Marvellous Escapes
Enchanting Italy
Eight-day rail journey from Geneva through Venice, Florence to Rome
8 daysfrom $2,277
75% rail
Railbookers · Independent rail vacation
Venice and Florence via The Alps
8-day independent rail trip via the Alps: Geneva, Venice, Florence
Railbookers runs this 8-day independent rail trip from Geneva to Venice and Florence, crossing the Alps by train along the way. After a night in Geneva, where the evening can include a lakeside meal or a boat trip on Lake Leman, the train follows the Simplon Pass route past the lake, Swiss vineyards, and Alpine views before crossing into Italy. Three nights in Venice include a walking tour with a local guide, a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, and time to explore St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and the Lido's beaches at your own pace. Eurostar Italia then carries the trip past villages and flowering fields to Florence for a further three nights, with an included tour of the Duomo Basilica, the Accademia Gallery, and the Uffizi. A free day in Florence leaves time for the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti before the return flight to the UK, or a rail option if preferred. It suits independent travelers who want a scenic, self-guided route through the Alps to two of Italy's best-known cities.
What to know before you look closer
- The included Eurostar and onward rail travel to Geneva, and the return flight from Florence, are for UK departures; the flight has a rail option available if you prefer to travel back by train.
- No hotel names or tiers are listed for this trip; the evidence only confirms 1 night in Geneva and 3 nights each in Venice and Florence, with breakfast.
- Only breakfast is listed among included meals; the lunches and dinners described in the day-by-day itinerary (a lakeside meal in Geneva, a Venetian meal, an Italian feast in Florence) read as suggestions rather than included items.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Geneva
Your Journey Begins in Geneva
Upon arrival in Geneva, make your way to your hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the evening enjoying a tasty meal at a local lakeside restaurant, or take a relaxing boat trip out on the lake and admire the city's cosmopolitan feel and the stunning backdrop of the Alps and the Jura mountains.
- Day 2railovernight: Venice
Geneva to Venice
After breakfast, depart Geneva in the morning and travel to Venice on one of the most scenic routes in Europe, the Simplon Pass. Relax while the train follows the shores of Lake Leman and across Swiss vineyards, with stunning views of the Alps in the background. Travel further south after crossing the border into Italy before arriving in Venice. On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a three-night stay.
Meals: B
- Day 3overnight: Venice
Venice
Spend a day discovering all that Venice has to offer thanks to a wonderful walking tour led by a local, then relax aboard a Gondola on the Grand Canal. Then in the afternoon perhaps explore the fascinating Saint Marks museums, exquisite art galleries like the Guggenheim or the many ornate churches dotted throughout the city. Enjoy a tasty lunch by the waterside and maybe sample some local delights at the Rialto Markets, including a fish market held here for over 1000 years.
Meals: B
- Day 4overnight: Venice
Venice
Today soak up the vibrant atmosphere in St. Mark's Square, while marvelling at the beautiful mosaics that adorn the Basilica. Maybe visit the Doge's Palace, with its origins dating back to the 14th century. Alternately, why not take a waterbus to the Lido and relax in the sunshine on the sandy beaches before indulging in a classic Venetian meal.
Meals: B
- Day 5railovernight: Florence
Venice to Florence
After breakfast, travel on the Eurostar Italia, passing by quaint villages and flowering fields before arriving in Florence. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a three-night stay. Why not enjoy a sumptuous Italian feast at a terraced restaurant and indulge in some local specialities this evening?
Meals: B
- Day 6overnight: Florence
Florence
Today enjoy an extensive tour of Florence discovering why Florence is known as the "Capital of Art.". First a visit to the Duomo Basilica where you will marvel at its beautiful frescoes and spectacular dome that dominates the city's skyline. Next stop included is the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David, then in the afternoon you have a tour of the most famous museum in Florence, the Uffizi, which houses works by Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Meals: B
- Day 7overnight: Florence
Florence
A free day today to enjoy the city, or head over to Palazzo Pitti for some wonderful city views. Enjoy a delicious gelato and admire the charming views along the River Arno and cross the city's oldest bridge, the 14th century Ponte Vecchio, filled with small shops and scenic river views.
Meals: B
- Day 8rail
Depart Florence
After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Vacation Specialists will be happy to assist you with the details.
Meals: B
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2The train follows the Simplon Pass along the shores of Lake Leman and across Swiss vineyards, with views of the Alps, before crossing into Italy.
- Day 3A walking tour of Venice with a local guide is followed by a gondola ride on the Grand Canal.
- Day 4St Mark's Square and the Basilica's mosaics, with the option of a waterbus to the Lido's sandy beaches.
- Day 5The Eurostar Italia crosses from Venice to Florence past quaint villages and flowering fields.
- Day 6A tour of Florence's Duomo Basilica, the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David, and the Uffizi museum.
Included
- Eurostar to Paris and onward rail travel 1-night hotel stay with breakfast in Geneva 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Venice 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Florence Walking Tour and Gondola Tour in Venice Morning Walking Tour in Florence Uffizi Gallery Tour in Florence Flight from Florence to the UK (rail option available)
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. Rail travel is included throughout, including Eurostar and onward rail to Geneva, the Simplon Pass route from Geneva to Venice, and Eurostar Italia from Venice to Florence.
- Is this trip guided or independent?
- It is independent (self-guided), with included tours: a walking and gondola tour in Venice, a morning walking tour in Florence, and an Uffizi Gallery tour.
- Which countries does the trip visit?
- Switzerland and Italy, with stops in Geneva, Venice, and Florence.
- Is the return flight included?
- A flight from Florence back to the UK is included, with a rail option available if you would rather travel by train.
- What is not included?
- Only breakfast is listed as an included meal; other meals are not stated as included.
