Itinerary - 7 Night Luxury Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Lucerne

Take the Eurostar to Paris and then connect onto the high speed TGV Lyria to Basel on the border between France and Switzerland before catching a local service to Lucerne. Check-in at the Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann for your overnight stay.

Lucerne is situated in an idyllic spot on the edge of the lake of the same name and ringed by mountains. Wander through the car-free old town with its half-timbered houses and pretty squares. Take a look at the famous bridges crossing the River Reuss such as the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) with its distinctive Water Tower and the Mill Bridge (Spreuerbrücke), the oldest covered bridge in Europe. Or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants on the lakefront.

Days 2 to 5

Lucerne to Desenzano

Travel from Lucerne to Desenzano del Garda via Milan in 1st Class. This journey takes you on a scenic adventure, through the magnificent alpine scenery of the Gotthard Pass. Watch as snow-capped mountains, dramatic waterfalls and stunning Swiss countryside roll by as you head down towards the Italian border.

Once in Desenzano del Garda, check in at the Villa Rosa Hotel for your 4 night stay.

Perfectly located along the shores of Lake Garda and with stunning views over the Italian Alps, Desenzano del Garda is ideal for relaxation, romance and charm. Spend 5 days in this peaceful town exploring the boutique shops and restaurants and relax on 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 del Garda 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 6

Desenzano to Verona

After breakfast, make the short journey from Desenzano to Verona in 1st class (journey time is approximately 30 minutes) and check in at the beautiful Due Torri Hotel for your overnight stay.

Full of relics from the glory days of the Roman Empire, Verona is an Italian gem. Spend an afternoon exploring the city's centro storico (old town) and discovering some of the Roman and Ronaneque architecture on show, such as the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore and the Roman Theatre. In the evening, enjoy a candlelit opera in the stunning setting of the famous Arena.

Day 7

Board the Orient Express

Board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon Orient Express at Verona Porta Nuova train 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 8

Arrive in London

Wake to views of the French countryside before enjoying breakfast served in your cabin. Shortly after, pull in to Paris Gare de l'Est for a brief stop before enjoying a sophisticated brunch as you head to Calais. Bid a fond farewell to the Orient Express as you travel under the Channel and connect onto the impressive British Pullman. Enjoy afternoon High Tea as you roll gently through the Kentish countryside all the way back to London.