SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel from London to Cologne

Your holiday begins by departing from London after lunch on a Eurostar service to Brussels. Change trains here and continue to Cologne, where you will arrive 2 hours later. Once in Cologne, there is time for something to eat near the Dom, before you continue your journey to Vienna on an overnight sleeper train. (This holiday can be done in 10 nights if you fly to Vienna and return by air from Venice).

Day 2: Arrive in Vienna

You arrive in Vienna in the early morning and will spend two nights here. Drop your bags off at your hotel and begin exploring the city.

Day 3: In Vienna

Vienna, on the banks of the River Danube, has been at the heart of central European history since the Roman times. Vienna never fails to impress and satisfy the visitor eager for historical and cultural references. ‘Dream and reality’ still resonate and your days in Vienna can be filled with a mixture of galleries, museums, opera, concerts or eating and drinking in a ‘Heuriger’ in the Vienna Woods.

The history of Vienna can be witnessed in the Roman Museum, the Neidhart frescoes dating from the 1400s, the medieval Basiliskenhaus, the Imperial Palace and the numerous Jugendstil buildings, and of course in the City of Vienna Museum. The Hofburg contains numerous national collections, from the Crown Jewels to the Imperial Armoury.

Take time to listen to the Mozart Orchestra playing in the Musikverein, and to enjoy coffee and cake at Demel’s. A fun way to see the sights of the city is to take a tram around the Ringstrasse, hopping off and on as you want.

Day 4: Vienna to Graz by train

Depart your hotel mid-morning and board a direct train to Graz. This will take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes and you can enjoy the scenery along the way. Upon leaving Vienna, your train speeds south passing spa towns towards the jagged peaks of the Styrian Alps, along the famous Semmering route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was conceived as a feat of ‘landscape gardening’, attempting a harmonious blend of nature and technology.

The history of the attractive Styrian capital of Graz is very much bound to that of central Europe, the rule of the Habsburgs and the cultural identity of its both German and Slovene populations. Its charming Old Town is a harmonious blend of buildings of different epochs and styles which reflect the borderland that Graz occupies between things Germanic, Italian and Balkan. Highlights of the city are the 473m high Schlossberg that overlooks the city (and reached by a funicular), the 300 year old clock tower and the 16th century bell tower.

Other notable sites to visit are the Town Hall, the Cathedral, the Gemaltes Haus, the Armoury and the Kunsthaus built in 2003, an example of ‘blob architecture’ and known as the ‘friendly alien’.

Day 5: Graz to Ljubljana by train

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and board a direct service from Graz to Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. The landscape is pleasant with its rolling fields and forested hills, and particularly scenic between Grobelno and Ljubljana when the route follows the Sava river, a tributary of the Danube. This journey will take approximately 3.5 hours. Check in to your hotel in Ljubljana for two nights.

Day 6: In Ljubljana

You have a full day to explore Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital. It has as its symbol the Ljubljana dragon that is visible in the city’s coat of arms, the bridge over the river and on the top of the castle tower. Castle Hill is a good place to start and it can be reached by funicular or a 20 minute uphill hike. Once at the top, visit Ljubljana Castle and enjoy the views over the city from the castle watchtower.

Afterwards, come back down and explore the area around Preseren Square and the Central Market. Discover the Old Town or take a stroll along the river, crossing notable bridges such as Dragon Bridge, Butchers’ Bridge, Triple Bridge, Fish Footbridge and Cobbler’s Bridge.

Many of the buildings are Baroque in the Italian style. There are also lots of museums of interest, which include the City Museum focusing on Ljubljana’s history, culture and politics, as well as the National Museum of Slovenia and the Museum of Modern Art. The Botanical Garden covers almost six acres and is the oldest cultural, scientific and educational organisation in the country.

Day 7: Ljubljana to Lake Bled by train

Today you travel to Lake Bled by train, which takes just under one hour to cover the 55 kms. Your hotel is located about a 15 minute taxi journey from the rail station. Spend two nights on Lake Bled.

Day 8: On Lake Bled

Lake Bled is a popular Slovenian resort thanks to its emerald green water, picture-postcard church and medieval castle. The tiny Bled island, tear-shaped towards the western side of the lake, adds a fairytale quality to the already picturesque surroundings. Lake Bled is fairly small in size, measuring 2km by 1,380m. Enjoy a walk along the shore taking in the breathtaking scenery as you go, hire a boat or swim in the lake, whose waters are warmed by thermal springs. There are bathing areas on the northern and western shores.

Sights to visit include Bled Castle, which is perched 100m above the lake on a steep cliff. The castle dates back to the 11th century and houses a museum collection which details the lake’s history.

Travel by gondola to the tiny Bled Island which boasts the lovely Church of the Assumption with a gold baroque altar and fragments of 15th century frescos, and a small museum.

Around 4kms from Bled is the Vintgar Gorge with a 1,600m wooden walkway that crosses over rapids and waterfalls before reaching the 13m high Sum Waterfall. Whilst on Lake Bled, be sure to sample the famous vanilla cream pastry, a speciality of the region.

Day 9: Lake Bled to Venice by train

An early morning train ride will take you from Lake Bled to Venice, with an easy change of trains in Villach (Austria). You will arrive in just under 6 hours. On arrival in Venice, we include a private water transfer from the train station to your hotel. You spend three nights in Venice.

Days 10 & 11: In Venice

Spend two more full days exploring Venice, the “floating city”. Take the time to discover the alleyways, canals and piazzas as well as the lively wine bars and restaurants on offer. Cultural highlights include St Mark’s Square where you can ascend the Campanile by lift for a panorama over Venice and the Lido. Also to be visited is the Doge’s Palace, reflecting powerful and affluent periods of the Venetian democracy as well as the Basilica di San Marco. Take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal and walk across the Bridge of Sighs.

Perhaps on your second full day in Venice catch one of the local water taxis to explore the islands of the lagoon. Burano, island of lace-making and fishermen, is impressively picturesque whilst on Murano master craftsmen offer demonstrations of glass making before you enter their shops. A visit to both these islands is thoroughly recommended to provide an alternative view of Venice.

The Accademia, the Museo Correr and the Guggenheim all provide a wealth of art for viewing. The Renaissance and Baroque churches that have somehow been squeezed into all corners of this city are architectural masterpieces and include the Church of the Redentore, the Church of Santa Maria della Salute and San Giorgio Maggiore. Take time to savour Venetian delicacies such as clams, sardines and cuttlefish and enjoy a coffee at Florian’s in St Mark’s Square.

Day 12: Travel to Zurich

From its picturesque Old Town to its vibrant cultural scene, Zurich offers a wealth of experiences waiting to be explored. Wander through the cobbled streets of Zurich's charming Old Town, where medieval buildings, cozy cafes serving traditional Swiss specialities, and boutique shops await at every turn. Sample delicious Swiss chocolates, cheeses, and fondue at local eateries and gourmet shops. Don't miss iconic landmarks like the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches and immerse yourself in Zurich's rich cultural scene by visiting world-class museums such as the Kunsthaus Zurich, home to an impressive collection of modern art, or the Swiss National Museum, which showcases the country's history and heritage

Day 13: Travel Zurich to Paris and onwards to London by train

You arrive into Paris around lunchtime with a change of trains, catch an evening Eurostar back to London.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. This price includes second class rail travel, with supplement for first class & standard premier of about £480 per person.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.