Italy rail holidays

Italy Train Holidays 2024/2025

History, culture, food, wine - it’s safe to say Italy has it all. Our tours showcase the best of the boot, from beautiful cities to charming lakeside settings.

A selection of our best selling Italy tours

Springtime sees the world explode into life and colour, and nowhere more so than Italy! You’ve got the spectacular lakes, you’ve got the fantastic Amalfi Coast and you’ve got splendid Renaissance cities, all coupled with the manageable springtime sun after the cold of winter – explore our superb range of Italian escorted rail holidays below and discover the dolce vita for yourself!

Relax with an espresso in a quaint piazza, uncover the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire, explore the labyrinthine canals of Venice, or discover the breathtaking towns along the Amalfi Coast.

As the Mediterranean sun awakens the country, casting a warm glow across its golden beaches, there is perhaps no better time to visit Italy. And with late departures available on many of our incredible Italy holidays, you could be there before you know it.

World-class art, culture, architecture, and gastronomy; Italy flaunts its charms at each turn. Join us as we take you to the heart of this captivating destination, with new experiences showcasing it in a fresh light. Visit Rome’s oldest gelateria on an off-the-beaten-track tour, watch as Vatican City comes to life before your eyes, step back in time amongst the ancient architecture of Pompeii, and sip local wines at a rustic winery. Sound tempting?

Italian Adventure

Italian Adventure

11 Days from £2,145PP

This 11-day adventure takes you to the highlights of Italy in less than a fortnight. This captivating holiday soaks up Italian splendour from the waterways of Venice to the culture of Florence, the ancient relics of Rome and the scenery of Sorrento.

 

Sirmione on Lake Garda

Sirmione on Lake Garda

9 Days from £1,895PP

On this exceptional tour, based in Lake Garda’s dreamy Sirmione, we sample Italian wine in Valpolicella, discover Roman Verona and the intriguing waterways of Venice... savouring fine Italian cuisine all the way!

 

Puglia

Puglia and Basilicata

13 Days from £2,465PP

Immerse yourself in culture on the unspoilt 'heel' of Italy, a rugged, rural and breathtakingly beautiful area. We tour the ancient city of Rome before travelling through the olive groves, vineyards and almond trees of a region referred to as 'the breadbasket of Italy' on a wonderful adventure exploring Puglia & Basilicata.

 

The Magic of Sicily

The Magic of Sicily

8 Days from £1,315PP

Set just off the 'toe' of Italy, Sicily boasts an enthralling combination of historic cities, alluring coastline, glorious landscapes and the wonderful remains of the ancient kingdoms that shaped the island. Our excursion-rich adventure is crowned with a thrilling journey to Mount Etna.

 

Lake Garda

Simply Lake Garda

10 Days from £1,695PP

Picturesque, peaceful and perfectly placed for our visits to Verona and Venice, the lakeside town of Desenzano forms the ideal base for a wonderful holiday with a delightful setting on the shores of tranquil Lake Garda - one of Italy's best-loved lakes.


Italian Riviera

The Italian Riviera

9 days from £1,250pp

Immerse yourself in the enchanting Italian Riviera, where the colourful villages of the Cinque Terre, sparkling ocean dotted with fishing boats, and historic cities are waiting to be explored. Cruise to the hidden beach of San Fruttuoso, visit stylish Portofino, and explore the city of Genoa on this culture-rich holiday.

 

The Magic of Sicily

Rome & Sorrento

11 days from £1,820pp

Explore the ancient city of Rome and take in its iconic landmarks before heading south for five nights to the breathtaking Bay of Naples, one of the most visually stunning regions in the whole of Europe.

 

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore

8 days from £1,145pp

This wonderful seven-night holiday takes you to the shores of beautiful Lake Maggiore on a tour by rail. Set among the stunning peaks of the Italian Alps, enjoy a tour filled with scenic exploration.

 

Southern Tuscany & Umbria All Inclusive

Southern Tuscany & Umbria All Inclusive

10 days from £1,595pp

Tuscany is famous for its incredible beauty, quintessentially Italian towns and villages, and long history. Discover all of these things on this fantastic all inclusive tour from your wonderful base in Chianiano Terme.

 

Lake Garda All Inclusive

Lake Garda All Inclusive

10 days from £1,595pp

Enjoy a wonderfully serene escape to the stunning shores of Lake Garda on this spectacular holiday. Explore the pretty surrounding towns and villages, uncover the cultural charms of beautiful Verona and Venice, and enjoy magnificent views across one of Italy’s most scenic lakes from your all-inclusive hotel.

 

A Grand Tour of Italy

A Grand Tour of Italy

13 days from £3,095 per person

Travel from top to toe on this fantastic exploration of Italy's most celebrated destinations. Visiting the cities of Rome, Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Venice, immerse yourself in the different flavours and cultures or each region as we experience famous architecture and art across the country.

 

Rome, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

Rome, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

12 Days from £2,845PP

The Amalfi Coast and its islands make up one of the most visually stunning regions in the whole of Europe. Starting in the ancient city of Rome, and then based in Sorrento, we visit magnificent Capri and the alluring lost city of Pompeii.


Lake Levico and The Dolomites

Lake Levico and The Dolomites

10 days from £1,715 per person

Sojourn on the shores of delightful Lake Levico, on a rail tour that soaks up a collection of favourite Italian attractions. Explore incomparable Lake Garda, collect snapshots of the Dolomites as you travel through the mountains, and discover the charms of Trento, on this unforgettable holiday.

Stresa & Lake Maggiore

Stresa & Lake Maggiore

10 days from £2,800 per person

From our stunning location overlooking beautiful Lake Maggiore in the picturesque town of Stresa, we explore the Borromean Islands, taste the wines of the Monferrato region, visit enchanting Lake Orta and travel into Switzerland on the scenic Centovalli Railway.

Hidden Italy & The Keys to the Vatican

Hidden Italy & The Keys to the Vatican

12 days from £2,945 per person

From pasta making and truffle hunting in the Umbrian countryside and staying at an authentic 'trulli' resort, to watching the Vatican City come to life before your eyes on a private visit, this holiday takes you off the beaten track to showcase the very best hidden experiences Italy has to offer.

★ Private Vatican Visit and guided tour of Rome


Highlights of Tuscany

Highlights of Tuscany

10 days from £1,795 per person

Rural landscapes and Renaissance splendour come together on this enticing holiday that highlights the true beauty of Tuscany. Discover elegant Florence, learn cooking skills in Chianti, and explore enticing historic towns.

★ Visit to Castello di Meleto in Chianti, including a cookery demonstration, wine tasting and dinner in the castle

Scenic Lake Orta & a Matterhorn Rail Journey

Scenic Lake Orta & A Matterhorn Rail Journey

8 days from £1,9959pp

Full-day rail excursion to Switzerland • Guided tour of Aosta • 16 meals • VIP door-to-door transfers • Return flights

Puglia & The Salento Coast

Puglia & The Salento Coast

8 days from £1,165 per person

Explore the heel of Italy on this 8-day holiday that visits some of the country's lesser-known towns and villages. Discover the time-honoured traditions of quaint Nardò, Otranto and Gallipoli, see Alberobello's unique trulli, and spend free time relaxing on the idyllic Salento coast.


Sicily & The Aeolian Islands

Sicily & The Aeolian Islands

8 days from £1,745 per person

Discover a captivating combination of historic towns, glorious natural wonders and a rich and compelling Italian culture. Visit one of the world's most active volcanoes, discover historic architecture, and enjoy a magnificent taste of Italy when you sample incredible Sicilian wines and delectable local street food.

Sicily & The Aeolian Islands

Puglia All Inclusive

8 days from £1,150pp

Lose yourself in the ‘wine cellar of Italy’, Puglia, a region of historic towns, rugged coastlines and leafy olive groves. Visit the grand port city of Bari, explore the fascinating ancient dwellings of Matera and Alberobello, and take in the Baroque splendour of Lecce on this all-inclusive adventure.

Sicily & The Aeolian Islands

Lake Como All Inclusive

10 days from £1,535PP

Relax in all-inclusive comfort by sparkling Lake Como, where shores are dotted with luxurious Italian villas and charming villages, all set against a stunning Alpine backdrop. Journey through the Swiss Alps on the Bernina Express, explore fashionable Milan, and take to the waters for a scenic cruise.

 

Calabria All Inclusive

Calabria All Inclusive

8 days from £1,199 per person

Head off the beaten path in Calabria, discovering pristine beaches lapped by turquiose waters, rolling hills dotted with citrus trees, and old-world towns bursting with Italian charm.

The Wonders of Sardinia and Corsica

The Wonders of Sardinia and Corsica

12 days from £2,495 per person

Wind through Italian Sardinia by private railway, watching a landscape of wild forests and pristine beaches unfold, and explore untouched Corsica, a paradise of glittering bays.

Italian Explorer

Italian Explorer

10 days from £1,599 per person

Explore the heart of classical Italy, discover the ancient imperial relics of Rome, the artistic treasures of Florence and the striking Leaning Tower of Pisa, as well as the Floating City of Venice.

 

Top to Toe of Italy

Top to Toe of Italy

16 days from £3,995 per person

Travel the length of Italy on this epic rail adventure, taking in ancient monuments, gorgeous coastline and famous cuisine as you explore Rome, Venice, Florence and Sicily.

 

Italy Train Tours

From the tranquil shores of picturesque Lake Garda to the wonders of ancient Rome, Italy is a remarkable destination, bursting with unrivalled history, culture and natural beauty. As the pleasant warmth of the Mediterranean sun begins to appear, awakening the country and bringing stunning wildflowers into bloom, there is truly no more delightful time to visit Italy than in spring. With late departures still available on many of our magnificent tours to Italy, book your holiday with Rail Discoveries today and experience this captivating country for yourself.

Italy remains to be one of our favourite destinations. From the soaring peaks and glimmering lakes of the north, to the serene coastline and ancient cities of the south, there is always something for the discerning traveller in Italy. With late departure still available on the following tours, be sure to book now for your very own Great Rail Adventure into Europe’s classic destination.

Famous for the food, the scenery, and the gorgeous warm climate that stretches throughout most of the year, Italy is an utter favourite for holiday destinations throughout the world. Discover the magnificent sparkling lakes, the incredibly ancient cities, and the wonderful welcoming atmosphere of the place on a holiday by rail.

Kick back with a cappuccino beside glittering lakeshores, traverse the shimmering canals of Venice and explore the ancient ruins of one of the world’s most iconic empires on a Great Rail Journeys’ Italian adventure. Get a taste of the Dolce Vita on the two following Italian tours, both of which feature brand new lower prices for 2019 departures - take a look below for more information and book your Italian sojourn today.

World-class art, architecture and gastronomy; Italy needs little introduction. Whether it’s the northern delights of Venice, Milan or Lakes Como and Garda, the undulating hills of Tuscany and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the heart of the country, or the southerly gems of the Italian Riviera and the impressive ‘heel’ of Puglia; from top to toe, there are hidden treasures and famous attractions alike to discover and admire in Italy.

Relax with an espresso in a quaint piazza, take a step back in time in ancient Rome, explore the labyrinthine canals of Venice, or discover the breathtaking villages of the Cinque Terre. Join us on one of our new 2021 Italian escapes and let us introduce you to the very best of this enticing destination, from exciting gastronomy, world-renowned art and breathtaking landscapes, to off-the-beaten-path gems you’ll never forget.

Join us as we take a whistle-stop tour through the highlights of any holiday to this beautiful European destination, finding out the foods you absolutely have to try and the museums you won’t want to miss, as well as getting expert advice on planning your next getaway from the GRJ experts.

Combine Italy’s loveliest lake with a day of spectacular scenery in Switzerland.

Pretty Lake Orta is one of Italy’s lesser-known treasures. It’s not as big as Lake Garda or as glitzy as Lake Como – but what it lacks in size and celebrity sightings, it more than makes up for in charm. Cobbled streets are lined with traditional osterias and quiet cafés, while crowd-free walking paths reveal stunning vistas.
The lake is also a great starting point for day trips into the Swiss mountains. The best way to explore is by train – and that’s exactly what we’ll do on our holiday here. We’ll follow the tracks through the mountains from Visp, gaze up at the Matterhorn from Zermatt, and ride the rack railway to Gornergrat for photo-worthy glacier views.

It’s a long and busy day, full of incredible sights and scenes – the perfect contrast to our leisurely days beside the lake.

'La Dolce Vita'

From the centuries of spellbinding art, architecture and culture found in its handsome cities to its world-class culinary delights, let yourself be swept away by the charms of Italy.

Bursting with historical treasures, grand architecture and cultural riches, Italy has inspired those who have visited it for centuries – so why not make it your turn next? Our holidays immerse you in the best of Italy; rub shoulders with locals in the old-world villages of Calabria, fall under the spell of the 'Floating City' of Venice, or journey through landscapes plucked straight from an oil painting.

Italy is one of our most captivating destinations. From enchanting cities - some seem like living museums of art and history - to sublime lakes and mountains or sun-baked shores, Italy has it all. October is the perfect time to experience this wonderful country - days are milder than summer, so sightseeing is cooler and there are fewer crowds.

Discover Italy

Sunny Sorrento or unspoilt Puglia? The Colosseum in Rome or the Doge’s Palace in Venice? Find the Italian getaway that suits your interests – or sample a little bit of everything on one of our longer itineraries. Discover Italy by rail, the only way to travel and see the heart of Southern Europe.

Tour Itineraries:

The Italian Riviera - Lake Garda All Inclusive - Top to Toe of Italy - Tuscany and Venice - Sirmione on Lake Garda - Rome, Sorrento & The Almalfi Coast - Italian Explorer - Best of The Italian Lakes - Puglia & Basilicata - Magic of Sicily - Lake Como All Inclusive