Florence to Rome via Umbria

Spend a full day discovering the sights of Florence. Known as the ‘Birthplace of the Renaissance’, Florence was one of the most important cities of the Middle Ages both in terms of economy and culture. You can explore some of the latter at the famous Uffizi Gallery (for which we recommend you buy tickets in advance to beat the queues).

Also well worth a visit are the iconic Duomo and the Boboli Gardens, where you can escape the crowds and be rewarded with fantastic views of the city skyline.

Your rail journey today takes you along the Arno River Valley with a backdrop of sweeping Tuscan countryside. Soon after Arezzo, the train crosses into Umbria and you arrive into Umbrian capital Perugia. Here, check in for 3 nights at the Sangallo Palace Hotel (or similar).

TMR RECOMMENDS: There are a couple of stops that we would recommend. You can stop for a visit (or even an extra night) in the beautiful city of Arezzo. Or perhaps have a lunch stop at Lake Trasimeno (pictured), between Arezzo and Perugia. Tuoro sul Trasimeno is the best stop for a visit here.

Enjoy plenty of time to soak up the scenery of Perugia with its magnificent medieval centre. Don’t miss a visit to the 10th century Basilica of St Pietro or the city’s cathedral, said to be home to the Virgin Mary’s wedding ring.

On one of your free days, you might like to take a day trip to Assisi, just a short journey from Perugia (tickets payable locally). Best known as the birthplace of St. Francis, Italy’s patron saint, Assisi occupies a stunning position amid Umbria’s rolling hills. Wander narrow lanes lined with shops and restaurants and enjoy the hilltop views.

Another short and pretty rail journey takes you from Perugia to Spoleto. Here, you have 2 nights at the Hotel Dei Duchi (or similar).

Founded in the 6th century BCE, Spoleto boasts some magnificent Roman and medieval remains, including a huge 14th century castle called the Rocca and the Ponte delle Torre, an amazing feat of engineering from the Middle Ages. From the bridge, you can get dramatic views of the gorge below.

From Spoleto, the train line cuts through the hills to reach the Neva Valley and then follows the Neva River to its confluence with the Tiber. Not long after, you reach Rome’s central station and check in for 2 nights at The Guardian Hotel (or similar).

Rome offers a bewildering array of attractions, from the famous landmarks of the Colosseum, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain to the endless Vatican Museums and colourful ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. If you’ve not been to Rome before, we would certainly recommend an extra night here.

Your journey back to the UK begins as you return to Rome Termini station and catch a direct train up the spine of Italy to Milan. Here, an easy connection will see you following the coastline and crossing the border into France.

On arrival into Nice, check in at the conveniently located Hotel Excelsior (or similar) where you have an overnight stay. The famous Promenade des Anglais and the tempting restaurants of Vieux Nice (the old town) are within easy reach this evening.

Leave Nice after breakfast this morning and catch a TGV service back up through France to Paris. Here, use your metro tickets to cross to the Gare du Nord for your return Eurostar to London.