Travel by train on an escorted 'Grand Tour of Italy'

Discuss this Grand Tour with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182

Day 1-2
We leave St Pancras International by Eurostar in Leisure Select Class, with a complimentary meal and drinks en route to Paris. We shall cross Paris by coach to join the TGV connection south to Turin and  our overnight stop at the 4-star ATA Hotel Concord. On Day 2 we keep going, traveling further south into the heart of Italy unti we arrive in Rome and transfer to the Massimo D’Azeglio Hotel which shall be our base for the four nights.

Day 3
On our first day in Rome we go on a half-day guided tour of the city to some of the best sights, including the Colosseum, the well-preserved Roman Forum and the stirring Trevi Fountain. In the afternoon you're free to wander through Rome before dinner at the hotel in the evening.

Day 4
Take the opportunity to explore Rome at your own pace perhaps making sure you visit the Vatican and the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica. Or else just people watch and at one of the pavement cafes.

Day 5
Today we head into the hills beyond Rome, traversing the ancient Appian Way until we wind through hidden villages including the austere Palazzo Chigi Ariccia.

Day 6
After an easy morning, we take the high-speed train to Renaissance Florence which is regarded by many to be Europe’s artistic capital. We spend thee nights at the Hotel Santa Maria Novella which is just a short walk from the city’s main historic attractiions. In the evening we shall be dining at a typical Tuscan restaurant.

Day 7
In the morning, we are guided through  Florence, visiting the magnificent Duomo which rises above the heart of the city, and the Ponte Vecchio which was constructed in 1345. The tour ends at the mighty Piazza Basilica di Santa Croce, home to the tomb strones of Dante, Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Gallileo. You shall have the remainder of the day to entertain yourselves as you please.

Day 8
Today we head by train to the city of Lucca, an extremely well preserved medieval towns in Europe. After a guided tour here, enjoy the town by strolling through the narrow streets or climb one of the bell towers for views across the tiled roofs. We shall have lunch in a Lucchese restaurant before heading back to Florence.

Day 10
At St. Mark’s Square we start our guided tour, first seeking out the venerable Palazzo Ducale and Basilica di San Marco. In the afternoon, soak up the city with a romantic gongola ride or head up the Campanile de San Marco for views over the clustered centre and lagoons beyond.

Day 11
Enjoy Venice in our own time today or take a boat out to the island of Murano or Burano. In the evening we have our farewell dinner at a San Marco.

Days 12-13
After a free morning, we take the train to Milan, connecting to take the luxury Cisalpino to Lausanne where we stay overnight at the 4-star Hotel Continental. On Day 13 we head to Paris by TGV where we transfer to the Eurostar to return at St Pancras International.

Discuss the technicalities of this Grand Tour with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182

More about the trains 

 Eurostar: The high speed Eurostar trains link St Pancras International in London with Paris, Lille and Brussels. In your dedicated Standard Premier (the highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers) carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

TGV: Introduced in 1981, France's TGV was the original European high-speed train. First linking Paris to Lyon, the new service revolutionised train travel and meant that travelling by air over medium and short distances was no longer the best option. The network has expanded rapidly and today these sleek, stylish trains offer links to over 60 destinations throughout France. The trains can achieve speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h) on most long distance routes and 200mph (320km/h) on the new TGV Est line. With the exception of shorter journeys, TGVs almost always have an on-board buffet car, serving a selection of drinks and light refreshments.

Where you’ll stay

Hotel Santa Maria Novella, Florence: The 4-star Hotel Santa Maria Novella in Florence is situated on the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, adjacent to Florence's main railway station. This elegant hotel has a bar, breakfast room, sauna and a fitness centre. The comfortable rooms are all individually decorated using a combination of antiques and classic Italian furniture. Rooms are air conditioned and have a telephone, television, minibar, safe and a hairdryer. Winner of the Great Rail Journey’s Award for 'Best Italian Hotel' in 2009 and the Gold Award for its outstanding customer service in 2010

Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon, Paris: The 3-star Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon is situated beside Gare de Lyon station in the centre of Paris, within reach of the city's many attractions either on foot or by metro. The hotel has a bar serving light snacks and rooms with air conditioning, a telephone, television, radio, safe, minibar and a hairdryer.

Massimo D'Azeglio, Rome: In Rome, the 4-star hotel Massimo D'Azeglio dates back to 1875 and embodies late-century style and architecture. The lobby, bar and restaurant displays an important collection of paintings and prints which reflect its history. Rooms are equipped with minibar, air conditioning, hairdryer, television and safe. Winner of Great Rail Journeys' Gold Award for Food in 2009 and the Silver Award for its excellent customer service in 2010

ATA Hotel Concord, Turin: Surrounded by vibrant shops and traditional cafes, the ATA Hotel Concord in Turin is also close to the major attractions, including the Egyptian Museum the famous Via Roma and is located near the Porta Nuova train station. The hotel has its own restaurant and cocktail bar, and the rooms are equipped with air conditioning, telephone, minibar, satellite television, a safe and hairdryer. Winner of the Great Rail Journeys' Bronze Award for Food in 2010