What’s the Best Way to See Italy? Rail, Coach, Cruise, or Self Drive?

From flying into Florence on a high-speed train to soaking up the beauty of Lake Garda from your comfy coach, and from sailing into the port of Civitavecchia to cruising around picturesque Tuscan roads on a self-drive vacation, there are many pleasurable ways to discover Italy’s endless charms. Here are some of our favorites…

1. ITALY FOR ROMANTICS: HIT THE TRACKS

Italy by rail is romantic beyond belief. Whether you’re whizzing from Rome to Florence or dashing from Florence to Venice, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and soak up the scenery.

The rail network in Italy is convenient and comfortable, and it opens up a wonderful window into what life is really like for the locals. By North American standards, traveling between major cities in Italy is a breeze, with the fastest trains between Rome and Florence taking just an hour-and-a-half, and those from Florence to Venice taking just over two hours. Train travel can often be quicker than car… and in Italy that means faster than a Ferrari!

Hot Trip for Romantics: Our seven-night Rome, Florence & Venice by Train trip features second-class train tickets and an opportunity to dive into the unsurpassed romance of the glorious cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice. Wander around the Campo dei Fiori, Piazza Navona, and Spanish Steps in Rome; explore the famous Duomo, Mercato della Paglia, and Piazza della Signoria in Florence; and be dazzled by the Piazza San Marco, Palazzo Ducale and Rialto Bridge in Venice.

2. ITALY FOR THE LAID BACK: LET SOMEONE ELSE TAKE CARE OF ALL THE DETAILS

Do you want to see as much of Italy as you can, but leave all of the logistics to someone else? Then a coach tour of the highlights of northern and southern Italy could be with you. It’s also a lovely way to bond with your fellow travelers.

From the incredible cityscapes of Rome, Florence, and Milan to the glistening blue expanses of Lake Garda and Lake Como, and from the sun-kissed streets of Sorrento to the ancient wonders of Pompeii, taking a coach tour means that you can enjoy a jam-packed itinerary that’s been lovingly curated by travel experts without worrying about organizing any of the details yourself.

Hot Trip for the Laid Back: Our 10-day Italy Golden Circle and Sorrento coach tour blends the best of Italy’s north and south. But don’t worry, you won’t be on the coach all the time! You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get lost down the side streets of Rome, Verona, Pisa, Lucca, and Siena, take a boat trip down Venice’s iconic Grand Canal, soak up the breathtaking colors of Cinque Terre, explore the archeological wonders of Pompeii and feel the wind in your hair as you sail towards the ‘Isle of Dreams’ that is Capri.

3. ITALY FOR EUROPHILES: BECAUSE ONE EUROPEAN COUNTRY JUST ISN’T ENOUGH

If you’re going to travel all the way to Italy, it makes sense to take some time out to soak up the sights in Spain and France too, doesn’t it? Yes? Then a Mediterranean cruise could be just what you’re looking for.

Cruising the aqua-blue waters of the Med is an experience in itself, but add to that some seriously cultural pit-stops in Italy, Spain, and France, and you’re looking at the trip of a lifetime. Whether you’re exploring Barcelona, Nice, or Naples, a Mediterranean cruise is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for European culture.

Hot Trip for Europhiles: Our eight-day Five Wonders of the Mediterranean Ocean cruise kicks off in Barcelona, where you’ll explore the fantastic Picasso Museum, the majestic La Sagrada Familia, and the magical Park Guell. You’ll then sail to the south of Italy to discover the foodie-heaven of Naples and the archeological treasures of Pompeii, before sailing north to discover Rome, Florence, and Pisa. You’ll then sail in style to the south of France to see Nice and Sète.

4. ITALY FOR THE INDEPENDENT: GET IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT

If you want to discover Italy at your own pace, consider getting behind the driver’s wheel on a self-drive vacation. From Milan to Montecatini and from Siena to San Gimignano, there’s nothing quite like the freedom of the open road in Italy. There’s no one to rush you and nobody to tell you what to do… Just an easy-paced itinerary of gorgeous things to see as you drive in style around the outstanding Tuscan countryside.

Hot Trip for the Independent: On our eight-day Tuscan Dream Self-Drive Tour you’ll experience the quaint spa town of Montecatini, the atmospheric streets of Lucca, the famous Leaning Tower in Pisa, the Renaissance beauty of Florence, the fine palaces of Siena, the market towns of Chianti, the medieval charm of San Gimignano—and mile after mile of unforgettable Tuscan landscape along the way. The freedom of the open never felt so good…

ITALY WITH INDUS TRAVELS

Do you dream of sipping espresso on Rome’s Piazza Navona? Of feeling the wind in your hair as you sail into Capri? Of bonding with new friends as you drive along the shores of Lake Como? Yes? Then come with us to Italy. Not only will you have the experience of a lifetime, but you will have a sophisticated itinerary that has been lovingly created by Indus’ Italy experts. To find out more about our tours to Italy, please feel free to contact us at any time.

About the Writer: Vickie Sam Paget

Vickie is a freelance writer and editor based in Vancouver, BC. When she’s not creating dynamic travel or tech content, globetrotting or gazing at the North Shore Mountains, you can usually find her curled up with a good book or sipping a pint of the good stuff in her local Irish bar.