Florence and Rome via the Bernina Express

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1: London to Zurich

  Your journey begins at London St Pancras as you board the Eurostar to Paris. Sit back and relax as you glide beneath the Channel before connecting to a high-speed TGV service to Zurich. Watch the scenery transform from French countryside to Swiss landscapes as you approach the elegant lakeside city of Zurich. On arrival, check in to your hotel for an overnight stay and perhaps enjoy an evening stroll along the Limmat River or Lake Zurich. (Overnight in Zurich)

• Day 2: Zurich to Milan Onboard The Bernina Express

  An early departure takes you from Zurich to Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town and the gateway to the Alps. Here, board the spectacular Bernina Express for one of the greatest rail journeys in the world. Travelling onboard panoramic carriages, you will ascend through dramatic mountain scenery, crossing soaring viaducts and spiralling through tunnels as glaciers, alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks unfold before you. The descent into Italy is equally breathtaking as palm trees replace glaciers and you arrive in Tirano. From here, continue by rail to Milan for an overnight stay.

• Day 3: Milan to Florence

  After breakfast, board a high-speed train to Florence. In just a couple of hours, arrive in the heart of Tuscany and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps admiring the Duomo’s magnificent dome or wandering across the Ponte Vecchio as the sun sets over the River Arno.

• Day 4: Florence

  Today, discover the artistic treasures of Florence on a guided walking tour through its historic centre. Stroll past elegant piazzas and Renaissance landmarks before visiting the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s iconic statue of David. As you explore, learn about the powerful Medici family and the city’s extraordinary cultural legacy. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy Tuscan cuisine in a traditional trattoria or explore more of this remarkable city.

• Day 5: Florence to Rome

  This morning, travel by high-speed Frecciarossa train to Rome. In under two hours, arrive in Italy’s capital and check in to your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the rest of the day discovering the Eternal City at your own pace — perhaps toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain or enjoy dinner at a popular, local restaurant in a lively piazza.

• Day 6: Rome

  Step back in time today as you explore the wonders of Ancient Rome on a guided walking tour. Visit the mighty Colosseum, where gladiators once battled, and wander through the Roman Forum, once the political and social heart of the empire. As you walk among these remarkable ruins, your guide will bring centuries of history vividly to life. The remainder of the day is at leisure to continue exploring Rome’s historic streets.

• Day 7: Rome

  Today is dedicated to the treasures of Vatican City. Explore the vast collections of the Vatican Museums before stepping into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescoes. Continue into St Peter’s Basilica, one of the most magnificent churches in the world, and soak in the grandeur of this spiritual and artistic masterpiece. Enjoy your final evening in Rome reflecting on an unforgettable rail journey through Europe.

• Day 8: Depart Rome

  Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and head to the airport for your flight home. If you’d like to extend your holiday to another city, or return by rail, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.