Italian Grand Tour – Grand Tour of Italy by First Class Rail & Air

By air to Venice

Fly with British Airways from London Heathrow to Venice Marco Polo airport. On arrival, travel in style across the lagoon by private water taxi through the Venetian backwaters and onto the Grand Canal to the Hotel Canal Grande (4-star), ideally located on the Grand Canal just a short walk from the Rialto Bridge. Time to explore Venice before dinner.

Venice

Embrace the magic of Venice. Wander amid the mosaic of intertwined canals and bridges. Visit St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and explore hidden waterways and the Grand Canal by traditional gondola (payable locally). Optionally journey to the islands of Murano and Burano, famous for glass blowing, lace and coloured houses.

Venice

Continue to explore Venice at leisure. Wander past Byzantine basilicas and painted palazzi or discover more of the UNESCO World Heritage Venetian lagoon.

Venice to Florence

Savour your final morning in Venice before travelling to Venezia Santa Lucia station for your First Class journey south on board the Eurostar Italia Frecciarossa service to Florence. On arrival at Firenze Santa Maria Novella station, stroll to the stylish Glance Hotel (4-star), close to the station.

Florence

Explore Florence, the epicentre of the Italian Renaissance, on foot. Visit the celebrated Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore), the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery and the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy traditional Florentine and Tuscan culinary delights.

Florence

Further exploration of Florence and the surrounding Tuscany region. Easily accessible by train: Siena's UNESCO world heritage medieval centre, Pisa's famous leaning tower and Lucca's Renaissance-era city walls.

Florence to Rome

Depart from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station and join the Eurostar Italia service to Rome. Relax in your comfortable first class seat as the landscape of central Italy unfurls. Arrive into Roma Termini station and walk to the Boutique Hotel Liberty (4-star).

Discovering Rome

Explore the Eternal City: the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Vatican City, the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's painted ceiling. Enjoy the view from the top of St. Peter's Cathedral across Rome's seven hills cityscape.

Discovering Rome

Continue to discover Rome's architectural wonders from classical ruins, Renaissance palazzi and Baroque fountains to quirky shops on the Via del Corso, lively bars and rustic trattorias.

Rome to London by air – Homeward bound

After breakfast, time to further discover Rome. Make your own way to Rome's Fiumicino airport and board your British Airways flight back to London Heathrow.

Meals: Breakfast