railtour suisse · Self-guided rail tour

Unknown gems of Italy

Unknown gems of Italy, a rail journey with railtour suisse

Discover authentic, lesser-known cities in northern Italy in comfort aboard the Frecciarossa, Italy's high-speed train.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Bologna

    Switzerland - Bologna

    Travelling to Bologna by direct train (from Zurich) or with a change in Milan, approx. 6-7 hours. The capital of Emilia-Romagna is known as 'la dotta, la rossa, la grassa' - the learned, the red, the fat. Bologna is a historic university city in which, even today, around a quarter of the population are students. Accommodation in Bologna for 3 nights.

  2. Day 2overnight: Bologna

    Bologna

    On Piazza Maggiore you can truly feel the heartbeat of the city. Also visit the lively Quadrilatero district with its markets and local specialties, the university and the Asinelli Tower - 498 steps lead up to Italy's oldest medieval tower, offering magnificent views. Shopping enthusiasts will love the 40 km of arcades in the city centre.

  3. Day 3overnight: Bologna

    Excursion to Parma

    Just one hour on the Frecciarossa takes you to Parma, another stronghold of Italian cuisine. Admire the cathedral, the baptistery and the Teatro Regio. Art lovers can visit the Galleria Nazionale, once part of the Farnese family's treasured collection.

  4. Day 4overnight: Verona

    Bologna - Verona

    Before leaving Bologna, it's worth visiting the Santuario Madonna di San Luca, reachable via a 4-km portico with 666 arches, or experiencing FICO Eataly World (shuttle bus from the city centre). Afterwards, take the Frecciarossa to Verona (approx. 50 minutes). Accommodation in Verona for 4 nights.

  5. Day 5overnight: Verona

    Verona

    Welcome to Veneto, the city of Romeo and Juliet! Visit Juliet's House, stroll through romantic alleys, across bridges and charming squares such as Piazza delle Erbe. Admire the impressive Arena, Castelvecchio and the city's rich architectural heritage.

  6. Day 6overnight: Verona

    Excursion to Padua

    With the Frecciarossa, you can reach Padua in just 45 minutes. The Basilica of Saint Anthony is truly unique, plus Giotto's frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel (reserve early) and the Prato della Valle, the largest square in Italy.

  7. Day 7overnight: Verona

    Excursion to Vicenza

    In just about 30 minutes, the Frecciarossa takes you to Vicenza, another jewel of the Veneto region. The city of architect Andrea Palladio impresses with the Teatro Olimpico, Palazzo Chiericati and the Basilica on Piazza dei Signori.

  8. Day 8rail

    Verona - Switzerland

    After a final morning in Verona, return to Switzerland by direct train or with a change in Milan.

Included

  • Train journey in 2nd class Zurich-Bologna-Verona-Zurich, based on Half-Fare travelcard
  • Outward and return journeys in 2nd class: Bologna-Parma, Verona-Padua, Verona-Vicenza
  • Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast: 3 nights in Bologna, Hotel Astoria***; 4 nights in Verona, Hotel Mastino***

Similar journeys, different answers