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Tailor Made Rail · Tailor-made independent rail holiday

London to Athens via Italy

London to Athens by rail and overnight ferry, stopping Turin and Bari

Illustration of London to Athens via Italy

Tailor Made Rail operates this 7-day independent journey from London to Athens using rail, ferry, and private transfer, stopping in Turin and Bari along the way. On day 1, you board Eurostar from London to Paris, then continue by TGV through the Italian Alps into Turin. Day 2 brings a direct train down the Italian peninsula to Bari on the Adriatic Coast. Day 3 offers a free morning to wander Bari's medieval old town before you collect your bag and board an overnight ferry with a private cabin to Patras. Day 4 includes a private transfer from Patras to Athens with a stop at the Corinth Canal. You then have two full days to explore Athens at leisure, visiting the Acropolis, museums, and the historic districts of Plaka and Monastiraki. Accommodation includes five nights with breakfast at three handpicked 3-star hotels. This trip suits independent travellers and couples who want structure without daily guided activities, and first-time rail travellers keen to experience major European trains in a single journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are listed as 'or similar', meaning the final accommodation may vary by availability and tier.
  • Return flight from Athens is not included; you arrange your own transport to the airport on day 7.
  • The itinerary includes two completely unguided days in Athens; no guided tours or activities are mentioned in the package.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Starhotels Majestic (or similar), Turin

    London to Turin

    High-speed Eurostar from London to Paris, then an onward TGV service into Italy, arriving into Turin.

  2. Day 2overnight: Mercure Villa Romanazzi Carducci (or similar), Bari

    Turin to Bari

    Direct service all the way down the spine of Italy to Bari on the Adriatic Coast, arriving in the early evening in time for dinner.

  3. Day 3overnight: Aboard overnight ferry to Patras (private cabin)

    Bari and overnight to Patras

    Free day in Bari's historic old town (Barivecchia), with its medieval castle, before collecting bags and boarding the overnight ferry service to Patras.

  4. Day 4overnight: Herodion Hotel (or similar), Athens

    Patras to Athens via the Corinth Canal

    Dock at Patras around lunchtime, then a private transfer along the Gulf of Corinth to Athens, with a stop at the Corinth Canal.

  5. Day 5overnight: Herodion Hotel (or similar), Athens

    Athens

    Explore the world-famous Acropolis and Athens' museums, and shop in the pedestrianised historic centre and the Plaka and Monastiraki districts.

  6. Day 6overnight: Herodion Hotel (or similar), Athens

    Athens

    Further day exploring Athens at leisure.

  7. Day 7

    Depart Athens

    Last look around Athens before checking out and making your way to the airport for the return flight back to London (not included).

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1High-speed Eurostar departs London for Paris, then the TGV carries you south into Italy, arriving in Turin at the Alps' southern edge.
  • Day 2A direct train runs the length of Italy's spine, arriving in Bari on the Adriatic Coast in the early evening.
  • Day 3Explore Bari's medieval old town (Barivecchia) and castle in the morning, then board an overnight ferry with a private cabin to Patras.
  • Day 4After docking at Patras, a private transfer takes you along the Gulf of Corinth, stopping at the Corinth Canal before arriving in Athens.

Included

  • All rail journeys, in standard class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 5 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Overnight ferry from Bari to Patras in a private cabin
  • Private transfer from Patras to Athens via the Corinth Canal
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

Not included

  • Return flight from Athens (not included)

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. Tailor Made Rail includes all rail journeys in standard class, plus seat reservations where required. The return flight from Athens is not included.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar from London to Paris, then a TGV from Paris to Turin. From Turin, a direct service runs south to Bari. The ferry from Bari to Patras is included as an overnight cabin.
What hotels are included?
Five nights' accommodation: one night at Starhotels Majestic (or similar) in Turin, one night at Mercure Villa Romanazzi Carducci (or similar) in Bari, and three nights at Herodion Hotel (or similar) in Athens. All include breakfast.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Independent. Tailor Made Rail provides easy-to-follow travel documentation and tickets by email. You make your own way between stations and have free time to explore each city.
How much walking is involved?
Minimal beyond stations and hotels. You have a free morning in Bari's old town (at your own pace) and two full days to explore Athens at leisure. The transfer from Patras to Athens is by private vehicle.
When does this trip run and what does it cost?
Departures run year-round. Low season (November-March) starts at GBP 1,099 per person; high season (April-October) starts at GBP 1,299. Pricing is based on two people sharing; single supplements apply.

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