Itinerary - 6 Night Holiday by 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 your overnight stay.

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, lounges and fashion shops for the young and stylish.

Day 2

Zurich to Desenzano

After breakfast, take the Eurocity train from Zurich to Desenzano via Milan. 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 and Como. After a quick change over in Milan you arrive into Desenzano station in the afternoon.

Check int o the Villa Rosa Hotel for your 2 night stay.

Thanks to its beautiful Alpine setting and unspoilt, stunning beaches, Desenzano attracts visitors from across Europe who come to relax on its sandy shores. As the heart of southern Garda, Desenzano's Piazza Malvezzi and Piazza Matteotti are the perfect places to enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere.

Day 3

Desenzano

Spend your second day enjoying one of the three spotless and sparkling beaches of Desenzano. Take a refreshing swim in the lake before taking a break for lunch at one of the quaint trattorias by the harbour. Alternatively, take a ferry trip from Desenzano Port to discover the real beauty of Lake Garda passing by charming towns such as Sirmione and Riva where you can hop off for a couple of hours to enjoy the sights.

Day 4

Desenzano to Florence

Travel from Desenzano to Florence and check in to the Hotel Kraft Florence for your 2 night stay.

Spend the afternoon 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 Ponte Vecchio, "bridge of gold", named for its jewellers and goldsmiths and offering beautiful views across the Arno river.

Relax on one of Florence's pretty terraces and enjoy some Tuscan delicacies such as pappa al pomodoro and schiacciata alla fiorentina (tasty Tuscan sponge cake).

Day 5

Florence

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before spending the day in Florence at your own leisure. Take a day trip to another of Tuscany's pretty destinations such as Siena or Lucca or discover the reasons behind Florence's reputation as the "capital of art". Visit the most famous museum in Florence, the Uffizi which houses works by Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Alternatively visit more of Italy's famous churches such as the San Lorenzo, Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce.

Day 6

Florence to Turin

Travel to Turin (journey time approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes) enjoying fabulous views along the way. Pass by rolling streams and impressive alpine scenery, 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 five and a half hour journey to Paris catching glimpses of the French Alps, before stopping for lunch in romantic Paris or transferring straight onto your Eurostar back to London.