Commence your journey at Lake Garda, where you can relish a couple of nights cruising between castle towns and discovering sweet gelato parlours with candy-striped decor. Afterwards, proceed to Bolzano by catching a direct train.
The landscape is awe-inspiring as well, as the railway ascends northwards towards Mount Baldo before traversing mountain passes and villages.
Foodie trail – Parma, Modena and Bologna
The proximity of these towns is so convenient that you can base yourself in one (such as Modena) and easily visit the others on day excursions.
This is an excellent option if you prefer to travel light and only bring back a keepsake bottle of Sangiovese as a souvenir.
Italian Riviera: the Cinque Terre
The most convenient way to explore the vibrant villages of Cinque Terre is by train, without the hassle of finding parking spots or dealing with traffic.
As the train winds through tunnels carved into the dramatic cliffs, it offers stunning views of the Ligurian coast, making the journey all the more breathtaking.
Flower power: Tuscany and Umbria
If you time your train journey through Tuscany and Umbria correctly, you may witness a beautiful sight of fields adorned with poppies or sunflowers. These crops are known for their unpredictability and can rarely be found in the same location twice.
Hence, it’s advisable to sit back, relax, and let the train take you through these stunning fields.
City-hopping: Venice, Florence and Rome
When traveling by fast train, it takes just under two hours to get from Venice to Florence, and from Florence to Rome it takes around an hour and a half.
There are numerous museums, cathedrals, and world-class restaurants to explore in these cities that will keep you busy for days.
All aboard: Sicily
The contemporary railway system primarily follows the coastline, allowing you to glide past historic seaside landmarks such as the capital of the island, Palermo, as well as Catania, Taormina, and Cefalu.
Additionally, you have the option to take the train boat to Calabria.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
There are different ways to get from London to Venice or Verona.
One option is to go through Paris. Alternatively, you could spice up your Venice holiday by taking the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express back home.
The epic: London to Sorrento
Embarking on a journey through Europe’s stunning cities – London, Paris, Zurich, Milan, Rome, and Naples – before reaching the warm and sunny destination of Sorrento is a truly remarkable adventure.
We suggest extending the trip to 12 days to allow for ample time to take in the breathtaking Swiss mountains during the day and stroll through the elegant shopping arcades of Milan.
