Itinerary - 6 Night Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Zurich

Travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, then transfer onto the TGV EST train which zips through the French countryside at speeds of 320 kmph. On arrival in Zurich check in at your hotel the Hotel du Théâtre for your overnight stay.

Spend the evening by the lake in the old town district of Niederdorf, famous for its bars, restaurants, lounges and fashion shops for the young and stylish. Sample Swiss delicacies such as fondue or raclette before enjoying a walk along the charming streets alongside Lake Zurich. Don’t miss the impressive Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches, whose clock faces stare at each other across the River Limmat.

Day 2

Zurich to Como

After breakfast, take the Eurocity train from Zurich to Lake Como. Relax whilst the train cuts through the Alps on the famous Gotthard pass across the border into Italy. As well as the stunning mountain scenery the train runs next to Lakes Lugano, Chiasso and on to Lake Como.

Check in at your hotel the Metropole & Suisse Hotel Como for your 2 night stay in a beautiful, Superior Lake View room.

Day 3

Como

Lake Como is the third largest in Italy and also one of the deepest lakes in Europe. Its stunning location, ringed by mountains, has made it a popular destination for the rich and famous since Roman times. Now you could bump into George Clooney, Richard Branson or Madonna – all have villas here.

Soak up the sunshine with a stroll alongside the water or spend an afternoon visiting the small, pretty towns aboard one of the numerous ferries which circumnavigate the waters. Feast on delicious cuisine and discover Lake Como's exquisite villas, the most famous one is Villa Carlotta, a combination of luxurious interiors and art collections.

Day 4

Como to Florence

After breakfast, take the short 30 minute journey by Eurocity train to Milan before transferring onto the Eurostar Italia onto Florence. Pass by Italian fields and vineyards and the picturesque city of Bologna before arriving in Florence.

Check in at your hotel the Hotel Kraft Florence for your 2 night stay.

Day 5

Florence

Spend 2 days visiting some of the delightful sights of Florence. Take a walk through the buzzing squares of Piazza San Giovanni (with its spectacular cathedral), the Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce featuring Renaissance palaces decorated with frescos. Don’t miss a walk across Florence's "bridge of gold", laden with jewellers and goldsmiths and offering beautiful views across the Arno river.

Alternatively, take a day trip to another of Tuscany's pretty destinations such as Siena or Lucca, only 1 hour 30 minutes away, for a true taste of Tuscany at these delightful towns full of history. Enjoy a traditional Siennese evening meal - perhaps the pappardelle sulla lepre (pasta with hare), washed down with a glass of Chianti classico before journeying back to Florence.

Day 6

Florence to Turin

Travel to Turin (journey time approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes) enjoying glimpses of the Tuscan and Lombard countryside as it whisks by the window, all from the comfort of your seat.

Check in to the Town House 70 Turin for your overnight stay.

Enjoy strolling the streets of Turin for an afternoon. As a city with numerous cultural institutions such as the Palazzo Carignano, home to the first Italian Parliament and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, the city is a dynamic and important part of Italian history.

Day 7

Turin to London

From Turin, travel the scenic 5 and a half hour journey to Paris catching glimpses of the French Alps, before stopping for lunch in the romantic French capital or transferring straight onto your Eurostar back to London.

Prefer to fly?

Railbookers can organise flights to and from your destination of choice if you fancy flying one or both ways. Please call our travel consultants for details.