Cities Direct is introducing a selection of rail itineraries into its multi-centre programme as rail travel is being seen both as a greener alternative and a more leisurely way to travel

Rail travel is being seen both as a greener alternative and a more leisurely way to travel and, with this in mind, city break specialist, Cities Direct is introducing a selection of rail itineraries into its multi-centre programme.

For example, head to Italy and enjoy three nights each in Venice, Florence and Rome on an 11-night rail itinerary which costs from £949 in July inclusive of return Eurostar travel from London to Paris, nine nights’ three-star hotel (Apostoli Palace in Venice, Hotel Delle Nazioni in Florence and Hotel Adriano in Rome), two overnight sleeper train journeys (Paris/Venice and Rome/Paris), plus rail travel between Venice and Florence and Florence and Rome.

Or in June, an 11-night rail inclusive package to Paris, Barcelona and Madrid costs from £1199 inclusive of return London/Paris Eurostar travel, nine nights’ three-star hotel (three each at the Villa Saint Martin in Paris, the Hotel Sant Agusti in Barcleona and the Hotel Puerta de Toledo in Madrid), two overnight sleeper train journeys (Paris/Barcelona and Madrid/Paris) and rail travel between Barcelona and Madrid.

Alternatively, enjoy stays in centrally-located four-star hotels in cities through the heart of Europe – Cologne, Vienna, Budapest, Prague and Berlin – on a 13-night rail inclusive package with prices starting from £1299 in July.

This includes return London/Brussels Eurostar travel, 13 nights’ hotel (two each at the Four Points in Cologne and the Parlament Hotel in Budapest, three each at the Johann Strauss in Vienna, the Ametyst Hotel in Prague and the Park Inn Alexanderplatz in Berlin), hydrofoil trip from Vienna to Budapest and rail travel between the other cities.

All prices quoted are per person, twin-share and include breakfasts.