Italian Duo Venice & Florence
The perfect opportunity to discover two Italian cities steeped in art and culture : Venice and Florence.
And what better way to travel there than by train ?
Introduction
Forget the stress of airports, airline travel and fastidious out-of-town transfers. After a good night's sleep and breakfast in your own two-berth private compartment, you'll arrive on Venice's doorsteps, literally on the steps leading down to the Grand Canal.
Three days exploring the city's maze of streets, canals and islands will give you a good introduction to Italy's treasures before you take the high-speed train to Florence. The "Frecciargento" will whisk you there in barely two hours and after a three-day stay in the heart of Tuscany, you will take another comfortable night train back to Paris and easy connections to your onward destinations such as London, Brussels or Amsterdam.
Departure point: Paris
End point: Paris
Departure dates: 2011
Saturdays, 5th March-29th October
Journey type: Individual / Individuel,
Details
1st day
After travelling from your homeward point of departure to Paris, the "Stendahl" night express is awaiting in the Parisian terminus of Gare de Bercy. Depending on your arrival time, the "Grand Voyageur" lounge is at your disposal before departure of the train. Shortly before 7pm, installation in your private air-conditioned sleeping compartment, comprising two bunk berths with sheets and blankets, washbasin and hangars. A dining car is available for an evening meal. Night on board train.
2nd day
After breakfast served in your compartment by the attendant, arrival at Venezia Santa Lucia terminus at 9.30am. The station is directly on the Grand Canal and after alighting you can collect your travel cards at the nearby tourist office.The cards enable you travel unhindered for three days on Venice's network of city waterways and even ferries to the outer islands. Don't miss the island gems of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
With your cards collected and your luggage deposited at your nearby 3*** hôtel, (rooms are ready during the afternoon) the day is yours to explore Venice at your leisure. First night in Venice.
3rd day
After breakfast you have the whole day to enjoy in Venice: don't hesitate to leave the well-trodden tourist tracks and make a foray into Venice's maze of narrow streets and surprising hidden squares and parks. Second night in Venice.
4th day
Make the most of your final day and, if you hadn't done so already, try and visit the beautiful island of Torcello steeped in its history of glorious yesteryears. Third and final night in Venice.
5th day
After breakfast, you make your way back to the station to take the high-speed train to Florence.
This comfortable but short journey (two hours) takes you to the centre of Florence in time to have a full afternoon free in the Tuscan capital. Your 3*** hôtel is centrally located and close to the railway station. First of three nights in Florence.
6th day
After breakfast you have the whole day to admire this fine city and its many treasures. Florence is without a doubt one of Italy's most beautiful cities: a world-renowned capital of art, it jealously preserves its rich history and lays claim to 25 % of the world's masterpieces and fully 50% of Italy's.
Ever-present reminders of the city's Medicis family will accompany you as you wander through the streets of the historic town centre.
Second night in Florence.
7th day
For this whole day at leisure, why not make a visit by train to nearby Sienna? Just 90 minutes by frequent regional train, you'll be amply rewarded by its 14th century square, Gothic architecture and timeless charm. Nestling in the heart of the Umbrian countryside, between the Chianti hills to the north, the Montagnola to the west and the Senesi to the south, the town is a prime example of medieval and rennaissance Italy. Third and final night in Florence
8th day
After breakfast and check-out (before 11am) you have another full day to enjoy in Florence before taking your evening express back to Paris, once again comfortably installed in your private sleeping compartment.
9th day
After breakfast served in your compartment, the train draws into the Gare de Bercy in Paris at 9am, leaving you plenty of time for homeward connections on to London, Brussels, Amsterdam etc.
Tariffs
1345 € per person, based on two persons sharing a sleeping compartment and double room.
What's included:
6 nights in 3*** centrally-located hôtels.
7 breakfasts.
2 nights in a private sleeping compartment on board the Paris-Venice «Stendahl» overnight sleeper train. Each compartment has two bunk beds with pillow cases, sheets and blankets, washbasin and coat hangars.
Reserved seats on board the «Frecciargento» high-speed train between Venice and Florence (2nd Class).
Transport card for Venice, valid for three days travel.
What's not included:
Travel and medical insurance.
Meals not mentioned above, personal expenditure, any Visa expenses for non-EU nationals.
Extra nights: Should you wish, we will be happy to quote for any extra nights in either Venice or Florence.
Options
Single supplement : Please enquire.
Overnight travel in four-berth couchette compartment instead of a private two-berth sleeper compartment : Please enquire for the reduction applicable.
Family travel : Please enquire.
Extra nights: Should you wish, we will be happy to quote for any extra nights in either Venice or Florence.
