Top Italy Rail Tours - page 3

When your cruise ship docks in Livorno, don't waste time waiting for buses or waiting in line for attractions. Instead, maximize your time on a full-day private shore excursion to the Cinque Terre and Pisa. Your guide takes you to three Cinque Terre villages on the Mediterranean coast, leaving time to explore, swim, and have lunch. Afterward, stop to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a top attraction in Italy. This private tour ensures you'll receive undivided attention, too.

Take a break from the crowded sightseeing spots in Florence and relax in a quiet studio to learn the secrets behind painting or sculpting on this small-group art lesson. Enjoy hands-on instruction from a professional sculptor or a classically trained painter in an inspiring, sun-filled workshop. Learn ancient and modern techniques, and work on your own creation, painting with oils or sculpting with clay. Classes are suitable for beginners and experts alike.

Take a course on mask-making from a master artisan in Venice, and learn about the history of this ancient tradition. See the traditional art of decorating a mask and see what goes into the preparation for the Venetian Carnival. Then create your own masterpiece to create a special memory from your time in Venice.

Skip the hassle of big group tours and discover the rich coastal splendor of the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre towns on this small-group excursion from Pisa. With an expert guide to lead the way, travel along the seductive curve of the coast by boat or train (weather dependent) and visit the enchanting villages of the Cinque Terre region where colorful houses are clustered above the shore.

Learn to make pasta by hand with a professional chef-instructor for a truly memorable experience in Rome. Your small-group cooking class takes place in a private location in a traditional Roman neighborhood and covers the basics of creating incredible Italian pasta. Nibble on light appetizers and sip on prosecco as you begin to prepare the pasta meal. Or, opt for the pizza-making class to prepare your own pie.

Pompeii and Herculaneum are two of Italy's most extraordinary archaeological sites, but reaching them can be challenging. Remove the stress of coordinating your round trip with a high-speed train from Rome to Naples, and an onward coach connection. Sail past the queues to explore the ruins of Pompeii with your tour guide, and sink your teeth into a real Neapolitan pizza for lunch before a visit to the ancient coastal town of Herculaneum.

Capri is considered a jewel of the Mediterranean, but ticking off the island’s highlights in a single day can prove a challenge. Ideal for travelers short on time, this full-day shared tour from either Naples or Sorrento includes round-trip port-to-port ferry tickets, minibus transfers around Capri, and visits to Anacapri and Marina Grande. Top it off with a boat ride to see the famous Blue Grotto.

Combine two of the most popular day trip destinations from Florence in one convenient tour on this small-group tour to the Cinque Terre and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Visit three of the five villages of Cinque Terre, traveling by car, boat (or optional hike), and train. Then stop in Pisa on the way back to Florence to see the famous leaning tower.

Discover the stunning Cinque Terre—or “five lands”—during this hiking tour from La Spezia Port. Explore Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore with a combination of hikes and train rides. Stroll through the colorful villages and enjoy plenty of free time to relax over the course of the day. The main hike takes place between Manarola and Corniglia where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and the Mediterranean.

Visit Italy’s iconic Amalfi Coast on an easy day trip from Rome. Travel by train to Salerno, then hop on a ferry to Amalfi. Admire the Mediterranean architecture and dramatic cliffy scenery before heading to Positano, a chic seaside village known for its boutiques and pebble beaches. Enjoy free time exploring both towns on your own—perhaps browse the shops, dine at a restaurant with views, or swim from a beach.

Experience the scenery and architecture of Lake Como on a half-day trip from Milan that includes round-trip train tickets, a guided tour that’s capped at 10 people, and ample free time. You’ll find historic landmarks in Como, places to shop and relax, and a lakeside promenade that’s perfect for a stroll. After a Lake Como morning tour, you’re free to stay as long as you wish before returning to Milan.

Discover what it takes to be an ancient Roman gladiator in Rome. During a hands-on lesson, learn how to fight with authentic weapons of the time while wearing a traditional gladiator tunic and belt (available for rent). Located on the Appian Way, not far from the Colosseum, this class is a unique and interactive way to learn about ancient Roman history and culture.

Immerse yourself in the ancient art of Roman mosaics in a hands-on workshop. Learn traditional techniques, use natural marble, and create your own mosaic masterpiece to take home from an authentic mosaic studio.

Take a break from sightseeing to learn how to make an authentic Spritz cocktail and fresh pasta like a Roman. This cooking class explores traditional recipes with a local chef in the heart of the city. Working alongside the chef, prepare pasta dough from scratch, cut it into fettuccine and maltagliati, then assemble a bruschetta starter and tiramisu for dessert. Afterwards, sit down for lunch or dinner featuring the dishes you've prepared served with wine, limoncello, and espresso for the perfect introduction to Italy’s remarkable food traditions.

Tuscany has been known for its pottery since ancient times, and with this hands-on class you’ll enjoy an introduction to traditional Tuscan “majolica” in just a few hours. Head to a family-run workshop in Montelupo, a village known for its pottery production since the Renaissance. Visit a real pottery factory and learn about Italian techniques then create your own masterpiece that you can take home alongside a master potter.

See what Tuscany has to offer without breaking the bank on this budget-friendly day trip to the region's highlights from Florence. Save hours with coach transportation and enjoy free time to explore the medieval old towns of Siena and San Gimignano, plus the sights of Pisa. Upgrade to a guided tour of Siena, or add-on a 2-course lunch with wine pairing for a hassle-free, all-inclusive day.

Get hands-on experience with one-to-one guidance during a private glassmaking lesson. Discover the secrets of Murano glassmaking techniques from one of the most renowned craftsmen of Venice. The 90-minute workshop includes all materials—including your own marvelous glass artwork to take home—plus a 10 percent discount on glassworks from the artist.

Discover the delights of Tuscany on a private day trip from Florence. With a knowledgeable private driver, travel through the renowned Chianti wine region to visit the towns of Siena and San Gimignano. See famous landmarks like Siena’s Piazza del Campo, home to the annual Palio horserace, and the medieval hilltop towers of San Gimignano.

Cover the highlights of Venice in a single day during this whirlwind private trip from Rome. Travel comfortably in a scenic, high-speed train from central Rome to Venice. Upon arrival, hit all the main attractions—from Saint Mark’s Square to the Grand Canal—with a private guide on hand to give you an enriching historical background on the UNESCO-listed city and lagoon.

With its maze-like streets, Venice isn’t easy to explore for first-timers. This private full-day walking tour from Rome takes you straight to the highlights—and whisks you back by nightfall. With a guide on hand to keep things running smoothly, you’ll enjoy the magic of Italy’s Floating City without the usual travel stresses. Hotel pickup adds extra convenience to your journey.

Visit Pisa’s Leaning Tower and the colorful Cinque Terre villages on this small-group day trip from Florence. Travel by train or minivan to explore Vernazza and Manarola with free time to enjoy coastal views and local culture. This moderately paced tour includes local train tickets and offers independent exploration within a well-structured itinerary.

Embark on a charming small-group day trip to Siena and San Gimignano from Florence. Explore medieval landmarks, enjoy a guided walking tour of Siena, and savor a delightful Tuscan lunch at a winery. Visit the iconic Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral, and the historic center of San Gimignano. Relax and soak in the stunning countryside views, with ample free time for exploration and gelato.

Tuscany is renowned for its food, wine, and scenery, but exploring the region with limited time isn’t easy. Enjoy a stress-free sampler of locations in the captivating Val d’Orcia region on this full-day tour from Rome. With a guide at your side, visit the wine town of Montepulciano, have lunch surrounded by vineyards, and explore the historic center of Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover the secrets of Tuscan cooking during this full-day experience, including a market visit and cooking class, topped off with a 4-course lunch. Shop for fresh ingredients at a Florentine market before venturing to a Tuscan farmhouse in the countryside. Take your cue from an expert chef as you create Italian dishes from scratch including bruschetta, pasta, roast pork, and tiramisù. Then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor, complemented by Tuscan wine.