Florence via Lake Lucerne
- 6 Days
- From £999
- Italy
- Stunning rail journey through the Gotthard Pass
- Florence: art and culture heaven
- Beautiful lakeside city of Lucerne
- Convenient return journey via the fascinating city of Turin
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 5 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Depart early from London St Pancras on a Eurostar to Paris and then connect on to the high speed TGV service to Basel on the Swiss border. A quick change here onto a local Swiss train brings you into Lucerne. Check in at the conveniently located Waldstätterhof Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay, before heading out for an evening meal.
TMR RECOMMENDS: You might like to extend your holiday with an extra night in this lovely lakeside city. From Lucerne, you can take a day trip to a nearby mountain railways such as Rigi and Pilatus.
Leaving Lucerne after breakfast, take an excellent Swiss InterCity service across the Alps on the spectacular Gotthard Route to Lugano in the Italian speaking region of Ticino. You might like to arrange a stop here for lunch in this lovely corner of Switzerland before continuing your journey via Milan to Florence.
On arrival at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station, make your way to the fantastic Berchielli Hotel (or similar) in the heart of the city, for a 3-night stay.
Florence is a truly remarkable city – capital of the region of Tuscany, it has been a centre of art and culture for centuries. Today, it boasts a plethora of galleries, museums and churches, the most famous of which being the towering Duomo (cathedral), which looms large over the city skyline. Take time to wander along the banks of the Arno River, taking in the glorious Ponte Vecchio that straddles it.
No visit to Florence is complete without a visit to the ever-popular Uffizi Gallery, right in the centre of the city. We can book ‘skip-the-line’ tickets for you here. Please ask for details.
You will be able to leave your bags stored at your hotel and enjoy a last morning in Florence. After lunch, it’s time to head back to the station and take the train on the high-speed line to Turin. Here, check into the Starhotels Majestic (or similar) for an overnight stay.
Turin is justly famous for its food, particularly its chocolate. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste some of the local dishes when you head out for dinner!
Leave Turin this morning for a direct TGV train through the Italian and French Alps to Paris. Travel across to Gare de Lyon where you will catch the Eurostar back under the English Channel to London.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Lucerne
Conveniently located just 5 minutes’ walk from Lucerne’s main station, the Waldstaetterhof is the perfect base for a stay in this lakeside city. Bedrooms are spacious and furnished in a classic style with flat-screen TVs and tea & coffee making facilities. You can also enjoy a delicious menu of local and international dishes in the hotel’s on site restaurant.
Florence
In a fabulous position overlooking the River Arno and the Ponte Vecchio, the Hotel Berchielli is the perfect base for a first visit to Florence. Rooms at the hotel are soundproofed and air-conditioned, with antique decoration and complimentary Wi-Fi access. There is also an American style bar where guests can enjoy a coffee or a cocktail.
Turin
This polished, 19th century hotel is located near all Turin’s main attractions and features modern bedrooms, an elegant restaurant complete with stained glass skylight, and an exercise room. A buffet breakfast is provided daily at the hotel. Le Regine Restaurant by Eataly serves both Piedmont and international cuisine.
Upgrade your accommodation
Florence
The stylish Savoy Hotel in Florence occupies a historic building in the centre of the city with the Uffizi Gallery and the famous Duomo both within easy reach. The interior of the hotel is designed by Olga Polizzi and pays tribute to the fashion heritage of Florence with shoe paintings lining the corridors. Bedrooms are spacious and the service is exceptional.
Turin
Grand Hotel Sitea is located in the centre of Turin, right behind Piazza San Carlo and a 10-minute walk from Piazza Castello. Rooms are elegantly furnished and come with parquet or carpeted floors, and a TV with satellite channels. There is also free internet access. All rooms offer a marble bathroom, some with spa bath.
