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The Italian Riviera
Rapallo & the Cinque Terre by First Class Rail
★★★★★ 5/5
Discover the Romance of Italy
First Class Rail travel throughout your journey
7 nights / 8 days
Inc. 5 nights in Rapallo & overnight stays in Turin & Milan
4 star accommodation throughout your holiday
The beautiful Tigullio Gulf on the Italian Riviera
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Rapallo & the Cinque Terre by First Class Rail
Holiday Highlights
- First Class rail travel
- Lively Turin
- Charming Rapallo on the Italian Riviera
- The stunning Cinque Terre
- Stylish Milan
Beautifully set on the Tigullio Gulf of the Italian Riviera, Rapallo with its pastel-painted houses, palm tree-lined streets and small 16th century castle is a delight to explore.
The close proximity of the magnificent, UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre and the glorious city of Genoa (another UNESCO World Heritage site) only adds to its appeal.
This superb holiday also includes stays in the lively city of Turin and stylish Milan – both fantastic destinations in their own right.
7 night / 8 day holiday by First Class rail on daytime trains, including 5 nights at the Hotel Astoria (4 star) in Rapallo and overnight stays at the Grand Hotel Sitea (5 star) in Turin and at the Starhotels Anderson (4 star) in Milan from £1,395 per person (based on 2 people travelling together).
Seasonal variations:
Low season – November to February – from £1,395 per person.
Mid-season – March, Mid-July to August – from £1,495 per person.
High season – April to June, September & October – from £1,695 per person.
Rapallo & the Cinque Terre by First Class rail: Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 – London to Turin
Start your holiday at the impressive London St Pancras International station, with its magnificent arched glass roof. Take the time to admire this wonderful building, then sit back and relax as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph.
Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class (1st class for leisure travellers).
On arrival at Paris Gare du Nord you are transferred by taxi to the Gare de Lyon, to continue your journey by high-speed train through France to Turin in Italy. From here, you can make your own way by taxi or public transport (payable locally) to your hotel for tonight, the welcoming, highly-rated Grand Hotel Sitea (5 star).
Day 2 – Turin to the Italian Riviera
Enjoy a morning to explore Turin. Perhaps take a stroll under the intricate arcades to Piazza Castello, surrounded by majestic buildings, or maybe discover the celebrated Egyptian Museum and the magnificent cathedral. The latter is a famous pilgrimage site, as it was the original home of the renowned Shroud of Turin.
Later you leave this bustling city by train, travelling in First Class to the beautiful Italian Riviera. Sit back and watch the world go by as you travel through the contrasting Italian landscapes.
On arrival in Rapallo station make your own way to your hotel for the next four nights, the elegant and welcoming Hotel Astoria (4 star), ideally located for exploring this wonderful part of the world.
Days 3 - 6 – Discovering Rapallo, Portofino and the Cinque Terre
Enjoy four full days to relax in Rapallo, or to explore the surrounding area. Rapallo itself is a joy to discover; perhaps take a stroll around the 16th-century Castello sul Mare (Castle-on-the-sea), the town’s most prominent landmark, sitting within the harbour. The sixth-century Basilica of Santi Gervasio e Protasio is also worth a visit.
If you fancy a real treat, take the bus or the funivia (cable car) to the sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montallegro (Our Lady of Montallegro), which offers stunning views.
Should you wish to venture a little further afield, a popular option is the chic resort of Portofino with its delightful pastel painted houses and fishing boats bobbing in the breeze. Each of the five charming villages of the Cinque Terre are just a short journey away by train, allowing you a full day to explore the spectacular coastline where they are set.
If you are feeling energetic you can walk between the villages. You might like to visit the attractive medieval walled city of Lucca or Pisa, with its famous leaning tower. Perhaps travel to the bustling port of Genoa or venture inland to discover hidden villages less-frequented by tourists.
Day 7 - Rapallo to Milan
Today you leave Rapallo and embark on the rail journey inland to Milan. Relax in your comfortable first class seat as the landscape of central Italy unfurls before you.
On arrival at Milan Centrale station make your own way on foot to the stylish Starhotels Anderson (4 star), just a few hundred metres from the station and your hotel tonight.
After settling in, you are bound to want to discover the myriad of attractions that this wonderful city has to offer. Milan’s sights include the striking Duomo (the world’s largest Gothic cathedral) and perhaps Europe’s best-known opera house, the ‘Teatro alla Scala’. Alternatively, the Castello Sforzesco is well worth a visit. The former residence of the Duchy of Milan was once one of the most ornate dwellings in Europe – and today it is still a delight to discover as it hosts an array of museums and galleries.
You might like to explore the incredible 19th century glass-roofed shopping arcade, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuel. 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 8 – Milan to London - Homeward bound
Today you begin your journey home as you join the high-speed train back to Paris. Watch the rolling hills flash past or reminisce on the wonders of the past few days.
On arrival at the Gare de Lyon, 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.
Further information
Your recommended hotels
TURIN
The Grand Hotel Sitea (5 star) is a stylish, highly-rated hotel located in the centre of Turin, close to both main stations, right behind Piazza San Carlo and a 10-minute walk from Piazza Castello. All of the 120 en-suite rooms at this smart hotel are elegantly furnished and come with parquet or carpeted floors, marble bathrooms, a TV with satellite channels and free internet access. The hotel benefits from its own American Bar and a restaurant, specialising in classic Italian cuisine. Breakfast is served in the hotel’s garden during the warmer months.
RAPALLO
Enjoying a location at the start of Rapallo’s seaside promenade, the welcoming Hotel Astoria (4 star) is a family-run hotel which is well situated for exploring the town and nearby attractions. Housed in an Art Nouveau villa, it offers free Wi-Fi and elegant rooms with air conditioning and satellite TV. Most rooms overlook the Tigullio Gulf. All rooms feature classic furnishings and a minibar.
MILAN
The Starhotels Anderson (4-star) is a superior, first-class hotel, located in the heart of Milan, right next to the central railway station. The new style of the hotel reflects the fashionable side of Milan. Its new sleek public areas are modern, stylish and have even been featured in architectural and interior design magazines. All 101 stylish rooms are sound-proofed and equipped with adjustable air-conditioning, mini-bar, colour satellite TV, direct dial telephone, radio, bathroom and hairdryer. The bar is open until midnight and is an ideal place for relaxing after a busy day in the fashion capital of Italy. In addition to the buffet breakfast, the restaurant offers good quality international cuisine, together with typical local dishes.
Departure dates
Throughout the year and tailor-made to suit your holiday needs
Holiday duration is 8 days
For information and booking Tel: 01347 825292 or email info@planetrail.co.uk
Call us on 01347 82 52 92 to enquire about our tailor made holidays by rail
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