Itinerary - 7 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 Helmhaus Zurich 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. Enjoy typical Swiss cuisine such as the delicious raclette or fondue before taking a stroll along the beautiful Lake Zurich. Don’t miss the impressive Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches, whose clock faces stare at each other across the River Limmat.

Days 2 and 3

Rome

After breakfast, take the Eurocity train from Zurich to Rome via Milan. Relax whilst the train cuts through the Alps on the famous Brenner 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 Rome station in the afternoon.

On arrival, check in at the Mascagni Rome for your 2 night stay.

Discover the Eternal City at your own pace. From the striking walls of the Colosseum to the sacred Vatican City, Rome is the largest open-air museum in the world. Stop for an ice-cream on the steps of the Trevi fountain or wait until dinner to enjoy a proper Roman pizza in one of the countless trattorias.

Day 4

Rome to Salerno

After breakfast take the high speed Eurostar Italia train to the Southern Italian city of Salerno. The journey time is just over 2 hours and you pass through the vibrant city of Naples.

On arrival, check in at the Grand Hotel Salerno for an overnight stay.

Capital of Campania, Salerno is an important cultural centre of Italy with a rich history and lively atmosphere. Take a stroll through the charming Old Town, wonderfully preserved and home to quaint shops and ancient passageways. Visit the impressive 12th Century Duomo De Salerno and walk up the Lungomare - Salerno's main street lined with palm trees and overlooking the stunning Amalfi coastline. Salerno offers wonderful views and many restaurants to enjoy a tasty, traditional pizza.

Days 5 to 7

Taormina

Leave Salerno and take the Intercity train to Sicily. The train travels south through the Italian countryside and once at the Straits of Messina the train boards a boat to take you from mainland Italy to Sicily. The train then continues along the coast to the famous resort town of Taormina.

On arrival, check in at the Excelsior Palace Taormina for your 3 night stay.

Surrounded by stunning natural beauty such as the impressive Mount Etna and sweeping bays alongside the Mediterranean sea, Taormina is a picture perfect destination. The city still holds an abundance of cultural sights such as the striking Greek Theatre where performances still take place, the 13th century Cathedral of Saint Nicola and the16th century Palace of the Dukes of San Stefano, all worth visiting during your stay.

Corso Umberto, the city's prime shopping street is home to elegant boutiques, classy cafes and plenty of trattorias and pizzerias to experience the world famous Sicilian cuisine (and wine of course!).

Day 8

Taormina to London

Travel from Taormina to Catania and then fly with British Airways back to London in Euro Traveller class.