Comprehensive Italy Summer 2025 Itinerary: Rome to Milan with Strategic Train Travel Advice

Day 1: Rome to Sorrento

Rome to Sorrento, Italy on July 15, 2025

9:30am

Train from Rome to Sorrento

Begin with a train ride from Rome Termini to Naples, then transfer to the Circumvesuviana line for Sorrento. Booking tickets individually through Trenitalia or Italo is recommended for this route, as regional trains are not covered by the Eurail Pass and buying individual tickets ensures best prices.
EUR40, 3h0m

12:30pm

Explore Sorrento Old Town

Wander the quaint alleys, visit vibrant Piazza Tasso, and soak in local culture.
Free, 2h0m

Day 2: Sorrento Leisure Day

Sorrento, Italy on July 16, 2025

9:30am

Day trip to Amalfi Coast

Take a scenic SITA bus or boat tour to Amalfi and Positano. Since these buses are local and boats are private operators, tickets should be purchased individually. Eurail Pass does not cover these.
EUR25, 6h0m

Day 3: Sorrento Exploration

Sorrento, Italy on July 17, 2025

9:00am

Villa Comunale Park & Morning Cooking Class

Start with panoramic views at Villa Comunale Park, then enjoy a cooking class to savor Italian cuisine secrets.
EUR70, 4h0m

Day 4: Sorrento to Florence

Sorrento to Florence, Italy on July 18, 2025

9:00am

Train to Florence

Travel back to Naples and take a high-speed train to Florence; buying individual high-speed tickets in advance is cost-effective, as Eurail Pass prices might exceed point-to-point tickets if not utilized fully.
EUR70, 4h0m

2:30pm

Florence Historic Center Walking Tour

Visit landmarks such as the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio to experience Renaissance splendor.
Free, 3h0m

Day 5: Florence & Pisa Day Trip

Florence & Pisa, Italy on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Train Florence to Pisa and then La Spezia

Use economical point-to-point tickets for Pisa and La Spezia legs. Eurail Pass might be less convenient and expensive for shorter regional trips.
EUR18, 2h0m

9:00am

Visit Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli

Explore Pisa’s iconic landmarks with ticketed tower climb recommended to book in advance.
EUR25, 2h0m

Day 6: La Spezia & Cinque Terre

La Spezia, Italy on July 20, 2025

9:00am

Explore La Spezia and Cinque Terre

Explore La Spezia, then use local trains between Cinque Terre villages. For these regional trains, purchase the Cinque Terre Card which includes train use and trail access—this is more cost-effective than using a Eurail Pass here.
EUR26, 6h0m

Day 7: Cinque Terre Hiking

Cinque Terre, Italy on July 21, 2025

8:30am

Hiking the Sentiero Azzurro Trail

Hike the scenic coastal trail between villages using the Cinque Terre Card for access. This card offers better value than a Eurail Pass on regional routes here.
Included in EUR26 Cinque Terre Card, 4h0m

Day 8: La Spezia to Venice

La Spezia to Venice, Italy on July 22, 2025

8:00am

Train La Spezia to Venice

For this long-distance high-speed route, it is recommended to buy advance single tickets instead of Eurail Pass to save money, unless many more long-distance trips are planned to justify the pass.
EUR60, 6h0m

2:00pm

Explore Venice highlights

Wander Piazza San Marco and enjoy the canals and architecture.
Free, 3h0m

Day 9: Burano & Milan

Venice, Burano & Milan, Italy on July 23, 2025

8:30am

Vaporetto to Burano

Take a local ferry to visit colorful Burano island. Tickets must be bought individually as not included in Eurail.
EUR20, 3h0m

12:00pm

Train Venice to Milan

Use point-to-point high-speed train tickets here; booking in advance offers best pricing compared to Eurail passes.
EUR40, 2h30m

3:30pm

Explore Milan city center

Visit Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for iconic Milanese landmarks and shopping.
Free, 3h0m