Ah, Italy. The food, the art, the people, the scenery, the… giant mounds of gelato you’ll eat every night. Once you get there, you’ll want to see it all. And there’s no better way to see it than taking a train ride all throughout the countryside (well, except for maybe taking a private luxury limo with backseat bar all throughout the countryside – but if you could afford that you wouldn’t be here, would you). We’ve pieced together an itinerary-by-train that’ll show you the sights. Like a best-of tour. You’re welcome.
Day 1
Venice
Starting in Venice, take an early morning stroll across the most famous bridge in the world, the Rialto, and head to Piazza San Marco for your first coffee of the day. The piazza is the beating heart of Venice and home to St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Starting early will help you beat the crowds.
A walk between San Marco Campanile and the Doge’s Palace brings you to the Riva degli Schiavoni, the waterfront area offering incredible views of canals, San Giorgio Maggiore and the Bridge of Sighs.
Once the crowds start arriving, head to the quieter neighborhoods like Dorsoduro, Castello and Cannaregio. While exploring, you’re bound to stumble on a tucked-away chapel or crumbling palazzo. The Cicchetti in Dorsoduro is the perfect way to end your day with a glass of Bellini in hand – after all, it was invented here.
Day 2
Florence
Florence is about 2 hours away by high-speed train, so start your journey early to maximize time. Trains start at about 5:30 AM and run from Venezia San Lucia into Florence Santa Maria Station every hour.
Meander the cobbled streets to Piazza della Signoria to discover gems like the Neptune fountain, sculpted by Ammannati and the Uffizi gallery – home to some of the most important Renaissance art in the world. Be sure not to miss Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia.
If you’re feeling ambitious, climb up the steps of the II Duomo to marvel at its stained windows and paintings. Alternatively, cross the Ponte Vecchio – a covered bridge lined with shops – to the Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of Florence. On your way back, try some fresh local produce at St Lorenzo, the oldest market in the city.
Day 3
Rome
A mere 90 minutes away by fast train, you may be tempted to sleep in, but there is so much to see here. Trains start at about 6:00 AM and depart from Santa Maria Novella to Rome Termini every 15 minutes.
Given all its treasures, it’s impossible to explore all of Rome in a day. However, one of the many must-sees is the Colosseum, the world’s biggest amphitheater. Don’t forget to throw a coin for luck at Neptune’s feet at the Trevi fountain as you head to the Pantheon.
Vatican City
You can also leave Rome altogether and head to the Vatican. Technically, the Vatican is a separate country headed by the Pope. You’ll find Michelangelo’s famous frescoes at the Sistine Chapel, whilst the Vatican Museums house priceless paintings and artifacts.
If you happen to be here on a Wednesday, you may get a glimpse of the Pope at St Peter’s Square, where he holds court whenever he’s in Rome. Head to Forno Campo de’Fiori in Centro Storico for famous Roman pizza bianco.
Day 4
Naples
Fast trains from Rome Termini into Naples Centrale start at about 7:00 AM, running hourly to start off with and more frequently after 9:00 AM.
Head straight to the historic center of the city, one of the oldest in the world. Take a walk down Via San Gregorio Armeno, known as Christmas Alley due to its artisan shops selling nativity figurines. Here, you’ll find one of Naples’ most characteristic churches.
Indulge in a seafood lunch with a glass of the local wine, Fiano di Avellino, before heading off to Pompeii for the afternoon. Take the Trenitalia train from Napoli Piazza Garibaldi to Pompeii; it is faster and takes around 40 minutes, taking you to Pompeii city center and close to Piazza Anfiteatro, the less crowded entrance to the amphitheater. Head to Villa dei Misteri for the most beautiful frescoes in Italy, or head straight for the ruins.
Amalfi
If Pompeii isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Complete your tour of the Centro Storico and get a train from Napoli Piazza Garibaldi to Vietri Sul Mare Amalfi, which takes around 75 minutes. Trains are frequent but keep an eye out for a direct one. You’ll then have a whole afternoon to lose yourself in this picturesque town before the last train departs at around 9:45 PM, getting you back just after 11 PM.
Stroll through narrow lanes that blend Mediterranean, Norman and Saracen cultures, evident by the architecture. Don’t miss out on the local pastries – Delizia al Limone is a firm favorite with tourists and locals alike. The coastline is also renowned for its high-quality restaurants featuring the freshest ingredients.
Day 5
Sicily
Catch the InterCity train from Naples Centrale at 9:50 AM to head south along the Calabrian coast to Sicily. Though long, the trip will give you time to catch your second wind and experience one of the most unusual train journeys. The entire train boards a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina to Sicily – this alone is worth the trip!
Once in Sicily, you have a choice to make as the train splits in two; you can head south into Taormina, arriving at about 4:40 PM, Catania at around 5:25 PM, or continue east to the capital city of Sicily, Palermo, arriving at roughly 7:25 PM.
Day 6
Palermo
Go at a slower pace to indulge the foodie in you, as Palermo recently ranked among the world’s Top 20 Street Food Cities. Head to Piazza Vigliena, one of the most famous intersections in Europe, with eight sides to it.
The streets here are lined with charming al fresco restaurants serving authentic food choices. Enjoy a coffee with a cannoli at Caffe Spinnato, open since 1860. Mercato del Capo is ideal for street food, especially in the evenings. This is where all the locals go, and to join them, head to Ke Palle. Of course, there’s always the choice of a beach, with Mondello Beach only 15 minutes away by car.
Purchasing tickets
The cheapest way to get your tickets for this journey is to get a pass valid for 4-days within a month. You may, however, be required to pay an additional fee when using high-speed trains. Book your tickets directly with Trenitalia or ItaliaRail.
