12 days
2200 miles traveled
85 miles walked
11 trains 1 funicular
3 countries
Sounds like a lot but was actually surprisingly easy and great fun.
Day one we left London at 7.30 am on Eurostar London to Paris, after a RER trip across Paris to change stations we arrived in Geneva at 6.30 in time for dinner.
The following day was spent sightseeing in Geneva which is a vibrant destination. We walked, took a boat trip on the lake and finished with afternoon tea at the Hotel d’Angleterre with a panoramic view of the lake and Jet d’Eau.
Our next leg was from Geneva to Venice the train runs along Lake Geneva and has spectacular views. It was fantastic to arrive in Venice walk straight out of the station and get to our hotel using the Vaporetto water taxi. Venice was quiet and just as magical as we had hoped.
Next stop Lake Garda. What a beautiful place. We stayed in Sirmione and had a lovely couple of days relaxing.
We went to the thermal spa took a trip around the southern lake and swam. We booked a private boat hire but the ferries run hourly to different towns.
We were then ready for our next leg to Verona. Verona is a beautiful city built around a bend of the Adige River. Three beautiful Basilica and a Roman amphitheater
There is a stunning picture around every corner. It was more than we expected.
We also snuck in an extra train with a ride on the funicular railway to Castel San Pietro which has fantastic views of the city
Our last city was Turin, just for a night before our return to London.
We were originally due to fly home but after several flight changes we decided to
finish the way we started via the Italian and French train network and Eurostar.
It was a tiring, educational and fun trip. We learned how to pack for a 12 day trip in hand luggage – it’s surprising how much you can get in! There is no limit on how much you can take with you other than how much you want to carry between trains and hotels.
The European train network is efficient and clean. It took my brain some time to realise you can get in a train in Italy at 7.30 am and walk into your home in Hampshire 12 hours later.
All pictures included are from my trip – Authentic Travel is an independent travel agent and I am always happy to have a chat and explore ideas so I can put together a tour just for you and your travel companions either email me at [email protected] or give me a call on 07971 568165. Alternatively, check out my website for more travel inspiration Authentic Travel Company
