Authentic Europe
The Fantastic Italian trio: Rome, Florence & Venice
Partly guided 7-day rail trip through Rome, Florence and Venice
7 daysfrom $1,425
30% rail
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
Lucca and Delightful Tuscany by First Class Rail on daytime trains
Discover the charm of Lucca and Tuscany on a first-class rail journey filled with rolling vineyards, medieval towns and rich history.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Turin
By rail to Italy
Your holiday begins as you arrive at London St Pancras International. Board the Eurostar and travel to Paris, enjoying the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class. On arrival at Paris Gare du Nord your private taxi transfer takes you across the city, where you connect with your onward high-speed train to Turin in Italy. Here you spend tonight at the very highly-rated Grand Hotel Sitea (5 star).
- Day 2railovernight: Lucca
Turin along the coast to Lucca
After breakfast, why not take a whistle-stop tour of Turin, with attractions including the Mole Antonelliana, the Palatine Towers, Turin Cathedral, the Palazzo Reale and the Botanical Gardens. Later you depart from Turin on the train to Viareggio, admiring wonderful views along the glorious Ligurian coast. In Viareggio you change trains and continue inland (in Standard Class on this local service) through the beautiful scenery of Tuscany before reaching Lucca, for a four-night stay at the charming San Luca Palace Hotel (4 star), superbly located inside the city walls.
- Day 3overnight: Lucca
Exploring Lucca
You have three full days to explore Lucca and the surrounding area at your leisure. The beautifully preserved medieval heart of Lucca makes it an ideal size for discovery on foot. Wander through the cobbled streets and elegant piazzas, admire one of the numerous churches, or marvel at the city walls. Views of Lucca's terracotta rooftops are best enjoyed from the top of the distinctive Guinigi Tower (payable locally).
- Day 4railovernight: Lucca
Exploring Lucca
Perhaps take the train to Florence, Italy's renaissance capital, to visit the wonderful Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio or the celebrated Duomo.
- Day 5railovernight: Lucca
Exploring Lucca
A short rail journey away is Pisa where you can marvel at the world-famous leaning tower, or perhaps head for the five stunning villages that make up the Cinque Terre overlooking the sparkling Ligurian Sea.
- Day 6railovernight: Milan
Lucca to Milan
Today you bid farewell to Lucca and take the train to Florence (in Standard Class), where you connect with the onward service to Milan and relax in your First Class seat. On arrival at Milan Centrale station you are within easy reach of the stylish Starhotels Anderson (4 star), where you spend tonight. Highlights here include the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the famous 'Teatro alla Scala' opera house; you may even visit Santa Maria della Grazie, home of Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' (pre-booking required).
- Day 7rail
Return to London
Today you begin your journey home as you join the high-speed train back to Paris (from Milan Porta Garibaldi). Your private taxi transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord where you join the Eurostar, stretching out and savouring the light meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service, before returning to London St. Pancras International.
Included
- First Class rail travel or its equivalent from London to Lucca and return via Turin and Milan (Standard Premier service on Eurostar; Standard Class only in operation from Viareggio to Lucca, and Lucca to Florence)
- 6 nights' hotel accommodation in 4 and 5 star hotels with breakfast each day, including 1 night in Turin, 4 nights in Lucca, and 1 night in Milan
- Taxi transfers in Paris
