Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Swiss Mountains & Italian Lakes
First-Class escorted rail tour of Swiss lakes, mountains and Italy's Lake Como
10 daysfrom $5,608
80% rail
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
Bologna by First Class Rail
Journey to Bologna by first-class rail and discover Italy's culinary capital, rich history and stunning medieval architecture.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Turin
London to Turin
Start at London St Pancras International and travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph, with a light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class. On arrival at Paris Gare du Nord you are transferred by taxi to the Gare de Lyon to continue by high-speed train through France to Turin. Overnight at the highly-rated Grand Hotel Sitea (5 star).
- Day 2overnight: Bologna
Turin to Bologna
A morning to explore Turin: stroll under the arcades to Piazza Castello, discover the celebrated Egyptian Museum and the cathedral, original home of the Shroud of Turin. Later travel in First Class to Bologna and make your own way to the elegant Art Hotel Commercianti (4 star) in the historical centre, your base for the next four nights.
- Day 3overnight: Bologna
Exploring Bologna
Three full days to discover Bologna, famed for its ancient two towers, the Asinelli Tower and Garisenda Tower, and its cuisine. Considered second only to Venice in beauty by many Italians, it has one of the largest and best preserved historic centres among Italian cities.
- Day 4overnight: Bologna
Exploring Bologna
Wander the miles of attractive covered walkways known as porticos, among the best-preserved in Europe, and admire the city's palette of terracotta reds, burnt oranges and warm yellows that earned it the name Bologna la rossa.
- Day 5overnight: Bologna
Exploring Bologna
Explore the pedestrianised city centre on foot, from the Piazza del Nettuno to the Piazza Maggiore, home of the official tourist information centres. Bologna is also the seat of the oldest university in continental Europe, founded in 1088.
- Day 6railovernight: Basel
Bologna to Basel
Join the train back to Milan in your comfortable First Class seat, then change at Milan Centrale for the wonderfully scenic journey through the Simplon Pass into Switzerland, passing sparkling Lake Lucerne before arriving in Basel. Overnight at the family-run GAIA Hotel (4 star) close to the station, with time to explore the Old Town or cruise the River Rhine.
- Day 7rail
Basel to London - Homeward bound
Join the high-speed train back to Paris, where your private taxi transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord. Board the Eurostar and savour the light meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service, returning to London St Pancras International.
Included
- Eurostar Standard Premier service between London and Paris with light meal and drinks served on board
- First Class rail travel throughout the journey (Paris to Turin, Turin to Bologna, Bologna to Basel via Milan, Basel to Paris)
- Private taxi transfers between the stations in Paris
- 1 night at the Grand Hotel Sitea, Turin (5 star)
- 4 nights at the Art Hotel Commercianti, Bologna (4 star)
- 1 night at the Hotel Gaia, Basel (4 star)
Not included
- Taxi or public transport from Turin station to your hotel (payable locally)
