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London to Italy by train: Milan, Florence and Rome
Overview
Introduction
Train travel is a unique and comfortable way in which to travel and over several years has improved in comfort and affordability. This itinerary will transport you from London St Pancras through France, traversing the Alps, to the Italian city of Milan before continuing on to Florence and ending up in the capital, Rome. Three amazing cities offering a wide variety of experiences.
The journey can be completed as fast or as slow as you desire, with each trip tailored to suit your individual requirements. If you prefer to take the train both ways, then this can be arranged. We can also pre-book private guides in the cities on request.
Board Basis: Bed & BreakfastAgenda
Day 1 - London - Paris - Milan
The adventure begins from London St Pancras to Paris on board the cross-channel Eurostar train (c. 3 hours 26 minutes). On arrival at Paris Gare du Nord, self-transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon using the local metro or by taxi. Note: Earlier departures from London St Pancras would allow time for lunch in the French capital - the Train Bleu Restaurant at Gare de Lyon (Hall 1) is a traveller’s institution and recommended by the Sunvil team. Taxi transfers between the two stations and overnight stays in Paris can be arranged on request.
Continue your journey to Milan Porta Garibaldi Station (c. 7-8 hours). The route will pass through some scenic landscapes from the mountainous Alpine foothills to rural countryside and plains. On arrival in Milan, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. De La Ville Hotel is well located in the heart of the city near to the celebrated Duomo square. It has a refined, grand atmosphere, reminiscent of years gone-by and boasts a small rooftop terrace with plunge pool and a varied and delicious buffet breakfast.
Overnight at De La Ville Hotel, Milan
De La Ville Hotel, Milan
Day 2 - Milan
Time to explore the city that is bursting with history and beautiful architecture. Make sure you wear comfortable footwear today as this is an easy city to walk, or cycle, as it is quite flat and compact. There are also trams to get about which is a novel way to travel and helps your feet at the end of the day. Indeed, the city is famous for its fashion weeks and many designer boutiques but it has so much more to offer including an incredible gothic cathedral, fascinating museums, historic palaces, a 15th century castle, trendy art scene and a lively nightlife. Artists Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, the composer Verdi, the great tenor Enrico Caruso, the famous conductor Toscanini and designer Giorgio Armani all lived and worked here; and even Napoleon was crowned inside the Duomo. Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy runs deep in the city with his fresco of the ‘The Last Supper’ housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie as well as being responsible for the city’s criss-crossing network of canals ‘Navigli’ which, legend has it, he helped to renovate and which has since developed into a great place to dine in the evening with many bars and restaurants along the waterfront. You can window shop in the famed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II where you will find all the top designer names; enjoy some retail therapy, at more modest prices, at the designer outlet shops – sales are best in January and June; enjoy an evening aperitivo - considered an institution in Milan; dine on one of two restaurants housed in historic trams that offer a five-course menu as you tour around the city; or take a leisurely walk through Parco Sempione – the city’s largest public park which also holds an annual Christmas Market. The choice is yours.
Overnight at De La Ville Hotel, Milan
Milan
Day 3 - Florence
After breakfast, self-transfer to the train station for your train to Florence (c.2 hours) - train tickets included. On arrival, self-transfer to the Degli Orafi Hotel.
This compact city is great to visit on foot. It has everything you would want from a city – fabulous art galleries, historical sites, charming palaces, beautiful viewpoints, striking architecture and delicious gastronomy. The top sights include Michelangelo’s exquisite sculpture of David; the grand Duomo with its 360 degree viewing tower; the famous Uffizi art gallery; Piazzale Michelangelo with a stunning viewpoint over the city; Ponte Vecchio – an arched bridge with a jumble of shops and even a secret passageway; Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens – a Renaissance palace with an outstanding art gallery and beautifully manicured gardens which have been referenced across Europe as the perfect model; the fine sculptures and decorative arts found in the Bargello; and the huge food markets where you can buy gifts of local olive oil, nougat and all things Tuscan.
Overnight at Degli Orafi Hotel, Florence
Florence
Day 4 - Florence
Florence is well located in the heart of Tuscany and surrounded by many places of interest. Take a day trip, by train, to Pisa (c.1 hour) to see the iconic leaning tower or visit the charming walled city of Lucca (c.90 minutes). Bologna, Italy’s food capital is c.45 minutes by train and Siena, an historic university town where the famed horse race ‘Il Palio’ is run, twice a year, around the main piazza is c.1 hour 25 minutes. Alternatively, head North towards Viareggio if you want a day at the beach; or take a local bus to one of the many hilltop Tuscan towns such as San Gimignano, Volterra or Montepulciano. This is chianti country where you will be able to taste the regional produce everywhere you go.
Overnight at Degli Orafi Hotel, Florence
Pisa
Day 5,6 & 7 - Rome
Self-transfer to the train station for your train to Rome (c.1 hour 36 minutes) - train tickets included. On arrival, self transfer to your hotel.
No visit to Italy would be complete without exploring the capital, Rome. The eternal city has much to offer including world class museums, striking architecture, monumental structures, ancient sites, wonderful gastronomy, and the city-state of the Vatican encircled by Rome. For traditional and innovative trattorias – also better priced than the centre, craft beer pubs and small artisan shops head to the neighbourhood of Trastevere. Traditionally many museums are closed on Mondays but this does not include the iconic Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and the Vatican museums. We would recommend at least 3 nights in Rome as there is so much to see and do. However, if you decided to venture out you could easily visit Naples by train (c.1 hour 15 minutes) for the day or alternatively head to the Villa d’Este in Tivoli (c.35 minutes) – a 16th century villa with beautifully terraced gardens filled with elaborate fountains and grottoes at every turn. If the city gets too hot, then there are several beaches within easy reach, the better ones being Santa Severa or Santa Marinella (c.1 hour).
3 nights at Modigliani Hotel, Rome
Vatican City, Rome
Day 8 - Day of departure
Self-transfer to Rome airport for your return flight home.
Accommodation
De La Ville Hotel - Night 1 to 2
This four star superior hotel is situated in the historic centre of Milan and within walking distance of the Gothic Cathedral and La Scala Opera house – two of the city’s iconic monuments.
This four star superior hotel is situated in the historic centre of Milan and within walking distance of the Gothic Cathedral and La Scala Opera house – two of the city’s iconic monuments. Each room is unique, with silk tapestries and classic or contemporary décor. There is a rooftop terrace with whirlpool - unusual for a city hotel, which has a retractable glass dome so that guests can use it throughout the year. The terrace also boasts an impressive panorama over the rooftops of Milan, including the Duomo spires.
Accommodation
- 108 air-conditioned rooms including superior rooms, deluxe rooms, junior suites and a suite
- All rooms have a bathroom (bath and/or shower and hairdryer), telephone, satellite TV, minibar, complimentary WiFi and safe deposit box
- Some deluxe rooms interconnect
- Deluxe rooms and junior suites will accommodate an extra bed for a child. Suites will accommodate an extra bed for an adult or child
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Cocktail bar ‘Il Visconteo’
- L’Opera restaurant (à la carte) serving Mediterranean cuisine
- Lift
- Complimentary WiFi in the public areas
- Spa (free of charge) with sauna, Turkish bath, chrome therapy shower, fitness room and beauty treatment rooms (local charge)
- Rooftop sun terrace overlooking Milan Cathedral with whirlpool (8 x 3.5m) open all year. The pool is heated and covered in winter with a retractable roof
- Laundry service payable locally
- 5 minutes’ walk to La Scala Opera House
- 250 yards to the Metro stop (Duomo)
- 2km from Milan Centrale Train Station
- Valet parking payable locally
Degli Orafi Hotel - Night 3 to 4
The Degli Orafi Hotel is famous for providing the setting in the Merchant-Ivory adaptation of E.M. Forster’s classic ‘A Room with a View.’
The Degli Orafi Hotel is famous for providing the setting in the Merchant-Ivory adaptation of E.M. Forster’s classic ‘A Room with a View.’ The historic building has retained many of its original architectural features including the partially restored remains of an ancient tower and the fabulous frescoes - dating from the 19th century which adorn the walls of the breakfast room. There is a bar with panoramic terrace overlooking the River Arno, Palazzo Vecchio and the Cathedral (Duomo). It's location couldn't be better placed next to the Ponte Vecchio, with its charming shops and street vendors and the Uffizi museum.
Accommodation:
- 42 air-conditioned rooms including single rooms, classic rooms, executive rooms and deluxe junior suites
- All rooms have a bathroom (bath and/or shower), hairdryer, satellite TV, minibar, telephone, complimentary WiFi and safe deposit box
- Some executive rooms and deluxe junior suites enjoy views over the River Arno, Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio
- The executive rooms will accommodate an extra bed for an adult or child
Amenities/Leisure:
- Buffet breakfast
- Bar with panoramic terrace overlooking the River Arno and Cathedral
- 2 Lounges
- Complimentary WiFi in the public areas
- Library with internet connection (payable locally c.5 Euros per hour)
- Lift
Minimum stay: 3 nights during festival exhibition dates.
Modigliani Hotel - Night 5 to 7
Situated in a quiet street near the exclusive Via Veneto, this small family-run property is a charming base from which to explore the capital.
Situated in a quiet street near the exclusive Via Veneto, this small family-run property is a charming base from which to explore the capital. The owners, Marco and Giulia, left their respective careers as a musician and a writer to follow in the family tradition of being hoteliers and have completely renovated this centuries-old building. The result is a traditional hotel with a contemporary feel furnished with comfortable sofas and Modigliani prints on the walls. There is a delightful inner-courtyard garden where breakfast is served in the summer months and a large tasteful drawing-room.
Accommodation:
- 24 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms, superior rooms, family rooms and two apartments
- All rooms (in the main hotel) have a bathroom (bath and/or shower), hairdryer, satellite TV, telephone, minibar, complimentary WiFi and safe deposit box
- Standard and triple rooms face the inner courtyard or the street
- One superior room, located on the top floor, has a balcony with spectacular views over the rooftops of Rome and St Peter's Basilica
- Family rooms will accommodate up to 4 people
- The Garden apartment (sleeps 2+4) is located in an independent building in the hotel’s garden. It has two bedrooms, one is a double room with queen-size bed and en suite bathroom (bath and shower), and the second has three single beds, plus space for an extra bed, with en suite bathroom (shower). Each room is air-conditioned and has a hairdryer, TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, minibar and safe deposit box. Breakfast is taken in the main hotel.
- The Independent apartment (sleeps 2+3) is located on the first floor (37sqm) of a building opposite the main hotel (6m away). It has a double room with queen-size bed or twin beds, bathroom (large shower and hairdryer), separate lounge with three sofa beds, TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi and safe deposit box. Breakfast is taken in the main hotel.
Amenities/Leisure:
- Buffet breakfast
- Inner courtyard garden
- Bar and lounge
- Complimentary WiFi at reception
- Lift
- A few minutes' walk from the famous Spanish Steps and Via Veneto
- Barberini Metro Station is located at the end of the road.
Route Map
Best time to go
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- OCT
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Time Difference
GMT + 1 hour
Currency
Euro
Language
Italian
Average flight times
2 hours 30 minutes
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
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