Grand Italy by Rail, Sail & Shore: From Lake Como & Venice to Rome, Amalfi & The Islands

Purchase your Lake Como ferry day pass online in advance or arrive at the terminal at least an hour before departure. Keep the digital PDF ticket on your phone for rapid boarding.

Ride the historic funicular railway up to Brunate for sweeping alpine viewpoints of Como and the southern lake basin. Expect lines of 30-45 minutes during peak afternoon hours.

Board the vintage 1926 steam paddleboat Concordia for a nostalgic 2.5-hour cruise up the western arm of Lake Como. Head out to the side viewing wings for uncrowded seating.

Disembark in Menaggio to stroll along the peaceful lakeside promenade and the town marina before catching the cross-lake ferry.

Visit the terraced botanical gardens at Villa Cipressi. The 10-euro admission is well worth paying to escape the town crowds and capture quiet terrace views over the water.

Upon reaching Bellagio, immediately visit the ticket window to purchase a rapid ferry return supplement before tickets sell out, avoiding slow evening transit back.

Take the short 6-minute walk north from the town center to the northernmost tip of the peninsula for panoramic tri-branch lake vistas.

Walk down Bellagio's iconic stepped street lined with boutique shops, silk merchants, and classic pastel facades.

Unwind in the central cathedral plaza in Como. The square comes alive in the evening with outdoor cafes, appetizers, and live music.

Transfer into Venice by hopping on the automated People Mover elevated tram from the cruise terminal area directly to Piazzale Roma for just over one euro.

Pick up a 24-hour Vaporetto pass to ride the water buses continuously down the Grand Canal and out across the Venetian lagoon.

Purchase self-service regional train tickets to Firenze Santa Maria Novella from the automated multi-language kiosks at Livorno Centrale.

Marvel at the polychrome marble facade and Brunelleschi's iconic dome in the heart of Florence. Walk the perimeter early to beat midday tour groups.

Stroll past the traditional jewelry shops along the historic medieval stone closed-spandrel arch bridge over the Arno River.

Take the return train connection through Pisa to explore the Piazza dei Miracoli and capture iconic photos of the marble Leaning Tower.

Upgrade to the arena floor access ticket for an immersive perspective standing right where gladiator contests were staged, away from crowded upper tiers.

Pace your walking day in Rome with a relaxing afternoon visit through St. Peter's Square and the surrounding historic piazzas.

Disembark early at the Port of Naples to meet your private van driver right outside the terminal before cruise bus congestion builds up.

Take a 10-minute photo stop at this clifftop pullout along the coastal road to capture dramatic sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Amalfi shoreline.

Visit the 9th-century Duomo di Amalfi standing prominently above the main square. Stop at a nearby corner cafe for an authentic espresso.

Descend the pedestrian alleys of Positano down to Spiaggia Grande for seaside views against cascading pastel cliff houses.

Enjoy seaside seafood and pasta at this beachfront restaurant overlooking the Positano bay before beginning the drive back.

Wrap up your excursion with a scenic driving tour around Naples' historic center before returning promptly to your cruise ship or hotel.

Avoid street vendor touts at the terminal exit by having a negotiated private van driver ready for your Sicilian excursion up to Taormina.

Walk along the pedestrianized main thoroughfare of Taormina lined with artisan boutiques, pastry shops, and authentic Sicilian gelato parlors.

Admire unobstructed panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna from the checkered terrace of Taormina's iconic central square.

Head down to Mazzarò bay for beachside lunch and swimming. The calm cove in front of Lido La Pigna offers crystal-clear waters and relaxing sunbed rentals.

Before departing Messina, spend an hour strolling Piazza del Duomo to see the astronomical clock and savor freshly piped authentic ricotta cannoli.

Take the free port shuttle bus into Olbia's main square to browse local boutique shops or catch a shared 20-25 euro taxi to the beach.

Spend the day on the soft sand at Pittulongu beach, just 10 minutes from Olbia center. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rental alongside beachfront bars.