France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail





Link together an adventure from Paris to Venice
Make tracks to embark on a 23-day adventure encompassing France, Switzerland and Italy. Using trains as your primary means of moving about, you’ll get started in the City of Lights before moving into Lausanne and Lucerne, with their UNESCO World Heritage-listed vineyard terraces and views of the Alps. Then it’s into Italy, where you’ll have plenty of free time to explore Rome before heading north to the Tuscan countryside, Cinque Terre, the Portofino Peninsula and more. Best of all, you’ll do with the comforts of rail transport and an expert local leader showing you the way.

- Start
- Paris, France
- End
- Venice, Italy
- Destinations
- Italy, Switzerland, France
- Meals
- 18 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- Transport
- Train, Metro, Local Bus, Boat, Private Vehicle
- Accommodation
- Hotel (22 nights)
- Days
- 23
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Ages
- Min 15
- ThemeOur themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer, Rail
- StyleBasix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders - Original
- Physical ratingIndicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Choose a slower-paced European journey on a comfortable rail-only trip – as well as travelling like the locals on domestic trains, you’ll also hop aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express and take the Mount Pilatus Silver Circle tour (which includes an aerial cableway)!
- Take a scenic hike in Bellinzona to make the most of the incredible views – surrounded by the Swiss Alps, Bellinzona also features not one, not two, but three medieval castles.
- Watch a cooking demonstration using fresh, locally harvested produce, then sit down to lunch during a visit to The Intrepid Foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio, who work to regenerate 22 hectares of unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in Italy.
- Take to the Tuscan countryside and cycle along the Serchio River in Lucca, working up an appetite for the region’s delicious local food and renowned wines.
- Head with your local leader to a quaint rural village in the heart of Piedmonte to sample world-class local wines from unique grapes grown only in this region – salute!
Itinerary
Bonjour! Welcome to France. Your adventure begins in Paris – the City of Lights, known for its romance, delicious cuisine and amazing art scene. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, followed by a leader-led orientation walk to experience the buzz of Paris as night falls. If you arrive early, why not explore the city at your own pace. Maybe grab a traditional baguette, a buttery croissant and some local meats and fruits and have a picnic by the Eiffel Tower. If you’d like to tick off bucket list sites like the Louvre or walking the Champs-Elysees, today is also your best opportunity. After tonight's meeting, you have the option to head out for a welcome dinner with your group to get to know each other better and be introduced to the wonderful local food.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Paris - Orientation Walk
- Paris - Welcome Meeting
If you’re travelling from or through the United Kingdom, you can add an optional train journey from London to Paris to kick off your journey. This makes for one epic, flight-free adventure. Speak with your booking agent to find out more.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Today, you have a free morning in Paris. Maybe grab some iconic baked goods and stroll along the River Seine or get to know Montmartre and why this district has attracted artists for generations. After a chance to grab some lunch, you’ll board the train to Lausanne in Switzerland – sitting on the banks of Lake Geneva, this French-speaking city is home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters. When you arrive, walk to your hotel and depending on the group’s interests, maybe head out on an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings. Tonight, you’re free to explore the city after dark – your leader will have some great recommendations for dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Paris - Hidden Montmartre Urban Adventure - EUR35
- Paris - Palace of Versailles - EUR20
- Paris - Louvre Museum (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR22
- Paris - Arc de Triomphe - EUR16
- Paris - Musee d'Orsay - EUR16
- Paris - Rodin Museum - EUR14
- Paris - Napoleon's Tomb & Les Invalides Army Museum - EUR15
- Paris - Eiffel Tower (from - must be prebooked in advance) - EUR23
- Paris - Da Vinci Code Walking Tour - EUR25
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
After breakfast this morning, head to the Lausanne Cathedral – seen as one of the most beautiful gothic art monuments in Europe, this cathedral overlooks the city. After wandering around and heading to the top for some great city views, you’ll head to a bakery to sample a delicious local pastry. Then, you have a free afternoon for lunch and further explorations. Maybe take a boat tour this afternoon on the Leman Lake or visit the Olympic Museum to learn the history of the games. Maybe head to Lavaux Vineyards – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and indulge in a wine tasting. You could also book a chocolate-tasting tour (the Swiss are known for their chocolate)!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lausanne - Orientation Walk
- Lausanne - Visit to Unesco-listed Lavaux vineyards and wine tasting (including return local trains) - CHF23
- Lausanne - Boat tour on the Leman Lake - CHF38
- Lausanne - Visit to the Olympic Museum - CHF20
- Lausanne - Chocolate tasting tour - CHF29
- Lausanne - Visit to Plateforme 10 museum - CHF15
Walk to the station to catch a train from Lausanne to Lucerne. Watch the gorgeous Swiss scenery pass you by from the comfort of your carriage and arrive in time for lunch. Lucerne is known for its medieval architecture, colourful Old Town and views of snowcapped mountains and it’s a bit of a foodie’s paradise so you’ll have plenty of great options. After, take a walk on the Museggmauer Walls surrounding Lucerne with your local leader. Dominating the skyline, the Musegg Wall and the nine Musegg Towers formed part of the town’s fortifications, and today, walking along the ramparts is a popular activity for locals and visitors. Stop for a drink at the Hinter Misegg farm – an organic farm right in the heart of the city. Look out for the resident alpacas, Highland cattle, mini pigs, hens and goats, then enjoy a free evening. Maybe rent a paddle boat on the lake or hop on the Cityboat, one of the most popular ways to see the city.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lucerne - Walk on the Museggmauer Walls
- Lucerne - Swiss Museum of Transport - CHF62
- Lucerne - Fondue lunch or dinner - CHF27
- Lucerne - Boat tour on the lake - CHF30
- Lucerne - Paddle boat on the lake - CHF40
- Lucerne - Gletschergarten Luzern Museum - CHF22
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Please note that our accommodation in Lucerne does not offer ensuite facilities. Bathrooms are shared among guests occupying one floor.
Today, you’re in for a treat as your group heads to Lucerne’s Mount Pilatus for the 3-hour Silver Tour. One of the best ways to see the surrounding peaks, your tour takes you on a journey by railway, cogwheel railway, aerial cableway and panorama gondola for incredible views of Mount Pilatus and the Swiss Alps. Departing from the main railway station in Lucerne, the central railway train will take you along the shores of Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad. There, you’ll hop on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, riding all the way up to the summit of the mountain. Here, you can find fine dining options, hiking options, a concert space and amazing panoramic views of the Alps and the Alpine massif. You’ll then take the aerial cableway and gondolas on the ‘Dragon Ride’ to the valley. After an incredible morning, you have a free afternoon to take up any optional activities you didn’t get a chance to complete yesterday.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lucerne - Mount Pilatus Silver Circle Tour
- Lucerne - Swiss Museum of Transport - CHF62
- Lucerne - Guided tour of the Sonnenberg Bunker - CHF350
- Lucerne - Boat tour on the lake - CHF30
- Lucerne - Paddle boat on the lake - CHF40
- Lucerne - Gletschergarten Luzern Museum - CHF22
Today’s activities demand a good head for heights, so if you’re concerned about this, feel free to speak to your leader.
Please note that our accommodation in Lucerne does not offer ensuite facilities. Bathrooms are shared among guests occupying one floor.
On departures operating in April, we’ll be making a slight adjustment to how we reach the top of Mount Pilatus. The cogwheel train will be out of service seasonal maintenance and potential weather conditions and instead, we’ll enjoy a scenic cable car ride from the village of Kriens, offering stunning panoramic views along the way.
Enjoy a leisurely morning before leaving Lucerne and making your way to Ticino Region on the Gotthard Panorama Express. You will first take a regional train (approx. 30 min) to Arth-Goldau before boarding this scenic train offering more than just transit from one place to another. Travelling from central to southern Switzerland, you'll pass mountain vistas, blue lakes, sleepy villages and rolling hills. When you arrive in Bellinzona in the late afternoon, take a quick orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings, then your evening is free. Known for its three imposing medieval castles and surrounding views of the Alps, the atmosphere is perfect for a self-paced walking tour. If you’re looking for a cosy spot for dinner, just ask your expert leader for the best recommendations.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bellinzona - Orientation Walk
- Lucerne - Swiss Museum of Transport - CHF62
- Lucerne - Boat tour on the lake - CHF30
- Lucerne - Paddle boat on the lake - CHF40
- Lucerne - Gletschergarten Luzern Museum - CHF22
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Take another excursion up into the mountains today. Take a bus to the starting point of an easy hike, then head out on the trail for some unbeatable views of the Alps and a bird’s eye view of the city. Take some time to wander around, then head back to the city. Your afternoon is free, so you might like to visit the Castle of Bellinzona or The Municipal Museum of Villa dei Cedri – this suburban villa features gardens, historical architecture and regional art from the 19th century to present day works.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bellinzona - Leader led hike
If you are interested in pre-booking any optional activities for today, please make sure you these are booked for after 4pm.
Travel to ‘The Eternal City’ of Rome. Leaving Switzerland behind, board a morning train to Milan, where you’ll then change for the capital of Italy. Today’s a bit of a travel day, so take the opportunity to get to know your group a little better or grab a window seat and watch the scenery change from the mountains of Switzerland to the oranges and terracotta hues of Italy. When you arrive in Rome, you’ll head out with your leader for an orientation walk of the city. Home to popular sites like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – there is no shortage of things to see and do in Rome. With your free afternoon and evening, you might like to take a tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, visit the Pantheon, tour Vatican City or walk through the trendy areas within Trastevere in search of the best pasta, sandwich, gelato, homemade pizza or glass of vino.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Rome - Orientation Walk
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR25
- Rome - Pantheon One Hour Guided Tour Urban Adventure - EUR35
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR19
- Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR10
- Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill - EUR19
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
If you would like to visit the Vatican Museum, please check the Vatican website (vatican.va) for updated information on opening times. We strongly suggest planning your visit for today before the welcome meeting and pre-booking your tickets at tickets.museivaticani.va/home. The Vatican Museum is closed on some days, including most Sundays. On the last Sunday of the month, it's open and free (but expect large crowds). Please consider this when booking this trip. Tickets for Galleria Borghese can also be booked online. In order to allow enough time in the museum and to avoid the crowds it is recommended to start the museum visit as doors open. Please note that pre-booked tickets are not required if you just want to visit St Peter's Basilica and its dome.
If you are interested in visiting the Colosseum, we strongly suggest planning your visit for today and pre-booking your tickets at https://colosseo.it/en/opening-times-and-tickets/
Please make sure you any optional activities are booked for after 3pm.
Wake up to the exciting buzz of Rome and head out to visit an Intrepid Foundation partner – Cooperativa Coraggio. Set in the serene countryside, this organisation addresses the various social and environmental needs of Italian communities by regenerating unused public lands with organic, sustainable agriculture. Learn what they do here and watch a short cooking demonstration using fresh, locally harvested products that you’ll then sit down and enjoy for lunch. Return to Rome, where your last evening is free to visit the Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti, Piazza Venezia, St Peter's Basilica or anywhere you didn’t get a chance to see yesterday. Don’t forget to do as the Romans do and sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes! Tonight, why not head out for a final dinner with your group and toast to your adventures with a glass of wine?
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Rome - Cooperativa Coraggio (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
- Rome - Pantheon - EUR5
- Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR17
- Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR17
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
Enjoy a free day in the bustling Rome until your 6pm group meeting.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR10
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR19
- Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR17
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR25
- Rome - Pantheon - EUR5
Today you have a free morning to soak up the sights and sounds of Rome. There will be an optional leader-led orientation walk, taking in some of the best-known sights of Rome like the Spanish steps, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum if you’ve only just arrived. Why not then head to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica – entry to the Basilica is free, but there's a small charge to climb the dome for a breath-taking panorama over parts of the city. Later, you'll travel by train to Florence – the cultural heart of Tuscany, bursting with religious treasures and Renaissance masterpieces. It's been said that during the second millennium, a third of Europe's most important artists lived in Florence. The minds and talents of the Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all flourished here. After checking in to your hotel, join your leader for an orientation walk of Florence, then the rest of your evening is free to explore at your own pace. Food is also a major part of the city's identity, so why explore some of the Tuscan delicacies on offer with your group.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Check the Vatican website for updated information on when you can visit. Tickets for the Vatican Museum can and should be booked online at http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html. The Vatican Museum is closed on some days, including most Sundays. On the last Sunday of the month, it's open and free but expect huge crowds.
Tickets for Galleria Borghese (closed on Mondays) can also be booked online at galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it/en/. The best day to visit will be your first day in Rome before the welcome meeting, or this morning before the departure to Florence. To allow enough time in the museum and to avoid the crowds, it is recommended to start the museum visit as doors open. Please note that pre-booked tickets are not required if you just want to visit St Peter's Basilica and its dome.
Today is a free day for you to explore all that Florence has to offer. It's impossible to see everything, so take your time to work out a plan. The principal sights are easily discovered on foot – the Pitti Palace, Ponte Vecchio, Arno riverside, the many statues and monuments of the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, 13th-century, the Baptistry and the Belltower, and the Santa Croce Church. Maybe visit the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries. If you want to see Michelangelo's iconic statue of David, head to the Galleria dell'Accademia. Tonight, maybe climb the steep stairs to Piazzale Michelangelo for a sunset view across the rooftops of Florence. After, join the locals in taking a passeggiata – a leisurely social stroll – between Piazza Beccaria and Piazza della Repubblica.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Florence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure - EUR79
- Florence - Brunelleschi 3 Days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome - EUR30
- Florence - Accademia - EUR20
- Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR29
- Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR16
- Florence: Hidden Gems and Aperitivo - EUR77
The individual Florentine State Museums have slightly different opening times and closing days between them. Check firenzemusei.it for everything you need to know about all of them, including the option to purchase tickets. It is highly recommended that you pre-book your visit to the Uffizi, as this museum experiences enormous queues – upwards of five hours – all year round.
If you are interested in visiting the Galleria Uffizi and Galleria dell'Accademia, we strongly suggest planning your visit for anytime today and pre-booking your tickets at https://firenzemusei.it/
Soak up a leisurely morning in Florence, then take the train to Lucca – one of Tuscany's real hidden gems, with centuries-old buildings, beautiful churches, wide piazzas and narrow streets within the ancient city ramparts. You’ll be staying in the city centre which allows easy access to all the sights, restaurants and bars – all an easy stroll from the hotel's front door. Tonight, you might like to join the tradition of many locals and take a stroll along the top of the city walls that surround the perimeter of the old city.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Set off on a cycling tour this morning, following the scenic Serchio River through the Tuscan countryside. Then, you’ll catch the train to Pisa and visit the world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the nearby Duomo in Piazza dei Miracoli and the Pisa Baptistry. The Leaning Tower was built in the 12th century, but its foundation was on shifting sand and clay, meaning that it now leans at an angle of four degrees, after restoration and stabilising work. Continue to wander the streets past high-end boutiques and speciality book and antiques stores, perhaps stopping to enjoy an aperitif. After, head back to Lucca and maybe head to a local bar for a Prosecco (or two) and a fresh focaccia with finocchiona salami and pecorino cheese, best enjoyed in the shadow of the Palazzo Pretorio.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Lucca - Bicycle Tour
- Pisa - Half Day Trip to Pisa
- Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR27
- Pisa - 5 Monuments Combo Ticket - EUR11
- Lucca - Cathedral of San Martino & Ilaria del Carretto Tomb - EUR3
- Lucca - Guinigi Tower Climb - EUR8
- Lucca - National Gallery Villa Guinigi - EUR5
- Lucca - Day Trip to Barga (by public bus) - EUR9
- Lucca - Palazzo Pfanner House & Gardens - EUR7
- Lucca - Cathedral Museum - EUR4
- Lucca - Puccini concert - EUR20
- Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR20
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour. Your cycling time will be approximately 3 to 4 hours or 18 km.
The bike ride may take place today or the previous day, depending on the weather forecast. Your leader will advise closer to the date.
Please note that it’s not always possible to climb the leaning tower of Pisa.
Travel by train to La Spezia – the gateway to the gorgeous Italian Riviera. A medieval port town whose name is derived from its historic importance in the spice trade, La Spezia is your base for exploring the nearby stretch of coast known as the Cinque Terre. The name comes from the five tiny villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, whose position, wedged into a series of coves between cliffs, makes it one of the highlights in the country. After lunch, explore the city or perhaps head out by ferry or bus to the pretty seaside town of Portovenere, known for its colourful houses straddling the waterfront. Return to La Spezia and walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour. Otherwise, opt to take another ferry to Lerici – another small village across the Bay of Poets dominated by its castle – for a waterside dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- La Spezia - Mountain E-bike hire - EUR75
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Please note that depending on yesterday's activities our visit to Pisa may take place today on our way to La Spezia.
This morning, venture out to explore the gorgeous Cinque Terre hiking trails. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region, and take you through olive groves and vineyards. If you're feeling energetic, walking parts of the path (up to 12 km or approximately 5 hours) will give you the best taste of the villages and countryside, though will require a good level of fitness. Some sections of path can be difficult, as there are challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges. It's also possible to take the train between any of the villages or back to your base in La Spezia whenever you want. Stop off for lunch at one of the towns and relax in the vibrant atmosphere.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
- Cinque Terre - Via dell’Amore trail - EUR10
Due to safety reasons some sections of any path can be closed at short notice. Please remember to bring comfortable footwear such as trainers or light hiking shoes.
If you are interested in walking the Via dell’Amore trail, we strongly suggest planning your visit for today after 2 pm, booking is required up to 72 hours prior at https://www.viadellamore.info/en
Start your day with a scenic train ride from La Spezia to the coastal town of Rapallo. Once you arrive, drop off your luggage and make your way to the harbor to catch a ferry to Portofino. After arriving in this picturesque seaside village, take your time exploring its colorful streets, boutiques, and waterfront cafés. If you're up for a bit of a climb, follow the winding path that leads up to the Portofino Lighthouse at Punta del Capo. The walk takes about 30–40 minutes each way and offers stunning views along the route—dense Mediterranean vegetation, glimpses of hidden coves, and panoramic overlooks of the Ligurian Sea. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery and a quiet spot to take it all in. Once you're back in the village, catch the ferry to Rapallo, then unwind on a relaxing train ride to Asti—where a thriving food scene awaits, perfect for ending the day with a memorable meal.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Portofino Peninsula - Walk and Boat Ride
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
This morning, take a private vehicle to the green hills of the nearby rural village of Castagnole Monferrato, where you’ll visit the home of a local winemaking family to sample their vintages. The Ruche grape variety is unique to this region of Italy – it's grown in just seven small villages in the province of Asti and produces a ruby-red, intense and aromatic wine. You may even like to treat yourself to a home-cooked lunch in the village, before returning to Asti. This town was one of the most important in medieval times, sitting on trade routes between Turin, Milan, and Genoa. Today, it’s best known as the home of some of the finest and most sought after wines in Europe. It's also the best place to find ‘tartufo’ (truffles). You may be lucky enough to be here on a market day, when the Piazza del Palio hosts the region’s largest open-air market.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Asti - Village Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
- Asti - Bike Hire - EUR3
- Asti - Archaeological Museum - EUR10
Travel by train to Milan – Italy's second largest city – for a few hours of exploring. In this city known for fashion, this is the place for any upmarket shopping you wish to do. Explore the city's historic centre, visit the Gothic Duomo and walk between its rooftop sculptures, admiring the views and the Gothic terrace. Maybe head to see Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper (but be sure to book tickets well in advance) or head to the park of Castello Sforzesco. Later in the afternoon, continue by train and bus to Lake Como – an area of natural beauty, full of unique landscapes. Your hotel tonight is on the shores of Lake Como, where you can soak up the serenity.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Milan - Duomo Rooftop Visit
- Milan - Half Day Trip
- Milan - Castello Sforzesco - Free
- Milan - La Scala Museum - EUR13
- Milan - Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' - from - EUR29
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Your bags will be stored at the railway station in Milan while exploring the city. There is a limit of one bag per person for the lockers, so please make sure you pack accordingly. Many visitors to Milan will want to visit Leonardo Da Vinci's ‘The Last Supper’. Tickets are limited, generally selling out extremely quickly – up to six months in advance. If you want to see the Last Supper, you must make arrangements in advance. Today between 1 pm and 3 pm is the most suitable time. The viewing is 15 minutes and, in order not to lose the reservation, visitors must arrive 15 minutes before the time allocated for the visit. For information and reservations visit https://cenacolovinciano.vivaticket.it/en
Other websites will only sell a ticket in conjunction with an additional product such as a guidebook, tour or another museum entry.
This morning, explore the village of Bellagio. Maybe walk through the countryside and discover the estate of the Villa Melzi – this grand white villa sits just back from the water and its surrounding estate is filled with rare and exotic plant life. The rest of the day is free to take the ferry between the various parts of this area of Lake Como, like Varenna, Cadenabbia, or the beautiful Villa del Balbianello, which film fans may recognise from franchises like James Bond and Star Wars. Villa Carlotta is another waterfront villa open to the public. It holds a range of artwork and is surrounded by acres of manicured Italian gardens. Just past Cadenabbia is Tremezzo, where you can find delicious food or an aperitif. Simply strolling and admiring the beautiful views whichever way you turn is an ideal way to spend the day.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lake Como - Ferry Pass
- Lake Como - Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo - EUR12
- Lake Como - Villa Melzi Gardens in Bellagio - EUR10
- Lake Como - Vezio Castle in Varenna - EUR6
- Villa del Balbianello - EUR13
Leave the lakes district behind and take your private vehicle to Milan, then catch a train to Venice – the grand city of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas, practically unchanged for 600 years. Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. There are plenty of things to keep you busy when you arrive. Join your leader for a walk around the maze of streets behind Piazza San Marco and begin to understand the complex canal system. Your leader will introduce you to the local way of crossing the canal, by traghetto, then the rest of the day is free. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. For dinner, perhaps seek out Venice's distinctive culinary heritage, which goes back to ancient times and features rich risottos, saline baccala (salted cod) and creamy polenta.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Venice - Traghetto Ride
- Venice - Leader led orientation walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Venture out and explore Venice today at your own pace. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Take in the famous sights – the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco with its golden Basilica, and of course, the evocative Bridge of Sighs. You could take a vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of Venice. No trip here would be complete without a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola, so maybe treat yourself to a cruise through the waterways and tick this iconic experience off your bucket list. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, overflowing with paintings by Italian masters, and contrast it with the modern Guggenheim. In the evening, join your leader for a cicchetti stop as a real Venetian, then continue for a celebratory dinner of Venetian specialities, like fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Venice - Ciccheti Stop
- Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
- Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti - EUR15
- Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
- Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
If you are interested in visiting the Doge Palace, we strongly suggest planning your visit for anytime today and pre booking your tickets at https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home/
There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! As there is so much to see in Venice, you may want to consider extending your stay. There’s a range of Urban Adventures to embark on in Venice, including Cicchetti & Wine Tour, which takes you around the lanes and canals in search of the best of Venetian culture and wine. If you would like to spend more time in Venice, just get in touch with your booking agent.
There are no meals included on this day.
- Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR112
Inclusions and activities
18 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Train, Metro, Local Bus, Boat, Private Vehicle
Hotel (22 nights)
- Paris - Orientation Walk
- Paris - Welcome Meeting
- Lausanne - Orientation Walk
- Lucerne - Walk on the Museggmauer Walls
- Lucerne - Mount Pilatus Silver Circle Tour
- Bellinzona - Orientation Walk
- Bellinzona - Leader led hike
- Rome - Orientation Walk
- Rome - Cooperativa Coraggio (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
- Lucca - Bicycle Tour
- Pisa - Half Day Trip to Pisa
- Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
- Portofino Peninsula - Walk and Boat Ride
- Asti - Village Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
- Milan - Duomo Rooftop Visit
- Milan - Half Day Trip
- Lake Como - Ferry Pass
- Venice - Traghetto Ride
- Venice - Leader led orientation walk
- Venice - Ciccheti Stop
- Paris - Hidden Montmartre Urban Adventure - EUR35
- Paris - Palace of Versailles - EUR20
- Paris - Louvre Museum (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR22
- Paris - Arc de Triomphe - EUR16
- Paris - Musee d'Orsay - EUR16
- Paris - Rodin Museum - EUR14
- Paris - Napoleon's Tomb & Les Invalides Army Museum - EUR15
- Paris - Eiffel Tower (from - must be prebooked in advance) - EUR23
- Paris - Da Vinci Code Walking Tour - EUR25
- Lausanne - Visit to Unesco-listed Lavaux vineyards and wine tasting (including return local trains) - CHF23
- Lausanne - Boat tour on the Leman Lake - CHF38
- Lausanne - Visit to the Olympic Museum - CHF20
- Lausanne - Chocolate tasting tour - CHF29
- Lausanne - Visit to Plateforme 10 museum - CHF15
- Lucerne - Swiss Museum of Transport - CHF62
- Lucerne - Fondue lunch or dinner - CHF27
- Lucerne - Boat tour on the lake - CHF30
- Lucerne - Paddle boat on the lake - CHF40
- Lucerne - Gletschergarten Luzern Museum - CHF22
- Lucerne - Guided tour of the Sonnenberg Bunker - CHF350
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR25
- Rome - Pantheon One Hour Guided Tour Urban Adventure - EUR35
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR19
- Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR10
- Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill - EUR19
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
- Rome - Pantheon - EUR5
- Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR17
- Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR17
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
- Florence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure - EUR79
- Florence - Brunelleschi 3 Days pass - Baptistry, Museo Opera del Duomo, Giotto Bell Tower and Brunelleschi Dome - EUR30
- Florence - Accademia - EUR20
- Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR29
- Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR16
- Florence: Hidden Gems and Aperitivo - EUR77
- Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR27
- Pisa - 5 Monuments Combo Ticket - EUR11
- Lucca - Cathedral of San Martino & Ilaria del Carretto Tomb - EUR3
- Lucca - Guinigi Tower Climb - EUR8
- Lucca - National Gallery Villa Guinigi - EUR5
- Lucca - Day Trip to Barga (by public bus) - EUR9
- Lucca - Palazzo Pfanner House & Gardens - EUR7
- Lucca - Cathedral Museum - EUR4
- Lucca - Puccini concert - EUR20
- Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR20
- La Spezia - Mountain E-bike hire - EUR75
- Cinque Terre - Via dell’Amore trail - EUR10
- Asti - Bike Hire - EUR3
- Asti - Archaeological Museum - EUR10
- Milan - Castello Sforzesco - Free
- Milan - La Scala Museum - EUR13
- Milan - Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' - from - EUR29
- Lake Como - Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo - EUR12
- Lake Como - Villa Melzi Gardens in Bellagio - EUR10
- Lake Como - Vezio Castle in Varenna - EUR6
- Villa del Balbianello - EUR13
- Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
- Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti - EUR15
- Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
- Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
- Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR112
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Is this trip right for you?
- If you love avoiding airport queues, this is the trip for you! As public transport is the predominant form of transport on this trip, we highly recommend packing as lightly as possible as you will be expected to carry your own bags on and off trains as well as to and from your accommodation.
- If travelling to Paris from London we highly recommend using the fast Eurostar train from London's St Pancras station. At under 2.5 hours travel time and with no airport queues, this is by far the most convenient travel option.
- Please note that we will store our bags at the railway station in Milan while exploring town. There is a limit of one bag per person for the lockers, so please make sure you pack accordingly. Please also note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the trains, and up and down stairs at train stations and at hotels, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'What to Take' section of the Essential Trip Information. You may want to consider taking a backpack rather than a wheelie bag, however this is up to your personal preference and what you feel more comfortable with.
- Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Many hotel rooms in Europe are not equipped with air-conditioning. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
- Hotel rooms in Europe can seem rather small by American or Australian standards and often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Please also note that often hotels offer shared bathrooms rather than ensuite facilities.
- On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
- If you love avoiding airport queues, this is the trip for you! As public transport is the predominant form of transport on this trip, we highly recommend packing as lightly as possible as you will be expected to carry your own bags on and off trains as well as to and from your accommodation.
- If travelling to Paris from London we highly recommend using the fast Eurostar train from London's St Pancras station. At under 2.5 hours travel time and with no airport queues, this is by far the most convenient travel option.
- Please note that we will store our bags at the railway station in Milan while exploring town. There is a limit of one bag per person for the lockers, so please make sure you pack accordingly. Please also note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the trains, and up and down stairs at train stations and at hotels, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'What to Take' section of the Essential Trip Information. You may want to consider taking a backpack rather than a wheelie bag, however this is up to your personal preference and what you feel more comfortable with.
- Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Many hotel rooms in Europe are not equipped with air-conditioning. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
- Hotel rooms in Europe can seem rather small by American or Australian standards and often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Please also note that often hotels offer shared bathrooms rather than ensuite facilities.
- On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
Dates and availability
Important notes
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding days 13, 14, 15 & 16. Availability is limited due to small properties that we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
TRAIN TRAVEL
The primary form of transportation on this trip are scheduled local and intercity trains.
On day 5 of departures operating in April, we’ll be making a slight adjustment to how we reach the top of Mount Pilatus. The cogwheel train will be out of service seasonal maintenance and potential weather conditions and instead, we’ll enjoy a scenic cable car ride from the village of Kriens, offering stunning panoramic views along the way.
Please provide your full name as per passport and date of birth at the time of booking so that we can secure train tickets for you.
Please provide your date of birth at the time of booking so that we can secure train tickets for you.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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