Up to £300 off twin and multi-centre holidays.* Book by 2nd March 2025

Italy by Rail

Italy’s modern high-speed rail network offers a seamless way to explore the country, allowing you to experience its beauty and culture with ease. With trains connecting cities like Milan, Florence, Venice, and Rome, you can effortlessly journey from one iconic destination to the next, all while enjoying stunning views of the Italian countryside. Train travel makes it possible to visit more of Italy in less time, so you can make the most of every moment. Traveling by train in Italy isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s part of the adventure. Relax and soak in the scenery as you journey to historic cities and charming regions.
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Your plans, our expertise

"Italy by rail is amazing - it’s fast, easy, and lets you soak up stunning views while hopping between cities like Rome, Florence and Venice. Plus you avoid the stress of driving or parking so it’s a win-win!" - Caitlin Keeping

Why discover Italy by rail?

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Discover more of la Bella Italia

Why compromise? With Italy’s modern high-speed rail network, you can explore multiple cities and regions in a single trip. If you’re looking to visit the major cities, you have so many options. If you’re in Milan and want to explore Venice or Florence, the journey is quick and convenient making it ideal for day trips.

If you think adding multiple destinations to your trip is more hassle than its worth, think again. At Citalia our history in rail travel and experience as the UK’s Italy specialist, we take care of all the details. This means you can focus visiting all the areas in Italy you’ve dreamed off, without any fuss!

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Quick, easy and affordable

Did you know you can get from Milan to Rome in under three hours?  By car, the journey would be much longer, with parking being a real challenge in popular areas.  Instead, hop on a train and enjoy smooth, efficient travel from centre to centre, making getting around simpler and stress-free. 

Train fares are incredibly reasonable for a well-maintained and spacious journey where food is often served. Even first-class tickets can be much more affordable than in the UK.

Amazing Italian landscape from the train window. Tourism and travel by Italy.
Make the journey part of your holiday

Italian rail provides a relaxing, scenic way to get around the country. Smaller Italian towns are reached by slower local trains which offer some of Italy’s most picturesque journeys. Taking an hour or two to your next destination doesn’t have to be wasted time as you can enjoy a unique view of the Italian landscapes from the comfort of your carriage. 

The railway also connects the two main islands of Sicily and Sardinia, via ferries departing from Civitavecchia in Rome and Villa San Giovanni in Calabria, allowing you to discover the real Italy offshore. You can even travel to Italy by train by taking the Eurostar to Paris, then onward to Milan or Turin.

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Save future time and money

Why limit yourself to one destination? With such an efficient rail network, you can explore multiple cities and regions in one trip. If two cities you have always wanted to visit are just an hour or two apart, wouldn’t it be easier to hop on the train for a day trip than plan and pay for an entirely new trip? 

We offer an array of multicentre itineraries that combine the very best of Italy into one unforgettable Italian escape. Already have some destinations sitting on your bucket list? Then our Italy Experts are here to help personalise your own multicentre itinerary to get them ticked off for you.

Travel in style with luxury train journeys

Experience Italy like never before aboard two of the world’s most iconic luxury trains. With lavish carriages and exquisite dining, these journeys redefine rail travel.

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Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Owned by Belmond and synonymous with luxury, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express' historic routes first connected Europe's cultural capitals in the 1920s, catering to some of societies most distinguished guests. 

The train preserves the timeless charm of the original journeys with carefully restored carriages, offering a truly opulent journey from Paris to Venice or Verona. Indulge with three exquisite restaurant cars featuring menus curated by renowned chef Jean Imbert and enjoy cocktails in the bar while a resident pianist plays. Whether you travel to Italy by train or use the railway to expand your trip, you'll be travelling in style. Reach out to one of our Personal Travel Planners to find out more.

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La Dolce Vita Orient Express

The La Dolce Vita Orient Express is owned by the Accor Group and will commence this spring, providing a travel experience through Italy like no other. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a luxury traveller, or an adventurer, this iconic train promises to enchant and inspire.

Indulge in an unforgettable dining experience, overseen by Heinz Beck, a world-class chef with three Michelin stars. Experience comfortable cabins that combine modern style with timeless sophistication and enjoy option experiences allowing you to take part in hands-on Italian cooking classes and explore Tuscan vineyards. Call our Italy experts for a quote to experience this wonderful journey.

Italy by Rail: Holiday Itineraries

Citalia’s train experts can arrange a bespoke itinerary for you and ensure all your tickets are booked in advance, so you just need to start thinking about where you would like to visit, and we will make it happen.

For a taste of what’s possible, check out some of our suggested rail tours, whether it’s exploring the cultural highlights of Venice, Florence and Rome, or heading down south to the rugged beauty of Sorrento and Sicily.

Here are few of our favourite itineraries to get you dreaming…

 

10 day suggested trip

Venice, Florence and Rome

From £1545 per person
ATOL Protected
  • Take an Islands tour in Venice and enjoy a glass blowing demonstration
  • Admire Brunelleschi's dome of Florence Cathedral
  • Visit some of the most famous sights in Rome, including the Colosseum
  • Visit Pompeii, one of the world's most important archaeological sites
  • Up to £300 off when you book before March 2nd 2025

13 day suggested trip

Rome, Sorrento and Sicily

From £1899 per person
ATOL Protected
  • Get hands-on and learn how to make traditional Italian pizza and pasta
  • Rewarding scenic views on the comfortable train journeys
  • Tuck into a picnic in the park at the beautiful Borghese Gardens
  • Venture south on a twelve night trip towards Sicily
  • Up to £300 off when you book before March 2nd 2025

9 day suggested trip

Venice, Verona and Lake Garda

From £1549 per person
ATOL Protected
  • Enjoy live classical music whilst sipping on a coffee in St. Mark’s Square
  • Dine on traditional Italian cuisine against a breathtaking backdrop
  • Visit Scaligeri Castle, one of four castles built by the Lords of Verona
  • Up to £300 off when you book before March 2nd 2025

Call us today to speak to one of our Italy Experts for further travel advice, hotel recommendations or to begin planning your next Italian holiday.

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Why Our Team Loves Italy by Rail

Stefano Nirta, Citalia Regional Purchasing Manager

"Travelling by train is the easiest, fastest, and most comfortable way to get between these two cities, with a journey time of just 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Sitting back and relaxing, I enjoy the smooth and scenic ride—passing through Rome’s urban sprawl before the landscape opens up into the countryside of Lazio, through Umbria, and finally into Tuscany’s rolling hills. Before I know it, I’m arriving at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station.

I also love knowing that I’m travelling sustainably—trains are one of the most eco-friendly ways to explore Italy."

Jitender Sokhy, Head of Website

"I took a day trip by train from Verona to Venice with my wife, our two young kids, and my parents, who are in their late 70s. The whole experience was seamless and stress-free for all of us. The train was spacious, modern, and spotlessly clean, with dedicated areas for families with pushchairs.

The journey was quick and effortless, taking us right to the heart of Venice. Stepping off the train and emerging at the water’s edge within seconds—surrounded by boats and breathtaking scenery—is a moment I’ll never forget."

Why Citalia?

Here at Citalia we can offer you a trainload of opportunities due to our history and legacy in Italian rail travel. Did you know Citalia was originally founded in 1929 by the Italian State Railway? Known as Compagnia Italiana Turismo (CIT) at the time; the company was set up to give Italians living in the UK the opportunity to travel home for holidays.

“The atmosphere on those trains was amazing as most people were travelling home for holidays, so even if I was travelling alone, I was never alone – people chatted, laughed & joked, shared their food with you and after so many hours of travelling together you felt you were lifelong pals!” – Gennaro Contaldo, Brand Ambassador  

95 years later we remain the UK’s leading Italy travel specialist, bringing our guests the real Italy, personalised to their wants and needs, and remain the only UK tour operator that can book Italian train travel in advance.

Italy Travel Blogs

Be inspired for your next Italy holiday with our range of blogs below. 

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What our customers think

We have been helping our customers discover the real Italy for 95 years now. Our experience and expertise, together with our attention to detail and personal touch, really does make us the leading Italian holiday specialist.

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