London to Rome by Rail

A Eurostar train will zip you from London to Paris Gare du Nord.  From there, it’s a short hop to Gare de Lyon, where your journey south begins. It’s a TGV Lyria train – a high-speed route that whisks you over the Swiss border to the riverside city of Zurich, where you’ll spend the night.

Catch a train south through the mountainous Alps. You’ll fetch up against one of the most famous backdrops in the world – the canals and bridges of Venice. Seek out a backstreet bacari (wine bar) for a glass of Soave or locally produced Prosecco. 

You’ve got a full day to explore Venice today. The city is like nowhere else – the 16th-century Rialto Bridge hides away restaurants and shops, Venetian masks glitter in the backstreet workshops, and palatial art galleries tuck into the curves of the Grand Canal. 
Go on a gondola ride down the canals or gaze up at the palaces and bell towers in St. Mark’s Square. The islands out in Venice’s lagoon are also worth visiting: Murano is home to glass-blowing workshops; Burano boasts colourful fishermen’s houses; and Torcello houses a peaceful cathedral.

It’s only a few hours’ rail journey from Venice to Florence. Check in to your chosen hotel in Florence – the city of the Italian Renaissance – then head out into the cobbled streets to explore.

You’ve got two days to see the sights of Florence, the photogenic capital of Tuscany. Climb the Duomo’s dome or campanile for the best views over the terracotta rooftops, and browse everything from Renaissance masterpieces to Modernist sculptures in the art galleries.

For a change of scene, head to the grottos and fountains of the Boboli Gardens, which hide behind the grand Pitti Palace. 

Have a leisurely breakfast before heading to the train station, where you’ll board a direct train to Rome. For your first meal in the city, try a local favourite like spaghetti carbonara or crunchy fried artichokes.

Two days in Rome leaves you plenty of time to explore the ancient streets of the Italian capital. The Roman Forum and Colosseum are must-sees, and the Vatican City is home to the spectacular Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. 
Elsewhere, the Villa Borghese Gardens hide away a villa museum, an animal park, a cinema and rambling paths. You’ll fly home on day 10 – opt for a late afternoon or evening flight to give you maximum time to enjoy the Eternal City.