DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: London to Zurich

You begin your rail touring holiday to the Amalfi coast by travelling out on an afternoon Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Following a change of station in Paris continue by TGV to Zurich.

Day 2: Zurich to Rome by train

A mid-morning train from Zurich to Milan is recomended today where you change to the fast Frecciarossa direct train to Rome. A private car will transfer you to your hotel where you stay for two nights.

Day 3: In Rome

Spend the day at leisure in Rome. Rome is the capital city of Italy and as the centre of the Roman Empire was widely regarded as the birth place of western civilization. The city has a unique atmosphere due to its huge wealth of sites, dating back not just from the Roman era, but from medieval and Renaissance periods as well. You could spend a lifetime visiting all the historical and architectural sites the city has to offer. Most visitors come to Rome to see the foundations of the Roman Empire in the form of the Colosseum, the Forum and the Circus Maximus, to name but a few.

However, visitors nearly always allow time for a visit to the Vatican Museum and the Basilica of St Peter, even if they choose not to visit any other non-Roman historical sites!

The variety of places to visit in Rome can be overwhelming and it is best to plan in advance what you wish to see within the time you have and stick to it, rather than planning whilst you are there.

The historic centre is perfectly manageable on foot as it is quite compact, although there is an underground system too. Other places worth including in your itinerary of Rome are the Campo de’Fiori food market, the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona, home to Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi.

Afternoon tea is worth taking in the Caffe delle Arti inside the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna, with a shady terrace in fine weather.

Day 4: Rome to Naples by train

Spend the morning in Rome, perhaps staying for lunch, before taking a train to Naples. A car takes you from the hotel to the station in Rome, and the journey time from Rome to Naples is just over one hour. When you arrive in Naples, a car with driver will collect you from the station and take you to your hotel in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, where you spend seven nights. There is an option to spend the holiday in the town of Amalfi, if preferred.

Days 5 to 10: Positano and the Amalfi Coast

You have the next six days to explore Positano and the stunning Amalfi Coast. During the day navigate Positano via the winding stairways, perhaps in a pair of their speciality sandals.

Walk along the Sentiero degli Innamorati from the Spiaggia Grande to Fornillo Beach for a spectacular view of the coastline and a rewarding relaxing end point. Be sure to visit the secret hamlet of Nocelle, tucked away on the Montepertuso hillside. Walk to Nocelle from Agerola for a gentle, downhill stroll that takes you past more breathtaking views across the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri.

For a longer day, take a trip along the Amalfi Coast, driving through white and terracotta towns to Amalfi itself. While here explore its many monuments, such as the Byzantine Duomo di Sant’ Andrea Apostolo, fronted by 57 stone steps that take you up to its three main arches. From the top of these steps in the atrium, the views across Amalfi and the sea are exceptional.

The picturesque main square sits just below it, surrounded by small cafes and pretty buildings. Wander between the towering, climbing houses of the Vagliendola, or watch the Amalfi musical under the curved roof of the Antichi Arsenali, or old shipyards. From here, perhaps walk across the hilltops to the artistic village of Ravello to listen to a classical music concert on the terraces of Villa Rufolo, or venture out into the Valle delle Ferriere, with its old steps, waterfalls, bridges, forests, and beautiful abandoned buildings.

Spend your evenings in the restaurant of the Hotel Poseidon indulging in the specialities of Neapolitan cuisine, such as mozzarella, fresh seafood, gelato, and sfogliatella pastries - finished off, of course, with limoncello made from Amalfi lemons. In the summer, dinner can be eaten under a pergola on the terrace. The hotel’s wine cellar offers the best wines of the Campania region, all available to drink alongside the delicious flavours of the Amalfi Coast.

Day 11: Naples to Lausanne

An early start this morning gets you via Milan to Lausanne on Lake Geneva for this evening.

Day 12: Lausanne to London by train

It is a comfortable journey today from Lausanne on Lake Geneva to Paris by TGV. Change stations and then take the Eurostar back to London.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. This price includes second class rail travel, with supplement for first class of about £570 per person.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.