Itinerary - 6 Night Holiday By Rail

Day 1 - London to Zurich

Travel on the Eurostar 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 for 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. Don’t miss the impressive Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches, whose clock faces stare at each other across the River Limmat.

Railbookers recommends adding an extra night to your holiday in Zurich so you can have a full day to explore this beautiful lakeside city.

Day 2 - Zurich to Venice

Depart Zurich in the morning and travel to Venice via Milan on one of the most scenic routes in Europe, the Gotthard Pass. Relax whilst the train cuts through the Alps and down 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 Venice's famous Santa Lucia station in the early afternoon.

Check in to the 4* Palazzo Giovanelli Venice for your 2 night stay.

Railbookers recommends upgrading to 1st class on your journey through the Gotthard Pass for reclining seats, more leg room and extra space for luggage.

Day 3 - Venice

Stretched across 117 islands within the Venetian Lagoon, Venice is one of a kind. Famed for its artists, romance and beauty, Venice is never a disappointment whether you are visiting for the first time or many times.

Spend the day discovering the numerous attractions of this enchanting City. St Martins Basilica, Piazza San Marco and the Doge's Palace to name a few. Treat yourself to a classic gondola ride through the maze of canals before tucking in to some cicchetti (Italian tapas), washed down with a glass of sparkling prosecco.

Day 4 - Venice to Florence

Travel on the Eurostar Italia, passing by quaint villages and fields before arriving just 1 hour and a half later to Florence.

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 "bridge of gold", laden with 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 (the 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.

Railbookers recommends Railbookers can offer tours in Florence. Visit Renaissance inspired art and architecture, bustling markets and gorgeous views all with your own professional guide. Our favourites are the Skip the Line - Florence Uffizi Gallery Tickets, Florence Walking Tour and Florence Segway Tour!

Day 6 - Florence to Turin

Travel to Turin (journey time approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes) enjoying fabulous views on your way. Pass by rolling streams and impressive mountain scenes 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, Turin is a dynamic and important part of Italian history.

Not only famous for it's culture, Turin is renowned for its "slow food" concept and fantastic chocolate. The "gianduiotto", is the city's most celebrated chocolate sweet, made of a coca-hazelnut paste, dating back to the 19th century and is celebrated in Turin's own chocolate festival "Cioccolatò" held every March in Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

Day 7 - Turin to London

From Turin, travel the scenic 5 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.

Special occasion?

Are you celebrating a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon? Railbookers has some great upgrade options to make your trip extra special -

Schweizerhof Zurich - Enjoy top class butler service, gorgeous rooms and great French cuisine in this special hotel just opposite the station.

Bauer Hotel Venice - This beautiful boutique hotel is the perfect way to enjoy an extra special Venetian trip!

Savoy Hotel Florence - Classicaly Italian and beautifully decorated, this hotel is only a few minutes walk from the Ponte Vecchio. 3=2 offers available in 2010 and 2011!

Grand Hotel Sitea Turin - Within the centre of Turin, this elegant hotel features a classical restaurant serving Piedmontese specialities.