 |
It doesn't get much sweeter than this
Italy is one of the most ambient and intimate countries in Europe. You can visit with family, friends, spouses or go solo and make new friends along the way. However you choose to experience Italy, one thing is for sure, you will enjoy every minute you're there!
Each region of Italy offers something unique to its visitors, and though you cannot see it all on a week-long trip, with a Eurail Italy Pass and the high-speed train network you will see more than you could have imagined.
With its many indulgences from ancient ruins in Rome and art in Florence to decadent cuisine and mouth-watering desserts, Italy will leave you wanting more (throw a coin over your shoulder into Trevi Fountain while in Rome, and you're sure to return – according to Italian legend, that is).
Now through December 31st you can take advantage of a truly sweet deal for Italy. Get a Eurail Italy Pass at a 20% discount. If you are not planning on taking your trip right now, that's okay too. You can order your pass by December 31, 2009, receive the 20% off and have 6 months to begin using it.
With the great products offered by Rail Europe, and a spectacular destination such as Italy, you will truly feel like you're living la dolce vita!
|
 |
Check-out these great deals, to explore Italy, from Rail Europe |
 |
Italy Rail Passes!
With a large variety of Italian rail passes to choose from, there's sure to be one to fit your travel needs and allow you to explore Italy at your leisure. And remember, order your pass by December 31st, to take advantage of our 20% off discount.
Start here to find the perfect Italian pass. |
 |
With so much to see and do, sorta makes you wish there was a tour right?
You're in luck! Rail Europe now offers sightseeing tours for Italy. Tours are available for Rome, Florence, Naples, Sorrento and Milan. These hop-on, hop-off style tours are a great way to familiarize yourself with the area and get a feel for your surroundings. .
Check out our sightseeing tours for your upcoming Italian venture |
Find out more about Italy and how to make the most of your trip there with Rail Europe |
 |
Here are some excursion ideas to work into your Italian vacation
Pay a visit to the Venice of the North
After you've spent some time strolling through the winding streets of Venice, and you've taken a gondola ride under the famed Bridge of Sighs, why not take a trip to Stockholm, the so-called Venice of the North.
Stockholm is located on the islands between the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren, in Sweden. You'll want to take a boat ride under the bridges of Stockholm, and you'll think you're in Venice!
Be adventurous and indulge in some great excursions, such as the harbor islands or to Lake Mälaren's Royal Palace of Drottningholm, with its lovely grounds and 18th-century theater. Or visit one of the many museums, there are over 50 in the city!
Delight your palate with the wealth of culinary offerings in Stockholm. For wonderful food and a taste of history too, don't miss Den Gyldene Freden, an 18th-century Swedish restaurant in Gamla Stan.
To reach Stockholm, you can board a City Night Line overnight train from Venice to Munich (approximately 7.5 hours). From Munich, you can take another City Night Line overnight train to Copenhagen (approximately 15 hours).
From Copenhagen, you can travel direct by train to Stockholm (approximately 5.5 hours).
In all, this rail adventure will take about 28 hours by rail. The great part about this trip is that two rail segments are overnight trains, meaning you can spend the day in Venice and Munich sightseeing before you board the train. Click here to get more information about Stockholm.
Isten hozta Budapest!
Or, Welcome to Budapest, for those who are not fluent in the local language! Budapest is a city split by the dark gold Danube by day, by the black velvet Danube by night.
On the winding streets of Buda you'll see the reconstructed castle, and many rejuvenated pink and gold Baroque and Renaissance houses. You'll also find the thermal baths and the remains of the city walls.
In Pest you'll come across a combination of Art Nouveau, old turrets, museums, the opera house, banks and elegant shops.
Then there is Margaret Island, in the middle of the river between Buda and Pest, here you will find a pleasant English-style park with swimming pools and an open air theater.
Everywhere in Budapest you'll be able to dine like a galloping gourmet at first-rate restaurants, while being serenaded by gypsy music. And definitely visit one of the fine coffee houses, serving rich brews and tasty cakes!
You can reach Budapest by train from Rome via Vienna. Board the overnight train in Rome and arrive the next morning in Vienna (approximately 13.5 hours).
Once in Vienna, you can take a train direct to Budapest (approximately 3 hours).
Budapest is well worth the time it takes to get there, in all, it's only about 16.5 hours by train. When you walk around this unique city, you'll be glad you came!
For more information on Budapest, click here.
Belgrade is closer than you might think
Belgrade, or the White City, is located in Serbia. This city has been demolished 40 times and rebuilt. The amount of conflict that has been endured shows how strong the nation is.
There is much to see and do in Belgrade. From museums, to art galleries, and they even pride themselves on having the second-largest arena in Europe! The arena is magnificent and is a must-see on your trip.
You'll definitely want to dine on one of the floating restaurants located along the Sava and Danube rivers. There you can enjoy delectable Serbian cuisine while appreciating the view all around you.
To reach Belgrade from Venice, it will take about 14 hours. While direct rail service is not available, you will get to experience several trains which will enhance your adventure!
Take the train from Venice to Villach (approximately 3.5 hours). From Villach, hop on a train to Ljubljana (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival in Ljubljana, take the next train to Zagreb (approximately 2.5 hours) and then continue on to Belgrade (approximately 6.5 hours). Click here to learn more about Belgrade. |
 |
Take a seat, sit back and relax!
Don't forget to make reservations for the trains you wish to travel on during your European trip. While not all trains require or offer reservations, it's a good idea to confirm your seats on the trains you are able to reserve. This will help avoid any disappointment locally, if the train you want to travel on ends up sold out. If you've already purchased your rail pass, click here to make your reservations.
Rail Europe's Rail Protection Plan™
Did you know that the Rail Protection Plan™, offered by Rail Europe, will protect your passes/tickets in the case of exchanges or cancellations due to medical illness or death, railroad strikes, and in the case of loss or theft in Europe? Definitely a product to consider when purchasing your rail products. Please read details about how the Rail Protection Plan™ works by clicking here. |
Find the latest Travel Tips on Rail Europe's Europe Destination Guides. |
|
Multi city booking engine
Build your European itinerary, seamlessly compare travel options with tickets or passes, get instant pricing and live availability. Begin your search now. |
Find the right rail pass to explore one or more European countries
We take the guesswork out of your shopping experience. Tell us which country you want to visit, we'll find the best passes to suit your needs (and your wallet). |
Europe Travel Guides and Interactive Maps
With 27 countries to explore by Rail, start planning your trip with expert tips on all European destinations. Discover Europe with Rail Europe. |
All about European Rail travel
Want to learn the basics about traveling by train in Europe? Or looking for the answer to your most obscure question. It's all in our Train FAQ's. |
|
|
 |
We value your opinion and would appreciate you taking a few minutes to complete our survey. It is a great opportunity for you to provide us with feedback about your experience using our site.
|
|
Vacations are all about relaxing. How about taking 6 months to pay? Easy. Secure. Stress free. (For orders over $750 when you pay using Bill Me Later®. See site for complete details.)
|
|
There's no more affordable way to stay in Europe than hostels. So check them out to turn your trip from a dream to a reality.
|
|
Especially when you can take advantage of the BritRail Low-Season Promo and receive 20% savings on BritRail and BritRail England passes. This promotion is valid for purchase through February 15th, 2010 for travel from November 1st, 2009 - February 28th, 2010. Get your BritRail passes today!
|
|
Even the most free-spirited wanderers like to know where they're sleeping at night. That's why we've teamed up with the trusted World Choice Travel to offer you quality hotels worldwide. Plan your train and hotel simply and together.
|
|
What could be better than a European audio tour that gives you easy-to-hear instruction on and off the beaten path, at a pace that’s perfect for you and your feet.
|
Groups of all sizes welcome!
If an exclusive train car doesn't provide your group with the space it needs, how about a whole train? Our group department can actually charter an entire train for your group's sole use. Let us show you how our experienced group department can make your trip a unique and memorable one. |
Get your quote today! |
Travel with Financial Security
Whether going to Europe for the weekend or for the trip of a lifetime, you may want a safe, flexible alternative to carrying cash or checks. Choose the safety and convenience of our recommended debit card for yourself, your family or your student going abroad. |
Get your card today! |
European Rail Timetable
The Thomas Cook Rail Timetable includes comprehensive schedules for all rail connections throughout Europe. Plus, you can find ferry crossing information as well. |
Order your copy today! |
If you're planning a trip to Italy and would like further tourism information, we encourage you to contact the Italian Government Tourist Board, the official guide for tourism in Italy. Visit them online at www.italiantourism.com.
|
|
