France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail

Bonjour! Welcome to France. Your adventure begins in Paris – the City of Lights, known for its romance, delicious cuisine and amazing art scene. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, followed by a leader-led orientation walk to experience the buzz of Paris as night falls. If you arrive early, why not explore the city at your own pace. Maybe grab a traditional baguette, a buttery croissant and some local meats and fruits and have a picnic by the Eiffel Tower. If you’d like to tick off bucket list sites like the Louvre or walking the Champs-Elysees, today is also your best opportunity. After tonight's meeting, you have the option to head out for a welcome dinner with your group to get to know each other better and be introduced to the wonderful local food.

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Today, after a slow morning, you’ll board the train to Lausanne in Switzerland – sitting on the banks of Lake Geneva, this French-speaking city is home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters. When you arrive, walk to your hotel and depending on the group’s interests, maybe head out on an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings. Tonight, you’re free to explore the city after dark – your leader will have some great recommendations for dinner.

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After breakfast this morning, head to the Lausanne Cathedral – seen as one of the most beautiful gothic art monuments in Europe, this cathedral overlooks the city. After wandering around and heading to the top for some great city views, you’ll head to a bakery to sample a delicious local pastry. Then, you have a free afternoon for lunch and further explorations. Maybe take a boat tour this afternoon on the Leman Lake or visit the Olympic Museum to learn the history of the games. Maybe head to Lavaux Vineyards – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and indulge in a wine tasting. You could also book a chocolate-tasting tour (the Swiss are known for their chocolate)!

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Walk to the station to catch a train from Lausanne to Lucerne. Watch the gorgeous Swiss scenery pass you by from the comfort of your carriage and arrive in time for lunch. Lucerne is known for its medieval architecture, colourful Old Town and views of snowcapped mountains and it’s a bit of a foodie’s paradise so you’ll have plenty of great options. After, take a walk on the Museggmauer Walls surrounding Lucerne with your local leader. Dominating the skyline, the Musegg Wall and the nine Musegg Towers formed part of the town’s fortifications, and today, walking along the ramparts is a popular activity for locals and visitors. Stop for a drink at the Hinter Misegg farm – an organic farm right in the heart of the city. Look out for the resident alpacas, Highland cattle, mini pigs, hens and goats, then enjoy a free evening. Maybe rent a paddle boat on the lake or hop on the Cityboat, one of the most popular ways to see the city.

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Today, you’re in for a treat as your group heads to Lucerne’s Mount Pilatus for the 3-hour Silver Tour. One of the best ways to see the surrounding peaks, your tour takes you on a journey by railway, cogwheel railway, aerial cableway and panorama gondola for incredible views of Mount Pilatus and the Swiss Alps. Departing from the main railway station in Lucerne, the central railway train will take you along the shores of Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad. There, you’ll hop on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, riding all the way up to the summit of the mountain. Here, you can find fine dining options, hiking options, a concert space and amazing panoramic views of the Alps and the Alpine massif. You’ll then take the aerial cableway and gondolas on the ‘Dragon Ride’ to the valley. After an incredible morning, you have a free afternoon to take up any optional activities you didn’t get a chance to complete yesterday.

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Enjoy a leisurely morning before leaving Lucerne and making your way to Ticino Region on the Gotthard Panorama Express. You will first take a regional train (approx. 30 min) to Arth-Goldau before boarding this scenic train offering more than just transit from one place to another. Travelling from central to southern Switzerland, you'll pass mountain vistas, blue lakes, sleepy villages and rolling hills. When you arrive in Bellinzona in the late afternoon, take a quick orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings, then your evening is free. Known for its three imposing medieval castles and surrounding views of the Alps, the atmosphere is perfect for a self-paced walking tour. If you’re looking for a cosy spot for dinner, just ask your expert leader for the best recommendations.

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Take another excursion up into the mountains today. Take a bus to the starting point of an easy hike, then head out on the trail for some unbeatable views of the Alps and a bird’s eye view of the city. Take some time to wander around, then head back to the city. Your afternoon is free, so you might like to visit the Castle of Bellinzona or The Municipal Museum of Villa dei Cedri – this suburban villa features gardens, historical architecture and regional art from the 19th century to present day works.

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Travel to ‘The Eternal City’ of Rome. Leaving Switzerland behind, board a morning train to Milan, where you’ll then change for the capital of Italy. Today’s a bit of a travel day, so take the opportunity to get to know your group a little better or grab a window seat and watch the scenery change from the mountains of Switzerland to the oranges and terracotta hues of Italy. When you arrive in Rome, you’ll head out with your leader for an orientation walk of the city. Home to popular sites like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – there is no shortage of things to see and do in Rome. With your free afternoon and evening, you might like to take a tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, visit the Pantheon, tour Vatican City or walk through the trendy areas within Trastevere in search of the best pasta, sandwich, gelato, homemade pizza or glass of vino.

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Wake up to the exciting buzz of Rome and head out to visit an Intrepid Foundation partner – Cooperativa Coraggio. Set in the serene countryside, this organisation addresses the various social and environmental needs of Italian communities by regenerating unused public lands with organic, sustainable agriculture. Learn what they do here and watch a short cooking demonstration using fresh, locally harvested products that you’ll then sit down and enjoy for lunch. Return to Rome, where your last evening is free to visit the Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti, Piazza Venezia, St Peter's Basilica or anywhere you didn’t get a chance to see yesterday. Don’t forget to do as the Romans do and sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes! Tonight, why not head out for a final dinner with your group and toast to your adventures with a glass of wine?

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Enjoy a free day in the bustling Rome until your 6pm group meeting.

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Today you have a free morning to soak up the sights and sounds of Rome. There will be an optional leader-led orientation walk, taking in some of the best-known sights of Rome like the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum if you’ve only just arrived. Then, maybe head to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica. Later, you'll travel by train to Florence – the cultural heart of Tuscany, bursting with religious treasures and Renaissance masterpieces. It's been said that during the second millennium, a third of Europe's most important artists lived in Florence. The minds and talents of the Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all flourished here. After checking in to your hotel, join your leader for an orientation walk of Florence, then the rest of your evening is free to explore at your own pace. Food is also a major part of the city's identity, so why not explore some of the Tuscan delicacies on offer with your group.

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Today is a free day for you to explore all that Florence has to offer. The principal sights are easily discovered on foot like the Pitti Palace, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the Santa Croce Church. Maybe visit the Uffizi, one of the world's oldest art galleries, or discover Michelangelo's iconic statue of David at the Galleria dell'Accademia. Later, maybe climb the stairs to Piazzale Michelangelo for a sunset view across the rooftops of Florence. Tonight, join the locals in taking a passeggiata (a leisurely social stroll) between Piazza Beccaria and Piazza della Repubblica.

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After a leisurely morning, board the train to Lucca – one of Tuscany's real hidden gems, with centuries-old buildings, beautiful churches, wide piazzas and narrow streets within the ancient city ramparts. You’ll be staying in the city centre which allows easy access to all the sights, restaurants and bars – all an easy stroll from the hotel's front door. Tonight, you might like to join the tradition of many locals and take a stroll along the top of the city walls that surround the perimeter of the old city.

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Set off on a cycling tour this morning, following the scenic Serchio River through the Tuscan countryside. Then, you’ll catch the train to Pisa and visit the world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the nearby Duomo in Piazza dei Miracoli and the Pisa Baptistry. The Leaning Tower was built in the 12th century, but its foundation was on shifting sand and clay, meaning that it now leans at an angle of four degrees, after restoration and stabilising work. Then, continue to wander the streets past high-end boutiques, speciality book and antiques stores. After, head back to Lucca, where the rest of the night is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe head to a local bar for a Prosecco (or two) and a fresh focaccia with finocchiona salami and pecorino cheese – best enjoyed in the shadow of the Palazzo Pretorio.

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Travel by train to La Spezia – the gateway to the gorgeous Italian Riviera. A medieval port town whose name is derived from its historic importance in the spice trade, La Spezia is your base for exploring the nearby stretch of coast known as the Cinque Terre. The name comes from the five tiny villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, whose position, wedged into a series of coves between cliffs, makes it one of the highlights in the country. After lunch, you have free time to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe head out by ferry or bus to the pretty seaside town of Portovenere, walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour in La Spezia or visit Lerici – a small village across the Bay of Poets dominated by its castle – for a waterside dinner.

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This morning, venture out through olive groves and vineyards on the Cinque Terre Trails. This path runs between the villages that were once the only way to travel through the region. After your hike this morning, maybe continue along the walking through the countryside, passing narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges or take a train to a nearby town. After, find a place for lunch in one of the towns and relax in the vibrant atmosphere before heading back to base in La Spezia later today.

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Start your day with a scenic train ride from La Spezia to the coastal town of Rapallo. Once you arrive, drop off your luggage and make your way to the harbor to catch a ferry to Portofino. Here, take your time exploring its colorful streets, boutiques, and waterfront cafes. If you're up for a bit of a climb, maybe follow the winding path that leads up to the Portofino Lighthouse at Punta del Capo for panoramic views over the Ligurian Sea. Later, unwind on a relaxing train ride to Asti—where a thriving food scene awaits, perfect for ending the day with a memorable meal.

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This morning, travel to the nearby rural village of Castagnole Monferrato, where you’ll visit the home of a local winemaking family to sample their vintages. The Ruche grape variety is unique to this region of Italy – it's grown in just seven small villages in the province of Asti and produces a ruby-red, intense and aromatic wine. Have some lunch, then return to Asti. This town was one of the most important in medieval times, sitting on trade routes between Turin, Milan, and Genoa. Today, it’s best known as the home of some of the finest and most sought-after wines in Europe. It's also the best place to find ‘tartufo’ (truffles). You may be lucky enough to be here on a market day, when the Piazza del Palio hosts the region’s largest open-air market.

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Travel by train to Milan, then continue to Bellagio – a village on the coast of Lake Como known for its cobbled lanes, elegant buildings and the Villa Serbelloni Park, an 18th-century terraced garden with lake views. Later in the afternoon, you’ll head out to explore this area of natural beauty and unique landscapes. Your hotel tonight is on the shores of Lake Como, where you can soak up the serenity from your room. Later, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations!

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This morning, explore the village of Bellagio. Set off on a short walk through the countryside and discover the estate of the Villa Melzi – this grand white villa sits just back from the water, and its surrounding estate is filled with rare and exotic plant life. The rest of the day is free – maybe take the ferry between the various parts of this area of Lake Como, like Varenna, Cadenabbia or the beautiful Villa del Balbianello, which film fans may recognise from franchises like James Bond and Star Wars. Maybe wander through acres of manicured Italian gardens at Villa Carlotta or visit Cadenabbia is Tremezzo, where you can find delicious food or an aperitif. Simply strolling and admiring the beautiful views whichever way you turn is an ideal way to spend the day.

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Leave the lakes district behind and take your private vehicle to Milan. From here, catch a train to Venice – the grand city of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas, practically unchanged for 600 years. Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. There are plenty of things to keep you busy when you arrive. When you arrive, join your local leader for a walk around the maze of streets behind Piazza San Marco and learn about the complex canal system. Your leader will introduce you to the local way of crossing the canal, by traghetto, then the rest of the day is free. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. For dinner, maybe seek out Venice's distinctive culinary heritage, which goes back to ancient times and features rich risottos, saline baccala (salted cod) and creamy polenta.

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Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the Grand Canal or the Rialto Bridge, discover Doge's Palace or see Piazza San Marco with its golden Basilica. Then, you could take a vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of Venice. No trip here would be complete without a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola, so maybe treat yourself to a cruise through the waterways and tick this iconic experience off your bucket list. Later, maybe wander through the Palazzo Ducale, overflowing with paintings by Italian masters, before joining your leader for a cicchetti stop as a real Venetian. Tonight, join your group for a celebratory dinner of Venetian specialties, like fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti.

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As there are no activities planned for today, you can depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Venice, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

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