Switzerland and northern Italy in style

13 Days

Prices from £2,750pp

UK, Paris, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Tirano, Lucerne, Strasbourg, UK

ABOUT THE TRIP

Explore Switzerland and northern Italy (plus a bit of France) on an independent, luxury train holiday that combines panoramic rail trips with top-quality hotels in stunning towns and cities. Beautiful scenery, architecture and world-famous cuisine will be on repeat as you explore each destination. We recommend 13 days to do the trip as advertised, but all our holidays can be personalised to suit you. Send a booking enquiry or give us a call and we will prepare you a bespoke itinerary and quote, book everything for you, and give you 24-hour support while you travel. Prices start from £2,750pp, but depend on season of travel, accommodation and tours chosen.

BOOKING ENQUIRY

WHAT'S INCLUDED

All rail travel in 1st class, including the Bernina Express route through Switzerland.
All accommodation, including breakfast.
24-hour support while you travel.
Highlights of Venice tour.
Bologna: walking food tour.
Florence: Uffizi + David & Accademia small group tour.
Lucerne: Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi tickets.
Strasbourg boat trip (private tour of the Alsace region also available).

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

City taxes for your hotel stays.

Day by Day Itinerary

UK to Paris

Day 1

Start your trip from your local UK train station to London. Sink into your Eurostar Plus seat for the trip to Paris, enjoying a complimentary meal and drinks. Enjoy the afternoon and evening in France's capital.

Paris to Venice

Day 2

It will be a few minutes' walk from your hotel to the Gare de Lyon for the train to Milan this morning. Enjoy the alpine scenery en route to the plains of Lombardy as you head towards Italy's fashion capital. Unless you request to, you don't stop in Milan, and there will be a quick change for the train on to Venice. Stay in a hotel with views over one of Venice's beautiful canals (we will book you a private water taxi to the door from the station).

Bologna

Day 5

Bologna is renowned for its cuisine, so a food tour is a must. Enjoy a three-hour walking tour that takes you on a gastronomic journey to discover the unique places and food that only the locals know. Start with an aperitivo, then move on to cold cuts and cheeses, always accompanied by local wines. Next, walking through the old town centre, have a handmade pasta paired with wine. Finish with the best gelato in town!

Florence

Day 7

Discover one of the most important museums in the world with an expert local guide, who will explain to you the most beautiful artworks to appreciate the art and the story of the Italian Renaissance. Among its many masterpieces there are the works of artists and protagonists of the Renaissance such as Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci and many others. You will enter from the priority entrance to the Gallery, and once inside will enjoy a chronological itinerary that will allow you to travel back through time, starting from the Byzantine art in Tuscany to the wonderful Renaissance.

Lucerne (Mount Rigi or Mount Pilatus)

Day 10

Day 9

Get set for a memorable experience on either Mount Rigi or Mount Pilatus. Enjoy a boat trip across beautiful Lake Lucerne, and a cogwheel train or cable car to the summit. Go walking, toboganning, skiing, or simply sit and soak up the stunning views before returning for your final night in Lucerne. Want an extra special experience? We can book you a spa experience at the top of Mount Rigi.

BOOKING ENQUIRY

Other itineraries you might be interested in:

France, Italy, Switzerland + Bernina Express by train

Prices from £2,500pp and £4,000 for two sharing