Day 1

Travel by Eurostar from London to Paris, then continue by TGV to Turin. The train follows the high-speed line as far as Lyon before continuing through the Alps via Chambéry and Modane. Arrive in the evening and stay overnight in a 3-star hotel in the city centre, close to Torino Porta Susa station, for example Hotel Residence Torino Centro.

Day 2

After breakfast, travel by Frecciarossa high-speed train from Turin to Naples. Stay for two nights in a 3-star hotel near the railway station, for example Ibis Styles Napoli Garibaldi.

Day 3

Free day in Naples. Explore the historic centre and its lively old quarters, where bustling streets, local markets and authentic Neapolitan life continue well into the evening. Optional excursions include Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, Herculaneum, the Amalfi Coast or the island of Capri.

Day 4

Travel south by comfortable InterCity train along Italy's scenic coastline. At Villa San Giovanni, the train is carried onto the ferry for the crossing to Messina. Step off the train during the crossing to enjoy the sea views towards Sicily and Mount Etna. Arrive in Milazzo in the late afternoon. Stay for two nights in a 3-star hotel in the historic centre, close to the harbour for boats to the Aeolian Islands, for example Hotel San Michele.

Day 5

Free day. Take a boat trip to the Aeolian Islands of Vulcano or Lipari, or travel by train to Catania, Syracuse or on the Circumetnea Railway around Mount Etna (not included).

Day 6

Travel from Milazzo to Florence. First take the InterCity train to Naples, again crossing the Strait of Messina by train ferry. Continue by Frecciarossa high-speed train to Florence. Arrive in the evening at Firenze Santa Maria Novella station. Stay for two nights in the city centre, for example Hotel Beatrice.

Day 7

Free day in Florence. Visit the city's churches, palaces, squares and museums, and enjoy some of the finest masterpieces of the Renaissance.

Day 8

Travel via Milan and Switzerland to Paris by TGV, then continue to London by Eurostar.

11-day tour

Compared with the 8-day tour, this itinerary includes:

• 1 extra night in Paris on the outward journey (hotel near Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon) to break the journey
• 1 extra night in Turin (making a two-night stay in every Italian destination)
• 1 extra night in Basel to break the return journey (hotel near Basel SBB station, for example Hotel Metropol)