Italy by Rail

  • 
                      Italy by Rail
  • 
                      Italy by Rail
  • 
                      Italy by Rail

The Concept

Our Italy by Rail is specifically designed around ‘Integrated Learning’ principles. The first three nights are in Rome, then onto Florence (three nights), then Venice (two nights) before spending your final night in Milan. All travel throughout the cities is by high speed train.

 Highlights of the program include:

  • A visit to Vatican City, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon
  • Walking tour of Ancient and/or Baroque Rome
  • Three nights experiencing the glorious Renaissance city of Florence
  • Exploring the canals and galleries of Venice
  • Experiencing Milan, the fashion capital of Italy

 Students will be staying at GET approved hotels throughout your trip, well located to stations and attractions. This popular itinerary can be complimented with the addition of language lessons, guided tours and cooking classes in any city you choose.

 The itinerary provides plenty of time for students to explore key historical sites, local laneways and shops while experiencing the wonderful art, food and customs of the local Italians.

 Many of our schools incorporate the following tour extension options, please ask us for more details:

  • Language and homestay in Siena or Como – enjoy 6 nights homestay and 15 hours of language lessons
  • Language lessons throughout Italy
  • Art lessons in Florence – very popular with our art groups

 Experienced Italian teachers can lead this tour, however we recommend the services of our experienced tour guides in certain locations – information on request.

History
Language

Itinerary Day By Day

DAY 1 AUSTRALIA – ROME

Check in at the airport for your flight from Australia to Rome.

DAY 2 ROME (D)

On arrival in Rome transfer to your accommodation by private coach. Depending on your arrival time the remainder of the day is at your teachers’ discretion. Please note that a 3-day public transport pass has been included for use during your stay. Dinner included tonight at one of our favourite Rome restaurants.

DAY 3 ROME (B, D)

After breakfast have the day to explore the rich treasures of this magnificent city. An optional half-day guided walking tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum is recommended. Teachers - please note that with our guided tours, school groups book an arrival time and ‘skip the line’. The afternoon is allocated as leisure time at your teachers’ discretion. Dinner is included this evening.

DAY 4 ROME (B, D)

Breakfast at hotel. Using public transport head to the Vatican City for your guided tour of the Vatican Museums incorporating the incredible Sistine Chapel. After your tour visit St. Peter’s Basilica and view Michelangelo’s famous Pietà. Teachers - please note that with our guided tours, school groups book an arrival time and ‘skip the line’. The guided tour can also be extended to a Baroque Rome tour incorporating the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona. Following this, there will be time for your own exploration or shopping. Dinner included this evening.

DAY 5 ROME – FLORENCE (B, D)

Check out after breakfast and depart Rome by high speed train, to spend three nights in the extraordinary Renaissance city of Florence. The best way to discover the history and architecture of Florence is on foot, so this afternoon stand in awe of The Duomo and cross the Ponte Vecchio to see some of the world’s greatest paintings at one of the Pitti Palace Museums, and the Boboli Gardens. Dinner included this evening.

DAY 6 FLORENCE (B, D)

Following breakfast this morning further explore the city on foot. A visit to the Uffizi Gallery is a must, as well as visiting the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David. Alternatively, consider a half day excursion to Pisa, famous for its leaning tower and Basilica. Dinner included this evening.

DAY 7 FLORENCE (B, D)

Following breakfast this morning visit the street market, Cathedrals, laneways and Piazzas of Florence. Alternatively, a suggested excursion for the day is a train trip to Siena with its narrow gothic streets converging on the famous Piazza del Campo where the Palio takes place. Dinner included this evening.

DAY 8 FLORENCE – VENICE (B, D)

Check out after breakfast, then travel by high speed train to the wonderful city of Venice, arriving mid-morning. On arrival transfer to your hotel with your luggage before spending the rest of the day at leisure at your teachers’ discretion. Teachers - please note that we recommend a guided city tour, which provides students with a history of Venice. After your tour experience a Murano Glass blowing demonstration. You will also be issued with a 48 Hour Vaporetto Pass to traverse the famed canals and visit the Islands of Murano and Burano. Dinner is included this evening.

DAY 9 VENICE (B, D)

After breakfast at your hotel have another day to explore the city’s famous canals and walking streets. With highlights including St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, the Basilica, Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, your day will be easily filled in Venice. Dinner included this evening.

DAY 10 VENICE – MILAN (B, D)

Check out after breakfast and transfer to Milan by train and spend the remainder of the day exploring this bustling, fashionable, business capital. Highlights include the Castello Sforzesco, Scala, the Duomo, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, as well as a visit to the famous Cenacolo Vinciano in the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church. Dinner is included this evening.

DAY 11 MILAN – AUSTRALIA (B)

Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Australia.

DAY 12 AUSTRALIA

Arrive Australia (subject to airline schedules).

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS AND INCLUSIONS:

Rome Crypt and Catacomb Tour

Students love this descent into Rome’s underground burial chambers (guide recommended)

Gladiator Tour - Rome

Don’t miss this opportunity to re-create Roman history and get a hands-on look at life as a gladiator. Activities include dressing up and learning basic techniques of gladiatorial sword fighting and a museum visit.

Cooking Lessons

Available at our selected cooking schools throughout Italy, students will enjoy cooking traditional Italian fare.

Walking tours of Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan

Enjoy either a half or full day tour of these cities. Our guides provide great detail and historical context, tailored to your group age and tour focus (history, language, art, etc.)

Visit Pompeii

Choose from a day trip to visit Pompeii from Rome or a 2 day/1 night option to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum. Teachers should also consider the Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Sorrento–Capri–Pompeii (3 Days/2 Nights)

From Capri’s scenic coastline to the Roman town of Pompeii, destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79, Italy has many mesmerising sights. Includes return hydrofoil to Capri Island, the stunning Italian coast at Sorrento, a guided tour of Pompeii, two nights’ accommodation and a private touring coach.

HOMESTAY OPTION: Dante Alighieri Language and Homestay – Siena

Enjoy six nights homestay with breakfast and dinner in Siena and 15 hours of language lessons. Note that during student homestay, teachers are accommodated in nearby hotels or apartments. An orientation walk of Siena is included. An option includes cooking lessons in the school’s professionally equipped kitchen.

Inclusions
  • Return international economy airfares including pre-paid taxes and charges
  • 3 nights’ accommodation at 3 star hotel in Rome with breakfast and dinner
  • 3 nights’ accommodation at 3 star hotel in Florence with breakfast and dinner
  • 2 nights’ accommodation at 3 star hotel in Venice with breakfast and dinner
  • 1 night’s accommodation at 3 star hotel in Milan with breakfast and dinner
  • Coach transfers: Rome airport – accommodation, Milan accommodation – airport
  • Rail sector fares (second class): Rome – Florence, Florence – Venice, Venice - Milan
  • 3-day public transport pass in Rome including meet & greet for delivery
  • 48-hour Vaporetto Pass including meet & greet for delivery
  • Entrance and guided tour of the Vatican Museums school letter required)