
Great Rail Journeys
Best of Switzerland
Eight-day independent Swiss tour on Bernina, Glacier and GoldenPass Express trains
Tailor Made Rail · Independent rail holiday

Italy's three most popular cities in one itinerary. Travel to Italy via Switzerland and the Gotthard route through the Alps, before experiencing the canals of Venice, the rich history of Rome and the culture of Florence.
Take the Eurostar in the morning from London to Paris Gare du Nord. Cross to the Gare de Lyon and catch a TGV Lyria service down through France and across the Swiss border to Zurich. Check in at the conveniently located Sorell Rütli Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, return to the station and catch a train via Milan to Venice. The journey from Zurich to Milan takes you along Lake Zurich, before plunging into the Gotthard Base Tunnel and emerging in the Italian-speaking Swiss region of Ticino. Cross the lagoon bridge onto Venice Island and arrive into Santa Lucia station in the early evening. You will have a 2-night stay at the Hotel Bisanzio (or similar).
Visitors always gravitate towards St Mark's Square, the regal piazza that opens out onto the mouth of the Grand Canal and the Venetian Lagoon. Elsewhere, don't miss the art collection at the Accademia, or a boat ride to one of the other islands in the lagoon such as Murano or Burano.
Catch a train journey of just under 4 hours to Rome. Arrive in the mid-afternoon and settle into The Guardian Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay, before beginning your exploration.
So many iconic landmarks to discover, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the ornately decorated St Peter's Cathedral and Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, where you can throw a coin to ensure your return.
Leave the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation' and head north by train to Florence, a journey of just an hour and a half. You'll stay at the central Berchielli Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights.
Florence is the stunning capital of Tuscany with a UNESCO World Heritage listed historic centre. Spend your free day soaking up the scenery and discovering famous sights including the magnificent cathedral and the Boboli Gardens.
After breakfast, make your way back to Santa Maria Novella station and board a train to Turin, where you have an overnight stay at the Starhotels Majestic (or similar). Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening discovering this historic city, with its royal palaces and world-class museums, including the largest Egyptian museum outside Cairo.
Make your way to Turin's international station Porta Susa and catch a high speed TGV service to Paris. A simple change of stations brings you to the terminal for the Eurostar at the Gare du Nord where you board your final journey home.

Great Rail Journeys
Eight-day independent Swiss tour on Bernina, Glacier and GoldenPass Express trains

Great Rail Journeys

Marvellous Escapes

Marvellous Escapes