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Florence by Rail
Holiday Highlights
- Medieval Dijon
- Cisalpino tilting train through scenic Switzerland
- Renaissance Florence
- Magnificent Duomo
- Uffizi Gallery
- Lake Geneva
Itinerary
Your Outward Journey
Eurostar to Paris
Depart St. Pancras International and travel in Leisure Select Class (formerly First Class) with a three-course meal and drinks included. Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey to the continent. On arrival in Paris Gare du Nord private transfer to Gare de Lyon
 TGV to Dijon
Travel in First Class comfort on board the TGV to Dijon and watch the pretty French countryside slip by at speeds of up to 300kmh. On arrival at Dijon Ville private transfer to the hotel Mercure Dijon Clémenceau (4-star)
1 night in Dijon
Including breakfast at this comfortable modern hotel just a stroll from Dijon’s historic old town. Visit the Musée des Beaux Arts or the Ducal Palace or wander among the half-timbered buildings and brocanterie (antique shops) .
 Dijon to Florence
3 world-class trains in one day! Private transfer to Dijon Ville to join the TGV service to Bern. Board the Cisalpino tilting train as it snakes it way through the Swiss and Italian Alps down to Milan. Join the flagship Eurostar Italia service to Florence arriving in time for dinner. On arrival at Firenze Santa Maria Novella stroll to the stylish Grand Hotel Albani (4-star) just 300m from the station.
 4 nights in Florence at this charming, elegant hotel with all modern comforts in its tastefully furnished rooms. The hotel is centrally located enabling you to visit all of Florence’s world-renowned attractions. Immerse yourself in the culture of Italy’s renaissance capital with visits to the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio or the celebrated Duomo. Enjoy the culinary delights of the city or venture further afield to explore the beauty of Tuscany in Siena or the Chianti district. Homeward Bound
Florence to Lake Geneva
Board your First Class carriage on the Eurostar Italia service for Milan. From here join the comfortable Eurocity service as you head in to the Alps and on to the pretty lakeside town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. 
1 night in Montreux
Including breakfast, at the belle époque Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic located right next to the station. Take a stroll alongside Lake Geneva and visit this elegant lakeside town which is home to the famous jazz festival.
Montreux to Paris
Walk across to the station and continue to Lausanne to board the TGV to whisk you back to Paris. Watch the rolling hills flash past or reminisce on the wonders of the past few days. Your private transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord and the last leg of your journey.
Eurostar to London
Let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the three-course meal and drinks included in your Leisure Select service. At 186mph the landscape is a blur at times, though memories abide as you return to London St.Pancras International.
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Hotel Santa Maria Novella
The Hotel Santa Maria Novella is an extremely stylish, welcoming hotel offering excellent levels of comfort and service.
Enjoying an ideal location right next to the delightful cathedral and only a few hundred yards from the station, both of the same name, it also benefits from its proximity to Florence’s fabulous ‘centro storico’. Each of the hotel’s 34 beautifully crafted rooms is unique and boasts elegant, tasteful furnishings, including carrara marble bathrooms, wooden floors and sumptuous textiles. All the ensuite bedrooms feature hairdryer, safe, air conditioning, flat screen TV, Internet access, mini bar, telephone and kettle with herbal teas. The sauna, gym and solarium, cleverly designed around an original roman wall, exemplify the care and attention lavished on this charming hotel. The hotel has a cosy reading room and bar, and a smart restaurant and breakfast room. |
Albani
 
Classical exterior architecture, traditional style and design of the interior areas, elegant and bright bedrooms, luxury furnishing details and a quiet location just 300m from Santa Maria Novella station in central Florence make this stylish four star hotel an ideal choice.
Hotel Albani Firenze is located on a quiet street within walking distance of Santa Maria Novella train station, Fortezza da Basso, Palazzo dei Congressi and Centro Affari.
The Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, the Church of Santa Maria Novella and treasures of the Florentine Renaissance give the hotel incomparable surroundings.
The hotel is an early 20th century Palace, a gem of sober architecture and refined atmosphere.
Attentive guests will appreciate the gracious details and the Italian flair of the hotel.
The Hotel Albani Firenze puts all its energy into creating a comfortable, relaxing and attractive environment for its guests through the warmth of the wood furniture, exquisite Florentine fabrics and local Italian marble.
The hotel staff works hard to provide excellent service to both business and lesiure travellers. |
San Gallo Palace Hotel
The San Gallo Palace Hotel (4-star) is situated on the corner of Piazza della Liberta’. This square dates back to the end of the 1800’s, when Florence, then capital of Italy, underwent major urban restructuring.
During medieval times this square was also home of the convent San Gallo. The hotel offers a superb view of the historical San Gallo gate, from which it takes its name. The hotel is a 20 minute walk from some of the most famous monuments of the historical city centre such as Michelangelo’s David and the church of San Marco with the frescoes of Beato Angelico. All the hotel’s 56 ensuite rooms are equipped with air conditioning, mini bar, hairdryer, safe, telephone, laptop connection, satellite TV, pay TV, internet and video games. The hotel also benefits from the tranquillity of an internal garden and the Liberty Bar, which offers a range of snacks. |
Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic
 
The Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic is a traditional Belle-Époque 4-star hotel, originally built in 1870 and located right in the centre of Montreux, just a few steps from the Railway Station.
The hotel has 140 rooms and benefits from fabulous views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from its summer terrace. All the comfortable en suite rooms in this stylish hotel feature air conditioning, TV, minibar, radio and telephone. |
Mercure Dijon Clémenceau
 
The Mercure Dijon Clémenceau is well-located close to the historic cente of Dijon. This comfortable, modern 4 star hotel has a pleasant restaurant and bar, outdoor swimming pool (open summer only) and a garden with a terrace.
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What's Included
- First class rail travel to Florence and return
- 6 nights Bed and Breakfast accommodation in 4 star hotels
- Private Transfers*
- Holiday price from £1,149 per person
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Additional Information
- All prices are per person based on twin sharing
- On some short local services, eg in Switzerland, there may not be a First Class carriage
- * Transfers not included where hotel is 400m or less from the station
- Single supplement from £195
- Deposit from £200 per person
See here for insurance details.
Holiday duration is 7 days.
Please read the essential information
For information and booking
Tel: 01347 811810 or Send an Email Request |
Holiday extensions
You can turn a fabulous short break into a holiday of a lifetime by extending your time away. We can offer extensions in a variety of countries including Italy, Switzerland, Germany and France.
Whether you choose to spend longer in one destination or wish to create a multi-centre holiday we can organise your onward travel arrangements including rail travel, hotel and transfers.
In Italy, why not create your own ‘Grand Tour of Italy’ and visit the classic cities of Venice, Florence and Rome. Perhaps you would like to design an itinerary combining a city break with a beach or lake holiday? We can craft a tailor-made holiday in fabulous regions of Italy including Tuscany, Umbria, Piemonte and the Italian Lakes.
For those who enjoy the Lakes and Mountains of Switzerland we can give you the opportunity to make the most of your holiday by helping you to create an itinerary based around your included Swiss Rail Pass. We can enable you to experience all of the classic, scenic rail journeys including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Centovalli Railway and Golden Panoramic Express.
For more information about our holiday extensions service just pick up the phone or send us an email request.
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Your Questions Answered
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What is my sleeping accommodation like?
On the Orient-Express overnight passengers are automatically given their own compartments. Complete with wooden marquetry and brass fittings in original 1920s detail, your compartment will transport you back to a bygone era.
Will there be room in my compartment for all my luggage?
No, probably not. It is strongly advised that you only take into your compartment, one or two light cases packed with everything you need for your journey on board. All extra luggage can be checked in at the start of your journey where it will not be accessible until you reach your destination.
Are there showers on board the Orient-Express?
No. These are the original 1920s carriages and as such do not have all the modern amenities such as showers. Each cabin contains a wash basin with hot and cold water.
Are disabled people able to travel on the Orient-Express?
VSOE are able to accommodate passengers with slight walking difficulties although they recommend that they are accompanied by an able-bodied passenger. VSOE regret that the dimensions and layout of the train are not suitable for wheelchair bound passengers. Should you have any special requirements please inform Planet Rail at the time of booking.
Can I smoke on board the Orient-Express?
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates a no smoking policy on board the British Pullman.
On the continental train, out of courtesy towards your fellow travellers but also to comply with the strict Italian and other European countries regulations, smoking is no longer permitted in the bar and restaurant carriages nor in other public spaces such as corridors.
What sort of service can I expect on board the Orient-Express?
In short, dedicated. Your Cabin Steward is responsible for your carriage on the Continental train. He will be available at all times and may be called by the bell in your compartment. He will take care of your passport during the journey, change your compartment from day to night configuration and serve your breakfast, afternoon tea and other refreshments as required. The Maitre D’ will come to your compartment to take your lunch and dinner reservations. The Train Manager is on hand throughout the journey to help with any queries.
What languages do the staff on board the train speak?
French, English and Italian are spoken by most stewards on board the Continental train.
Will I need to tip the Orient-Express staff?
Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion.
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Insurance
As a member of the Travel Trust Association, Planet Rail is pleased to offer our customers travel insurance arranged by White Horse Insurance Ireland Ltd. There are 3 levels of cover available, depending on your requirements: Silver, Gold and Platinum. You can book our travel insurance by calling us on 01347 811810 or making your request when booking your holiday.
Booking, confirmation/invoice and tickets
A deposit and a completed online booking form are required to reserve a holiday. Please ensure that the title, initials or forenames and surnames given on the booking form match those on your passport. This is because we make your travel reservations using this information and any inaccuracies will cause problems at a later date. We will send you a confirmation/invoice summarising the arrangements made on your behalf, the outstanding balance and the date by which it must be received by us. Check these details carefully and contact us immediately if there are any inaccuracies. For bookings made more than 2 months before departure we may write to you again around this time to remind you of certain points concerning your holiday. Final holiday documentation is usually sent out around 2 weeks before departure, although this does depend on how far ahead and the type of holiday booked. For escorted group bookings we send out Eurostar tickets, whilst other tickets are given out by your Tour Manager at check-in.
Foreign Office advice
Global and political situations can and do change. Your safety is our first consideration, so if the Foreign Office advises against travel to a certain country, we will act on this advice. The Foreign Office issues regular advice and updates. You can obtain this information by phone on 0870 606 0290, on Ceefax, or by visiting www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougoPassports & travel documentation
Please note that you are entirely responsible for ensuring that everyone in your party has the necessary correct and up-to-date personal documentation before you start the holiday. We do not accept any liability if you or any member of your party is refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly. For British citizens, a standard 10-year British Passport is required for all holidays which must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of return travel. If your passport expires before this, or if your passport is endorsed in any way, it may still be acceptable, but you should contact your local passport office or the consulate or embassy of the country/countries you plan to visit/transit through, for detailed advice. Customers applying for a first British passport should allow at least six weeks to obtain one as they are now required to attend a personal interview with the Passport Office. Customers renewing their passport should allow a minimum of two weeks. However, in all cases, please apply as far ahead as possible in order to allow time for unexpected delays.
Visas
We will advise British Citizens with a British passport at time of booking of any visa requirements. If you have a British passport issued outside of the UK or if you are not a British Citizen, you must check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country/countries that you plan to visit or transit through.
For each of our holidays we make it clear whether British Citizens require a visa to enter the country or countries included in the holiday. The countries for which a visa is needed by British Citizens holding a British passport are listed below, along with details of how a visa may be obtained.
Russia - A Double Entry visa is required for British Citizens on our 'Trans-Siberian Express' holiday. Visas may be obtained in person or by post from the Russian Consulate in London or Edinburgh, prices start at £55 for a double entry visa. Alternatively, our local agent can obtain them at an extra charge - please contact us for details.
Please note that all visa information is correct at the time of producing these web pages, but requirements may change and we recommend that you check the latest position in good time before your departure.
Insurance and holiday duration
It is a condition of booking that you take out sufficient and appropriate travel insurance cover. We recommend you do this at time of booking so that your deposit is recoverable in the event of a cancellation covered by the policy. To take advantage of our insurance, please see the 'Insurance' section of the website and make your request when booking. If you take out your own cover you will need to advise us of the Insurance Company, the policy number and the 24-hour emergency telephone number. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs and destination(s) you are travelling to. We do not check alternative insurance policies. The duration of the holiday on the website includes the day of departure and day of return and is the period to be used for insurance purposes. Read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday. Should you choose to extend your holiday (either at the start or the end of your holiday), you will need to extend the duration of your insurance cover.
Disabilities, medical conditions and mobility
Due to the design of some trains and nature of some of our group holidays we regret that some of our tours are not suitable for the disabled traveller. Certain holidays can also be physically demanding. Please let us know if you or anyone in your party suffers from any medical condition or physical disability which may affect your holiday arrangements or has any health or fitness concerns which may affect your ability to cope with the holiday before any booking is made. Help us to help you choose the right holiday for your level of health and fitness. If you have any concerns whatsoever about the suitability of one of our holidays then please feel free to discuss this with our reservations team. Our goal is to ensure all our customers enjoy their holiday to the full.
Health
The Department of Health's leaflet (T7.1) "Health advice for travellers" is available at Post Offices, by phoning 0800 555777 or online at www.dh.gov.uk, showing health requirements and advice for the countries you are visiting. We advise you to check with your doctor in good time prior to your departure as to which inoculations are necessary. For European holidays, you should obtain the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to health care in many European countries. Further information is available from the Department of Health on 020 7210 4850 or online at www.dh.gov.uk. Accommodation
All our basic holiday prices are expressed in £ sterling and are per person, based on 2 people sharing:
- Supplements for accommodation upgrades are usually expressed per room or cabin/sleeper, on the assumption that two people are occupying it.
- Single supplements or prices are expressed per person.
- In some hotels, triple or family rooms may be available and we are happy to provide a quotation accordingly.
- A hotel room shared by two people may contain a double or twin beds. In some countries a double bed may consist of two beds pushed or linked together.
- A single hotel room may be a 'true' single or may be a single occupancy of a double or twin room. Either way, the supplement shown is payable.
- Hotel rooms, particularly in older properties, may differ in size and amenities offered.
- Sleeping accommodation on board trains is likely to take the form of seating which converts into a berth at night.
- Hotel rooms and cabins on cruise ships include en suite facilities, which may be bath and WC or shower and WC.
- Rooms/cabins are not usually available before about 2pm on arrival day and must be vacated by about 11am on departure day.
You may request a specific configuration, room type or room location but, while we pass on all requests to our hotel partners, neither we nor they can guarantee that what you want can or will be provided. Meals
Please check the 'What's included' panels to see what meals are included on each holiday.
- Hotels: Meals are generally taken in the restaurant of the hotel. On group holidays we usually dine together, with a set "table d'hôte" style menu that will often feature regional dishes. Drinks are usually not included in our arrangements.
- Trains: On chartered cruise trains most meals are included and taken in the restaurant car of the train. If you are travelling Leisure Select on Eurostar a meal and drinks are included, served at your seat.
- Cruise Ships: Meals are normally included, and taken in the ship's main restaurant.
- Special diets: If you have a specific dietary need please discuss it with us before you book. We will do our best to cater for special diets when notified in advance on the booking form. The more information we have, the better, but even then, some suppliers find it difficult to satisfy every requirement.
Our Group Holidays
Tour itineraries
Our group holidays are planned well in advance. We do our best to follow the detailed itineraries shown. However we reserve the right to make changes if we need to react to schedule changes or local conditions. The sightseeing tours and excursions described may also have to be amended to suit local conditions or Public Holidays.
What to wear
Casual dress is acceptable on the majority of our group holidays. It is entirely up to you what you choose to wear as there is no dress code, and it is after all your holiday. People do tend to dress slightly more formally, especially in the evenings, on cruises, or for gala/farewell dinners.
Luggage
Taking the right luggage can make a big difference to your enjoyment of the journey and the holiday overall. Where possible we include porterage for groups, however there will be times when you have to carry your suitcase or lift it onto a train. We therefore recommend one suitcase and one small piece of hand luggage per person, and suggest the popular 'vertical' suitcases with built-in wheels and a retractable handle.
Rail reservations
We request rail reservations well in advance and occasionally there are insufficient First Class (or equivalent) seats available. In these situations we will book Standard Class seats and refund the difference to you. Although we do our best to follow the routes noted in the itinerary there might be occasions when a different routing or departure time is necessary due to timetable variations or seat availability. For our groups we always request seats in non-smoking accommodation, although at busy times we may be allocated some smoking seats. We are unable to make specific requests for smoking seats.
Prices quoted on this website are based on special fares, negotiated with our rail partners for group travel. Should you wish to travel on any Eurostar or other rail service, other than that included as part of your group holiday, a rail variation charge of £20 per person per service will apply. Any change involving sleeper services will be quoted on an individual basis.
Travel delays
The vast majority of trains operate without problems. In the event of undue delay the group will be looked after in accordance with the standard practice of the scheduled carrier or transport operator.
Maintenance and development work
Every holiday visits a number of different destinations. There may well be maintenance, redevelopment, building, road works or track work in the vicinity of any of the hotels. If we know about such work and any associated disruption or noise which is reasonably likely to affect the enjoyment of your holiday, we make every effort to tell you about it as quickly as possible. Please be aware that we are not the only passengers travelling on the trains or ships used in our holidays, nor the only guests staying in the hotels. As a result we cannot be held responsible for the behaviour or noise of others.
Overseas standards
The transport and accommodation featured in our holidays complies with all local health and safety laws. However, overseas laws and standards may not be the same as we are used to in the UK. Some of our holidays and journeys are to countries with a less advanced infrastructure. We therefore recommend that you travel with an open mind and a flexible approach. By doing so you will enjoy the holiday experience so much more.
Our TTA membership
Planet Rail Limited is a member of the TTA with membership no U5374. The TTA and TTA members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you through the TTA's Code of Conduct. For further information about the TTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact the TTA: Albion House, High Street, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6BD. Tel: 0870 8890577or www.traveltrust.co.uk
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