GASTRONOMIC CAPITALS OF ITALY

DAY 1 - ROME

Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome! When you arrive, check into your hotel and start exploring on your own. See all the must-see attractions and landmarks. Why not visit the beautiful churches and Basilicas such as St Peter’s, St Martin’s and the Vatican, toss some coins in the Trevi fountain, walk in the footsteps of gladiators at the famous Colosseum, or walk the Spanish Steps and wide-open spaces of the Villa Borghese. In the evening, try the classic, mouth-watering Pasta alla Carbonara (which gets its velvety texture from farm-fresh, raw egg yolks cooked into the pasta) topped with a creamy sauce of pecorino cheese, black pepper and bacon. Then there’s such delicacies as Carciofi alla Romana (artichokes cooked in olive oil), Suppli’ (bite-sized snacks filled with mozzarella cheese coated by risotto, egg, tomato sauce, and breadcrumbs and then deep-fried), or Coda alla Vaccinara (traditional oxtail stew)

DAY 2 - ROME

After breakfast meet up for your small group secret food tour. This walking tour takes you to some of the best eateries with a history lesson on the way.

DAY 3 - ROME TO NAPLES

In the morning after breakfast, take the train from Rome to Naples, which takes just over one hour. Visit one of the city’s spectacular open-air markets or fish market near Porta Nolana to sample a wide variety of local specialties.

DAY 4 - NAPLES

Today Set sail for the idyllic Italian island of Capri on this full-day tour, including round-trip jetfoil transfers from Naples or Sorrento. Visit to the Blue Grotto and take a funicular ride to Marina Grande. Once you’ve seen all the sights, it’s time to try some more authentic Neapolitan cuisine, such as sfogliatella (a sweet with ricotta cheese), babà (another sweet, soft pastry with rhum), and—of course—pizza!

DAY 5 - NAPLES TO FLORENCE

Enjoy your included breakfast this morning and then board your train from Naples to the stunning Tuscany region of Florence, which takes just under three hours. Boasting a picturesque countryside, plenty of worthwhile sightseeing, and delicious food and wine, throughout this living city, you’ll also be impressed by its cuisine!

DAY 6 - FLORENCE

In Florence, the options are endless when it comes to enjoying the flavours of Tuscany. Choose from fagioli, hams, mountain cheeses, fresh fish, salamis, truffles, sautéed spinach or chicory in olive oil and garlic, fried zucchini flowers in the summer months, or pappardelle alla lepre. In the late afternoon, tour the the immense collection of artwork from the masters in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery.

VACATION INCLUDES:

• Rail travel and reservations where necessary as per itinerary

• 10 nights hotel accommodation including breakfast

• Secret Food Tour in Rome

• Capri and Blue Grotto Day Tour

• Uffizi Gallery Tour in Florence

• Secret Food Tour in Bologna

• Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Tasting Tour

FEATURED ACCOMMODATION

Rome - Hotel Atlantico

Naples - Starhotels Terminus Naples

Florence - Grand Hotel Adriatico

Bologna - Mercure Bologna Centro

Parma - Sina Maria Luigia

Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.

DAY 7 - FLORENCE TO BOLOGNA

Have breakfast then travel on your own to the train station for your 30-minute jaunt to Bologna. After checking into your hotel stroll along the ancient arcades that line the main streets and visit the Axinellid and Griselda towers, two of the most visited landmarks in the city. If you like to shop, wander the streets in Antependia, which runs from the train station to Piazza Maggiore.

DAY 8 -BOLOGNA

This destination is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, and many people claim that it is also Italy’s gastronomic capital. It’s nickname? La Grassa or “the fat one.” Join your secret food walking tour where you will taste your way through this incredible city. Learning all the history along the way with your expert guide. Afterwards why not visit age-old markets where you can buy freshly made pasta and handmade mozzarella.

DAY 9 -BOLOGNA TO PARMA

Have breakfast and then travel on your own to the station and board your short train journey to the provincial Italian town of Parma. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. Stroll along the squares of Piazza Garibaldi to see the Palazza del Governatore, the Comune Di Parma and the Church of Saint Paul the Apostle.

DAY 10 -PARMA

Although synonymous for art, music and history, it’s most famous for its food, especially Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham). Recently, UNESCO listed Parma a “City of Gastronomy.” Today, you’ll have the opportunity to sample the best culinary and cultural offerings the region has to offer. First a two-hour tour of a cheese factory. Go behind the scenes to find out how one of Italy’s most famous cheeses is made. Cap off your tour with a cheese tasting with local wine and honey.

DAY 10 -END OF TOUR

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and finish off any final exploring before continuing your onward journey. If you’d like to extend your holiday, perhaps riding the rails to another destination, just speak to one of our Rail Experts, who will make all the arrangements for you.

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?

9 Days

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.

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.

Best Of The Italian Lakes

Zurich ➡ Stresa ➡ Lugano ➡ Como ➡ Zurich

10 Days

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

DAY 1 - ZURICH

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.

DAY 2 - ZURICH - STRESA

This morning is free time before boarding your lunch time train to Stresa on Lake Maggiore

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 4 - STRESA

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 5 - STRESA - LUGANO

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 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

FEATURED ACCOMMODATION

Zurich - Hotel Schweizerhof

Stresa - Lake Maggiore - Hotel Astoria

Lugano - Hotel International Au Lac

Como - Hotel Britannia Excelsior cafes selling coffee and cakes, to restaurants and wine bars.

Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.

DAY 7 - LUGANO TO CADENABBIA COMO

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.

FLORENCE, SIENA AND LUCCA

Florence ➡ Siena ➡ Lucca

7 Days

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

DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN FLORENCE

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.

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.

DAY 3 - FLORENCE TO SIENA

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.

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.

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.

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.