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Euroventure · Self-guided rail tour

Italian Escape: 2 Weeks

London to Turin on trains through Paris, Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome

Illustration of Italian Escape: 2 Weeks

Euroventure's Italian Escape is a 15-day self-guided rail journey that begins at your nearest UK train station and follows the Eurostar from London through Paris to Milan, Venice, Rome, Florence, and Turin. The itinerary spans five major Italian cities, with three-night stays in Venice, Rome, and Florence to allow time for unhurried exploration. Days feel independent and self-paced: you receive a personalised travel booklet with maps, language guides, and walking directions between train stations and your centrally located hotel or hostel. Night trains include shared couchette berths, with the option to upgrade to private sleeper cabins. This trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking structure without a guide, budget-conscious explorers, and history enthusiasts drawn to Renaissance art, Roman ruins, and grand museums. A second night in Paris on the return journey offers a chance to revisit favourite spots before the final Eurostar to London.

What to know before you look closer

  • Night train travel uses a shared couchette (bed in a shared cabin); private sleeper cabins are available as a paid upgrade
  • Accommodation is in top-rated hostels or hotels selected by Euroventure; the specific property depends on your choice and availability at the time of booking
  • The trip returns to Paris on day 14 before the final Eurostar to London, adding a second city visit rather than a direct route home

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Paris

    London to Paris

    Explore Central London before an evening Eurostar journey (about 4 hours) to Paris.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Milan

    Paris to Milan

    A quick pit-stop night in Paris before a train (about 7 hours) to the fashion-forward city of Milan, home to the Duomo and La Scala Opera House.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Venice

    Milan to Venice (3 nights)

    Train to Venice (about 2.5 hours). Cross St Mark's Square, get lost in the alleyways and canals, and ride the vaporetto down the Grand Canal.

  4. Day 6railovernight: Rome

    Venice to Rome (3 nights)

    Train to Rome (about 4 hours). Marvel at the Roman Forum and Colosseum, and try real Italian coffee, ice-cream and pizza.

  5. Day 9railovernight: Florence

    Rome to Florence (3 nights)

    Train to Florence (about 2 hours). See Michelangelo's statue of David, explore Renaissance chapels and churches, and try Tuscan wine and gelato.

  6. Day 12railovernight: Turin

    Florence to Turin (2 nights)

    Train to Turin (about 4 hours). Explore the Royal Palace, try Piedmont specialties like agnolotti pasta, and visit one of the largest Egyptian museums outside Cairo.

  7. Day 14railovernight: Paris

    Turin to Paris

    Train to Paris (about 6 hours) for one final night, giving you a chance to see anything you missed the first time, from the Catacombs to Rue Crémieux.

  8. Day 15rail

    Paris to London

    Train back to London (about 2.5 hours) via Eurostar, ending the trip. Interrail pass holders can travel on to their home station for free.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Evening Eurostar departure from London to Paris, approximately 4 hours
  • Day 2Day train from Paris to Milan, approximately 7 hours, arriving in the city of the Duomo and La Scala Opera House
  • Day 3Train to Venice; explore St Mark's Square, alleyways and canals, and ride the vaporetto down the Grand Canal
  • Day 6Train to Rome, approximately 4 hours; visit the Roman Forum and Colosseum

Included

  • Train tickets from the first to the last city on the route, as shown on the map
  • Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you
  • Compulsory seat reservations on all day trains
  • A couchette (bed) in a shared cabin on night trains, with the option to upgrade to private sleepers
  • Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels, tested by us
  • Walking directions between the stations and your booked accommodation
  • Optional walking tours, pub crawls and other activities at partner hostels
  • A personalised travel booklet with maps, language guides, top tips, and more
  • Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe
  • Travel Disruption Protection - alternative travel if there is a strike or similar disruption
  • Access to a 24hr emergency phone number while you're away
  • 1GB of free data, with the option to add more anytime with eSIM

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Euroventure includes all train tickets from London to Turin, any required Interrail or Eurail passes, compulsory seat reservations on day trains, and couchette berths on night trains (with an option to upgrade to a private sleeper cabin).
Is this trip escorted or self-guided?
Self-guided. You travel independently with a personalised travel booklet, maps, language guides, walking directions between stations and accommodation, and access to a 24-hour emergency phone number.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar from London to Paris, then day and overnight trains connecting Paris, Milan, Venice, Rome, Florence, and Turin. The itinerary does not name specific train operators for each leg.
What accommodation is included?
Top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels tested by Euroventure. Your specific property depends on your selection and tier.
How many nights do I spend in each city?
Paris (2 nights across two visits), Milan (1 night), Venice (3 nights), Rome (3 nights), Florence (3 nights), and Turin (2 nights).
What is not included in the price?
Meals, attraction entry fees, and private sleeper cabin upgrades on night trains are not included. Optional walking tours and activities are available at partner hostels.

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