On reflection the overnight hotel stop was a much better way of breaking the journey, plus the Milano-Lausanne train and track was superb. Having sampled Thello, I would not wish to do this again. One option we might try is OBB's Dusseldorf night sleeper - apparently the stock is more modern and comfortable.

< Train from Italy pt.2 |

Hotels & acommodation >

Our fourth train was Eurostar, and having plenty of time to wait, we went in search of somewhere to eat. We found an Italian restaurant close by and had a satisfactory pasta. Having cleared Eurostar security, we boarded the 1913 departure to London St Pancras which, again, left very promptly to time. The train was busy but we were facing the direction of travel which is always a bonus. It was almost dark by this stage but we could still make out Lille as we passed, plus the Shuttle terminal at Sangatte as we slowed for the tunnel entrance. The tunnel transit time was a personal record - 19:19 from portal to portal and comfortably under 20 minutes. On the UK side we stopped at Ebbsfleet International before arriving at St Pancras exactly on time at 2039. Here we found train 5, a surface tube train directly to Paddington. I had allowed plenty of time in case of a late arrival, so we waited in the much-improved covered area at Paddington for our final and sixth train of the day, the 2235 from Paddington, formed by a new Hitatchi unit. I have not travelled on these for more than about two hours but find them reasonably comfortable, despite reports from people that the seats are very stiff. They're no worse that Voyagers and I used to spend three hours in those during my commute.