The first part of the journey from London sweeps through Thameside landscapes and rural Kent to reach the Channel Tunnel. Little more than an hour after leaving London you'll already be in northern France, tracking south through Flanders fields towards Paris.

Remember to factor in at least half an hour for Eurostar's airline-style baggage check prior to boarding your train. There is a luggage and body scan and you'll be asked to show your passport. There are no restrictions on taking liquids on board Eurostar trains.

• Eurostar train guide

The Thello overnight train to Verona departs from Paris Gare de Lyon station. In the early hours, the train runs along the shore of Lake Geneva with lovely views of the Alps on a clear night. There is a wonderful moment in the morning when the train skirts the edge of Lake Maggiore. The only intermediate stop in France is at Dijon, where the train picks up passengers. The overnight run across Switzerland is non-stop. In the morning the train stops at Milan and Brescia before reaching Verona.

In Verona, you'll alight from the night train from Paris at Verona's main railway station, which is called Verona Porto Nuova. This station is located well south of the city centre - roughly a 20 minute walk from the main sights, but there are also regular buses leaving for the central area from just outside the station. The night train from Paris continues beyond Verona to Venice.

• Thello night train train guide