Rome and the Italian Riviera

Welcome to Rome! On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Use your two day hop on hop off city bus tour to start to explore at your own pace. Then in the evening get ready to enjoy your secret food tour. Italian food is recognised around the world for its delicious flavours, exquisite dishes and world class ingredients. Although many countries now have some great Italian food, it is only when you visit Italy that you can taste the true passion and the best flavours this country has to offer. Wear comfortable shoes as this is a 3hour walking tour with a guide who will explain the history and take you to various destinations for different food tasters concluding with a sample of the local prosecco, lager and wine. (Overnight in Rome) B

Today after breakfast, explore the heritage of ancient Rome with a fascinating Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour. Your coach will pick you up from your hotel and on arrival, you will be able to skip past the long entrance lines with your priority-access ticket. After the tour use your hop on hop off pass to explore more of Rome, perhaps taking in a museum or the iconic Colosseum. Come the evening, be sure to visit the Trevi Fountain and throw in a coin or two. The architecture is quite spectacular when lit up at night (Overnight in Rome) B

Take the comfortable, high-speed Trenitalia train from Rome to La Spezia today, and on arrival, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Just minutes east of Cinque Terre by train, friendly La Spezia is the perfect base from which to explore the region. The town itself features winding cobblestoned streets with charming trattorias featuring the finest regional cuisine. (Overnight in La Spezia) B

After breakfast this morning, spend the day discovering the stunning hillside towns situated along the rugged coastline of the Cinque Terre by train. The picturesque villages - Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola - each offer their own unique, sun-kissed version of authentic Italian seaside bliss. Start with the 20-minute train ride from La Spezia to Monterosso, the westernmost village known for its lemons, anchovies and a beautiful little stretch of beach. After exploring the town, take the three-minute train ride to Vernazza, the steepest of the villages, and stroll along Via Roma, peeking into the little cafes that line the street. From Vernazza, travel to Manarola for a sunset dinner and unforgettable views. After dinner, take the short train ride back to La Spezia and relax at your hotel after a memorable day. (Overnight in La Spezia) B

Enjoy more of the stunning region today at your leisure. Discover the winding streets of La Spezia or head back to the coast for more exploration of the beautiful villages of the Cinque Terre. (Overnight in La Spezia) B

After breakfast today, check out of your hotel and take the train north to Sestri Levante. Check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. The city itself is a lovely little Riviera town extending around two bays - the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fables (named for Hans Christian Andersen who lived here for a time). Amble around the winding streets, stop for a famous ice cream or unwind on the wide public beach. Make use of your Cinque Terre card which allows you to use the railway which connects the five villages and allows you on trekking trails around the region. (Overnight in Sestri Levante) B

Spend the day discovering beautiful Sestri Levante, popular among tourist and locals alike. Explore the walkable old town with many elegant shops and terrific seafood restaurants. Relax on the large sandy beach at the Bay of Silence or follow the path leading from the old town to Punta Manara for amazing panoramic views of the shoreline from Levanto to Portofino. (Overnight in Sestri Levante) B

Enjoy a scenic cruise today across the Gulf of Tigulio to the nearby towns of San Fruttuoso and Portofino. Discover the incredible history and scenery in San Fruttuoso, including the ancient Benedictine Monastery that straddles the beach. In Portofino, enjoy a meal at one of the harbourside restaurants or wander along the historic fishing village's tiny streets to discover numerous hidden gems, including art galleries and jewellery shops. (Overnight in Sestri Levante) B

After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and board Trenitalia for the first-class journey back to Rome. On arrival in Rome, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay and a last chance for any sightseeing. (Overnight in Rome) B

Check out of your hotel this morning and continue with your onward travels. If you wish to extend this holiday with additional nights in a particular destination, one of our Rail Experts can help you with all of the details.