The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
GRAND TOUR REVISITED
Route Paris-Munich-VeniceRome-Monterosso-Turin-Paris
Duration 17 days
Most Interrail expeditions assume the form of a grand tour, but this route promises a fresh look at the famous 18th-century Grand Tour – a jaunt to Europe undertaken primarily by wealthy young men seeking to familiarise themselves with the cultural treasures of Italy.
An Interrail single country pass covering seven days’ travel within Italy, spread over a month, would enable you to tick off a number of big-hitters – Rome, Florence and Venice for starters.
But less can often be more. No-fly specialist Byway has a carefully curated itinerary which makes use of an Interrail pass and includes accommodation along the way. Suggested stopping points include Paris, Munich, Venice, Rome, Turin and the coastal resort of Monterosso in the beautiful Cinque Terre region of Italy, for a nice change of pace. You won’t be carried across the Alps in a sedan chair, but arguably the Nightjet sleeper train to La Serenissima is a more comfortable option. More nights – and additional destinations – can be added. Just as it was for the young gentlemen of yore, the key is to take your time – and to emerge immeasurably enriched.
Go the extra mile If you really want to do this the traditional way, take the ferry to Calais or Le Havre; brush up on your dancing, fencing and riding skills in Paris; come up for air on Lake Geneva (Lausanne will do nicely); sail down to Sicily and broaden out the journey home to include stays in Vienna, Dresden and Berlin
The details A pass allowing six days’ travel within Italy costs £170. A 14-day Italy by Train journey including accommodation with Byway (020 3488 6841; byway.travel) costs from £3,277pp. An extension can easily be arranged