Classic Italy

Discover an intoxicating mix of romance, history, culture and gastronomy. Gaze out over an enchanting array of landscapes from sparkling lakes to rolling hills, spectacular mountain peaks to breathtaking coastline. In our humble opinion, Italy has it all; stunning architecture, world-famous works of art, glorious renaissance cities, fabulous fashion, mouth-watering food and wine, and some of the most gorgeous scenery in Europe. Whether you are attracted by Italy’s classical cities of Rome, Florence and Venice, the marvellous coastline, medieval hill towns and landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria or its majestic lakes, Italy will seduce and beguile you. When in Italy we also recommend you indulge in the pleasures of la dolce vita : wonderful food, excellent wine and stylish fashion.

Verona and the magic of the Verona Opera by First Class rail

Verona Opera 2011

Verona Opera 2012

Imagine the warmth of an Italian summer’s evening as twilight fades, the moon rises and a thousand lights twinkle all around you. As you gaze in awe around the wondrous roman amphitheatre the diva takes centre stage to beguile you. Verona Opera is a truly magical spectacle, a genuinely unforgettable experience.

Journey to enchanting, vibrant Verona to be enthralled by the city’s own dolce vita, an intoxicating blend of ancient history, epicurean pleasures, exuberant style and inspirational music.

5 night / 6 day holiday by First Class rail, including 3 nights at the Hotel Accademia, Verona from £1,295 per person

Departure Dates

  • Tailor-made to suit your specific requirements in conjunction with the dates of the Verona Opera festival which runs from 22nd June to 2nd September 2012

Holiday Highlights

  • Medieval Dijon
  • A night at the Opera in Verona
  • Classical Roman city of Verona
  • Spectacular rail journey up the Rhône Valley and through the Simplon Pass
  • Lakeside Montreux
  • Lake Geneva

Rome by First Class Rail

Trevi Fountain Rome

Trevi Fountain Rome

The Eternal City of Rome is arguably the most compelling and fascinating of all Italy’s historical cities. Discover the unforgettable majesty of this beautiful city, take the time to unwind and enjoy a city break that beautifully blends culture, gastronomy and shopping.

6 night / 7 day holiday by First Class rail including 4 nights in Rome and overnight stays in Zurich and Montreux from £1,295 per person (based on 2 people travelling)

Daily departures throughout the year and tailor-made just for you

Holiday Highlights

  • Zurich and Lake Zurich
  • Scenic rail journeys through Switzerland via the Gotthard and Simplon Passes
  • Eternal city of Rome
  • Trevi Fountain
  • Colliseum
  • Vatican City and Sistene Chapel
  • Lake Montreux and Lake Geneva

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Florence by First Class Rail

Florence - Ponte Vecchio

Florence - Ponte Vecchio

Florence, beautifully set on the banks of the River Arno, against the backdrop of lush Tuscan hills and vines, is one of the world’s greatest Art cities. Whether you immerse yourself in the city’s cultural and architectural opulence, soak up the sophistication of the Florentine people or journey among Tuscany’s medieval towns and landscapes, this short break enables you to really savour Italy’s renaissance capital.

6 night holiday by First Class rail and overnight sleeper to Florence returning on daytime trains from £1,075 per person or from £1,149 per person travelling on daytime trains throughout via Milan, or from £1,249 per person travelling on daytime trains throughout via Dijon, including 4 nights at the Hotel Santa Maria Novella (4 star)

Daily departures throughout the year and tailor-made just for you

Holiday Highlights

  • Medieval Dijon
  • Euro City tilting train through scenic Switzerland
  • Renaissance Florence
  • Magnificent Duomo
  • Uffizi Gallery
  • Ponte Vecchio
  • Classic Rail Journeys through the Alps including Simplon Pass
  • Lake Geneva and lakeside Montreux

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Grand Tour of Italy by First Class rail

Grand Tour of Italy

Grand Tour of Italy

Re-live the magic of the classic grand tours of Europe on this fabulous holiday which captures the quintessential Italy, contrasting the sheer wonder of the Eternal City of Rome, with the beauty of Renaissance Florence and the unique romanticism of Venice.

11 night holiday by First Class rail and overnight 2-berth sleeper from Paris to Rome from £1,495 per person (low season) or by First Class rail throughout travelling on daytime trains via Milan from £1,595 per person (low season) including 3 nights in Rome, Florence and Venice or from £1,675 per person travelling via Djon, Strasbourg or Zurich (featured itinerary) (low season)

Daily departures throughout the year and tailor-made just for you


Holiday Highlights

  • Zurich and Lake Zurich
  • Scenic rail journeys through the Gotthard Pass and Simplon Pass in Switzerland
  • The eternal city of Rome
  • Renaissance Florence
  • Romantic Venice
  • Lakeside Montreux and Lake Geneva

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Charm and Beauty of Lake Garda

Lake Garda - Sirmione

Lake Garda - Sirmione

Enjoy the best of stunning, sparkling, serene Lake Garda and take the opportunity to visit nearby Milan and the Dolomites. Lake Garda embraces diverse scenery, from towering cliffs to tiny harbours and palm tree lined promenades, from hilltop castles to lemon orchards and olive groves.

Relax and unwind or soak up some of Italy’s most wonderful history, culture, scenery and gastronomy on this fantastic 6-night holiday by First Class rail on daytime trains throughout staying in Milan and Montreux from £1,049 per person or First Class rail on daytime trains throughout staying in Dijon and Montreux from £1,149 per person (featured itinerary) staying in a double room at the Hotel Villa Maria (4 star).

Daily departures throughout the year and tailor-made just for you

Upgrades to full lake view rooms available at all hotels from £10 per person per night.

Holiday Highlights

  • Medieval Dijon
  • Euro City train through scenic Switzerland
  • Lake Garda
  • Lake Garda Cruise (payable locally)
  • Market day in Desenzano
  • Spectacular rail journey up the Rhône Valley and through the Simplon Pass
  • Lakeside Montreux
  • Lake Geneva

Christmas in Venice by First Class Rail – from £995

Christmas in Venice by First Class Rail

Venice truly is like nowhere else on earth which is what makes a holiday here such a unique and unforgettable experience. Let yourself be totally mesmerised by the serenity and sheer beauty of this romantic city. 6 night holiday by First Class rail travelling on daytime trains throughout, including 4 nights at the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente and overnight stays in Zurich and Montreux.

Holiday Highlights

Venice Carnival By First Class Rail

Venice Carnival
Venice Carnival
Venice truly is like nowhere else on earth which is what makes a holiday here such a unique and unforgettable experience. Let yourself be totally mesmerised by the serenity and sheer beauty of this romantic city.
6 night / 7 day holiday by First Class rail travelling on daytime trains throughout, including 4 nights at the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente (4 star) in Venice, with an overnight stay in Strasbourg or Zurich (featured itinerary) from £1,275 per person or at the Una Hotel Venezia from £1,325 per person or the Canal Grande, Locanda Orseolo or Palazzo Giovanelli from £1,449 per person or the Hotel Al Ponte Antico from £1,575 per person
This holiday is available as detailed below by daytime trains, and by overnight sleeper – please contact us for details

Holiday Highlights

Scenic rail journeys through the Gotthard Pass and Simplon Pass in Switzerland
Romantic Venice
Venice Carnival
St. Mark’s Square and the Doges Palace
The Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal
Lakeside Montreux and Lake Geneva
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Venice by First Class Rail



Venice truly is like nowhere else on earth which is what makes a holiday here such a unique and unforgettable experience. Let yourself be totally mesmerised by the serenity and sheer beauty of this romantic city.

6 night holiday by First Class return rail from London to Paris and overnight 2 berth return sleeper from Paris to Venice from £875 per person (low season)
6 night holiday by First Class rail from London to Paris and overnight 2 berth sleeper from Paris to Venice, returning on daytime trains via an overnight stay in Montreux, including 4 nights at the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente from £995 per person (low season)
6 night holiday by First Class rail travelling on daytime trains throughout, including 4 nights at the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente and overnight stays in either Paris or Milan and then Montreux from £1,025 per person
6 night holiday by First Class rail travelling on daytime trains throughout, including 4 nights at the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente and overnight stays in Zurich and Montreux from £1,125 per person (low season) – featured itinerary

Holiday Highlights

  • Cisalpino tilting train through scenic Switzerland
  • Incomparable Venice
  • St. Mark’s Square
  • Rialto Bridge
  • The Grand Canal
  • Spectacular scenery of the Simplon Pass and Rhône Valley
  • Lakeside Montreux and Lake Geneva
  • Château de Chillon (payable locally)

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