Great Rail Journeys
Best of Switzerland
Eight-day independent Swiss tour on Bernina, Glacier and GoldenPass Express trains
8 daysfrom $3,639
63% rail
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
Florence by First Class Rail
Travel in comfort to Florence by first-class rail and explore the Renaissance capital's art, architecture and Tuscan charm.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Zurich
By rail to Switzerland
From London St Pancras travel by Eurostar to Paris in Standard Premier Class with light meal and drinks on board. A private taxi transfer takes you to the Gare de Lyon for the TGV through France into Switzerland, arriving in lakeside Zurich for an overnight stay at the Hotel Helmhaus (4 star).
- Day 2overnight: Florence
Through Switzerland to Milan and onwards to Florence
After a whistle-stop morning tour of Zurich, take the scenic Gotthard route through the Swiss Alps and the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest tunnel, across the Italian Lakes to Milan. There join the flagship Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) service to Florence. From Firenze Santa Maria Novella station stroll to the Hotel Rapallo (4 star), your hotel for the next four nights.
- Day 3overnight: Florence
Florence
A full day for Florence's world-renowned attractions: the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio and the celebrated Duomo, plus the culinary delights of the city.
- Day 4railovernight: Florence
Florence
Continue exploring Florence or venture into Tuscany: Siena with its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and UNESCO-listed medieval centre, Pisa's leaning tower, or stunning Lucca, all easily accessible by train.
- Day 5railovernight: Florence
Florence
A final full day: the Chianti district, or even a day trip to Rome, barely more than an hour and a half away by train.
- Day 6railovernight: Montreux
Florence through the Alps to Lake Geneva
Board your First Class carriage on the Eurostar Italia service to Milan, then join the EuroCity service into the Alps for the spectacular journey up the Rhône Valley and through the Simplon Pass to Montreux on Lake Geneva. Overnight at the belle époque Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior), located right next to the station.
- Day 7rail
Free time in Montreux - Montreux to London - Homeward bound
Time this morning for the medieval Château de Chillon (payable locally), then the Inter Regio to Lausanne, TGV to Paris, taxi transfer to the Gare du Nord and the Eurostar home to London St Pancras with a light meal and drinks in Standard Premier.
