Western European Rail Journey – Rome to Madrid

DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN ROME

Welcome to Rome! On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Shrouded in legend, Rome is home to hundreds of ancient artifacts, architecture, beautiful churches and Basilicas. Don’t miss a stroll around some of the beautiful museums of the city – the Vatican museum holds a superb collection as well as housing the Sistine Chapel. Make time for a delicious Italian ice-cream in one of the pretty cafes by the Trevi fountain, lovely in the evening.

DAY 2 – ROME

After breakfast this morning, walk in the footsteps of gladiators at the famous Colosseum and Roman Forum on your included tour. Don’t forget to have your photo taken with one of the slightly more modern gladiators outside! (Overnight in Rome)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 3 – ROME TO FLORENCE

After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and make your way to the train station for your journey to Florence. Spend the day exploring the city after checking in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Admire the charming views along the River Arno and cross the city’s oldest bridge, the 14th century Ponte Vecchio. Later in the afternoon, enjoy the included tour of the famous Uffizi Gallery, and see the Renaissance works of great artists such as Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo. This evening, be sure to sample some authentic Tuscan cuisine, including a glass of wine from the hills that surround the city. (Overnight in Florence)

DAY 4 – FLORENCE TO VENICE

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and catch the train to Venice. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay before setting out to acquaint yourself with the classic Italian city. Stroll down the banks of the shimmering canals and discover the magnificent architecture that lines the cobbled streets and square. Come the evening, relax at an outdoor trattoria by the sparkling lagoon, or why not head to Harry’s Bar to try a delectable Bellini in the cocktail’s birthplace. (Overnight in Venice)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 5 – VENICE

Spend a full day exploring Venice today. Discover the city’s hidden gems and highlights on a walking tour, or take an iconic, relaxing gondola ride through the historic canals. Enjoy the included tour of Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, two of the city’s most popular monuments. (Overnight in Venice)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 6 – VENICE TO MILAN

After breakfast this morning, catch the high-speed Trenitalia train from Venice to Milan. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and check in for an overnight stay. Home to the Last Supper, the majestic La Scala Opera house and a beautiful cathedral, Milan is the heart of Italian style and sophistication. Fashionistas will be in heaven here within the spiritual home of Armani, Versace and Gucci to name a few! History buffs will love the Gothic Duomo di Milano, the city’s crowning glory and a magnificent spectacle. Visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, home of ‘The Last Supper’, Leonardo da Vinci’s famous masterpiece. Or simply stroll through the Brera district and enjoy the art galleries, boutique shopping opportunities and exquisite dining. (Overnight in Milan)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 7 – THE BERNINA EXPRESS TO ST. MORITZ

Get ready for a memorable day on the tracks gliding past incredible mountain scenery from Milan to St. Moritz via Tirano on the iconic Bernina Express. the tracks of the Bernina Express have now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the journey will meander through snow-dusted mountain ranges, across striking stone viaducts and along the banks of some of Switzerland’s sparkling lakes. This is one train journey you won’t soon forget! On arrival in St. Moritz, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay and enjoy the spectacular shopping, dining and sights of this Swiss gem. (Overnight in St. Moritz)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 8 – THE GLACIER EXPRESS TO ZERMATT

After a nice breakfast this morning, enjoy the full splendour of one of Switzerland’s most famous journeys, the Glacier Express. Early in the journey the train cruises over the impressive Landwasser Viaduct, which is a marvel of Swiss engineering from a bygone era. This train is otherwise known as the slowest express train in the world and winds its way over numerous high passes and meanders past many small Swiss lakes and villages until pulling into Zermatt nearly eight hours after departure. While the journey is slow, it’s certainly one to check off the bucket list! (Overnight in Zermatt)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 9 – ZERMATT

Today, take an exciting ride on the Gornergrat cog railway, which climbs from 1,604 metres above sea level to 3,090 metres in just 33 minutes, and is a marvel of 19th Century engineering. From the top, take in one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Switzerland with the iconic outline of the Matterhorn as well as the surrounding peaks and glaciers all around you. You might be lucky enough to spot an Chamois or Marmot during your visit, and enjoy a stroll through the nature reserve and maybe even enjoy a fondue. Take the same route back down to Zermatt where you can enjoy the numerous small bars and restaurants on the car free roads of this beautiful Swiss mountain village. (Overnight in Zermatt)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 10 – ZERMATT TO ZURICH

Take the scenic train from Zermatt to Zurich today and on arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Zurich is known worldwide as being Switzerland’s sophisticated financial capital, but it’s also so much more than that. Fringed by distant mountains and gracing the banks of the winding River Limmat, the international banks and financial institutions add a contemporary edge to the scenes of intricate stained-glass windows, cobbled pavements and characteristic spires that reveal glimpses into the city’s rich past. Amble down the Lake Promenade and the winding streets of the Old Town or unearth the artistic masterpieces of the Kunsthaus. (Overnight in Zurich)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 11 – ZURICH TO PARIS

Take the smooth, direct train ride from Zurich to Paris this morning, and arrive in the ‘City of Light’ with enough time to have a full afternoon at your leisure. Maybe stroll along the River Seine and enjoy a meal at one of the cities excellent restaurants. (Overnight in Paris)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 12 – PARIS

Today enjoy the very best Paris has to offer with a skip-the-line tour to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, and a scenic seine cruise. Explore the boulevards and arrondissements with your included hop-on hop-off pass and do speak to any of our Rail Experts should you like to get a taste of the famous French cuisine with a fabulous food tour.(Overnight Paris)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 13 – PARIS

Continue to enjoy the famous Hausmaum architecture with your hop-on hop-off pass and visit the Louvre Museum to come face to face with the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Nike of Samothrace, to name but a few treasures of the world. With the remainder of your day, why not explore the pretty covered passageways of Paris, or the famous flea markets of the Marais, or simply enjoy a crepe and stroll in the Tuileries Gardens?(Overnight Paris)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 14 – PARIS TO BARCELONA

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then make your way to the station for your train to Barcelona. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and then perhaps head out for some dinner at a local restaurant before retiring to the hotel for a good night’s rest. (Overnight in Barcelona)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 15 – BARCELONA

After breakfast embark on a tour of Gaudi’s 2 master piece’s; Casa Batllo and the spectacular Sagrada Familia. After, spend time wandering along the city’s most famous shopping street, Las Ramblas. This tree-lined boulevard is packed with plenty of street artists, shops and great places to sit and people watch., Or why not visit the Picasso Museum to view a huge collection of the famous artist’s world. (Overnight in Barcelona)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 16 – BARCELONA TO SEVILLE

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel this morning and then take the high-speed AVE train to Seville. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Make use of your included hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see the city’s many attractions, including Paseo de Colon, Plaza de Espana, Acuario de Sevilla and Plaza de America. (Overnight in Seville)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 17 – SEVILLE

Experience the incredible history and culture of Seville today with your hop-on, hop-off tour, learning more about the major landmarks of the Andalucian capital, including Spanish Square and Maria Luisa Park, San Cruz Quarter, and Triana, the birthplace of flamenco. Admire the city’s great architecture styles on display, from Islamic and Gothic to Rococo. In the evening, enjoy a meal of tapas and sample other local specialities at one of the many pavement bars around the city. (Overnight in Seville)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 18 – MILAN TO VENICE

After breakfast this morning, catch the high-speed Trenitalia train from Milan to Venice. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay before setting out to acquaint yourself with the classic Italian city. Stroll down the banks of the shimmering canals and discover the magnificent architecture that lines the cobbled streets and squares. Come the evening, relax at an outdoor trattoria by the sparkling lagoon, or why not head to Harry’s Bar to try a delectable Bellini in the cocktail’s birthplace? (Overnight in Venice)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 19 – MADRID

Continue using your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing city pass today, and make sure to stop off at the spectacular Royal Palace. How about dropping by the world class Prado museum for a sight of some of the greatest Spanish masterpieces in the world, then enjoy a final evening in Spain with some traditional Tapas and local Tinto de verano. (Overnight in Madrid)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 20 – DEPART MADRID

After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your vacation with additional nights in a particular destination, one of our Rail Experts would be happy to assist you with all the details.

GORNERGRAT RAILWAY

The Gornergrat railway was the world’s first fully electrified cog railway and remains Europe’s highest open-air railway. With constant views of the famous Matterhorn throughout the ride, the Gornergrat excursion from Zermatt is a must-do!

AMENITIES

RENFE

Renfe is the national rail operator for Spain, often operating cross-border services with the French and Portuguese Railways.

AMENITIES

• You can carry up to 3 pieces of hand luggage onto the train, provided that the sum of the three does not exceed 25 kg or 290 cm. There are also dimension restrictions but most pieces of luggage qualify.
• There are no minimum check in times. However, please note that some stations have security scanners for which there may be a queue.
• On most long-distance trains there’s a cafe-bar serving tea, coffee, drinks and snacks. Of course, you’re also free to take your own food and drink and there are numerous shops, restaurants and cafes in and around most stations.
• An airline-style hot tray meal with wine is included in Preferente class on AVE & EuroMed trains on Mondays-Fridays & Sundays, but not Saturdays. It’s a full meal at meal times, but only a snack on late-morning & mid-afternoon trains. Turista Plus does not include any foods. International trains have different facilities.
• There are two classes of service, but it depends on the train type:
• Standard class is also known as Turista. Seats are four across, with options for tables as well.
• First class is known as Preferente. Seats are three across, with the option for a table for two and solo seats. On weekdays on AVE and EuroMed high-speed trains, Preferente usually includes a hot airline-style meal and wine during certain times, or may include breakfast or a snack. Prefernete ticket holders can get access to lounges at some stations.
• A third class is Turista Plus. This is, in effect, first class seating but without the food and drink, or access to any lounges. International trains have different classes of travel.

THE BERNINA EXPRESS

Experience the awe-inspiring Bernina Express, crossing the Swiss Alps and departing from either Chur, Switzerland or Tirano, Italy. Indeed, this is one of the most picturesque train journeys in the whole world. Luckily, the huge panoramic windows mean you won’t have to miss one scenic second of the snow-capped peaks, charming villages, and lush valleys. Enjoy delicacies from the roving minibar, but be sure to save room for a delicious lunch in Tirano!

AMENITIES

• There is no restriction on luggage.
• No set time.
• There is no dining car, however drinks and snacks are available from a refreshment trolley service.
• You may also bring a picnic on board with you.
• Standard. Seats are arranged 2 + 2 across the train aisle.
• First Class. Seats are 2 + 1 across the car width.
• The entire route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Highlights include the Landwasser viaduct, Lake Poschiavo, and the Brusio Spiral.

SWISS RAILWAYS

Swiss Federal Railways is the national railway company of Switzerland. Switzerland is an extremely popular destination, with the rail network providing a stress-free holiday for all.

AMENITIES

• There are no specific luggage restrictions, but passengers must be able to carry it and store it. We recommend no more than two regular suitcases and one hand luggage per person.
• Regular SBB trains do not have a check-in time but it is advised that passengers are on the platform at least a few minutes before departure.
• Most long-distance trains have at least a bistro car serving tea, coffee, wine, beer, and snacks from a counter, with some tables nearby if you’d want to eat and drink in the bistro car rather than take it back to your seat. Some Swiss long-distance trains have a proper sit-down waiter-service restaurant car. Shorter routes don’t always have catering facilities, but most stations have numerous cafes and shops.
• There are double-deck InterCity trains on various routes, with First and Standard class sections on both upper & lower decks and a restaurant or cafe car. It is recommended an upper deck seat for the best views – the stairs are shallow and easy, even with luggage, and there are luggage stacks both upstairs and downstairs. First-class usually gets you more room as there are generally fewer seats per carriage, and less crowded. Domestic SBB trains are usually not reserved in either Standard or First. Some stations may also have first-class lounges.

GLACIER EXPRESS

The Glacier Express, also known as the “Slowest Express Train in the World,” has always been an incredible, bucket-list train journey for travellers visiting Switzerland. This legendary, eight-hour ride slowly weaves more than 150 miles across 291 bridges and through 92 tunnels in the picturesque Swiss Alps from the foot of the Matterhorn in Zermatt to St. Moritz.

AMENITIES

• There are no luggage restrictions.
• Note however, that due to the panoramic windows there is no overhead storage space.
• No set time.
• Food and drinks can be ordered at your seat in both First and Standard Class, ranging from a set menu to á la carte.
• Excellence Class has a complimentary five course lunch with accompanying wine.
• Standard class offers 2+2 seating across the train carriage, whereas First class offers 2+ 1, with larger, more comfortable seats.
• Excellence Class is an exclusive class of travel, with one carriage containing a maximum of 20 seats, all of which are tables for two next to a window.
• The entire journey is one of the most scenic in the world, with panoramic views of mountains, valleys, lakes and forests.
• One of the highlights is the crossing of the Landwasser viaduct between Chur and St Moritz.

SNCF

Best known for its iconic high speed TGV trains, SNCF is the national rail operators in France, offering both domestic and international services.

AMENITIES

• Your baggage allowance is two medium-sized cases (maximum 85cm in length) and a small item of hand luggage, per person
• You are advised to be there 30 minutes before the train departs but trains doors are locked 2 minutes before departure. Tickets are checked on the platform as you board.
• All but a handful of shorter-distance TGVs have a cafe-bar serving hot and cold food and drink. The Intercité trains often have some form of catering – either a trolley service or a cafe-bar.
• TER trains usually don’t have any catering but they are usually short journeys and you can always stock up at the numerous cafes or shops at stations. There are usually vending machines dotted around the station too!
• On Intercités de Nuit (sleeper train) services from Paris, you can pre-order some of your meals online, including breakfast or a simple meal to be delivered to your seat or your compartment.
• Orders for this airline-style service must be placed at least 72 hrs before departure. You also have the option of bringing your own food and drink to enjoy onboard the night train
• On most trains, standard class seating is 4 across, with the choice of airline-style seats, or a table of four. Some older trains and local trains have seating for 6 only or compartments. Some TGVs have duplex (double-decker) seating and standard class is available on both decks. There are drop-down tables big enough for laptops (face-to-back seats) or fixed tables (face-to-face seats), but not all TGVs have power points.
• First Class on most trains is three seats abreast, with the same choice of seats as standard class as well as tables for two and solo seats. All 1st class seats have power-points for laptops & mobiles with European-style two-pin sockets on TGVs. The other train types sometimes have 6-seating in a group or compartments.
• The sleeper trains in France generally have the choice of reclining seats in an open-plan carriage, a 6-berth couchette or a 4-berth sleeper. Sometimes it is possible to pay a supplement and book out a cabin. Cabins are lockable and each bunk is provided with a fresh clean pillow, individual reading light and special lightweight sleeping-bag. Each passenger also gets a bottle of mineral water, earplugs (if you really need them) and tissues.

TRENITALIA

Trenitalia is Italy’s national rail carrier. It operates many different trains, including high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca and Frecciargento trains, slower InterCity and regional services and sleeper trains.

AMENITIES

• Trenitalia does not have any restrictions on the number of luggage items that can be taken onboard.
• No check-in as such, although doors will close two minutes before departure.
• Frecciarossa trains offer a restaurant- or café-car.
• Frecciargento trains offer trolley-service and café-car.
• Frecciabianca trains offer refreshment trolley service.
• InterCity trains may offer refreshment trolley service.
• No refreshment services available on regional trains.
• Frecciarossa trains have four classes of service.
• Frecciarargento and Freccibianca trains have two classes of travel.
• Journeys heading close to the coastline, such between Naples and Sicily and on the Cinque Terre between Levanto and La Spezia offer great sea views.