Train holiday to the Romantic Cities of Italy

Discuss this romantic adventure with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182

Day 1- London to Annecy
We leave St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board. On arrival we cross the city by coach to board our onward rail service, the high-speed TGV, to Lyon. Here we change trains, travelling into the Savoy Alps, with the scenery increasing in beauty as the train gently climbs to Annecy, where we stay at the Novotel Atria Hotel

Day 2- To Venice by train
We leave Annecy this morning by TGV, travelling by train into Italy to Milan. From Milan we continue by train to Venice, the floating city of shimmering waterways, elaborate bridges and ornate palaces. On arrival, we enjoy a private boat transfer through the canals to our hotel for three nights, the 4-star Hotel Splendid Venice, which enjoys a fantastic location in the heart of the city close to the world renowned St Mark's Square. The afternoon is yours to relax and explore Venice's hidden charms. Tonight we dine together in a local restaurant.

Day 3
- Guided tour of Venice
This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Venice's highlights, including the impressive Rialto Bridge, built in only 3 years between 1588 and 1591. We also visit St Mark's Square, the hub of the city, and hear the history of Venice's most famous landmark, the Basilica di San Marco. You are then free to spend the afternoon soaking up more unforgettable sights.

Day 4
- A day at leisure in Venice
Today gives you the opportunity to further explore Venice. You could choose to visit the nearby islands of Burano, famous for its lace making and full of colourful streets lined with pastel-painted houses.The Gallerie dell'Accademia holds magnificent masterpieces by Bellini, Carpaccio and Tintoretto, whereas the Peggy Guggenheim Collection has some amazing works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Miró, and Pollock.

Day 5
-  By train to Lake Garda
We leave Venice today, travelling by train to Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake and one of Europe's most popular destinations, due to its mild, Mediterranean climate, gorgeous scenery and terrific location. Our destination is the town of Gardone Riviera, where we stay for four nights at the Savoy Palace Hotel. 

Day 6-  At leisure on Lake Garda and Verona Opera
Your morning is at leisure to explore Gardone Riviera. This evening we head to Verona's Roman Arena, a dramatic Roman amphitheatre built in 30AD. Here we enjoy one of the highlights of the holiday, a fantastic performance of the Verona Opera. Savour the magical atmosphere as the artists impress the crowds and stir up emotions with world-class performances of some of the most evocative opera music ever written. 

Day 7 - A day at leisure on Lake Garda
Today is at leisure to explore Lake Garda. You could also travel further afield, taking a ferry from Gardone for a cruise on the lake, sailing past pretty villages and beautiful scenery. Alternatively, you could visit the picturesque town of Sirmione, which occupies a unique position on a thin and craggy peninsula jutting 4km into the lake. Surrounded on three sides by water, Sirmione is one of the most serene towns on Lake Garda. 

Day 8-  Wine tour
Today we travel across Lake Garda to the small town of Bardolino. After some free time to explore at leisure and to enjoy lunch, we are met by a private coach which takes us into the hills above Bardolino for an afternoon wine tasting and tour. We return to Bardolino by coach after our tour, continuing across the lake to Gardone Riviera by boat.

Day 9 - To Dijon
We leave Lake Garda after breakfast and travel by coach to Milan enjoying breathtaking views of the Italian countryside. We continue by train from here travelling through Lausanne to Dijon. Upon arrival we transfer to the Mercure Dijon Centre Clemenceau, where we overnight. 

Day 10 - First Class on the TGV and Eurostar to London
We travel by TGV to Paris, where we transfer by coach across the city. We continue on by Eurostar service in Standard Premier Class, to St Pancras International.  

Discuss this romantic adventure 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

Novotel Centre Atria, Annecy: In Annecy we stay at the 3-star Novotel Atria, a short walk from the Old Town centre and lake, with mountains in the near distance. The hotel has a restaurant with a terrace and bar and the rooms have air conditioning, television, minibar, hairdryer and safe.  All bedrooms have a double bed and a double sofa bed.

Holiday Inn Garden Court, Dijon: Located in the north of town, the Holiday Inn Garden Court Dijon offers easy access to over 100 shops, cafés and more. The hotel offers a health and fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, lounge and bar. Guest rooms are equipped with television, coffee/tea making facilities, hairdryer, air conditioning and minibar.

Hotel Savoy Palace, Gardone Riviera: The 4-star Hotel Savoy Palace in Gardone Riviera enjoys an absolutely stunning location, with wonderful views across the lake. The hotel has a restaurant and a terrific terrace bar where you can sit and enjoy a drink looking across the lake towards Monte Baldo. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, minibar, telephone, safe and satellite television.

Hotel Splendid, Venice: In Venice we stay at the 4-star Hotel Splendid Venice, located in the heart of the city within easy walking distance of St Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. The modern contemporary hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar where you can relax and watch the world drift by through the meandering canals. Rooms are equipped with many amenities, including wifi, satellite television and a safe.