Florence, Siena & Lucca

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)