Tuscany in Detail
- 11
- £1,349
- Italy
- Take the train to Italy via the stunning Brenner Alpine Pass
- See more of Tuscany than just the mainstays of Florence and Siena
- Enjoy Lucca in the evening after the day-trippers have left
- Comfortable rail connections and varied Alpine scenery in each direction
- 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, where required
- 10 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
PLEASE NOTE: Due to a landslide on the rail line between Turin and Paris, we will need to reroute the return journey of this holiday for travel before spring 2025. There are lots of other options which we can discuss with you.
Suggested Itinerary
Leave London St Pancras in the late morning aboard a Eurostar service to Brussels Midi. Here, connect onto a train to Cologne. There’s a bar buffet available on both services, or you can enjoy some lunch in Brussels Midi station before your onward journey.
When you arrive in Cologne, check in at the conveniently located Mondial am Dom MGallery (or similar) for an overnight stay.
Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and pass the steps of the famous Cologne Cathedral en route to the station for your onward journey to Innsbruck. As you travel from Munich, the scenery will become more and more undulating and by the time you arrive in the ‘Capital of the Austrian Tyrol, you will be surrounded by mountain peaks.
Check in for an overnight stay at the AC Marriott Innsbruck (or similar).
Take one of Europe’s most scenic journeys as you cross the Alps through Austria’s Tyrol region and into Italy over the famous Brenner Pass. After an easy platform change in Bologna, you will arrive in Florence in time for your first Italian evening meal.
Upon arrival, check into the Berchielli Hotel (or similar). Florence, the Tuscan capital, was one of the most important cities of trade and finance in the Middle Ages. It’s also known as the birthplace of the Renaissance movement.
Enjoy two days at leisure in Florence. Don’t miss the famous Duomo or a visit to the beautiful Boboli Gardens. You can also see some of the best of Renaissance art here with visits to the Uffizi and the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David.
TMR RECOMMENDS: If you want to see the Uffizi Gallery during your stay in Florence, we recommend that you buy Skip the Line tickets so that you don’t waste any time queuing to get in. You will need at least half a day to see the museum.
Take the short ride on a local Tuscan train (payable locally at the station) from the region’s capital to one of its most iconic cities, Siena. Here, make your way to the Athena Hotel (or similar) where you will have a 2-night stay.
Once you have settled into your hotel, spend the next couple of days discovering the historic architecture, museums, art and cuisine that make this city famous. You can also head out into the Tuscan countryside from Siena on a wine-tasting tour or a visit to the stunning hilltop town of San Gimignano. Please ask us if you would like to add tours to your booking.
Take a scenic ride on Tuscan trains across to the hilltop town of Lucca, in the western part of Tuscany. Check in here for a 2-night stay at the Hotel Ilaria (or similar), located within Lucca’s city walls.
Located on the river Serchio, Lucca is an historic city famous for its almost complete Renaissance era city walls, which you can walk or cycle along for sweeping city views.
This morning, take a regional train to Pisa. If you would like, you can leave your bags in the left luggage lockers at the station here and enjoy a few hours exploring this historic city, one of the major maritime republics of medieval Europe with its world-famous Leaning Tower.
Alternatively, connect directly with the high-speed train to Turin. On arrival, check in at the Starhotels Majestic (or similar) for an overnight stay. Turin is a fascinating city which is often overlooked by visitors to Italy. Discover world-class museums, stately piazzas and delicious Piedmont cuisine during your stay. If you have time, we’d recommend an extra night here so that you have more time to explore.
Take a high speed TGV from Turin’s Porta Susa station this morning and travel to Paris where you transfer to the Gare du Nord (we include metro tickets and directions for this). Leave Paris on the Eurostar and head back to London. Alternatively, we can arrange a later service for you so that you have some time to look around the French capital.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Cologne
Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery by Sofitel is located right in the centre of Cologne, close to the famous cathedral and the main station. All of the modern bedrooms feature air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar and satellite TV. The hotel also boasts a restaurant overlooking the cathedral, a sauna, a steam room and a fitness room.
Innsbruck
Conveniently located between the main station and the Old Town, the AC Hotel Innsbruck offers comfortable accommodation and panoramic views. Spacious air-conditioned bedrooms come with sound-proofed widows, free Wi-Fi access and large HD LCD TVs. There is a restaurant on site as well as a relaxing lounge bar and a gym.
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.
Siena
The Athena Hotel offers welcoming, comfortable accommodation in the heart of Siena, a few minutes’ walk from the Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral. Rooms are elegantly furnished with complimentary Wi-Fi and the hotel also boasts a restaurant terrace overlooking the Tuscan Hills
Lucca
Located within the Renaissance walls of Lucca, the Hotel Ilaria & Residenza dell’Alba boasts a range of complimentary facilities including bike rental, audio guides, and a terrace where you can enjoy free drinks and snacks. All bedrooms are quiet and spacious with free Wi-Fi internet access. This is truly an oasis in the heart of the city.
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
Cologne
Occupying a great location opposite the famous cathedral in the centre of Cologne, the Excelsior Ernst is one of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’, with a history dating back to 1863. The Michelin starred Taku restaurant has an Asian-inspired menu and innovative French cuisine is served in the Hanse Stube restaurant. Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
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.
Siena
A luxurious property dating back to the 17th century, the Grand Hotel Continental invites its guests to embrace the history of Siena with elegant, welcoming bedrooms. The Grand Continental also offers the amenities and service that you would expect from a five star hotel.
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.
