Rail to Road: Venice - Florence - Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento

With sumptuous palaces and romantic waterways, Venice is straight out of an 18th-century Canaletto masterpiece. No matter how many times you have seen it in movies or on TV, the real thing is more surreal and dreamlike than you ever imagined. Its landmarks, the Basilica di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale are exotic melanges of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. It is full of secrets, ineffably romantic, and - at times - given over entirely to pleasure. You must walk everywhere in Venice; and where you cannot walk, you go by water.

Explore Piazza San Marco, stroll across the Rialto Bridge, get lost in the endless canals, admire the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, visit the San Giorgio dei Greci, walk around the Jewish Ghetto, learn about Venice's musical history, tour Venice's unique architecture at Campo Santa Maria Formosa, celebrate one of Venice's many festivals, go window shopping, and so much more!

The city of Florence sits nestled among the rolling Tuscan hills, with an unmistakable skyline dominated by the fabulous Duomo. With so much Renaissance art and culture, shopping opportunities, and incredible culinary delights, you will be spoiled for choices in what to do and see in this exciting capital city of Tuscany. Florence's museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world.

Visit The Duomo Complex, Church of Santa Croce, The Cathedral, The Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell'Accademia, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens and so much more.

Rome is undeniably stunning, from its rich ancient culture, delectable cuisine and coffees to its uniquely European experiences. This city is packed full of sights; with thousands of years of history layered upon itself - you'll find everything from Roman ruins to Renaissance art. It's also home to Vatican City, and sights galore.

Explore and discover the Roman Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine, discover the Vatican, the smallest independent state in the world; throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, marvel at the Pantheon, sit on the Spanish Steps, wander the Piazzas, eat the best gelato, climb Palatine Hill, walk the Ancient Appian Way and so much more!

Pompeii is the queen of archaeological sites! Destroyed in 79 AD by the terrible eruption of Mount Vesuvius (at the same time as Herculaneum and Stabiae), Pompeii remained buried under a thick layer of ash until the 18th century. As a result, this small prosperous Roman town has been preserved in an almost perfect state, providing important archaeological information on everyday life during the Roman Empire. A walk around its vast complex of ruins is a fascinating and moving experience.

Visit and explore the Forum, The Brothel, Teatro Grande, the amphitheater, Great Palestra, Thermae Stabiane, House of Menander, House of the Marine Venus, House of the Vettii, The House of the Tragic Poet, The Temple of Isis, and Villa dei Misteri, and so much more.

Sorrento is the best known town on the Neapolitan Riviera. It's situated in a stunning location on a long cliff overlooking the sea, and surrounded by lemon and olive groves. Sorrento offers charming cobblestone streets, alluring lungomare (seafront promenades), colorful and fragrant flowers, and a lively cultural scene. The old town still retains its Roman grid of narrow streets and its centro storico (historic center) is alive with cafes, clubs, and restaurants, which become an exciting atmosphere during the sweet nights of summer.

Visit and discover Marina Grande and Marina Piccola, Cloister of San Francesco, Bagni della Regina Giovanna, Cathedral and Bell Tower, Basilica of Sant'Antonino, Villa Comunale, Correale di Terranova Museum, Museo-Bottega della Tarsia Lignea (Wooden Marquetry Shop-Museum), and so much more.