Florence to Rome via Umbria
- London to Zurich and then through the Alps to Florence
- Umbrian capital Perugia, dating back to 300BCE
- Lovely Spoleto with its Roman remains and magnificent Duomo
- Rome, the world’s largest outdoor museum
- 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
- 11 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
Leave London St Pancras today and catch a Eurostar service to Paris where you connect to the Gare de Lyon for a high-speed TGV service through France to Zurich. On arrival, check in for an overnight stay at the Hotel Adler (or similar).
Enjoy an evening stroll along the River Limmat or through Zurich’s pretty Old Town area, where there are plenty of options for an evening meal.
After a leisurely start today, it’s time to head back to Zurich’s main station for a scenic journey through the Alps via the Gotthard Base tunnel. If you would rather go ‘over the top’ to make the most of the scenery, you can do this – but it will involve an extra change in Cadenazzo in southern Switzerland.
Arrive into Milan and change onto a Trenitalia service bound for Florence. Here, check in for a 2-night stay at the centrally located Hotel Berchielli (or similar).
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.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Zurich
The Hotel Adler is situated in the Niederdorf Old Town area of Zurich and occupies a building dating back to the 16th century. Bedrooms are decorated in classic Swiss style with complimentary Wi-Fi and soft drinks. The hotel also boasts a traditional Swiss 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.
Perugia
Located within walking distance of the train station and the historic Rocca Paolina, the Sangallo Palace is conveniently located in the centre of Perugia. The hotel offers classically furnished, air-conditioned bedrooms with sound-proofing, complimentary internet access and flat-screen TVs. There is also an onsite restaurant specialising in Umbrian dishes and a wellness area with a swimming pool.
Spoleto
The Hotel dei Duchi occupies a great location in the historic heart of Spoleto, within the gardens of Ancajani Park and looking over the Roman Theatre. Bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning, satellite TV, hairdryer and minibar. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel which also offers an a la carte restaurant and outdoor terrace.
Rome
The Guardian Hotel occupies a 19th-century building a 10-minute walk from Rome’s Termini station. Bedrooms are elegantly furnished in a modern. classic style with tea & coffee making facilities, flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi internet access. The rooftop restaurant and lounge bar serves up an international menu with fine views.
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.
