Western European Rail Journey Rome to Madrid

Your Journey Begins in Rome

Welcome to Rome! On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Shrouded in legend, Rome is home to hundreds of ancient artifacts, architecture, beautiful churches and Basilicas. Don't miss a stroll around some of the beautiful museums of the city - the Vatican museum holds a superb collection as well as housing the Sistine Chapel. Make time for a delicious Italian ice-cream in one of the pretty cafes by the Trevi fountain, lovely in the evening.

Rome

After breakfast this morning, walk in the footsteps of gladiators at the famous Colosseum and Roman Forum on your included tour. Don't forget to have your photo taken with one of the slightly more modern gladiators outside!

Meals: B

Rome to Florence

After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and make your way to the train station for your journey to Florence. Spend the day exploring the city after checking in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Admire the charming views along the River Arno and cross the city's oldest bridge, the 14th century Ponte Vecchio. Later in the afternoon, enjoy the included tour of the famous Uffizi Gallery, and see the Renaissance works of great artists such as Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo. This evening, be sure to sample some authentic Tuscan cuisine, including a glass of wine from the hills that surround the city.

Florence to Venice

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and catch the train to Venice. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay before setting out to acquaint yourself with the classic Italian city. Stroll down the banks of the shimmering canals and discover the magnificent architecture that lines the cobbled streets and square. Come the evening, relax at an outdoor trattoria by the sparkling lagoon, or why not head to Harry's Bar to try a delectable Bellini in the cocktail's birthplace.

Meals: B

Venice

Spend a full day exploring Venice today. Discover the city's hidden gems and highlights on a walking tour, or take an iconic, relaxing gondola ride through the historic canals. Enjoy the included tour of Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, two of the city's most popular monuments.

Meals: B

Venice to Milan

After breakfast this morning, catch the high-speed Trenitalia train from Venice to Milan. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and check in for an overnight stay. Home to the Last Supper, the majestic La Scala Opera house and a beautiful cathedral, Milan is the heart of Italian style and sophistication. Fashionistas will be in heaven here within the spiritual home of Armani, Versace and Gucci to name a few! History buffs will love the Gothic Duomo di Milano, the city's crowning glory and a magnificent spectacle. Visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, home of 'The Last Supper', Leonardo da Vinci's famous masterpiece. Or simply stroll through the Brera district and enjoy the art galleries, boutique shopping opportunities and exquisite dining.

Meals: B

The Bernina Express to St. Moritz

Get ready for a memorable day on the tracks gliding past incredible mountain scenery from Milan to St. Moritz via Tirano on the iconic Bernina Express. The tracks of the Bernina Express have now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the journey will meander through snow-dusted mountain ranges, across striking stone viaducts and along the banks of some of Switzerland's sparkling lakes. This is one train journey you won't soon forget! On arrival in St. Moritz, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay and enjoy the spectacular shopping, dining and sights of this Swiss gem.

Meals: B

The Glacier Express to Zermatt

After a nice breakfast this morning, enjoy the full splendour of one of Switzerland's most famous journeys, the Glacier Express. Early in the journey the train cruises over the impressive Landwasser Viaduct, which is a marvel of Swiss engineering from a bygone era. This train is otherwise known as the slowest express train in the world and winds its way over numerous high passes and meanders past many small Swiss lakes and villages until pulling into Zermatt nearly eight hours after departure. While the journey is slow, it's certainly one to check off the bucket list!

Meals: B

Zermatt

Today, take an exciting ride on the Gornergrat cog railway, which climbs from 1,604 metres above sea level to 3,090 metres in just 33 minutes, and is a marvel of 19th Century engineering. From the top, take in one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Switzerland with the iconic outline of the Matterhorn as well as the surrounding peaks and glaciers all around you. You might be lucky enough to spot an Chamois or Marmot during your visit, and enjoy a stroll through the nature reserve and maybe even enjoy a fondue. Take the same route back down to Zermatt where you can enjoy the numerous small bars and restaurants on the car free roads of this beautiful Swiss mountain village.

Meals: B

Zermatt to Zurich

Take the scenic train from Zermatt to Zurich today and on arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Zurich is known worldwide as being Switzerland's sophisticated financial capital, but it's also so much more than that. Fringed by distant mountains and gracing the banks of the winding River Limmat, the international banks and financial institutions add a contemporary edge to the scenes of intricate stained-glass windows, cobbled pavements and characteristic spires that reveal glimpses into the city's rich past. Amble down the Lake Promenade and the winding streets of the Old Town or unearth the artistic masterpieces of the Kunsthaus.

Meals: B

Zurich to Paris

Take the smooth, direct train ride from Zurich to Paris this morning, and arrive in the 'City of Light' with enough time to have a full afternoon at your leisure. Maybe stroll along the River Seine and enjoy a meal at one of the cities excellent restaurants.

Meals: B

Paris

Today enjoy the very best Paris has to offer with a skip-the-line tour to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, and a scenic seine cruise. Explore the boulevards and arrondissements with your included hop-on hop-off pass and do speak to any of our Rail Experts should you like to get a taste of the famous French cuisine with a fabulous food tour.(Overnight Paris)

Meals: B

Paris

Continue to enjoy the famous Hausmaum architecture with your hop-on hop-off pass and visit the Louvre Museum to come face to face with the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Nike of Samothrace, to name but a few treasures of the world. With the remainder of your day, why not explore the pretty covered passageways of Paris, or the famous flea markets of the Marais, or simply enjoy a crepe and stroll in the Tuileries Gardens?(Overnight Paris)

Meals: B

Paris to Barcelona

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then make your way to the station for your train to Barcelona. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and then perhaps head out for some dinner at a local restaurant before retiring to the hotel for a good night's rest.

Meals: B

Barcelona

After breakfast, start your Spanish adventure today with a guided visit to Barcelona’s most iconic landmark, the Sagrada Familia. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, learn about Gaudí’s extraordinary vision, the rich symbolism behind his designs, and how nature influenced every aspect of this architectural masterpiece. Explore the breathtaking interior and discover why this basilica remains a must-see highlight of the city.

Meals: B

Barcelona to Seville

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel this morning and then take the high-speed AVE train to Seville. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Make use of your included hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see the city's many attractions, including Paseo de Colon, Plaza de Espana, Acuario de Sevilla and Plaza de America.

Meals: B

Seville

Experience the incredible history and culture of Seville today with your hop-on, hop-off tour, learning more about the major landmarks of the Andalucian capital, including Spanish Square and Maria Luisa Park, San Cruz Quarter, and Triana, the birthplace of flamenco. Admire the city's great architecture styles on display, from Islamic and Gothic to Rococo. In the evening, enjoy a meal of tapas and sample other local specialities at one of the many pavement bars around the city.

Meals: B

Seville to Madrid

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel this morning and then make your way to the train station for your journey to Madrid. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Settle into your hotel and then head out to start exploring the vibrant Spanish capital at your own pace.

Meals: B

Madrid

Continue your discovery of Madrid today with a panoramic open-top bus tour. Sit back and relax as a live expert guide points out the city's top landmarks, including the Royal Palace, Puerta de Alcalá, Biblioteca Nacional, and Cybele Palace. It’s a great way to take in the highlights of the Spanish capital in comfort.

Meals: B

Depart Madrid

After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey with additional nights in a particular destination, one of our Rail Experts would be happy to assist you with all the details.