Itinerary - 7 Night Holiday By Air + 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 comopolitan and elegant city, situated on the banks of the river Limmat. The city features an impressive number of art galleries and museums, among which the Swiss National Museum and the Kunsthaus are probably the most famous. 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.

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 famous pass across the border into Italy over the Alps. 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* Ai Mori d' Oriente Hotel for your three 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.

Days 3 and 4 - 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 let down whether you are visiting for the first time or have been before.

Spend two full days discovering the numerous attractions of this enchanitng City. St Martins Basilica, Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal 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 sparkling glass of prosecco.

Day 5 - Venice to Sirmione

Leave Venice in the morning and take the "Eurostar Italia" train to Desenzano Del Garda. Once in Desenzano, Sirmione is a 5 minute taxi drive away.

Check in at the Riel Hotel Sirmione for your 3 night stay.

Days 6 and 7 - Sirmione

Spend two days unwinding in the idyllic town of Sirmione. The town blends lifestyles of activity and relaxation wonderfully and provides opportunity for bike riding along the lakeside, exploring the Roman castles and frescos, or making the most of the fabulous gastronomy and Italian wines.

Railbookers recommends to wash away the stress with a thermal spa. Sirmione is famous for its natural spas making this a perfectly relaxing "Lake Garda" experience.

Day 8 - Sirmione to London

Take the train from Desenzano Del Garda to Verona and then connect to Verona Airport, before flying back with British Airways to London.

Railbookers recommends adding a night or two in Verona before travelling home. The city is a UNSECO World Heritage Site and famous for Romeo and Juliet and it's Roman ampitheatre. This would make a perfect place to end your holiday.