Itinerary - 6 Night Holiday by Air + Rail

Day 1

London to Zurich

Travel on the Eurostar from London to Paris, where you transfer onto the famous TGV train to Zurich. Speed through the French Champagne region passing quaint French villages and picturesque countryside before arriving into Zurich in time for dinner.

Check in at the Hotel du Théâtre for your overnight stay. Located within the enchanting old town, the Du Theatre is a modern hotel with its own stylish restaurant.

Zurich is Switzerland's most cosmopolitan and elegant city, situated on the banks of the river Limmat. The city features an impressive number of art galleries and museums, among which are the Swiss National Museum and the Kunsthaus. Spend the evening by the lake in the old town district of Niederdorf, famous for its bars, restaurants and lounges.

Day 2

Zurich to Rome

Take the train from Zurich through the Swiss Alps, along the Gotthard Pass and over Lake Lugano on the Swiss border with Italy. The train travels down to Milan, where you change trains before travelling through Tuscan countryside to Rome.

On arrival, check in to the Mascagni Rome for your overnight stay.

Spend the evening in Rome, absorbing the ancient architectural wonders of the Eternal City. Climb up the Spanish Steps, visit the stunning Sistine Chapel or take a peaceful stroll through the pretty Villa Borghese gardens. Sample the tasty cuisine within one Rome's buzzing piazzas or Il Pigneto, the fashionable, bohemian district brimming with bars and restaurants.

Day 3

Rome to Olbia

Following breakfast, journey the short distance from Rome to the small port town of Civitavecchia. From here transfer to the ferry port and board the boat to Olbia. Journey time is approximately 5 hours and the majority of ferry services offer an à la carte restaurant, bars, swimming pool and a solarium to ensure a comfortable journey. Private cabins are also available - please call our travel consultants for details.

Enjoy a traditional lunch on board and relax on the top deck as the Sardinian coastline appears on the horizon and you arrive at Olbia dock.

On arrival, check in for your 2 night stay at the Mercure Olbia Hermaea, located just a short distance from the port, golden beaches and the beautiful Costa Smerelda. Spend the evening in Olbia's vibrant Piazza Regina Margherita, full of restaurants serving traditional Sardinian cuisine.

Day 4

Olbia

Spend a full day in Olbia. Saunter along Viale Aldo More and Corso Umberto lined with fashion boutiques and jewellery shops. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the local market comes to Olbia featuring a plethora of local delicacies along with typical Sardinian handicrafts.

Alternatively take a day trip to the island of Tavolara, just ten kilometres from the coast of Olbia, where underwater corals and tropical fish attract hundreds of scuba divers each year.

Day 5

Olbia to Cagliari

Take the regional train (tickets are payable locally) through Sardinia and onwards to the capital, Cagliari. The four hour journey takes you through pretty towns such as Abbasanta, San Gavino and the ancient commune of Decimomannu.

Arrive at lunchtime and check in at the Miramare Cagliari for your 2 night stay. Perfectly located on the waterfront, the Miramare is a fabulous base for your stay.

Head to the higher ground of the Castillo district, where locals enjoy bars carved out of ancient caves, rumoured to have been dug out by Romans. Alternatively take a wander along the harbour and Via Roma where plenty of shops and boutiques await.

Day 6

Cagliari

After a leisurely breakfast, spend another day exploring Cagliari. Visit the wonderful museums on offer in the Castillo district, including the Museo Archeologic which features fascinating collections from the island dating back to 1800BC. Head to the golden sands of the city's main beach, Poetto to enjoy the sun with the locals. The beach stretches for five kilometres and is within easy reach from the city centre.

Alternatively, burn some calories by climbing the steps (or take the lift!) to the medieval fortress of Bastione di San Remy for stunning views across the city and the impressive coastline.

For dinner, head to the Marina district to streets such as Via Sardegna where restaurants serve freshly caught seafood washed down with local Sardinian wine.

Day 7

Cagliari to London

Spend a last morning in the capital before flying home with British Airways to London.