BY RAIL
VENICE OVER THE SWISS ALPS BY TRAIN TOURING HOLIDAY
5 nights / 6 days From £ 1,710 per person
Venice from St Mark’ s Square
LUCERNE • GOTTHARD EXPRESS • VENICE • RETURN BY SLEEPER TRAIN
This rail holiday transports you to Venice for a short break but includes an overnight stop in Lucerne, enabling you to experience a scenic train journey through the Swiss Alps on the Gotthard Express. We include three nights in Venice and a return journey by sleeper train from Venice to Paris.
DAY ONE London to Lucerne by train You depart from London by Eurostar to Paris just before 08.00 hrs. Transfer from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de Lyon by taxi where you board the high-speed TGV train to Basel and then on to Lucerne where you arrive at around 19.00 hrs.
DAY TWO Lucerne to Venice Your journey to Venice from Lucerne takes you through the spectacular scenery of the Alps before changing trains in Milan and heading east across the Po valley to Venice. You have two full days in Venice.
DAYS THREE AND FOUR In Venice To make the most of your time in Venice, it’ s worth dividing the city into areas or themes. The obvious place to start is at St Mark’ s Square, where St Mark’ s Basilica, the Doge’ s Palace and the Campanile can all be visited. The magnificent churches of Venice are also worth seeking out. The Jewish quarter can be found just off the Strada Nova to the north of the city and gives you a rare insight into the history of the Jewish community in Venice. There is a clutch of art galleries to be enjoyed. The streets of Venice also contain a treasure trove of tiny artisan shops selling glassware, masks, lace and silk, and shoes. To absorb the magic of Venice from the water, treat yourself to a ride in a gondola.
DAY FIVE Venice by sleeper train to Paris You have a large part of your last day at leisure in Venice before the private water taxi collects you to take you to the train station for the departure of the sleeper train to Paris at about 20.00 hrs.
DAY SIX Paris to London by train You arrive into Paris Lyon at about 9.30am, and after changing stations you then take the Eurostar back to London where you arrive at lunchtime.
What’ s included
• Second-class travel on all trains, with standard class on Eurostar
• Double sleeper compartment on Thello sleeper train Milan to Paris overnight
• Private return water taxi transfers from Venice station to the hotel
• 1 night’ s bed and breakfast in a Classic room at the Hotel Wilden Mann in Lucerne
• 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Classic room at the the Hotel Bisanzio in Venice
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
What’ s not included
• Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday
• Local tourist tax, usually between 1 and 3 Euros per person per night and payable locally to the hotel
• Transfers in Paris
PRICES
Prices from £ 1,710 per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room and including standard class rail travel.
Supplements
• Standard premier / first class £ 350 per person
• Stay at the 5-star Baglioni Hotel Luna in Venice from £ 590 per person.
Holiday code ITBR12
38 To speak to our specialist rail holidays team telephone 01392 441250 or see www. expressionsholidays. co. uk