Eternal Cities: A Self-Guided Train Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy free time to explore Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Visit one of its world-renowned museums, such as the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Renaissance legends like Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and Botticelli, or the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s iconic statue of David awaits. If you’d like to venture beyond Florence, consider joining our Pisa & The Leaning Tower morning tour*, where you’ll visit Pisa’s iconic landmarks, including the Cathedral, Baptistery, Monumental Cemetery, and, of course, the Leaning Tower. If you prefer an authentic Italian experience, you can also take part in optional activities, such as a cooking class** to learn how to make pizza, pasta, or gelato. Overnight stay in Florence.

*Optional Pisa & The Leaning Tower morning tour: Embark on an unforgettable half-day tour from Florence to Pisa, where you'll discover the city's most iconic landmarks. Explore the magnificent Cathedral, the impressive Baptistery, and the serene Monumental Cemetery, before heading to the world-famous Leaning Tower. With your skip-the-line ticket, you’ll get exclusive access to climb the Tower and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Afterward, take some time to enjoy authentic Italian gelato and capture memorable photos of Pisa's historic beauty before returning to Florence.

Please note: This tour is available only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from November to March.

**Optional Pizza and Gelato making cooking class: Join our late-afternoon cooking class and learn to make authentic Italian pizza and gelato in Florence. Led by expert chefs, you'll craft pizza in a traditional oven, mastering dough and sauce techniques. Then, uncover the secrets of making gelato, from ingredient selection to freezing methods. This hands-on experience is ideal for families, offering a fun and educational way to explore Italian culture through its most cherished dishes.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, leave the enchanting city of Florence and make your way to the train station on your own to board a high-speed train to the romantic city of Venice. Upon arriving at the iconic Santa Lucia station, proceed to your hotel to check in and settle in. In the afternoon, enjoy an unforgettable experience with a 30-minute gondola ride through the stunning Grand Canal. As you glide through the waterways, you'll hear insightful commentary via a mobile app, giving you a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history and landmarks. Before dinner, indulge in a Venetian tradition by stopping at one of the charming “bacari” taverns. Here, you’ll sip an aperitif and sample “cichéti”—small traditional Venetian snacks—while mingling with locals and taking in the lively atmosphere. Overnight stay in Venice.

Note: Remember that you have the option to upgrade to 1st class on the train journey from Florence to Venice in the next step of the booking.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, dive into the magic of Venice or explore its stunning lagoon. Take an optional morning  walking tour* through the city's iconic spots like Piazza San Marco, the Basilica, and Clock Tower, the Rialto Bridge, and Campo Santa Maria Formosa, plus a few hidden treasures. For something different, you can also try an optional boat tour* to discover the picturesque islands of the Venetian Lagoon: Murano, known for its glassmaking; Burano, with its colorful houses; and Torcello, the lagoon’s first settlement. After these fantastic experiences, try exploring the best restaurants in the city to savor authentic Italian cuisine. Overnight stay at the hotel.

*Optional Island Hopping Tour: Murano, Burano & Torcello: This scenic boat tour through the Venetian Lagoon takes you to three iconic islands: Murano, Burano, and Torcello. An expert guide will share the history and traditions of each island. In Murano, visit a glassblowing factory to witness the art of Venetian glassmaking. In Burano, marvel at the colorful houses and intricate handmade lace. Finally, explore Torcello, the site of Venice’s earliest settlements.