Great Rail Journeys
Highlights of the Italian Riviera
9 daysfrom $1,735
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Simply Tuscany
Discover the cultural treasures and breathtaking landscapes of Tuscany, Italy. From Florence to Pisa to Siena, experience it all.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Turin
London to Turin overnight
Your holiday begins at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager before boarding the Eurostar service to Paris. Changing trains in the French capital, you continue by rail to Turin. Setting out at high speed, after passing Lyon the train slows to a more leisurely pace through the French Alps. Stopping en route at Chambéry, you arrive in Turin station and transfer to accommodation for the night. Enjoy your first dinner together in the hotel restaurant.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Montecatini Terme
A morning in Turin, to Montecatini Terme
There is a free morning to explore Turin independently after breakfast. Places to visit include the Fiat factory car museum, the 16th-century Castello del Valentino, the public park on the banks of the River Po, or the city's cathedral where the Shroud of Turin is located. Continue south by rail towards Florence, then change trains into typical Tuscan landscapes before reaching the historic spa resort of Montecatini Terme. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Montecatini Terme
Exploring Montecatini Terme at leisure
Your first full day in Montecatini Terme is at leisure. Visit the 18th-century Terme Tettuccio drinking spa, explore the Old Town of Montecatini Alto via the funicular, or simply relax. Tonight you are free to dine independently.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4railovernight: Montecatini Terme
A day trip to Florence, the 'Jewel of the Renaissance'
A memorable excursion by train to Florence. A local guide introduces the city from Santa Maria Novella square, past the Duomo, through the medieval centre to the Palazzo Vecchio, past the Uffizi gallery courtyard, ending at the Ponte Vecchio. The afternoon is free to explore Florence independently - consider the Uffizi or Accademia galleries (book ahead), Boboli gardens, or the Mercato di San Lorenzo. Return to Montecatini Terme by rail before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: Montecatini Terme
The gems of Lucca, and iconic Pisa
Set out by rail to the medieval walled city of Lucca for a free morning to explore on foot. Look out for frescoed churches, the Piazza Anfiteatro (once a Roman amphitheatre), and the baroque-style garden at Palazzo Pfanner. Continue by rail to Pisa to explore the Field of Miracles with the iconic Leaning Tower and white marble Duomo, plus the medieval Old Town. Return by train to Montecatini Terme before dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Montecatini Terme
A day to relax or explore by rail
A day at leisure. Explore Montecatini Terme including the Palazzo Comunale hosting the Mo.C.A gallery, or take an independent rail trip to another Tuscan town - the coastal resort of Viareggio (50 minutes) or Bologna (2 hours). Tonight you are free to dine independently.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 7overnight: Montecatini Terme
Exploring the unique sights of Siena
An excursion by coach to ancient Siena. A local guide takes you to the church of San Domenico, past the magnificent Duomo, and to the incredible Piazza del Campo - a grand shell-shaped piazza and one of Europe's best-preserved medieval squares, site of the world-famous Palio horse races held every July and August. Free time to continue sightseeing, enjoy Chianti or gelato in the piazza, or sample local Pecorino cheese and finocchiona salami. Return by coach to the hotel for the last dinner in Montecatini.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8railovernight: Saint-Raphaël
Overnight in Saint-Raphaël, Côte d'Azur
Say farewell to Tuscany as you transfer by coach to the coastal resort of Viareggio. From here take the train to Ventimiglia, following the scenic coastline, then travel by coach into France to the attractive resort of Saint-Raphaël on the Côte d'Azur for an overnight stay with a three-course dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast, leave coastal Saint-Raphaël and join the train to Paris. In the French capital take the Eurostar service to London St Pancras, where your holiday draws to a close.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 8 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Standard Class rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast each day
- 6 dinners
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
