Day 1

Travel by Eurostar from London to Paris, then continue by TGV to Munich. Cross much of France and Germany before arriving in the evening. Overnight in a 3-star hotel near München Hauptbahnhof, for example Hotel Europäischer Hof.

Day 2

Continue by Railjet on a spectacular journey through the Austrian and Italian Alps to Bologna, then travel by Frecciarossa high-speed train to Florence. From there, take a regional train to Perugia, arriving in the evening.

Perugia, the capital of Umbria, is a lively university city with an attractive medieval centre. Stay for two nights in a 3-star hotel in the city centre, for example Hotel Fortuna.

Day 3

Free day in Perugia, or take an optional train trip to Assisi (25 minutes) and/or Spello (30 minutes).

Day 4

Travel by regional train through the Italian countryside to Lucca in Tuscany. The historic centre is still completely enclosed by its impressive medieval city walls. Stay for two nights in a 3-star hotel in the centre, for example Hotel San Martino.

Day 5

Free day in Lucca, or take an optional train trip to Pisa (approximately 15 minutes).

Day 6

Travel via Viareggio, partly along the coast, to Milan. Continue by EuroCity through the Swiss Alps to Zurich. Overnight in a 3-star hotel, for example Hotel Swiss Night by Fassbind.

Day 7

Travel by TGV to Paris and continue to London by Eurostar.

10-day tour (recommended)

Compared with the 7-day tour, this itinerary includes:

• 3 extra nights on the island of Giglio