Itinerary - 8 Night Holiday by Air + Rail

Day 1

London to Pisa

Take a BA flight from London Gatwick to Pisa. On arrival in Pisa, check in at the NH Cavalieri Hotel for an overnight stay.

Pisa is a lovely Tuscan city, situated on the banks of the River Arno. Once you have settled in at your hotel, why not begin your exploration in the Piazza del Duomo? This grand square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains an awe-inspiring assembly of architecture including the famous Leaning Tower and the city’s medieval Cathedral.

In the evening, head out to the bars and restaurants along the banks of the river or around the lovely Piazza del Cavalieri.

Day 2

Pisa to Lucca

After breakfast this morning, catch the regional train service from Pisa, through rolling Tuscan countryside to Lucca (journey time around 3 hours). On arrival in Lucca, check in at the San Luca Palace Hotel for a 2 night stay.

Located on the River Serchio, Lucca is a typically beautiful Tuscan city which was once the second largest in Italy after Venice. Occupied by the Romans in 180BC, the city still retains some traces of Roman architecture as well as almost intact Renaissance city walls.

Day 3

Lucca

Spend a full day exploring this stunning city. Get great views of Lucca’s umber roof tops from the Torre Guinigi along the pedestrianised city walls. Wander around the beautiful gardens of the Palazzo Pfanner, visit the Roman Amphitheatre or take a tour of the recently re-opened Casa di Puccini, sometime home of operatic composer Giacomo Puccini and now a museum of his life and work.

Day 4

Lucca to Florence

Take a regional train this morning from Lucca to Florence (journey time around an hour and 20 minutes) and on arrival, check in at the Hotel Kraft Florence where you will stay for 3 nights.

Florence is the famous capital of the Tuscan region and has been ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was the birthplace of the Renaissance movement and has been home to countless artists and writers over the centuries.

Days 5 and 6

Florence

Spend two full days soaking up the atmosphere of Florence.

Don’t miss the incredible Duomo with its distinctive black and white exterior and famous dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi. Visit one of the world’s largest art collections at the historic Uffizi Gallery (and get your tickets in advance to avoid the queues!). Shop for leather goods and jewellery on the Ponte Vecchio and for a break from the crowds, get a birds-eye view of the city from the terraces of the tranquil Boboli Gardens.

Day 7

Florence to Munich

Spend another day in Florence and enjoy your last Tuscan meal in the evening before catching a City Night Line sleeper service from the Santa Maria Novella station to Munich. Your attendant will take your ticket and give you the key to your private compartment where you can settle in and relax as the train heads through Bologna and Verona to the Austrian border.

Day 8

Munich

Arrive early this morning into Munich and check in at the Courtyard Munich City Centre, situated only a few minutes walk from the station.

Munich is the historic capital of Bavaria with grand avenues, royal palaces and lovely urban parks. Enjoy a morning coffee in the central Marianplatz before exploring the wealth of museums, monuments and galleries on offer. Why not take a walking tour to get you orientated and learn something about Munich's chequered history?

No visit to Munich would be complete without an evening drink at the historic Hofbrähaus, originally built in 1598, where you can enjoy a mass accompanied by Bavarian specialities.

Day 9

Munich to London

After breakfast this morning, leave Munich for your service to Cologne. You have time in Cologne for a quick lunch by the cathedral before catching an onward service to Brussels and then the Eurostar back to London or Ebbsfleet.