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Roman roads to Norman fortresses: A week of history based on Civilization VII

 

 

Sukriti Kapoor, Content Writer  ·  5 February 2025

civilization vii logo artwork

What if your favourite strategy game could inspire a real-world journey?

 

Interrail, in collaboration with the new Sid Meier’s Civilization VII game, takes you back in history to ancient Rome and the medieval Norman Empire. Discover Sicily’s sun-drenched ruins, explore Rome’s living testament to its formidable empire and soak in the Mediterranean allure of Genoa and Nice.

 

Next, marvel at Roman engineering in Nîmes, delve into art history in Arles, and step into Norman life in Caen's abbey and castle. Wrap it all up with the Tower of London's Norman past and a magical trip to York.

 

At the end, subscribe to our newsletter for an exciting opportunity – two lucky winners will receive an Interrail 1st Class 7 days in 1 month Global Pass and a game code for Sid Meier's Civilization VII: Founders Edition. Stay tuned for the next chapter where we’ll journey through yet another of Europe’s great empires.

Embark on a historic adventure

Experience the Roman Empire by train using a 4-day Global Pass or ride into the full adventure with a 7-day Global Pass. This route transforms your gaming world into a real-life odyssey, featuring these incredible destinations: 

 

  1. Sicily, Italy 🇮🇹
  2. Rome, Italy 🇮🇹
  3. Genoa, Italy 🇮🇹
  4. Nice, France 🇫🇷
  5. Nîmes, France 🇫🇷
  6. Caen, France 🇫🇷
  7. London, United Kingdom 🇬🇧
  8. York, United Kingdom 🇬🇧
A map of the suggested route from the Roman to the Norman empire

Recommended Passes

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4 travel days

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  • Travel on any 4 days within 1 month
  • Perfect for visiting 3–5 destinations
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Global Pass

7 travel days

From

  • Travel on any 7 days within 1 month
  • Perfect for visiting 6–8 destinations
  • 100% refundable within 7 days—90% or more after

Trip details

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily on a sunny day

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily on a sunny day

Sicily, Italy

Why it's worth visiting:

Your adventure begins in the sun-kissed landscapes of Sicily, an island filled with archaeological treasures dating back to the Roman Empire and beyond. Sicily has a vibrant history that is sure to captivate travellers.

What to do:
  • Step back in time to the 5th century BCE at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of the largest archaeological sites in Europe, which holds the remains of seven Greek temples. 
  • Visit the Greek theatre in Syracuse, set atop a hill overlooking the city. This well-preserved ancient theatre offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and hosts performances every summer. 
  • Explore the bustling streets of Catania with its Roman amphitheatres and baroque architecture, such as the striking Piazza del Duomo and the unique Elephant Fountain (an emblem of the city).
Suggested route
  • From: Catania Central station
  • To: Roma Termini station
  • Average travel time: 11h 07m
  • Transfers: 0
  • Seat reservations: Required
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View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
The iconic Colosseum in Rome at dusk, lit up from within

The iconic Colosseum in Rome at dusk, lit up from within

 

 

A still of the Colosseum in Rome from Sid Meier's Civilization VII game

A still of the Colosseum in Rome from Sid Meier's Civilization VII game

Rome, Italy

Why it's worth visiting:

Simultaneously modern and steeped in history, the heart of the Roman Empire can feel like a living museum showcasing a glimpse into life as it was hundreds of years ago.

What to do:
  • Immerse yourself in ancient Roman life as you marvel at the scale of the Colosseum, the largest standing amphitheatre in the world, and imagine being a part of the lively debates that once took place at the Roman Forum
  • Witness ancient Roman grandiosity up-close at the Villa Adriana – an elaborate villa complex just outside of Rome. Dating back to the 2nd century, Villa Adriana includes more than 30 buildings surrounded by baths, gardens, pavilions, water fountains and intricate sculptures. 
  • Hop on the train for a day trip to Pompeii – see the preserved Roman villas, baths and amphitheatre while learning about the eruption of the towering Mount Vesuvius that left this city frozen in time.
Suggested route
  • From: Roma Termini station
  • To: Genova Brignole station
  • Average travel time: 4h 20m
  • Transfers: 0
  • Seat reservations: Required
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View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
The vibrant village of Boccadasse

The vibrant village of Boccadasse

Genoa, Italy

Why it's worth visiting:

Explore Liguria, the historic Roman province where Genoa thrived as a vital hub of trade and culture. While few Roman structures have withstood the test of time, visitors can still trace the city's ancient roots by visiting the Historical Aqueduct, a testament to the Roman ingenuity that once shaped this bustling port city.

What to do:
  • Spend a day at Boccadasse, an old fishing village in Genoa. Dotted with pastel-coloured houses with green shutters, stone staircases and fishing boats swaying with the waves of the sea next to a small, pebbled beach, a visit to this village soothes the soul. 
  • When you’re done soaking up the sun, grab a seat at a trattoria and treat yourself to local specialities such as Genovese pesto, Pansotti (a type of stuffed pasta) with walnut sauce and a slice of Sacripantina cake.
Suggested route
  • From: Genova P.Za Principe station
  • To: Nice Ville station
  • Average travel time: 3h 30m
  • Transfers: 1
  • Seat reservations: Not required
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View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
A glimpse of the Roman ruins at Cimiez, Nice

A glimpse of the Roman ruins at Cimiez, Nice

Nice, France

Why it's worth visiting:

A breathtaking coastal city beloved by travellers year-round, Nice is not only a haven for sun-seekers but also a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts. Once home to Cemenelum, a prominent Roman military outpost that now forms part of modern-day Nice, the city offers a unique glimpse into Roman influence in France.

What to do:
  • Visit Cimiez, a neighbourhood of Nice that was once called Cemenelum. Perched on a hill, the Roman ruins of Cimiez include the remains of an amphitheatre, baths and an early Christian basilica.
  • Make your way to the daily market at Cours Saleya in Old Nice where you'll find stunning floral arrangements, fresh local produce and artisanal breads. Depending on the day, you can also browse unique treasures like handmade arts and crafts, jewellery and antiques.
Suggested route
  • From: Nice Ville station
  • To: Nîmes station via Arles station
  • Average travel time: 4h 25m
  • Transfers: 2
  • Seat reservations: Not required
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View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
The architecturally astounding Pont du Gard

The architecturally astounding Pont du Gard

Nîmes, France

Why it's worth visiting:

Nîmes and its surrounding region are home to some of the most well-preserved Roman monuments outside Italy. Over the centuries, these sites have continued to evolve from shelters to residential spaces and event venues while retaining their historical significance.

What to do:
  • On the way from Nice to Nîmes, stop in Arles, a city renowned for its Roman ruins and for inspiring the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh during his stay there. Walk in the footsteps of the artist as you explore the city, from L’espace Van Gogh to the Place du Forum and the banks of the river Rhône.
  • Explore Nîmes’ Roman heritage, beginning with the magnificent Arena of Nîmes, a well-preserved amphitheatre that today hosts concerts and events. The amphitheatre was once used as a fortress and was later developed into a walled town with houses until its restoration in the 19th century. 
  • Walk across the ancient aqueduct of the Pont du Gard, a marvel of 1st century Roman engineering that spans the Gardon River. The scenic surroundings make it the perfect spot for a riverside picnic.
Suggested route
  • From: Nîmes station
  • To: Caen station
  • Average travel time: 5h 49m
  • Transfers: 1
  • Seat reservations: Required
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View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
The Romanesque Abbey of Saint-Étienne, Caen

The Romanesque Abbey of Saint-Étienne, Caen

Caen, France

Why it's worth visiting:

The northern French city of Caen was a significant part of the Norman Empire with ties to William the Conqueror and a rich medieval heritage.

What to do:
  • Tour Caen’s Abbey of Saint-Étienne, a former Benedictine monastery founded by William the Conqueror that houses his tomb and showcases quintessential Romanesque architecture. 
  • Explore Château de Caen, an imposing fortress with a dry moat around the castle. Spend an afternoon at the museums inside the complex which detail the history of the Normans and medieval life. 
  • Stroll through Caen’s historic centre, dotted with charming half-timbered houses, picturesque squares and local markets offering Norman delicacies.
Suggested route
  • From: Caen station
  • To: London St Pancras International station
  • Average travel time: 6h 30m
  • Transfers: 1
  • Seat reservations: Required
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View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
The remarkable White Tower castle in the Tower of London

The formidable White Tower castle in the Tower of London

 

 

A still of the White Tower in London from Sid Meier's Civilization VII game

A still of the White Tower castle in London from Sid Meier's Civilization VII game

London, United Kingdom

Why it's worth visiting:

View London through the lens of its Norman influences, from the Tower of London to the Westminster Abbey. In the 11th century, the Norman Empire had constructed three fortresses across London to demonstrate its dominion over the city. Today, only one such castle remains.

What to do:
  • Visit the White Tower castle in the Tower of London, built by William the Conqueror along the Thames River to fortify the presence of the Norman Empire in England. Once inside the castle, don’t miss the Romanesque St John’s Chapel, which was once a private place of worship for Norman royalty. 
  • Wander through Westminster Abbey and behold its millennium-spanning history. Over the years, the abbey has hosted the coronations of several kings and queens, a tradition started by William the Conqueror, thought to have been the first king coronated at Westminster Abbey. 
  • Head to Southwark, the farthest that William the Conqueror reached in his march to London in October 1066. Grab a bite at Borough Market and, if you’re a theatre fan, catch a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe.
Suggested route
  • From: London Kings Cross station
  • To: York station
  • Average travel time: 1h 50m
  • Transfers: 0
  • Seat reservations: Required
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View train connections and reservation options in the timetable.
The remarkable York Minster as viewed from above

The remarkable York Minster as viewed from above

York, United Kingdom

Why it's worth visiting:

After experiencing London, dig deeper into the history of the Norman Empire in England with a day trip to York. With its stunning moorland, Jurassic-age coastline and Roman city walls, this city has so much to offer for nature-lovers, history-buffs and even fantasy-fiction fans!

What to do:
  • Visit Clifford’s Tower, the remaining keep of the Norman York Castle, which went from being a motte and bailey castle to a court and then a prison site until the early 20th century. The former castle grounds now house the York Castle Museum
  • Marvel at the York Minster, an impressive Gothic cathedral built on the site of a Norman-style cathedral during the 11th century. Afterwards, delve into the city’s Viking past and pre-Norman heritage at the Jorvik Viking Centre
  • Unwind at one of the cafés in the Shambles, a medieval shopping street with timber-framed buildings that once held stalls owned by Norman nobility. Harry Potter fans, look out: many people believe that this street was the inspiration for Diagon Alley.

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