Lucca and Delightful Tuscany by First Class Rail on daytime trains

With its towns of terracotta perched on hillsides, and charming walled cities scattered amongst colourful, flower-filled fields, Tuscany has long been one of Italy’s greatest treasures. Experience this fabulous 6 night / 7 day holiday which captures the quintessential Italy, contrasting the elegance of Turin with the stunning Tuscan city of Lucca.

Your holiday also includes the fabulous Milan, known for its splendid Gothic architecture and cultural landmarks.

Holiday Options and Prices	Low Season – November to March	High Season – April to October
Via Turin and Milan (featured itinerary)	from £1,495 per person	from £1,695 per person

 

 

Day 1 – By rail to Italy

Your holiday begins as you arrive at London St Pancras International – the lovingly restored station in the heart of the city. Take time to admire this masterpiece of Victorian engineering before you board the Eurostar and travel to Paris. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class (Eurostar’s 1^st class for leisure travellers), as you speed towards the French capital at up to 186 mph.  On arrival at Paris Gare du Nord your private taxi transfer takes you across the city, where you connect with your onward high-speed train to Turin in Italy.  Here you spend tonight at the very highly-rated Grand Hotel Sitea (5 star).

 

Day 2 – Turin along the coast to Lucca

After breakfast this morning, why not take a whistle-stop tour of Turin? The city’s sights were made more famous by the classic British movie, The Italian Job. The principal attractions include the Mole Antonelliana, possibly the tallest museum in the world, the Palatine Towers, The Turin Cathedral, The Palazzo Reale, The Residences of the Royal House of Savoy and the Botanical Gardens of Turin University. Later you depart from Turin on the train to Viareggio. Admire the wonderful views as you travel along the glorious Ligurian coast. In Viareggio you change trains and continue inland (in Standard Class on this local service) through the beautiful scenery of Tuscany before reaching Lucca, for a four-night stay at the charming San Luca Palace Hotel (4 star), superbly located inside the city walls.

 

Days 3 – 5 – Exploring Lucca

You have three full days to explore Lucca and the surrounding area at your leisure. The beautifully preserved medieval heart of Lucca makes it an ideal size for discovery on foot.  Wander through the cobbled streets and elegant piazzas, admire one of the numerous churches, or marvel at the city walls which encircle this beautiful city.  For those feeling energetic, views of Lucca’s terracotta rooftops and the nearby Tuscan hills are best enjoyed from the top of the distinctive Guinigi Tower, complete with a tree growing from its top (payable locally). You may wish to take the opportunity to take the train to Florence, Italy’s renaissance capital to visit the wonderful Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio or the celebrated Duomo.  A short rail journey away is Pisa where you can marvel at the world-famous leaning tower or perhaps head for the five stunning villages that make up the Cinque Terre overlooking the sparkling Ligurian Sea.

 

Day 6 – Lucca to Milan

Today you bid farewell to Lucca and take the train to Florence (in Standard Class), where you connect with the onward service to Milan. Relax in your First Class seat, and revel in the simplicity of rail travel across Europe. On arrival at Milan Centrale station you are within easy reach of the stylish Starhotels Anderson (4 star), where you spend tonight. After settling in, make the most of an afternoon to explore this wonderful city. Highlights here include the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, as well as the famous ‘Teatro alla Scala’ opera house. You may even have the opportunity to visit the famous church and cloister of Santa Maria della Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci’s painting ‘The Last Supper’ can be seen (pre-booking required).

 

Day 7 – Return to London

Today you begin your journey home as you join the high-speed train back to Paris (from Milan Porta Garibaldi). Watch the rolling hills flash past or reminisce on the wonders of the past few days. Your private taxi transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord and the last leg of your journey. Here you join the Eurostar and let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the light meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service. At 186mph the landscape is a blur at times, though memories abide as you return to London St. Pancras International and the final leg of your journey home.