Railways, Scenery and World War History in Italy

Discover the highlights of Northern and Southern Italy on this unforgettable tour. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Dolomites, explore historic cities including Verona, Venice and Taranto, uncover fascinating wartime history, and experience the charm of Puglia’s seaside resorts and hilltop towns. A relaxed and comfortable holiday showcasing Italy’s diverse beauty and rich heritage.

• Based at centrally located hotels in the city of Verona and the seaside port of Taranto, travel by train and high speed rail on scenic railway routes to many of the different points of interest.
• Immerse yourself in the history of World War I and World War II at the stunning Monte Grappa battlefield memorial and at the naval harbour of Taranto, both sites with direct relation to the British and American involvement in the two World Wars.
• Enjoy world famous, iconic Italian destinations like the lagoon of Venice or the hilltop city of Matera, with its distinctive stone architecture.
• Experience some of the most spectacular mountain railways of the Dolomites and Südtirol with visits to the Raschölzbahn and Mendelbahn funiculars, with grand panoramic views of the craggy peaks and inspiring landscapes.

Sunday 21 February

Arrive Verona

Fly direct from London to Venice and transfer to Verona, where your holiday begins in a centrally located hotel. Enjoy some free time to explore this beautiful historic city, home to its iconic Roman Arena older even than Rome’s Colosseum. You then join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner (D)

Monday 22 February

World War History at Verona’s Fort Lugagnano

After breakfast, enjoy free time to explore the remarkable cultural and architectural attractions of Verona’s Old Town and the scenic banks of the River Adige. In the afternoon you visit the remarkably well preserved Fort Lugagnano on the western outskirts of the city. Built by the Austrians in 1861, the fort played a role in both World Wars and offers a fascinating insight into Italy’s military history. Your visit is enhanced by volunteer re-enactors and displays of historic military equipment and vehicles. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon, with the evening free at leisure. (B)

Tuesday 23 February

Venice – The Floating City

Thanks to fast and frequent rail services, Venice is just an hour from Verona. This morning, travel by train to the world-famous lagoon city, arriving at Venezia Santa Lucia station by mid-morning. Your excursion includes Venice admission and a Vaporetto travel pass, giving unlimited access to the iconic water buses that navigate the city’s canals. Enjoy time to explore Venice at your own pace, from the grandeur of St Mark’s Square and the Rialto area to the maze of charming alleyways and picturesque waterways. You may also wish to experience several of the Vaporetto routes, offering unique perspectives of this extraordinary city. After a memorable day, return to Verona by direct train in the late afternoon. (B)

Wednesday 24 February

Mountain Magnificence and scenic railway in the Dolomites

Today you explore the beautiful Italian Alps and the cragged peaks of the Dolomites on some of Italy’s most scenic railway lines and panoramic funiculars. You first travel by direct EuroCity train on the Brenner line via Trento and Bolzano, before continuing by private coach to Ortisei. Here you take the Raschötz funicular, one of Italy’s longest and most scenic, offering sweeping views of the Dolomites’ highest peaks. At the summit (2,122m), enjoy refreshments and the chance to step into a high alpine landscape. Descend and continue by coach to Kaltern, just west of Bolzano, for a ride on the Mendelbahn. This scenic funicular winds through rolling hills and past hilltop churches, offering another outstanding journey through breathtaking Alpine scenery. After the round trip, enjoy time in the hillside village of Kaltern before returning to Bolzano for a direct train back to Verona. (B)

Thursday 25 February

Monte Grappa WW1 Memorial

Another tour highlight awaits as you visit one of the most impressive WWI battlefield memorials in Europe, with Sacrario Militare’ at the summit of Monte Grappa in the Veneto region. Standing at 1776 m above sea level, his striking monument was built between 1932 and 1935 and comprises a chapel, ossuary, and a complex of stone structures and monoliths. The site marks the location of intense fighting in 1917–18, when Monte Grappa served as a vital Italian stronghold during the final stages of the war. The Italian Alpine front also saw involvement from British, American, and other Allied forces—events immortalised in Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. You reach the Monte Grappa Memorial on a scenic drive over the Alpine road from Verona. Return in the evening for a group dinner. (B D)

Friday 26 February 

By high speed train to Taranto

The time has come to travel in style and by FS high speed train from northern to southern Italy and enjoying scenic views along the Adriatic coast. Passing Rimini and Pescara, the train reaches Bari, where there is interchange to the next service to Taranto, located on the ‘heel’ of the Italian peninsula. The beautiful port town Taranto is a real ‘best kept secret’ in Italy with castles, fortresses, broad seaside avenues and also a delightful old town with churches and squares. You check in to your centrally located hotel and dine together in the hotel restuarant. (B D)

Saturday 27 February 

World War II History in Taranto

Today is entirely dedicated to exploring Taranto with a local guide and World War II historian. Discover the city’s elegant architecture alongside its wartime sites, monuments, and museums. Taranto is best known for the Royal Navy’s ‘Operation Judgement’ from November 1940, when Fairey Swordfish aircraft launched from HMS Illustrious struck the Italian fleet in a decisive early naval action of the Second World War. The city remains an important Italian naval base to this day. Gain insight into this pivotal chapter of WWII history before enjoying a free evening to explore Taranto at your own pace. (B)

Sunday 28 February

The stunning hilltop stone city of Matera

Made famous to a global audience by the most recent James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’ from 2021, Matera is one of Italys most extraordinary cities and a jewel of the Puglia region. This striking stone-built hilltop town is renowned for its ancient cave dwellings and dramatic landscapes. Enjoy a comfortable day trip by coach from Taranto, accompanied by your local guide and historian, who will introduce the city’s key highlights and hidden gems. There is also free time to explore Matera’s atmospheric old town at your own pace, including filming locations from the Bond movie. Return to Taranto in the evening for a farewell dinner. (B D)

Monday 1 March 

Return to London

This morning you transfer to Bari airport, for the return flight from Bari back to London. (B)