Destinations in Italy and adjacent Countries on Railway Journeys

For its sheer breathtaking beauty and tempting, mouth-watering cuisine, Italy is hard to beat. Iconic, instantly recognizable monuments, medieval towers and palazzos, and pastel colored villages clinging to cliffsides are just some of the images this enticing country conjures up.

Fair Verona, a tranquil and idyllic scene for your next city break, boasts Italian flair, river side charm and a 2000-year old history just waiting to be discovered. Inextricably linked with Shakespeare’s doomed lovers, hopeless romantics will be in their element visiting Juliet’s Balcony, strolling through the lovely piazzas and indulging in rustic Italian cuisine. Explore the rich Roman history and things to do, from the stone arches to the world-famous amphitheatre, dating back to the 1st-century AD. Immerse yourself in the outstanding acoustics here by spending a magical evening at the Opera.

Take the train to Venice, a historic dream-world filled with a labyrinth of azure canals, crisscrossed winding backstreets, Venetian Gothic masterpieces, and cathedrals, churches, palazzos, and campos that look much as they did 500 years ago. Ride on a Gondola, become entranced at the mosaics in the Basilica, visit 14th-century Doge's Palace, and so much more in this stunning city of wonder.

Spoleto is an ancient city in the Italian province of Perugia in east-central Umbria on a foothill of the Apennines.

Situated in the Italian province of Brescia, Sirmione is one of the most popular towns on Lake Garda and has been a spa resort since Roman times. The lovely historical center is pedestrianized and dominated by a 13th century castle, called the Rocca Scaligera, which commands great views over the town and lake. Also worth visiting is the Villa Romana, an impressive ruin of a Roman villa associated with the poet Catullus.

Siena is undoubtedly one of Tuscany’s loveliest medieval cities. The UNESCO World Heritage listed medieval center overflows with striking gothic buildings and you can fill an entire day just losing yourself in its narrow winding streets and hidden squares. Its cathedral is one of the most spectacular within Italy, and the Piazza del Campo, build on the site of the Roman marketplace, is perfect for indulging in people watching and Italian café culture. For something different, the Siena Jazz School (which is in the Medicean Fortress) runs concerts all year round.

Rome feels like an open air museum. The captivating Italian capital was once at the heart of one the largest and most enduring empires in the history of Western Civilization, and now uses its ancient history to inspire visitors from all over the world. Uncover exciting things to do in Rome: joust with gladiators at the Colosseum, discover Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling in the Vatican, eat a gelato on the Spanish Steps, and be sure to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, because you're going to want to come back.

The hill-topped capital of Umbria Perugia is a beautiful and unique destination that rewards visitors in so many ways.  Its vast history of arts and learning have left there mark on the city in some breathtaking architecture including the Palazzo dei Priori, Fontana Maggiore, and beautiful San Lorenzo Cathedral.  Journey underground to discover the ancient tunnels and old streets under the city which date back to Papal wars of the 16th Century or explore treasures housed in the National Gallery of Umbria.

Birthplace of the Renaissance and also Tuscany’s capital, the umber domes, bustling bridges and winding lanes of Florence have inspired artists, architects and visitors for centuries. A veritable treasure trove of masterpieces, the city flaunts its artistic heritage at every turn, with museums, squares and alleyways overflowing with artistic prowess. Works by Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo can all be found here in some of the world’s finest galleries, and the gentle breeze and sweeping cityscapes visible from the top of the Duomo make Florence one of Italy’s finest experiences. The surrounding hills ache with vineyards, meaning cellars abound with regional vintages. Truly, Florence is the perfect city for heady indulgence of all kinds.

Nestled in a valley in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, Grindelwald is a winter ski resort and a haven for hikers during the summer. From here, you can take the train via Kleine Scheidigg and through the Eiger Mountain, up to the highest station in Europe at Jungfraujoch or stay on level ground with a visit to nearby Interlaken. Discover nearly 50 miles of walking trails which offer spectacular views of the colossal snow-capped peaks and amazing glaciers of the Bernese Oberland. Or, during the ski season, take advantage of close to 100 miles of slopes for all abilities.

You’ll find St Moritz nestled in the Engadine Valley, perched some 5,905 feet above sea level in the snowy heights of the stunning Swiss Alps. With an average of 322 days of sunshine a year, holidays here are sun-drenched and glamorous – the city is considered one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world. Indulge in the Champagne-soaked atmosphere or search out a peaceful spot by riding a chair lift to one of the surrounding peaks for spectacular views of the glacier landscapes. Many visitors will use St Moritz as a railway hub, ambling to Zermatt along the Oberalp Pass aboard the gleaming carriages of the Glacier Express.

Zurich is known worldwide as being Switzerland’s sophisticated financial capital, but it’s also so much more than that. Fringed by distant mountains and gracing the banks of the winding River Limmat, the international banks and financial institutions add a contemporary edge to the scenes of intricate stained glass windows, cobbled pavements and characteristic spires that reveal glimpses into the city’s rich past. Amble down the Lake Promenade and the winding streets of the Old Town, unearthing the artistic masterpieces of the Kunsthaus, watching operatic perfection at the famed Schauspielhaus, or shopping along Bahnhofstrasse, Switzerland’s answer to the Champs- Élysées.