In the evening, why not treat yourself to a delicious lunch or dinner at one of the cities many traditional trattorias, spending blissful hours indulging with local Prosecco by the sparkling canals.
DAY 6 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN VENICE Check out of your hotel after breakfast and depart Venice.
18 I To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent
LAKE COMO AND THE SWISS ALPS
Lake Como
Milan ➡ Como ➡ Milan ➡ St Moritz ➡ Grindelwald ➡ Zurich
12 DAYS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP
Your journey ends with 1 night in Zurich
INTERLAKEN GRINDELWALD BRIG
CHUR 3
2
COMO
KEY
Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Brig via Chur
1 ZURICH
SWITZ.
3 2
VACATION INCLUDES: • 11 nights hotel accommodations with breakfast • Rail travel as per the itinerary • Private walking tour of Como • Sightseeing city tour in Milan • 4-day Swiss Flexi Pass • Seat reservations onboard the Bernina Express • Seat reservations onboard the Glacier Express • Jungfrau Mountain railway day trip
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION
ST. MORITZ
TIRANO
Bernina Express from Tirano to St. Moritz
Milan - Starhotels Anderson Milan Como - Metropole and Suisse Hotel St Moritz - Hauser Swiss Quality Hoteel Grindelwald - Derby Swiss Quality Grindewald Zurich - Du Theatre Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
DAY 7 - ST. MORITZ
MILAN
Your journey begins with 2 nights in Milan
ITALY
Adriatic Sea
1 Nights stay
Explore the shimmering turquoise lake, vast forests and stunning mountains of St Moritz.
DAY 8 - GLACIER EXPRESS TO BRIG, BRIG TO GRINDELWALD Board the panoramic carriages of the legendary Glacier Express train and travel through the pristine Swiss Alps from the comfort of your seat. Take the Albula route and cross over the famous Landwasser Viaduct, traveling onboard one of the most sought-after trains in the world. Ask a Rail Expert about upgrading to Excellence Class.
DAY 1 - MILAN
DAY 3 AND 4 - COMO
Once you arrive, there are plenty of exciting things to see, do and explore!
The town of Como is one that combines beautiful historic architecture with stunning natural beauty which you’ll explore with the help of a local guide. The Centro Storico is a maze of picturesque little streets, squares and pavement cafés.
Located in the heart of the Bernese Alps, Grindelwald is a postcard perfect destination.
DAY 5 - COMO TO MILAN
Board the Jungfraubahn cog railway to the summit of Jungfraujoch - the Top of Europe!
DAY 2 - MILAN TO COMO Take a Trenitalia train directly to Como, and after checking in to your hotel perhaps stroll to the stately Villa Carlotta then along the shore for dinner?
Travel by train from Como to Milan. Upon arrival, get settled then enjoy your included city sightseeing tour from an open-top panoramic bus.
DAY 6 - BERNINA EXPRESS TO ST. MORITZ
Bernina Express
Board the iconic red carriages of the Bernina Express for your scenic journey to beautiful St. Moritz. Enjoy the ride and unforgettable view of the Swiss Alps and glacial lakes from the panoramic windows.
DAY 9 - GRINDELWALD
DAY 10 - JUNGFRAUJOCH DAY TRIP
DAY 11 - GRINDELWALD TO ZURICH Travel by train from Grindelwald to Interlaken via Bern. See the capital’s famous clock tower and take a stroll through Old Town. From Bern, travel to Zurich for a one-night stay.
DAY 12 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN ZURICH Check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels.
To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent I 19
CLASSICS OF FRANCE, SWITZERLAND AND ITALY
Paris ➡ Geneva ➡ Zermatt ➡ St Moritz ➡ Venice ➡ Florence ➡ Rome
PARIS 3 Glacier Express route from Zermatt via Chur and Visp to St. Moritz
Your journey begins with 3 nights in Paris
FRANCE
1
GENEVA
CHUR 1 ST. MORITZ
SWITZ. VISP 1
ZERMATT
TIRANO
MILAN
ITALY
Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano
Geneva
3 VENICE Adriatic Sea
FLORENCE 2
KEY
1 Nights stay
Mediterranean Sea
Your journey ends with 2 nights in Rome
2 ROME Florence
20 I To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent
14 DAYS
Venice
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP VACATION INCLUDES: • 13 nights hotel accommodations with breakfast • Rail travel as per the itinerary • Glacier Express and Bernina Express seat reservations • Rome sightseeing Hop on Hop off 48hr card • Eiffel Tower tour and Seine River Cruise • Venice walking tour and Gondola ride
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION
Paris - Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel Geneva - Hotel Cornavin Zermatt - Schweizerhof Hotel St Moritz - Hauser Swiss Quality Hotel Venice - Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli & Gran Canal Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
Paris
DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN PARIS
DAY 6 - ZERMATT TO ST. MORITZ
Begin your vacation in Paris, where you’ll check in to your centrally located hotel for a three-night stay.
Take the famous Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz. This eight-hour train journey crosses 291 bridges, viaducts, travel through 91 tunnels, and offers incredible panoramic views. Once in St. Moritz, explore by foot to appreciate its beauty.
DAY 2 - PARIS Today get a great view across Paris using your skip the line Eiffel Tower tickets, then relax with a 1hr cruise along the Seine river.
DAY 3 - PARIS Must-see places include Cathédrale de NotreDame, Marché des Enfants Rouges, Ile Saint-Louis for shopping, and Rue des Martyrs, Paris’ 200-yearold bustling street.
DAY 4 - PARIS TO GENEVA Catch your high-speed train from Paris to Geneva. Explore the sights of the city including the world’s highest fountain, the Jet d’Eau. In the evening, enjoy a tasty meal at a local lakeside restaurant, or take a relaxing boat trip out on the lake.
DAY 5 - GENEVA TO ZERMATT After breakfast make your way to the railway station for your train to Zermatt, where you can begin using your included three-day Swiss Travel Pass. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Take a mountain excursion on your own to Gornergrat or Klein Matterhorn for epic views.
DAY 7 - ST. MORITZ TO VENICE Board the spectacular Bernina Express in St. Moritz to Venice, Italy. The train crosses the Alps and offers breath-taking views from the panoramic carriages including the revered Brusio Spiral Viaduct. Change onto a high-speed train in Milan. Waterside Venice’s reputation no doubt precedes it, and many say there is nowhere on earth that matches the beauty and tranquility of its splendid canals.
DAY 8 - VENICE Start the day with a short walking tour for some stories of the city’s labyrinthine streets and campos (squares), then enjoy a gondola ride down the Grand Canal.
DAY 9 - VENICE Fascinating museums, exquisite art galleries and ornate churches await! Be sure to leave some time to take a tour of the famous glassblowers on the island of Murano and stopover at Burano.
views along the River Arno and cross the city’s oldest bridge, the 14th century Ponte Vecchio.
DAY 11 - FLORENCE Head to the popular Uffizi Gallery and see the Renaissance works of great artists such as Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo. Or visit the Duomo Basilica and marvel at its beautiful frescoes and spectacular dome that dominates the city’s skyline.
DAY 12 - FLORENCE TO ROME Enjoy a quick train ride onboard Trenitalia from Florence to Rome. With numerous departure times, you can choose when you want to travel. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Once you get settled, head out and start exploring via your 2-day Hop on Hop off sightseeing pass.
DAY 13 - ROME Don’t miss a stroll around some of the beautiful museums of Rome at your own pace. The Vatican museum holds a superb collection as well as housing the Sistine Chapel - the Vatican itself is also a country in its own right - the smallest in all of Europe. The Capitoline displays ancient Roman artifacts and the Borghese Gallery is worldrenowned for its impressive artworks.
DAY 10 - VENICE TO FLORENCE
DAY 14 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN ROME
Travel from Venice to Florence and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Admire the charming
This morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels.
To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent I 21
THE BEST OF ITALY, THE AMALFI COAST AND SICILY
Venice ➡ Florence ➡ Rome ➡ Sorrento ➡ Taormina ➡ Catania
Your journey begins with 2 nights in Venice
ITALY
TUSCANY Tuscany Day Trip with Wine Tastings from Florence
2 VENICE
2 FLORENCE
2 ROME
Adriatic Sea
Florence
NAPLES SORRENTO 3 CAPRI
Mediterranean Sea KEY
1 Nights stay
Day Trip to Capri from Sorrento
TAORMINA 3 CATANIA 2
Ferry service from mainland to Sicily Your journey ends with 2 nights in Catania
22 I To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent
Sorrento
Rome
15 DAYS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP VACATION INCLUDES: • Rail travel in standard class throughout • 14 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast • Gondola ride in Venice • Day trip to Tuscany with wine tasting from Florence • Sightseeing tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Capri, and the Blue Grotto • Local market tour and cooking class in Taormina • Jeep tour of Mount Etna from Catania • Private transfers from airport/hotel/station
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION Venice - Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli and Gran Canal Florence - Grand Hotel Adriatico Rome - Hotel Mediterraneo Sorrento - Hotel Michelangelo Taormina – NH Collection Taormina Catania - NH Catania Centro Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
Don’t miss a visit to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a beautiful 14th-century church.
DAY 10 - SORRENTO TO TAORMINA VIA NAPLES After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and bring you to Naples Centrale station to catch your train to Sicily. Admire the scenery of southern Italy from the comfort of your seat, and once at the Straits of Messina, the train boards a boat to take you from mainland Italy to Sicily. The train then continues along the coast to the famous resort town of Taormina. On arrival, check-in at your hotel for a three-night stay.
DAY 11 - TAORMINA
DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN VENICE
DAY 5 - FLORENCE TO ROME
Upon arrival at Venice airport, meet your driver for a private ride to your hotel for a two-night stay. Stroll down the banks of the shimmering canals and discover the magnificent architecture that lines the cobbled streets and squares. In the evening, why not relax at an outdoor trattoria by the sparkling lagoon.
Today, head to the train station after breakfast for a train ride through the countryside to Rome. Check in to your hotel for a two-night stay and start exploring Europe’s largest open-air museum.
DAY 2 - VENICE
On your guided tour today, walk in the footsteps of gladiators at the famous Colosseum and stroll through the ruins of the Roman Forum. The rest of your day is at your leisure.
Spend a full day exploring Venice today. Discover the city’s hidden gems and highlights as you take an iconic, relaxing gondola ride through the historic canals. Be sure not to miss Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.
DAY 3 - VENICE TO FLORENCE After breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your way to the train station for your journey to Florence. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and enjoy a two-night stay. Admire the charming views along the River Arno and cross the city’s oldest bridge, the 14th-century Ponte Vecchio.
DAY 4 - FLORENCE & TUSCANY Begin your day through Tuscany with a tour of Pisa. Afterwards, drive to a rustic winery in Chianti and enjoy a delicious Tuscan lunch and wine tasting. Your afternoon includes strolling through the medieval village of San Gimignano and the cobblestone streets of Siena before returning to Florence in the evening.
DAY 6 - ROME
DAY 7 - ROME TO SORRENTO VIA NAPLES & POMPEII Your journey to the Amalfi Coast begins with a train ride from Rome to Naples, where your private driver will meet you at the station. Along the coastal drive to Sorrento, you’ll stop at the ruins of Pompeii to explore the preserved city before continuing to your Sorrento hotel.
DAY 8 - CAPRI AND THE BLUE GROTTO Set sail for Capri, known for its stunning beauty, luxurious atmosphere, and impressive cliffs. After exploring the island, experience the Blue Grotto, a sea cave on the island’s coast. (weather permitting).
DAY 9 - SORRENTO Enjoy a full day in the Amalfi Coast, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink on the beachfront or stroll along to the Piazza Tasso for lunch in a quiet café.
Today a fabulous experience awaits as you meet your regional expert chef and take a stroll over to a local market. Head over to a local restaurant, put on your apron and begin the preparation of a complete Sicilian menu. Taste the fruits of your labor, along with sampling Italian wine.
DAY 12 - TAORMINA Spend a full day exploring Taormina. The city still holds an abundance of cultural sites such as the striking Greek Theatre, the Cathedral of Saint Nicola and the 16th-century Palace of the Dukes of San Stefano.
DAY 13 - TAORMINA TO CATANIA Catania is only a short train ride away, and upon arrival check-in for a two-night stay. Set off to explore the city, and why not visit the ancient Roman Rotonda, the beautiful Palazzo Conte Federico or the busy Pescheria food market?
DAY 14 - CATANIA This morning, embark on a half-day trip to the ancient slopes of Mount Etna on a private fourwheel drive jeep. Stop at a small village to taste some local honey and almond cookies, then don a helmet and torch as you explore a cave dug by the flowing lava.
DAY 15 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN CATANIA A driver will collect you from your hotel for the short drive to Catania airport.
To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent I 23
GRAND TOUR OF SICILY
Catania ➡ Palermo ➡ Taormina ➡ Catania
Tyrrhenian Sea
KEY
1 Nights stay
PALERMO 2
Day trip to Mount Etna
ITALY
MESSINA
MOUNT ETNA
3 TAORMINA 3 CATANIA
Your journey begins with 3 nights in Catania
Spend 3 nights in Taormina before taking a private transfer to Catania airport
Palermo
SYRACUSE
Mediterranean Sea
Day trip to Syracuse with private driver
Piazza Duomo in Catania
24 I To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent
Sicily
9 DAYS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP VACATION INCLUDES: • Rail travel throughout Sicily • 8 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast • Private market and food walking tour in Catania • Private guided day trip to Syracuse from Catania including all entrance fees • Private morning walking tour in Palermo including entrance fees • Private half-day walking tour in Taormina including entrance fees • Private half-day tour to Mount Etna by four-wheeldrive jeep from Taormina • Private car transfer from station to hotel and viceversa in Catania, Palermo, and Taormina • Private car transfer from airport to hotel in Catania, and from Taormina to Catania airport
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION Catania - NH Catania Centro Palermo - NH Palermo Taormina - NH Collection Taormina Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
Taormina
DAY 1 - YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS IN CATANIA Welcome to Sicily! On arrival you will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the remainder of the day settling in, and why not take a stroll down the beautiful Piazza del Duomo for dinner?
DAY 2 - CATANIA Enjoy breakfast then make your way back to the famous Elephant Fountain to meet your private guide for the next two hours. Wander the busy Pescheria food market and admire the daily hustle and bustle marketplace that has been active for millennia. You will get the opportunity to sample some of the delicious street food such as Coppo, Sfincione, local cheese and cured meats, as well as the delicious pastries of Sicily – Cannoli, Cassatelle, or sesame nougat. At the end of the tour enjoy a traditional Arancino and a glass of wine or a soft drink with your guide. In the afternoon be sure to visit the ancient Roman Rotonda, ancient amphitheatre, or the beautiful Palazzo Conte Federico and nearby Norman castle. The city centre is blessed with a huge number of historical treasures.
DAY 3 - SYRACUSE DAY TRIP You will be met at your hotel by your own driver and guide today for the 1hr drive south to Syracuse. It will become apparent as your tour the ancient
Greek and Roman ruins that Syracuse played a very important role in ancient times and was a major power in the Mediterranean world. Explore the famous Archaeological Park Neapolis which includes the Greek Theatre, Ear of Dionysius, and mysterious Latomia del Paradiso, then Ortigia island which is the historical center of the city where you will have some free time for lunch. Following the drive back relax and enjoy your final night in Catania. .
DAY 4 - PALERMO A driver will collect you from your hotel and escort you to the station for journey to Palermo. All trains in Sicily are local services with one class of travel, and the scenery is certainly worth the ride. On arrival into the Sicilian capital, you will be met and delivered to your hotel for a two-night stay. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
DAY 5 - PALERMO This morning make your way to the Palatine Chapel where your private guide will meet you for a two-hour relaxed walking tour. Explore the famous Palatine Chapel – a breath-taking jewel of art and architecture from a multitude of ancient influences, then stroll through the heart of this vibrant city passing its many historic churches, squares, and monuments. In the afternoon why not visit the impressive Royal Palace, or the remarkable Castello deal Zisa?
DAY 6 - TAORMINA You will be met at your hotel again this morning and taken to the station for a train journey to Taormina. On arrival in the afternoon, you will again be escorted to your hotel for a three-night stay. Relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.
DAY 7 - TAORMINA Your guide will meet you at your hotel today for a relaxed three-hour walking tour covering all the major sites of Taormina, including its famous Greek Theatre. Here you will enjoy stunning views across the sea.
DAY 8 -MOUNT ETNA DAY TRIP This morning embark on a half day trip to remember, as you climb the ancient slopes of Mount Etna on a private four-wheel drive jeep. Learn the Mythological legend of Zeus’ thunderbolt and enjoy dramatic views as you near the top. Stop at a small village to taste some local honey and almond cookies, then don a helmet and torch as you explore a cave dug by the flowing lava, then it’s an easy hike to the edge of a side crater or on a lava flow before returning to Taormina via an off-road track.
DAY 9 -YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN CATANIA A driver will collect you from your hotel for the hour’s drive to Catania airport, or do speak to any of our Rail Experts should you wish to continue your travels elsewhere.
To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent I 25
BEST OF THE ITALIAN LAKES
Fisherman Island in Maggiore Lake
Zurich ➡ Stresa ➡ Lugano ➡ Como ➡ Zurich
10 DAYS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP VACATION INCLUDES: • 1-night hotel stay with breakfast in Zurich • 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Stresa • 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Lugano • 3 nights’ hotel stay half board in Cadenabbia • Excursions as per itinerary • All rail as listed
Your journey begins and ends in Zurich
1 ZURICH
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION Zurich - Hotel Schweizerhof Stresa - Lake Maggiore - Hotel Astoria Lugano - Hotel International Au Lac Como - Hotel Britannia Excelsior
BERN SWITZ.
Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
cafes selling coffee and cakes, to restaurants and wine bars.
Travel through the stunning Swiss Alps along the Simplon Pass
DAY 7 - LUGANO TO CADENABBIA COMO
2 LUGANO
STRESA 3 KEY
1 Nights stay
3 COMO
ITALY
MILAN
DAY 1 - ZURICH
DAY 4 - STRESA
On arrival in Zurich make your own way to the hotel for your overnight stay. Explore the restaurants and bars alongside the shimmering lake framed by alpine mountains, or take a stroll around the Old Town.
A day of leisure why not take the Mottarone Cable Car which departs every 20 minutes from the Lido in Stresa and is one of the best ways to view Lake Maggiore.
DAY 2 - ZURICH - STRESA
DAY 5 - STRESA - LUGANO
This morning is free time before boarding your lunch time train to Stresa on Lake Maggiore
After breakfast head to Lugano travelling via Milan and arriving early lunch time. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Lake Lugano the centrepiece of Switzerland’s Ticino region, the southern canton where Italian is the official language.
DAY 3 - STRESA Today discover the tiny Borromean Islands with your hop-on hop-off ferry ticket. Use the 1-day pass to venture out from Stresa and spend your day sightseeing as you wish. Step onto the shores of Isola Bella, home to the Borromeo family ‘palazzo’ and admire the greenery of Isola Madre where botanical gardens beckon.
DAY 6 - LUGANO Scout out the places where the locals eat in Lugano with your self-guided food tour of the city. Put together by food lovers living in Lugano, the itinerary takes in six recommended eateries, from
Departing Lugano, you board your direct train to Como where a private transfer awaits you for the 30 min drive to your hotel. Cadenabbia is a small community in Lombardy, on the west shore of Lake Como.
DAY 8 -CADENABBIA COMO A day of leisure in Como. Take a boat ride to the town of Como which is over 400 years old and bursting with ancient churches, historic monuments, verdant gardens and, of course, tasty antipasti. Don’t miss the beautiful Cathedral, considered by many to be the last Gothic cathedral built in Italy. On sunny days, wander through the lakeside gardens of the elegant Villa Olmo or take a funicular railway line up to Brunate for fabulous views from the Alps Balcony.
DAY 9 -CADENABBIA COMO A melting pot of all-things-fun, Cadenabbia, is unique. Historic landmarks, a favorable climate AND beautiful parks await you to explore, and while here, don’t miss out on visiting, the Garden of Villa Melzi Or I Giardini Di Villa Melzi.
DAY 10 -CADENABBIA COMO - ZURICH Enjoy a breakfast before getting your transfer to Como for your final rail journey direct to Zurich where your tour concludes.
26 I To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent
FLORENCE, SIENA AND LUCCA
Siena
Florence ➡ Siena ➡ Lucca
7 DAYS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP VACATION INCLUDES: • Rail travel in standard class throughout • 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Florence • 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Siena • 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Lucca
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION Florence - Grand Hotel Adriatico Siena - Athena Siena Lucca - San Luca Palace Hotel Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
DAY 4 - SIENA Spend your second day in Siena exploring more of the sights. Take a walk through the vineyards and olive groves surrounding the city or travel the short distance to the Arbia valley and to the hill-top town of Montalcino, home to the famous Brunello wine.
DAY 5 - SIENA TO LUCCA After breakfast, return to the train station and travel to Lucca aboard a regional Tuscan train for your two-night stay.
DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN FLORENCE
DAY 3 - FLORENCE TO SIENA
Upon arrival in Florence, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon visiting the delightful sights of this classic city. Take a walk through the buzzing squares of Piazza San Giovanni, the Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce, featuring Renaissance palaces decorated with frescos. Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to view an incredible collection of 13th to 18th century paintings or enjoy the sweeping views of the city from the beautiful Boboli gardens.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel and then make your way to the train station, before boarding a service to Siena. On arrival, check into your hotel for a two night stay.
DAY 2 - FLORENCE Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before spending the day in Florence at your leisure. Marvel at the spectacular Duomo Basilica, dominating the city skyline and don’t miss one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Ponte Vecchio bridge.
Surrounded by olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti, Siena’s ancient Romanesque architecture and fine Italian roots make this town a stunning destination to visit. The Duomo, Siena’s grand cathedral and St Maria della Scala museum offer great insights into the history of the town and a clear reason behind its World UNESCO Heritage status. Soak up the atmosphere of the bustling markets in Piazza del Campo before enjoying a traditional Siennese evening meal.
Featuring superb dining, charming antique markets, and only half an hour away from beautiful beaches, there is plenty to occupy the traveler’s mind.
DAY 6 - LUCCA After breakfast, explore the highlights of Lucca such as the cathedral San Martino, the churches of San Michele and San Frediano, and the Guinigi Tower belonging to the prestigious Guingi family. Spend the afternoon shopping for Italian treats and boutique clothing on Via Gallitassi before relaxing in Piazza San Michele with a glass of local wine.
DAY 7 - DEPART LUCCA Check out of your hotel in Lucca this morning and continue your onward journey. Speak to one of our Rail Vacation Specialists about extending your vacation.
To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent I 27
GEMS OF ITALY
Rome ➡ Lake Como ➡ Sestri Levante ➡ Sorrento
Rome
Sestri Levante
28 I To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent
Lake Como
11 DAYS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP VACATION INCLUDES: • Rail travel throughout as specified in the itinerary • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Rome • 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Como • 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Sestri Levante • 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Sorrento • Private Walking Tour Como • Cinque Terre Rail and Trekking Card • Capri and Blue Grotto day tour from Sorrento
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION
Rome - Hotel Atlantico Como - Hotel Britannia Excelsior Sestri Levante - Hotel Vis a Vis Sorrento - Antiche Mura Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
Sorrento
DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN ROME On arrival in Rome, check into your hotel for an overnight stay and set off to start exploring. Perhaps enjoy an ice-cold gelato on the Spanish steps and simply watch Roman life go by. Admire the breath-taking collection of ancient art, sculptures and statues at museums or why not take a trip to the enchanting Vatican?
DAY 2 - ROME TO LAKE COMO After breakfast this morning, board the train for your journey to Como on a fast Trenitalia train. On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a threenight stay. Once settled in, set out to discover the town of Como, bursting with ancient churches, historic monuments, verdant gardens, and of course, tasty cuisine.
DAY 3 - LAKE COMO The town of Como is one that combines beautiful historic architecture with stunning natural beauty. The Centro Storico, old town, is a maze of picturesque little streets, squares and pavement cafés. Wander around the shops and boutiques or visit one of the many cultural monuments the city has to offer.
DAY 4 - LAKE COMO After breakfast this morning, continue to discover Como on your two hour private walking tour. Here you will see the Duomo the cathedral of
Como, which is the last Gothic cathedral of Italy. The San Fedele Church, the Roman city walls and towers, Teatro Sociale and Ex Casa del Fascio.
DAY 5 - LAKE COMO TO SESTRI LEVANTE Take Trenitalia today from Como to Milan, then on to Sestri Levante. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay and begin discovering this hidden gem on the Ligurian Coast.
DAY 6 - SESTRI LEVANTE Spend the day discovering beautiful Sestri Levante with your Cinque Terre card which allows you access to the local train, buses and trekking paths. Explore the walkable old town with many elegant shops and terrific seafood restaurants. Relax on the large sandy beach at the Bay of Silence or follow the path leading from the old town to Punta Manara for amazing panoramic views of the shoreline from Levanto to Portofino.
DAY 7 - SESTRI LEVANTE Continue enjoying Sestri Levante today. Perhaps take a cruise across the Gulf of Tigulio to the nearby towns of San Fruttuoso and Portofino. Discover the incredible history and scenery in San Fruttuoso, including the ancient Benedictine Monastery that straddles the beach. In Portofino, enjoy a meal at one of the harborside restaurants or wander along the historic fishing village’s tiny streets to discover numerous hidden gems, including art galleries and jewelry shops.
DAY 8 - SESTRI LEVANTE TO SORRENTO After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and board the train to Rome, where you will change trains to Naples. Once in Naples, take the private railway line down to Sorrento. You can also travel by boat from Naples to Sorrento during the summer months. On arrival in Sorrento, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay.
DAY 9 - SORRENTO Today set sail for the idyllic Italian island of Capri home to celebrities, designer boutiques and delicious ice cream cafés on a full-day tour, including round-trip jetfoil transfers from Sorrento. Travel around the island by minibus, taking in the views along the famous Mamma Mia Road. Stop to browse the handicraft stores of Anacapri, stroll the Augustus Gardens and soak up the atmosphere in buzzing La Piazzetta. Top it off with a visit to the Blue Grotto and a funicular ride to Marina Grande.
DAY 10 - SORRENTO Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning and then perhaps take a boat to the glamorous island of Capri - home to celebrities, designer boutiques and delicious ice cream cafés - just 30 minutes from Sorrento’s harbor.
DAY 11 - DEPART SORRENTO After breakfast this morning, take the train back to Naples and continue with your onward travel.
To book call us at 877-579-9217, visit www.railbookers.ca or call your local Travel Agent I 29
OUR RAIL PARTNERS
HOW TO BOOK Call 877-579-9217 Visit www.railbookers.ca Call your local Travel Agent
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