Tuscany and Umbria by train
In this Italian rail holiday you travel to Florence by train and then tour Tuscany and Umbria with a hire car. We have suggested here some of our beautiful hotels that make excellent bases to explore the pretty landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria, before returning back to the UK by rail. Travelling by train is an ideal way to get to Tuscany and Umbria – more relaxing than flying and with great views along the way.
There are many different rail routes to Italy that you can choose between. The simplest option which we use in our suggested itinerary is to take the overnight Thello sleeper from Paris to Milan and then continue on to Florence where you arrive in the morning. A stunning alternative is a daytime rail journey which takes you via Zurich or Munich, allowing you to spend one night in a hotel in one of these cities before travelling over the Gotthard or Brenner Passes through the spectacular Alps. We can help select the best rail journey for you depending on your requirements – in this example we use the sleeper train in both directions.
Click here to download a pdf with full details of some of our rail holidays to Italy.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
OPTION 1 – DIRECT SLEEPER
Day one
You begin your rail holiday by travelling out on an afternoon Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Paris Gare de Nord. Following a change of station in Paris continue the rail journey by Thello sleeper train to Milan, where you change trains and then carry on to Florence where you arrive at around 9am. We recommend the two bed sleeper compartments on the Thello train as the most comfortable option. There is a washbasin in the compartments and shared toilets in each carriage.
Day two
Arrive in Florence, where you will be met at the train station and taken by a private car and driver to your hotel. We include an early check-in and you have the rest of the day to explore the beautiful city of Florence. You spend one night here, choosing from one of our luxury hotels in Florence – here we have suggested the Bernini Palace.
OPTION 2 – VIA MUNICH
Day one
Alternatively you can begin your rail holiday by leaving London on a morning Eurostar to Brussels. You change trains here and board the Thalys service that takes you across the Belgian-German border at Aachen. You change trains again in Cologne and head south through the towns of Mannheim and Stuttgart before arriving into Munich around 8.30pm. You check in to your hotel in Munich, and spend one night here.
Day two
The next leg of your train journey takes you through the heart of the stunning Austrian Alps. You head south from the Bavarian capital and cross the border into Austria at Kufstein. The railway guides you through high mountain scenery before dropping down through the Brenner Pass, from where you can admire the Dolomites, and onwards through Verona to Bologna. You change trains here and arrive into Florence at 5.30pm. You stay one night at the Bernini Palace.
Day three
Collect your hire car from central Florence. The drive southwards to the heart of the Chianti wine producing area and the Hotel Villa le Barone is about 25 miles and takes around an hour. Spend three nights at Villa le Barone, where views over the vineyards and the village of Panzano are excellent.
Days four and five
You have the next two days at your leisure to explore the Chianti region. The hotel is well located to for a day trip to Siena or San Gimignano, or you can use your car to explore the smaller authentic villages close to the hotel. The Villa le Barone provides guests with a pack of possible driving, hiking and walking itineraries for the adventurous. Alternatively, if you’re a gourmet-lover why not try your hand at Tuscan cookery with a class at the hotel. Why not talk to one of our Italian specialists about ideas of how to spend your time in Chianti?
Day six
Depart Panzano and drive to Colle San Paolo about 100 miles and two and half hours away in northern Umbria. Umbria has many similarities to Tuscany, but has a more rustic, less polished and perhaps more authentic feel. Villa di Monte Solare is a small, privately owned country house of 25 rooms.
Days seven and eight
Spend two days relaxing in the hotel, or take your hire car to explore the delights of Umbria. The hotel is only 40 minutes from Perugia – a large medieval hill town and Umbria’s capital city. Combining a rich history with modern shopping and a lively atmosphere, Perugia has plenty to offer visitors. History-lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the Eruscan Arch or the Rocca Paolina, whilst the National Art Gallery of Umbria exemplifies the artistic evolution in Umbria between the 13th and 19th centuries.
Day nine
Drive back to Florence, a journey of about two hours, where you return your hire car. You will have time for dinner in Florence before starting the return journey of your rail holiday by catching a train to Milan before transferring to the Thello sleeper train back to Paris at around 11pm.
Day ten
On arrival in Paris at about 10am, transfer to Paris Nord station and make the final leg of your train journey by Eurostar to London St Pancras.
PRICES
From £1,980 per person for first class rail travel.
From £1,790 per person for second class rail travel.
Prices based on two sharing a double or twin room.
What’s included?
First or second class travel on all trains (as above) including Eurostar
Double sleeper compartment on Thello sleeper train
At the hotels:
Early check-in and 1 night at Bernini Palace
3 nights at Villa le Barone
3 nights at Villa di Monte Solare
Standard rooms with breakfast (other room categories can also be arranged)
Car hire:
Category B car hire for six days. We can arrange larger cars for you on request.
What’s not included?
Meals other than breakfast at the hotels
Any services not mentioned above
Dates
This holiday can be arranged throughout the year. Timings can vary depending on the month and day of the week.
For more information regarding rail services to and within Italy, view our train guide.