The luxury hotel brand Rocco Forte Hotels recently combined its world-class hospitality with sustainable slow travel to create a modern-day “Grand Tour” of European cities by rail. The scenic vacation train package connects two of the most romantic cities in Europe: Edinburgh, Scotland, and Palermo, Sicily. It’s designed to let travelers indulge in an inter-rail experience while taking a deep dive into local cultural experiences at each stop.
Photo: Rocco Forte Hotels
Rocco Forte Hotels Hosts a Luxurious Rail Journey From Scotland to Sicily
Photo: Rocco Forte Hotels
Photo: Rocco Forte Hotels
Photo: Rocco Forte Hotels
Photo: Rocco Forte Hotels
The first-class package connects eight of the European cities that travelers flock to: Edinburgh, London, Brussels, Berlin, Munich, Florence, Rome, and Palermo. It includes a luxurious 16-night stay at Rocco Forte Hotels (two nights at each location). Guests will have the chance to stay in The Balmoral in Edinburgh, Brown’s Hotel in London, Hotel Amigo in Brussels, Hotel de Rome in Berlin, The Charles Hotel in Munich, Hotel Savoy in Florence, Hotel de Russie in Rome, and end the trip at Villa Igiea in Palmero.
Must-see sights along the route get full attention, including an exclusive visit to the Vatican at dawn and a private art tour with a local artist to learn about Munich’s art scene. When in Scotland, you can explore the historic Old Town and visit the country’s first unisex perfume shop, Kingdom Scotland, with the Rocco Forte’s renowned scent butler. Other notable excursions include exploring London Mayfair’s trendy art scene, a Comic City Tour in Belgium, a guided bike ride through Berlin, a tour of popular 80s hotspots in Munich, and foraging for truffles with a truffle concierge in Tuscany. In Palermo, one of the best regions to eat in Italy, guests will also meet Michelin-star chef Fulvio Pierangelini and enjoy local seasonal dishes.
Booking the package is available through Expression Holidays. Luxury, of course, doesn’t come cheap with rates that begin at $8,560 per person. Along with first-class rail travel from Edinburgh to Palmero, the package includes 16 nights with two nights free at each hotel and ferry, transportation, and return flight. 