Kayleigh’s Italian Trilogy
3.12.24 | Kayleigh HodsonKayleigh Hodson from RB Collection visits Rome, Florence & Venice by rail in a truly memorable Italian adventure
Italy has always been at the top of my wish list, and I jumped at the chance to fit the three most iconic Italian cities in one trip, and see what it is really like travelling around the country by train.
After our early start into Rome, we were whisked away by a private chauffeur to our beautiful hotel in the centre of the ancient city. The location was perfect, just a 5-minute walk away from the magnificent Pantheon with a further short walk for the main tourist attractions such as the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
In the other direction was the Vatican and again another direction the Forum and Colosseum. A good pair of shoes is definitely needed for Rome and of course it really is best explored by foot as there is so much to see at every turn.
The city was buzzing with tourists, even in February, when one would expect it to be a quieter time for a city break. Tourists will visit here all year round, whatever the weather to take in the history of this famous city.
Summers can be very hot so late spring or autumn are great times to visit with more comfortable temperatures. Visit mid-week for less crowds and away from main public holidays.
At RB we work hard to add in special ‘RB Moments’ which could be anything from private museum tours to restaurant recommendations. We love to let you know about little gems where you can dine and enjoy local cuisine and when we arrived in Rome, we were treated to just that with typical Roman dishes in a 2000-year-old theatre, just around the corner from the hotel. The deep-fried artichoke was a first for me and delicious, definitely one to recommend.
Depending how much detail you want to go into at the various historic landmarks and museums, I would say 3 or 4 nights is enough in Rome. You could even make the short journey out to the coast for a change of scenery and to break up the trip as you wish.
2025 will be an exciting year in Rome for luxury travel with the launch of the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express, and their first hotel, La Minerva under the re-launched Orient-Express brand.
The next stop on this Italian Trilogy was Florence. We were treated to a look around the Club Executive lounge at the train station which would start your onward journey in style. We travelled to Florence in ‘Prima’ (First Class) which included a snack and a drink and was a very comfortable journey.
On arrival we were lavished with a Tuscan feast, and we enjoyed tasting some of the local delicacies. The chef came out to greet us and talked us through each course, my favourite being the T bone steak which is a typical Tuscan dish but was coated with a Turmeric and Lemon sauce, innovative and excellent!
Next was a walking tour of Florence to point out some of the main attractions. I have to say the Duomo, (4th largest in the world and dating back to the 13th century), absolutely blew me away. The craftsmanship of the building itself was exquisite and the history behind it fantastic. Located at the rear are the Gates of Paradise, this is just a replica of the bronze doors that were created in 1401, as the original was moved in the 1990 to Mueso dell’Opera to protect and preserve it.
As we continued to walk around Florence, the feel of this city was so different to Rome. There was a much more relaxed feel to it, you could amble around slowly and freely whereas in Rome it felt a lot busier.
I buried myself in the history of the city and was captivated by the statues outside the Uffizi Gallery, a great way to end a walk around. I was particularly in awe of the statue depicting the beheading of Medusa (1554) by Benvenuto Cellini, an incredible reminder of the city’s deep mythological history.
Other ‘RB Moments’ Florence including gelato on the Ponte Vecchio and a walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo – the best free view of Florence perched on top of the hill to the south of the River Arno.
In 2025, Florence will once again be the nearest city to stay to visit Tuscany to watch Andrea Bocelli’s famous annual concert in his hometown of Lajatico. This year his son, Matteo Bocelli’ will perform a couple of nights later at the same venue, making it the perfect double bill! RB has trips already on sale for this unique event so do get in touch.
The final day of the tour took us to Venice, last but certainly not least as this is my favourite destination. As many will know, Venice is so unique and different from anywhere else in the world and just captures the imagination from the second you arrive.
We travelled in Club Executive this time with Trenitalia, and I have to say this was a wonderfully relaxing way to travel from Florence to Venice, and made the journey seem like no time at all. The rail system was efficient and made this Italian Trilogy and an enjoyable experience.
We were whisked to our hotel in a matter of minutes via private water taxi (another special ‘RB Moment’ and must for our clients to experience). We were staying right on the Grand Canal, the perfect place to base yourself and get out and get lost in the winding streets.
Venetian cuisine is heavily inspired by the waters the 118 islands sit on. The fish market was nearby the hotel and were treated to a few local delicacies to taste as a culinary welcome to Venetian culture. The seafood risotto was particularly excellent and complemented with a glass of chilled Bardolino Rosé.
One of the Venice highlights for me was a visit to Doges Palace (Palazzo Ducale) and with our timed tickets we skipped the queue and straight in to beat the crowds. The palace was thought to have been built around 1340 and housed all of the important Doges in Venice, this is where they would hold court.
Looking around the Bridge of Sighs and prisons was emotional, and I could only imagine what it felt like to experience this in real time, something that has to be seen to be believed. Timed tickets here are essential to beat the crowds and something we arrange for our clients.
The cherry on top of this fabulous Italian Trilogy was a performance of La Triviata. Set in a small Palazzo, the acoustics of the opera were at their very best. Moving from room to room for each Act gave a different dimension to experience. Powerful and immersive, even moving some of the group to tears with its final crescendo!
Whilst Venice is of course home to some wonderful historic landmarks, galleries and museums, the Biennale is also attracting visitors to see the various modern art pavilions focussing on different countries from around the world.
My MD, Oliver, recently visited and visited the exhibitions which run from April to November. They are a perfect place to visit for those who may have seen the main sights before but simply want to experience the magic of Venice once again.
We arrive at the final morning and just to finish in style, another private water taxi straight to the doors of Marco Polo Airport, there’s nothing quite like seeing Venice fade into the distance whilst speeding away on a boat James Bond Style.
To plan and book your holiday to Rome, Florence or Italy or further afield in Italy call Kayleigh at RB Collection on 01543 258631 or email vip@rbcollection.com.
All images © RB Collection, taken by Kayleigh & Oliver during their trips.
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