Rome | Leonardo Rail Tour

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Enjoy the splendours of Italy's classic cities travelling comfortably by high-speed train. Visit the Eternal City of Rome, the Grand Renaissance City of Florence and Venice with its meandering canals. A first-class rail tour for the independent traveller!

Day 1 Rome

Upon arrival at Rome Airport, make your way to your hotel which is located in the centre of Rome and ideal for exploring the many historic & artistic sites of the city on foot. After check-in, take some time to relax and then perhaps head out to begin your discovery of the ‘Eternal City’.

Day 2 Rome

This morning set out on a guided small group tour to explore several famous Roman landmarks, starting with Piazza Navona, the most elegant of all Roman squares, is a cosmopolitan meeting place with many outdoor cafes and seasonal fairs where the famous Bernini’s Four Rivers Fountain stands. You'll see the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi which houses the world-renowned cycle of paintings by Caravaggio, before continuing to the Pantheon, the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome and one of the best preserved of all ancient Roman buildings which you'll admire from the outside. Then, passing Colonna Square with the famous Marcus Aurelius column, you'll reach the famous Trevi Fountain, the largest baroque fountain in the city and one of the most renowned fountains in the world, surely one of the icons of Rome. Finally, you'll reach Spanish Square, with its 18th-century atmosphere created by the ochre-coloured buildings, Bernini’s fountain La Barcaccia, and the magnificent and celebrated Spanish Steps that lead up to the Church of Trinità dei Monti. Off the Piazza, you can find boutiques of the most famous high-fashion brands. This tour lasts approximately 3 hours and the remainder of the day is free to pass as you choose. (B)

Day 3 Rome | Florence

Today travel by high-speed train with reserved seats from Rome to Florence. Your Florence hotel is easily reached on foot from the railway station and well located for exploring Florence at leisure. Check in at your selected hotel and the remainder of the day is yours to pass as you choose. (B)

Day 4 Florence

This morning, immerse yourself in the history and art of Florence with a 90-minute guided walking tour through the heart of Florence. Your guide will take you on an exciting journey through time, revealing the history, anecdotes, and secrets kept in this wonderful city. From the still visible traces of the Roman foundation of the city (in 59 BC), in the Middle Ages, up to the glorious Renaissance, a period in which Florence was ruled by the powerful Medici family. You will admire the most iconic squares and monuments of Florence among noble palaces and artisan shops. Your discovery will start by visiting the district of the Medici family with the ancient Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Medici Chapels and Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, their first residence. Then be left breathless by the beauty of the monumental complex of the Duomo - the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi's famous dome, the elegant Giotto's Bell Tower, and the beautiful Romanesque Baptistery of San Giovanni. The tour continues to the bustling Mercato della Paglia (Straw Market) and on to the spectacular Piazza della Signoria dominated by the majestic Palazzo Vecchio and the iconic and picturesque Ponte Vecchio, Florence's oldest bridge renowned for its jewellery shops. Along with the guided walk, you can also enjoy the audio guide provided by an APP included in your tour. From your own mobile device, you will have unlimited access to the mobile city guide allowing you to explore other aspects of the city and follow suggested itineraries in total freedom and at your own pace! (B)

Day 5 Florence | Venice

Travel by high-speed train with reserved seats from Florence to Venice. After check-in at your selected hotel, the remainder of the day is free to shop or explore the many lanes, alleyways, canals & bridges that make up the city of Venice. (B)

Day 6 Venice

This morning's walking tour of Venice will whisk you away from the crowded streets into the treasure-filled pockets of the Castello area. A qualified guide will walk you through the hidden squares, winding canals, and historical buildings providing you with a perfect introduction to the origins, symbols, traditions, architecture, and life in current-day Venice. The tour starts in Saint Mark's Square where your local guide will introduce you to the history of this famous square and its architectural delights, the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica, the illustrious Doge’s Palace, once the seat of the power of the Republic of Venice, and the extraordinary Renaissance clock tower. On leaving the square, you will be guided into the residential Castello area to discover this part of Venice in all of its elegance, through its labyrinth of narrow alleys - “calli”, many bridges, winding canals, and wide picturesque squares - “campi”. You'll discover Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the largest squares in Venice with its church named after its visitation of the Holy Virgin, Campo Santi Giovanni, and Paolo where you will be able to admire the famous church, the resting place of several Doges, and the equestrian monument of Bartolomeo Colleoni, an Italian mercenary Captain. The former residence of Marco Polo, probably the most famous Venetian merchant, and the Malibran theatre are also part of the itinerary. Throughout the tour, your guide will provide you with historical facts, point out architectural places of interest, and share fascinating anecdotes on how Venice has developed over the ages, and how Venetians live today. The tour ends after 1 hour 30 minutes in Saint Mark's Square and the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. (B)

Day 7 Venice

Today marks the end of your tour. After breakfast, you may consider one of the many optional tours available through CIT Tours or travel to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Daily Departures

The Leonardo Tour can also operate in reverse.
Please note some excursions included in this itinerary do not operate daily. The itinerary will be modified to suit.