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Tailor Made Rail · Independent rail holiday

Florence to Rome via Umbria

Independent rail from London through Alps to Rome via Umbria

Illustration of Florence to Rome via Umbria

Tailor Made Rail's 12-day independent rail holiday combines pan-European rail travel with a leisurely exploration of central Italy. The journey begins in London, crosses the English Channel on Eurostar, and continues by high-speed TGV through France to Zurich. From there, the route climbs the Gotthard Pass through the Alps into Italy, descending to Florence for two nights immersed in Renaissance art and architecture. The pace slows as the itinerary heads south through Umbria, with three nights in the medieval city of Perugia, two nights exploring the Roman and medieval remains of Spoleto, and stops at Lake Trasimeno and the hillside town of Assisi. Two nights in Rome follow, where classical landmarks and museums anchor the final city days before a return journey via the Italian coast to Nice and then Paris and home. Standard Class rail with seat reservations, 11 nights in handpicked hotels with breakfast, and full travel documentation are included. This trip suits independent travellers comfortable with international rail connections and those who value history, architecture, and unhurried city exploration over guided narration.

What to know before you look closer

  • Final hotel selection depends on the tier you choose and may be a property marked 'or similar' to those named.
  • The tour includes Standard Class rail travel; seat reservations are included but peak-period supplements may apply.
  • Optional add-ons such as extra nights in Arezzo or Rome, day trips to Assisi, and lunch stops are payable locally and not included in the from-price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    London to Zurich

    Leave London St Pancras on a Eurostar to Paris, connecting at the Gare de Lyon for a high-speed TGV service through France to Zurich.

  2. Day 2overnight: Florence

    Zurich to Florence via the Gotthard route

    A scenic journey through the Alps via the Gotthard Base tunnel (or 'over the top' via Cadenazzo for more scenery). Arrive into Milan and change onto a Trenitalia service to Florence for a 2-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: Florence

    Florence

    A full day discovering the 'Birthplace of the Renaissance', including the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo and the Boboli Gardens.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Perugia

    Florence to Perugia

    A rail journey along the Arno River Valley and Tuscan countryside, crossing into Umbria to reach Perugia for a 3-night stay. Optional stop in Arezzo or a lunch stop at Lake Trasimeno.

  5. Day 5overnight: Perugia

    Perugia and day trip to Assisi

    Explore Perugia's medieval centre including the 10th century Basilica of St Pietro and the cathedral. Optional day trip to Assisi, birthplace of St Francis (tickets payable locally).

  6. Day 6overnight: Perugia

    Perugia and day trip to Assisi

    Further free time in Perugia, or take the optional day trip to Assisi.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Spoleto

    Spoleto

    A short, pretty rail journey from Perugia to Spoleto for a 2-night stay. Founded in the 6th century BCE, Spoleto has magnificent Roman and medieval remains including the Rocca castle and the Ponte delle Torri.

  8. Day 8overnight: Spoleto

    Spoleto

    Further time to explore Spoleto's Roman and medieval remains, including dramatic views from the Ponte delle Torri.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Rome

    Rome

    The train line cuts through the hills to the Neva Valley and Tiber before reaching Rome's central station, for a 2-night stay. Rome offers the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Vatican Museums.

  10. Day 10overnight: Rome

    Rome

    A full day to explore Rome's landmarks and museums.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Nice

    Rome to Nice

    Return to Rome Termini and catch a direct train up the spine of Italy to Milan, then follow the coastline into France, arriving in Nice for an overnight stay near the Promenade des Anglais and Vieux Nice.

  12. Day 12rail

    Nice to London

    Catch a TGV service back up through France to Paris, then metro to the Gare du Nord for the return Eurostar to London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Scenic Gotthard route through the Alps from Zurich, either through the Gotthard Base tunnel or over the top via Cadenazzo, then onward to Florence on Trenitalia.
  • Day 4Rail journey along the Arno River Valley and Tuscan countryside into Umbria, with optional stop at Lake Trasimeno.
  • Day 7Short rail journey from Perugia to Spoleto, a 6th-century BCE town with the Rocca castle and Ponte delle Torri, a medieval bridge with dramatic valley views.
  • Day 11Train journey from Rome through Italian hills and the Tiber Valley to Milan, then along the French coastline to Nice and the Promenade des Anglais.

Included

  • Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
  • 11 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Comprehensive directions to your hotels
  • Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
  • All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. Tailor Made Rail includes Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations from London to Zurich, through the Alps to Florence, through Umbria to Rome, and return via Nice to London. Supplements may apply during peak periods.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is an independent rail holiday. Tailor Made Rail provides comprehensive directions to hotels, pre-arranged hotel accommodation, and documentation, but no guide accompanies you.
What is included in the price?
Standard Class rail travel with reservations, 11 nights in handpicked hotels with breakfast, directions to hotels, clearly-presented wallets for rail tickets and documentation, and all credit card surcharges and delivery fees.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Zurich 1 night, Florence 2 nights, Perugia 3 nights, Spoleto 2 nights, Rome 2 nights, Nice 1 night.
When does the tour operate?
November through October. Low season (November to March) starts from GBP 1,549; high season (April to October) from GBP 1,849.
What optional extras are available?
Extra nights in Arezzo or Rome, a day trip to Assisi (birthplace of St Francis), and a lunch stop at Lake Trasimeno. Tickets for optional activities are payable locally.

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