Italy by Rail Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
Evening departure. Meals and refreshments served on board.
Day 2 Rome
Morning arrival into Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Balance of day is at leisure. After unpacking, you may want to sample your first Roman cappuccino 'al fresco.'
Day 3 Rome 
Your morning tour reveals Rome's infinite aspects and eras. Drive through Via Cavour and see Piazza della Repubblica with Najads Fountain. Continue on Via Bissolati and Via Veneto (the 'Rodeo Drive' of Rome) and see Palazzo Margherita (seat of the American Embassy), Aurelian Walls (3rd century A.D.) and Piazza Barberini. Pass by the Quirinale Palace, residence of the President of the Italian Republic, then visit the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Drive past Piazza Navona, Palace of Justice, Castel Sant' Angelo, via della Conciliazione, and then visit St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Afternoon and evening are free for independent exploration.
Day 4 Rome
Today you may want to enjoy an optional excursion to Pompeii, Capri and idyllic Sorrento with their beautiful panoramic views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.
Day 5 Rome/Florence
This morning transfer from Rome to Florence by rail. Depart Rome and head north through the gentle Umbrian hills that have inspired saints, artists and admirers of beauty. Your route continues through the Tuscan countryside to Florence, Cradle of the Renaissance. Balance of the day is at leisure.
Day 6 Florence
Today you'll see examples of an age of unbounded creativity. Your morning tour begins at the splendid il Duomo crowned with the magnificent Brunelleschi dome, the Baptistry with its exquisite golden doors by Ghiberti, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Piazza Della Signoria, the Accademia Museum, and the charming Piazzale Michelangelo with its splendid views of the domes and red-tiled roofs of the city. This afternoon is free for you to explore Florence's lovely shops and boutiques.
Day 7 Florence
Full day for your own activities. The city is a museum in itself with endless possibilities: Michelangelo's David in the Accademia, the Uffizi Gallery, or perhaps an excursion to Siena, San Gimignano, or Pisa.
Day 8 Florence/Venice 
This morning travel north by first class rail to your hotel in Venice. Aptly called the Queen of Cities, Venice is a magical tapestry of Renaissance buildings perched on narrow canals with sleek gondolas gliding silently beneath ornate bridges. Balance of the day is at leisure. Re-discover romance in a gondola or take a 'vaporetto' ride on the Grand Lagoon and mingle with the Venetians.
Day 9 Venice
Your morning walking tour is highlighted by visits to the golden Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge's Palace decorated by 16th century artists such as Titian and Tintoretto. Also view the Bridge of Sighs and Piombi Prison. Remainder of the day is free.
Day 10 Venice to USA (or extend your stay)
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Venice's Marco Polo airport for your return flight home, arriving the same day.
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