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Follow Paris to Brussels for $10, Brussels to Venice overnight, in time for this year’s Carnival celebrations, and from Amsterdam to Berlin for less than the price of a pint of beer and a schnitzel, The European Train Renaissance saga continues with one of the most exciting launches yet:
In the future, travelers from Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and a popular destination especially for Americans, will be able to travel all the way south to two of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities – and vice versa.
New trains leave from Zurich to two cities in Tuscany!
If Swiss information reveals that the Swiss Federal Railways and Trenitalia, the two national railway companies for Switzerland and Italy respectively, will work together to develop the existing gap between the Alps and sun-drenched Tuscany.
More specifically, you will be able to do it traveling from Zurich Unpleasant the cities of Florence and Livorno by avoiding the chaotic airports altogether – and reducing your carbon footprint if that’s something you’re passionate about.
At the moment, train options between the Swiss metropolis and central-west Italy are scarce.
Unless you’re flying from Zurich to Florence, in which case you might be surprised $414 one way alone on Swissyou’re looking at long layovers in Rome to save costs, with ITA Airways (from $87), or multiple landside transfers.
How difficult is it to travel from Zurich to Florence by train at the moment?
The easiest way to get from Zurich to the heart of Tuscany includes at least 3 changes: Zurich to Bern, Bern to Brig, Brig to Milan, Milan to Florence, and if you continue to Livorno, Florence to Livorno.
That is more than 12 hours of travel of several transportation providers, and combined the total price of tickets averages $120.
The Swiss Federal Railways and Trenitalia have not yet decided on an official launch date for the long-awaited Switzerland-Tuscany service, but we know the launch will take place as early as 2026, so we will have to wait a little longer until Dan.
Either way, that’s already great news for train enthusiasts, who would like to trade the cumbersome baggage rules between different airlines and strict airport rules for stress-free boarding, no extra costs for heavy luggage and beautiful views along the way.
What about flying from Switzerland to Tuscany?
If you’re flying from Zurich to Florence, the flight itself may only take over an hour from takeoff to landing, but let’s not forget to factor in the two hours it takes at the airport for check-in and finding your gate , and commuting from the airport to the city center upon arrival at your destination.
Realistically, you’re looking at 5 to 6 hours of travel in total and travel-related activities.
Meanwhile, the total uninterrupted driving distance between Zurich and Florence is 579 miles, which breaks down to about 6:30 hours on the road – since a train can travel that distance at a higher speed, it’s not hard to see how rail travel could be more attractive.
In addition to the Zurich-Tuscany route, Swiss Railways have announced that trains from the Swiss metropolis will also be coming to Milan and Venice, and there will even be a Rome route. on the cards.
Why should these 3 cities be on your European itinerary?
Zurich
More than a global hotspot for finance, Zurich is a cultural center, backed by the majestic Swiss Alpsand located on the north side of turquoise Lake Zurich, a seriously underrated summer destination if the Mediterranean crowds get a little too much this year.
It is best known for its Altstadt (old town), where pedestrian-friendly streets run uphill, lined with legendary buildings and raclette restaurants, but also for its waterfront promenades, especially the Limmatquai, which follows the course of a swan-navigated Limmat. River.
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Zurich while getting your daily exercise, take one e-bike tour along the picture-perfect alleys and squares lined with relaxed cafes and Lake Zurich itself is a must, from just $21.58.
Florence
Florence, the Renaissance capital of Europe, is located on the fast-flowing Arno River striking red Brunelleschi Domethe highlight of the marble-clad cathedral, high above an ocher maze of medieval alleys.
The cathedral itself, or the Duomo, the adjacent Baptistery and the only remaining belfry, are easily three of Florence’s best-known sights, although other gems such as Ponte Vecchioa stone bridge whose medieval shops have been preserved, and the 13th-century House of Dante that attracts millions of visitors.
If you love art, Florence is definitely the place to be: at the Accademia Gallery you can admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece ‘David’, and if you have some free time to visit the Uffizi Gallery you will witness from Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’. ‘.
Livorno
A little-known fact for most is that Tuscany is not an inland part of Italy: although the cypress-lined, winding roads and idyllic scenery are beautiful, the Tuscan coast rivals even Cinque Terre, Amalfi and the like in beauty. , and Livorno is living proof of that:
A beautiful port city, protected by harbor forts and filled with stately piazze and Renaissance monuments; we’d say this is one of Italy’s unsung cultural gems: and the best part? Very little foreign tourists around, unlike Florence!
Three of our must-sees include Venice Nuovoreminiscent of Venice with its pastel-colored houses and canals spanned by walkways, the checkerboard-paved Terrazza Mascagni, a promenade overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and the imposing Fortezza Vechiabuilt in the 16th century.
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The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
