Exploring Italy by Train: From Rome to Milan and Beyond
Why Train Travel Is the Best Way to See Italy
Traveling through Italy by train is not only convenient but also allows for scenic and stress-free ways to explore the country. Other than flying in and out of the country, a plane will not be needed during this vacation. With well-connected rail networks and high-speed trains, travelers can quickly go from city to city to get the most out of their stay. These rail networks connect you to major cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan, making it easy for you to experience the heart of the country with maximum comfort.
Rome
Start your trip in Rome. After arriving in the city, travelers will enjoy a full day exploring the iconic city. Don’t miss the afternoon optional tour to Ancient Rome. Gain special access to the Colosseum, the giant amphitheater used for gladiatorial games and public spectacles. The next day, travelers will have the opportunity to participate in another optional tour, this time to Pompeii. Depart Rome this morning and drive along the Sun Route to Pompeii, passing by the Gulf of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. Eventually, you’ll arrive in Sorrento, known for its striking beauty with its seaside setting and cliffs plunging into the sea. Then arrive to Pompeii, the city frozen in time under a thick carpet of volcanic ash almost 2,000 years ago. Once you’re done seeing this ancient city, come back to Rome. For those interested in visiting Rome, you’re in luck! Gate 1 offers three different travel packages by rail, all that include visits to the city. These three packages are 8 Day Rome & Milan by Rail, 8 Day Rome & Naples by Rail, and 9 Day Rome, Florence & Venice by Rail.
Milan
To visit Milan, travelers will have to book the 8 Day Rome & Milan by Rail package. You’ll start in Rome, then you’ll transfer on your own to the train station and board the high-speed train to Milan, the fashion capital of Italy. On the ride to Milan, travelers will see the Italian landscape change from the rolling hills of Tuscany and the flat plains of Emilia-Romagna to more industrial and urban areas. It will mainly consist of rolling hills, small towns, and the countryside.
On your first full day of exploring Milan, either spend the day at your leisure, or join the optional Full Day Lake Como Tour. Depart from the city by coach and drive north to the lakeside town of Como, home to the exquisite Lake Como, one of Italy’s most romantic destinations. Once you arrive, you’ll depart onto a scenic cruise of the lake, viewing many of the lakeside villas with their splendid gardens. This will finish and you’ll return to Como, then head back to Milan.
The next day, try the optional City Sightseeing Milan Hop On/Hop Off Tour. This Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour provides a great way to travel around Milan and see all the important sights. The best part of this tour is that it allows travelers to set their own pace for the day. You can get on and off any of the stops as often as you wish. This provides the experience to shop, see the city’s famous landmarks, and the freedom to create your very own itinerary. Some of the landmarks that can be seen on the tour are the Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House, and the Castello Sforzesco.
Naples
If you aren’t interested in seeing Milan, check out Naples instead on Gate 1’s 8 Day Rome & Naples by Rail package. The trip will start in Rome, then you will transfer on your own to the train station and board the high-speed train to Naples. The city is a perfect blend of old-warm charm and modern grit. On this train ride you’ll primarily see rolling hills, agricultural and industrial landscapes, and mountains in the distance, with Mount Vesuvius becoming more visible as your approach Naples. This will be a quick journey through the Lazio and Campania regions, as the train will cover the 140-mile distance in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Once in Naples, travelers can pick between exploring the city or choosing the optional Full Day Amalfi Coast Tour. You will not be disappointed in picking the optional tour, as you will embark on one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Along the road, famous for its narrow curves and hairpin bends, you’ll see enchanting villages, cliffs terraced with lemon groves, whitewashed villas, and the sparkling turquoise sea. Stop in the town of Amalfi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its quaint streets and visit St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Continue to Ravello, known for its cliffside gardens and breathtaking panoramic views. After the optional tour, travelers will return to Naples to relax. On your last day in the city, Gate 1 encourages visitors to discover Naples on their own. We recommend visiting the Naples National Archaeological Museum, exploring the San Gennaro Catacombs, or head to the Santa Lucia district with its plethora of narrow cobbled lanes, craft shops, restaurants, and charming cafes.
Venice & Florence
The 9 Day Rome, Florence, & Venice by Rail package is unique compared to the other Italy by Rail packages that Gate 1 offers. Instead of starting in Rome, you now have the option to start there or arrive in Venice. If you choose to arrive in the glorious Venice first, you’ll transfer independently to your hotel. Then spend the rest of the day at leisure in the city built on over a hundred small islands that are connected by 400 bridges. On your first full day, either continue exploring the city by yourself or try an optional walking tour instead. If you choose the walking tour, you’ll start with an orientation of St. Mark’s Square, considered the historical heart of the city, where you will learn about the square’s main monuments including the Golden Basilica of San Marco, Ducal Palace, the Bell, and Clock Towers, and the Procuratie buildings. Continue to the corner of Marco Polo’s House and Malibran Theater. Then, return to St. Mark’s Square through the Mercerie, a series of interconnecting streets that connect to Ponte di Rialto.
The next day, head to the station to board your high-speed train to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. On this train ride expect to see landscapes including the Apennine mountains, agricultural fields, and charming villages. You’ll also pass through cities like Padua and potentially Bologna, offering a glimpse of both the northern plains and the rolling hills of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna regions. Once you arrive, transfer independently to your hotel with time at leisure.
Like Venice, you’ll only have one full day in Florence. Explore the city on your own, Gate 1 recommends viewing the magnificent Duomo, with its Brunelleschi-designed dome, the renowned “Gates of Paradise” of the Baptistery by Ghiberti, and Giotto’s Bell Tower. You will be enchanted as you walk through the open-air museum of Signoria Square, with its Palazzo Vecchio, first residence of the Medici family that now houses the seat of the city government. Take a stroll to Ponte Vecchio, which cross the Arno River, also known as the “Old Bridge” or choose the optional tour of the Academia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s David is housed.
Once your time is up in Florence, travel via high-speed rail to Rome. On your ride over, you will see a glimpse of the Tuscan and Lazio countryside, including rolling hills, cypress trees, and fortified farms. There are more tunnels on this ride, so these views are often intermittent.
A Smooth and Scenic Journey Through Italy
Exploring Italy by train offers a unique traveling experience of freedom, flexibility, and unforgettable views. Whether you’re passing by the countryside or traveling through another city, the rail system allows you to see as much as possible while traveling with little stress. If you’re interested in any other Gate 1 Italy Tours, click here to check them out. If you’d like to travel to other countries in Europe, then click here to see all of Gate 1’s European itineraries.
