Day 1: London to Dijon
We travel by Eurostar on an early afternoon departure from St Pancras International to Paris, where your evening is free to explore this magical city.
Day 2: On to Bologna
Today we continue our journey by train, travelling down through France, into Italy and on to Milan. Here we change trains for Bologna, where we stay for three nights at the 3* Millenn Hotel. (B,D)
Day 3: Bologna
Today is free to explore at leisure. Bologna is considered by many to be Italy’s gastronomic capital, as well as offering an unspolit historic centre with miles of distinctive, arched porticos and terracotta brick buildings. Bologna’s medieval palazzi are collected around the city’s two main squares, Piazza Maggiore and Piazza Nettuno, and the latter is also home to the striking Neptune’s Fountain, decorated with magnificent bronze figures. (B)
Day 4: Renaissance Florence
Today we take a trip by rail to Florence. After a guided walking tour, you have the opportunity to explore this timeless city. Take a stroll under the Uffizi Museum arches to the banks of the mighty Arno River for a panoramic view of the Ponte Vecchio. Equally impressive is the Duomo, with its distinctive orange-tiled dome rising above the city’s skyline. (B)
Day 5: Romantic Venice
We continue on to Venice today, famous for its romantic gondolas, interlaced canals and winding alleys. After checking in to our hotel, the 3* Plaza Hotel Venice Mestre, the rest of the day is free to explore.You may wish to take the short train journey into central Venice to visit the Basilica di San Marco, cross the Bridge of Sighs or just savour the atmosphere of this delightful city. (B,D)
Day 6: Venice Carnival
Prepare to enjoy the colourful spectacle of Venice at carnival time! The splendour of the costumes, colourful masks and variety of street performers add to the magical feel of the festival. Carnival characters stroll through the city and shows are put on in St Mark’s Square for the delight of the crowds. (B)
Day 7: To Mulhouse
We leave Venice by rail for Milan, where we change trains and head up through Switzerland and into France for our overnight stay in Mulhouse at the Hotel Mercure Mulhouse Centre. (B)
Day 8: Mulhouse to London
We depart Mulhouse by train for Paris, where we join the Eurostar to St Pancras International. (B)
Your hotels
The stylish 3* Millenn Hotel in Bologna is close to the station and the old town. There is a breakfast room, bar and lift. All spacious en suite rooms have a television, hairdryer, minibar, telephone, a safe, air conditioning and wi-fi access (payable locally).
The 3* Plaza Hotel Venice Mestre offers its guests comfortably furnished rooms in a convenient location opposite Venice Mestre railway station and an eight minute train journey from Venice’s central station. All rooms have air conditioning, television, radio, internet access, a safe, minibar and hairdryer. There is also a restaurant, coffee shop and lift.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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