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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Bologna by First Class Rail

Seven-day first-class rail loop from London through Paris, Turin, Bologna to Basel

Illustration of Bologna by First Class Rail

Bologna by First Class Rail is a 7-day independent journey arranged by Planet Rail, beginning in London and ending in Basel. You travel in First Class throughout, beginning with Eurostar to Paris (with light meal and drinks in Standard Premier), then high-speed and scenic trains through France and into Italy. After one night in Turin, where you explore the Egyptian Museum and cathedral, you settle into Bologna for four full days. This medieval city, adorned with terracotta buildings and miles of covered walkways called porticos, ranks among Europe's best-preserved historic centres and is famed as Italy's culinary capital. Your final rail leg crosses the Simplon Pass into Switzerland, passing Lake Lucerne, before a night in Basel and your return to London by Eurostar. Accommodation spans a 5-star hotel in Turin, a 4-star property in Bologna's historic centre, and a 4-star hotel in Basel, with private taxi transfers between Paris stations included.

What to know before you look closer

  • Taxi from Turin station to your hotel is not included and must be paid locally.
  • The package is independent and self-guided; no escort or guide accompanies the journey.

Day by day

  1. 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).

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar departs London St Pancras at speeds up to 186mph, with light meal and drinks served in Standard Premier Class.
  • Day 2Morning exploring Turin: walk under the arcades to Piazza Castello, visit the Egyptian Museum and the cathedral housing the Shroud of Turin.
  • Day 3Discover Bologna's ancient twin towers, the Asinelli Tower and Garisenda Tower, considered second only to Venice in beauty by many Italians.
  • Day 6Travel in First Class through the scenic Simplon Pass into Switzerland, passing sparkling Lake Lucerne before arriving in Basel.

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)

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. The price covers Eurostar Standard Premier service (London to Paris and return) and First Class rail throughout France, Italy and Switzerland, plus private taxi transfers between Paris stations.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Planet Rail arranges a tailor-made itinerary, but the journey is independent and self-guided; you travel on your own.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar to and from Paris; high-speed trains Paris to Turin and Basel to Paris; trains Turin to Bologna and Bologna to Basel via Milan (the latter passes through the Simplon Pass).
What hotels are included?
Grand Hotel Sitea (5 star) in Turin for 1 night, Art Hotel Commercianti (4 star) in Bologna for 4 nights, and Hotel Gaia (4 star) in Basel for 1 night.
How much walking should I expect?
Moderate. Days in Bologna and Turin involve strolling through historic centres, exploring porticos, and visits to museums and churches. You make your own way around the cities.

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