Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Best of Tuscany, Bologna, Como & Bernina Express

Best of Tuscany, Bologna, Como & Bernina Express, a rail journey with Vacations By Rail

A one-of-a-kind Italian vacation, delve into Tuscany’s Renaissance gems, Emilia-Romagna’s gastronomic cities and elegant Lake Como, and travel to Switzerland on the spectacular Bernina Express.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Montecatini Terme

    Arriving in the beautiful Tuscan city of Montecatini Terme

    Arrive independently in Italy and make your own way to the spa town of Montecatini Terme for a three-night stay. Meet the Tour Manager and fellow travelers for dinner this evening.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Montecatini Terme

    Exploring Tuscany's Renaissance capital, Florence

    A short rail trip to Florence for a guided tour taking in the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the Accademia Gallery (including Michelangelo's David), with the afternoon free.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Montecatini Terme

    Pizza, wine and old-world charms in San Gimignano

    A coach excursion to the 13-generation Tenuta Torciano wine estate for a pizza-making experience, lunch and wine tasting, then free time in the UNESCO hill town of San Gimignano.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  4. Day 4overnight: Parma

    An indulgent journey in Italy's culinary capital

    Coach to Bologna for a guided tour of Piazza Maggiore, Neptune's Fountain and the leaning "Two Towers", plus a gastronomic tour of a medieval market and artisan shops, before continuing to Parma for a two-night stay.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Parma

    Getting to know the charming city of Parma

    A morning walking tour of Parma's Palazzo Ducale, Baptistery, Piazza Garibaldi and Duomo, followed by a coach trip to Langhirano to tour a Parma ham factory and enjoy a tasting and lunch.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  6. Day 6overnight: Como

    Milan's stunning Duomo and Alpine views in Lake Como

    Travel toward Como via Milan for a guided tour of the Gothic Duomo (including rooftop access) and Castello Sforzesco, before continuing to Como for a three-night stay.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Como

    Cruising the picturesque waters of Lake Como to Bellagio

    A guided walk through Como's Old Town and Duomo, then a boat cruise across Lake Como to Bellagio, the "Pearl of Lake Como", with a free afternoon before cruising back.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8railovernight: Como

    Crossing the Swiss Alps on the Bernina Express

    Coach transfer to Tirano to board the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express in reverse to St Moritz, passing the Palü Glacier and the Brusio corkscrew viaduct, with free time in St Moritz before returning to Como.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9

    Traveling home

    Check out of the hotel this morning and begin onward travels home independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 8 nights' 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
  • First Class rail travel
  • All rail, boat and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast each day, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

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