Italian Street with flowers and a cafe sign

The Best of Italy, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily

Details
Itinerary
Vendor

15 days

Duration

Italy

Location

2/5

Physicality

Rail

Type

The best way to cross the highlights of Italy off your bucket list is by train! On this two-week vacation, discover the captivating history, culture, cuisine and beauty of Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento and Sicily. Ride a gondola through the canals of Venice, explore the rolling hills of Tuscany, and travel back in time through the ancient landmarks of Rome. Experience the Amalfi Coast with a private driver and guide through the ruins of Pompeii, and soak in the sunlight on the coast of Sorrento and the island of Capri.

Travel Insurance

For your protection AAA recommends Travel Insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel advisor. AAA recommends Allianz.

This Tour doesn't have predefined days. Choose your own days and plan your vacation!

Included

Rail travel in standard class throughout
Gondola ride in Venice
Day trip to Tuscany with wine tasting from Florence
Select local tours and classes
Hotels with included breakfast

Highlights

Sample the best of Venice and take a gondola ride along the famous canals
Travel through the rolling hills of Tuscany and enjoy a wine tasting
Explore the Colosseum and the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and Pompeii

Updated January 19,2024

Operated by Yankee Leisure Group Inc. (doing business as Railbookers Group, Railbookers, Amtrak Vacations, Yankee Holidays) 75 State Street, Suite 100, Boston, MA 02109

The following booking conditions and any other written information we brought to your attention before we confirmed your booking, form the basis of your contract with Yankee Leisure Group Inc. (doing business as Railbookers Group, Railbookers, Amtrak Vacations, Yankee Holidays), 75 State Street, Suite 100, Boston, MA 02109 (“we” or “us”). Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations.
By asking us to confirm your booking, we are entitled to assume that you have read these booking conditions and agree to them. References to “you” and “your” means all persons named on the booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date), or any of them as applicable.
References to “vacation”, “booking” or “arrangements” means the vacation arrangements which we agree to make, provide or perform (as applicable) as part of our contract with you, unless otherwise stated.

By making a booking, the first-named person on the booking
(“lead passenger”) agrees on behalf of all persons detailed on
the booking that:
• He/she has read these terms and conditions and has the authority to and does agree to be bound by them;
• He/she consents to our use of information in accordance with our Privacy Policy which can be found here: https://www.railbookers.com/privacy-policy
• He/she is over 18 years of age and where placing an order for services with age restrictions declares that he/she and all members of the party are of the appropriate age to purchase those services; and
• He/she accepts financial responsibility for payment of the booking on behalf of all persons named on the booking

Day 1: Arrive in Venice

Upon arrival at Venice airport, meet your driver for a private ride to your hotel. Check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay before setting out to acquaint yourself with the classic Italian city. Stroll down the banks of the shimmering canals and discover the magnificent architecture that lines the cobbled streets and squares. Come the evening, relax at an outdoor trattoria by the sparkling lagoon, or why not head to Harry's Bar to try a delectable Bellini in the cocktail's birthplace? (Overnight in Venice)

Day 2: Venice

Spend a full day exploring Venice today. Discover the city's hidden gems and highlights as you take an iconic, relaxing gondola ride through the historic canals. Also, be sure not to miss Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, two of the city's most popular monuments. (Overnight in Venice) B

Day 3: Venice to Florence

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your way to the train station for your journey to Florence. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and enjoy a two-night stay. Once settled in, why not enjoy a famous gelato as you stroll through the city's lively piazzas? Admire the charming views along the River Arno and cross the city's oldest bridge, the 14th-century Ponte Vecchio. (Overnight in Florence) B

Day 4: Florence & Tuscany

Your full-day excursion through Tuscany begins with a tour of Pisa, admiring the famous Tower of Pisa. Afterwards, drive to a rustic winery in Chianti and enjoy a delicious Tuscan lunch and wine tasting. Your afternoon includes strolling through the medieval village of San Gimignano and the cobblestone streets of Siena before returning to Florence in the evening. (Overnight in Florence) B L

Day 5: Florence to Rome

Today, head to the train station after breakfast for a short train ride through the countryside to Rome. Check in to your hotel for a two-night stay and start exploring Europe's largest open-air museum. Shrouded in legend, Rome is home to hundreds of ancient artifacts, architecture, beautiful churches, and Basilicas such as St Peter's and St Martin's. (Overnight in Rome) B

Day 6: Rome

On your guided tour today, walk in the footsteps of gladiators at the famous Colosseum and stroll through the ruins of the Roman Forum. The rest of your day is at your leisure, why not stop for a delicious Italian treat in one of the pretty cafés by the Trevi fountain? (Overnight in Rome) B

Day 7: Rome to Sorrento Via Naples & Pompeii

Your journey to the Amalfi Coast begins with a train from Rome to Naples, where your private driver will meet you at the station. Along the coastal drive to Sorrento, you’ll stop at the ruins of Pompeii for a few hours exploring the preserved city before continuing to your Sorrento hotel. (Overnight in Sorrento) B

Day 8: Capri and The Blue Grotto

Set sail for Capri, a scenic island off the coast of Naples, known for its stunning beauty, luxurious atmosphere, and impressive cliffs. After exploring the island, experience the Blue Grotto, a sea cave on the island's coast, famous for its intense blue light, caused by the sun shining through an underwater opening (weather permitting). (Overnight in Sorrento) B

Day 9: Sorrento

Enjoy a full day in the Amalfi Coast, maybe enjoy a refreshing drink on the beachfront and watch the world go by. Or stroll along to the Piazza Tasso for lunch in a quiet café and wonderful views over the water. Don't miss a visit to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a beautiful 14th-century church. (Overnight in Sorrento) B

Day 10: Sorrento to Taormina Via Naples

After breakfast this morning your driver will pick you up at your Sorrento hotel, bringing you to Naples Centrale station to catch your train to Sicily. Admire the scenery of southern Italy from the comfort of your seat, and once at the Straits of Messina, the train boards a boat to take you from mainland Italy to Sicily. The train then continues along the coast to the famous resort town of Taormina. On arrival, check-in at your hotel for a three-night stay.  Surrounded by stunning natural beauty such as the impressive Mount Etna and sweeping bays alongside the Mediterranean Sea, Taormina is a picture-perfect destination. (Overnight in Taormina) B

Day 11: Taormina

Today a fabulous experience awaits as you meet your regional expert chef and take a stroll over to a local market. Learn about the abundant ingredients in Sicilian cuisine, as the chef picks out the products for today’s class. Head over to a local restaurant, put on your apron and begin the preparation of a complete Sicilian menu. Taste the fruits of your labor, along with sampling Italian wine. (Overnight in Taormina) B L

Day 12: Taormina

Spend a full day exploring Taormina. The city still holds an abundance of cultural sites such as the striking Greek Theatre where performances still take place, the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint Nicola and the 16th-century Palace of the Dukes of San Stefano, all worth visiting during your stay. (Overnight in Taormina) B

Day 13: Taormina to Catania

Catania is only a short train ride away, and upon arrival check-in for a two-night stay. Set off to explore the city, and why not visit the ancient Roman Rotonda, the beautiful Palazzo Conte Federico or the busy Pescheria food market? Be sure to try some tasty street food! (Overnight in Catania) B

Day 14: Catania

This morning, embark on a half-day trip to remember, as you climb the ancient slopes of Mount Etna on a private four-wheel drive jeep.  Learn the mythological legend of Zeus’ thunderbolt and enjoy dramatic views as you near the top.  Stop at a small village to taste some local honey and almond cookies, then don a helmet and torch as you explore a cave dug by the flowing lava, then it’s an easy hike to the edge of a side crater or on a lava flow before returning to Catania via an off-road track. (Overnight in Catania) B

Day 15: Your Journey Ends in Catania

A driver will collect you from your hotel for the short drive to Catania airport or do speak to any of our Rail Experts should you wish to continue your travels elsewhere. B

The Best of Italy, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily by Railbookers

PAYMENTS

Days Prior to Departure:	Deposits:
120+ Days Prior to Departure	$250 Non-Refundable Deposit for Rail & Sail Packages
91+ Days Prior to Departure	$250 Non-Refundable Deposit for all packages including travel in Europe and Asia as well as any Rocky Mountaineer, Independent Rail Journeys or any custom rail package
61+ Days Prior to Departure	$250 Non-Refundable Deposit for most North American Rail packages
1-60 Days Prior to Departure	Full Payment Due at Time of Booking

*Certain Rail Vacations may require a higher deposit which will be confirmed at the time of booking.

FINAL PAYMENT

Balance is due at 60 days prior to departure on all North American rail packages except select products. The balance is due at 90 days prior to departure on most other packages including Rocky Mountaineer. The balance is due 120 days prior to departure for any Rail & Sail program.

Railbookers Group accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express. Your booking is not confirmed and payment is not deemed made until the deposit is received by Railbookers Group and you receive a confirmation invoice. Your payment signifies that you agree to these Terms and Conditions, which may be modified from time to time.

If you pay your deposit with a credit card, Railbookers Group will automatically charge the balance due on your final payment date to the same credit card used to make your deposit payment.

Bookings within 30 days of departure will be charged a $35 expedited mailing fee if paper documents are required. Any documents delivered outside of the USA will incur a minimum fee of $50. The actual cost will be advised at the time of booking.

BOOKING CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS

To make a change or cancel your vacation, contact your travel agent or call Railbookers directly.

CHANGES

A fee of $25 per person (per change) as well as any increase in cost will be charged by Railbookers for any alteration or revision made to a reservation after deposit or payment is received. These changes include but are not limited to changing the date or time of service, changing a class of service, adding or removing activities or travellers, or any other change to an itinerary that was printed on the original invoice. Any revision made to a booking may result in the loss of the confirmed rail seat or Sleeping car accommodations. There is no refund permitted on rail tickets once they have been issued. Any physical rail tickets that have been issued may need to be returned at your expense using a traceable delivery service.

CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES FOR ALL PACKAGES

Where a cancellation charge is applied, the balance of the booking will be returned to you in the form of a Future Travel Credit. The Future Travel Credit will be valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

CANCELLATION CHARGES FOR NORTH AMERICAN RAIL GATEWAY PROGRAMS:

Days Prior to Departure:	Cancellation Terms:	Cancellation Terms with purchase of Trip Protection:
60 Days and Earlier Prior to Departure	Full deposit paid to date issued as Future Travel Credit	Full Trip Value Excluding Trip Protection Issued as Future Travel Credit
59-22 Days Prior to Departure	25% Penalty 75% Issued as Future Travel Credit	Full Trip Value Excluding Trip Protection Issued as Future Travel Credit
21-8 Days Prior to Departure	30% Penalty 70% Issued as Future Travel Credit	Full Trip Value Excluding Trip Protection Issued as Future Travel Credit UNTIL 12pm EST on the Business Day Prior to Departure
7-1 Days Prior to Departure	50% Penalty 50% Issued as Future Travel Credit	Full Trip Value Excluding Trip Protection Issued as Future Travel Credit
Day of Departure	100% Penalty	100% Penalty after 12pm EST on the Business Day Prior to Departure

CANCELLATION CHARGES FOR RAIL & SAIL, ROCKY MOUNTAINEER, INDEPENDENT RAIL JOURNEYS, VENICE-SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS OR ANY CUSTOM RAIL PACKAGE:

Days Prior to Departure:	Cancellation Terms:	Cancellation Terms with purchase of Trip Protection:
90 Days and Earlier Prior to Departure	Loss of Deposit	Full Trip Value Excluding Trip Protection Issued as Future Travel Credit
61 Days or Fewer Prior to Departure	100% Penalty	Full Trip Value Excluding Trip Protection Issued as Future Travel Credit UNTIL 12 PM EST on the Business Day Prior to Departure
After 12 PM EST on the Business Day Prior to Departure	100% Penalty	100% Penalty

Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed, and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements, in addition to the charge above. There is no refund permitted on rail tickets once they have been issued.

*Additional restrictions may apply for any rail vacations that include Cruises, Belmond, Rocky Mountaineer, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions, The Blue Train, El Transcantábrico, Tsars Gold, or other luxury trains.