Itinerary - 6 Night Luxury Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Zurich

Travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, then transfer onto the TGV Lyria train which zips through the French countryside at speeds of up to 320 kmph. On arrival in Zurich, check in at the Schweizerhof Hotel for an 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. Don’t miss the impressive Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches, whose clock faces stare at each other across the River Limmat.

Day 2

Zurich to Florence

The following morning, take the train from Zurich to Florence via Milan enjoying spectacular scenery as you cross the Gotthard Pass with amazing views of the Swiss Alps. The train then travels down into the Italian speaking Swiss region of Ticino, passing by Lake Lugano and carrying on into Italy with glimpses of Lake Como and Milan before arriving in Florence.

On arrival in Florence check in at the Relais Santa Croce Florence for a 2 night stay.

Day 3

Florence

Spend a full day in this Renaissance city discovering all that Florence has to offer. 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. Also, don’t miss out on a walk across Florence's "bridge of gold", laden with jewellers and goldsmiths and offering beautiful views across the Arno river.

Day 4

Florence to Venice

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before you take the train from Florence to Venice. On arrival in Venice check in at the Ca'Sagredo Hotel for a 2 night stay.

Venice, ‘the floating city’ still casts its spell on throngs of visitors each year as it has done since the 18th century, when it became a major hub for the original Grand Tour. The city is made up 117 islands stretched across the Venetian lagoon and has long been hailed as one of the most beautiful and exceptional cities in the world.

Discover for yourself the Queen of the Adriatic with a gondola ride down the Grand Canal, a stroll through the city’s labyrinthine streets and campos (squares) or by just sitting in a pavement café and enjoying the spectacular views.

Day 5

Venice

Continue your exploration of Venice by visiting some of the Venetian masterpieces such as the Basilica of San Marco adorned with Byzantine architecture and glimmering angels dotted across the ceilings. Alternatively take a stroll along St. Mark's Basin up the waterfront promenade, with the bell towers of San Giorgio Maggiore on the left and San Marco on the right.

Stop for a glass of prosecco in the heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco on your return. After dinner, take a boat trip along the Canal Grande and marvel at the beautiful lights which illuminate it as you pass under the famous Rialto Bridge.

Day 6

Board the Venice Simplon Orient Express

Board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon Orient Express at Venice Santa Lucia station. Your steward will show you to your private compartment, before you enjoy a three-course lunch as you gaze at the beautiful passing scenery of the Italian Dolomites and the Austrian and Swiss Alps. Afternoon tea is served in your compartment. A four-course dinner is served in the evening.

Day 7

Arrive in London

The train arrives in Paris after breakfast and a delicious brunch is served in the restaurant cars as you travel on towards the French coast for the Channel crossing. On arrival in Folkestone join the cream and umber carriages of the British Pullman for the journey to London. A traditional English afternoon tea accompanied by a glass of champagne is served to you at your table and you watch the gentle scenery of Kent pass by. Suddenly, you are drawing into London Victoria station.