- Eurostar to Paris and onward rail travel as specified in the itinerary
- 1 night hotel stay (2 persons sharing room) with breakfast in Geneva
- 2 nights’ hotel stay (2 persons sharing room) with breakfast in Florence
- 2 nights’ hotel stay (2 persons sharing room) with breakfast in Siena
- 2 nights’ hotel stay (2 persons sharing room) with breakfast in Lucca
- Flight from Pisa to the London (rail option available)
Day 1: London – Geneva
Your adventure begins in London’s St Pancras station, where you’ll board the Eurostar to Paris. Change onto a high-speed train and whiz through France towards Switzerland in just over three hours, all the while admiring the beautiful lake and mountain scenes out your window. On arrival in French-speaking Geneva, make your way to your hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the evening enjoying a tasty meal at a local lakeside restaurant or take a relaxing boat trip out on the lake and admire the city’s cosmopolitan feel and the stunning backdrop of the Alps and the Jura mountains. Overnight in Geneva (Meals: No Meals)
Day 2: Geneva – Florence
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel and then head to the station for your train through the Simplon Pass. This scenic journey runs along Lake Leman and passes scenic Swiss vineyards, with stunning views of the Alps in the background. Travel further south after crossing the border into Italy with a change in Milan, before arriving in Florence. On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a three-night stay. Once settled in, why not head to the popular Uffizi Gallery and see the Renaissance works of great artists such as Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo. Overnight in Florence (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 3: Florence
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before spending the day in Florence at your leisure. Marvel at the spectacular Duomo Basilica, dominating the city skyline and don’t miss one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the 14th century Ponte Vecchio bridge. Overnight in Florence (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 04: Florence – Siena
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel and then make your way to the train station, before boarding a service to Siena. On arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Surrounded by olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti, Siena’s ancient Romanesque architecture and fine Italian roots make this town a stunning destination to visit. The Duomo, Siena’s grand cathedral and St Maria della Scala museum offer great insights into the history of the town and a clear reason behind its World UNESCO Heritage status. Soak up the atmosphere of the bustling markets in Piazza del Campo before enjoying a traditional Siennese evening meal – perhaps the pappardelle sulla lepre (pasta with hare sauce), washed down with a glass of Chianti classico. Overnight in Siena (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 05: Siena
Spend your second day in Siena exploring more of the sights. Take a walk through the sea of vineyards and olive groves surrounding the city or travel the short distance to the Arbia valley and to the hill-top town of Montalcino, home to the famous Brunello wine. Alternatively, spend the afternoon discovering more of the Gothic architecture, quaint churches, 17th century gardens and various Le Fonti fountains displayed throughout the city. Overnight in Siena (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 06: Siena – Lucca
After breakfast, return to the train station and travel to Lucca aboard a regional Tuscan train for your two-night stay. Protected by 16th century walls, Lucca is a medieval gem of Tuscany. Featuring superb dining, charming antique markets, and only half an hour away from beautiful beaches, there is plenty to occupy the traveller’s mind Overnight in Lucca (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 07: Lucca
After breakfast, explore the highlights of Lucca such as the cathedral San Martino, the churches of San Michele and San Frediano, and the Guinigi Tower belonging to the prestigious Guingi family. Spend the afternoon shopping for Italian treats and boutique clothing on Via Gallitassi before relaxing in Piazza San Michele with a glass of local wine Overnight in Lucca (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 08: Lucca – Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel this morning, then ride the rails to Pisa for your flight back to the UK. If you prefer to take the train back to the UK with an additional night in Milan, we will be happy to assist you with the details. Overnight in Siena (Meals: Breakfast)
Geveva, Hotel Cornavin • 4 Star – The superior Cornavin Hotel in Saint-Gervais / des Grottes district offers cozy rooms with views over Lake Geneva. Built in 1932, the hotel is a combination of traditional architecture and contemporary facilities. The hotel is nestled in the heart of Geneva, steps away from Gare de Cornavin train station. The property is set within 2 km distance from the city center.
Geneva, Hotel Cristal • 3 Star – Hotel Cristal welcomes guests in the heart of Geneva meters away from a cathedral and a museum. The hotel occupies 7 floors and was renovated in 2001.The property is located in Saint-Gervais / des Grottes district, 3.5 km from PalExpo. Hotel Cristal is within about 20 minutes’ walk of the center of Geneva. Offering climate control, high-speed internet, a laptop-size safe, TV and a refrigerator, modern guestrooms boast an English interior. Hotel Cristal offers rooms with the lake view. The bathrooms come with a bathtub, a shower and a hairdryer for more comfort.
Geneva, Hotel Les Nations • 3 Star – Les Nations Hotel is a 3-star property in Petit-Saconnex / Servette district of Geneva close to restaurants and pubs. Featuring original architecture, the hotel occupies a 7-story building opened in 1975. This comfortable hotel is situated 1.7 km from Lake Geneva. Set within a 30-minute walking distance from Geneva city center.
Florence, Hotel Botticelli • 3 Star – The Boticelli Hotel in Florence is situated in the heart of the city, a stone’s throw from San Lorenzo Market and Santa Maria Novella train station, and just five minutes from the Accademia Gallery. The hotel boasts a rooftop terrace bar and original frescoes, with traditional Tuscan-style rooms, all featuring air conditioning, TVs and en suite bathrooms.
Florence, Grand Hotel Adriatico • 4 Star – The Grand Hotel Adriatico is a 4-star hotel located in a central and strategic position , a few steps from the Santa Maria Novella railway station, the fair district and the most interesting places of the city.
Florence, Starhotels Michelangelo •4 Star – As befits a hotel in beautiful Florence, our recently refurbished 4 star hotel in Florence city center pairs classic design with contemporary touches. Moments away you’ll discover the glittering River Arno and a kaleidoscope of inspiring sights.
Siena, Hotel Athena • 4 Star – The Athena is a traditional style hotel with 100 comfortable, air-conditioned bedrooms. The hotel has a bar with a panoramic terrace overlooking the Tuscan countryside and a restaurant serving local specialities. The Athena is located in the centre of Siena, a short walk from the Duomo and Piazza del Campo.
At a Glance
Florence, Siena & Lucca
8 Days from £1099 pp
- Starts: London Ends: Lucca
- Departs: Any day
- Tour Type: Independent
- Hotel Rating: 3/4 star hotels
- Meals: Breakfast: 4
- Visiting: Geneva, Florence, Siena & Lucca
- Countries: Switzerland & Italy
Highlights
Spend a night in lakeside Geneva enjoying the sights. Explore the charming cities of Florence, Sienna and Lucca and admire the verdant Tuscan countryside on rail journeys between destinations.