SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel from London to Zurich

Start your holiday by travelling to Zurich, taking the midmorning Eurostar service to Paris.

After changing stations in Paris, take a direct train to Zurich, arriving in the evening. Stay in Zurich overnight.

Day 2: Zurich to Vienna by train

The journey from Zurich to Vienna is on the Austrian Railways’ fast and efficient Railjet service, leaving at 12.40 and arriving in Vienna at 20.30. On board there is a substantial menu, offering anything from drinks and snacks, to sandwiches and hot dishes, sweet and savoury. Food is served at your seat and can be ordered from the staff who pass through the carriages on a regular basis. The dining service stays open all the way to Vienna.

The scenery is a delight from beginning to end. First the train hugs the southern shore of Lake Zurich, and its bathing places and little harbours with the Gold Coast gleaming on the other side of the lake. Then comes the Walensee, with its turquoise waters and deep cliffs dropping into the lake. The landscape opens up as you approach the eastern edge of Switzerland, where Liechtenstein perches and the borders of Austria and Switzerland meet south of Lake Constance. The high mountains, the roof of Europe, loom in the distance.

Suddenly reaching Feldkirch you are in Austria, and after Bludenz the train climbs up along the Arlberg. As cars disappear into the road tunnel below, the train continues to climb, ducking in and out of tunnels for the last part of the climb, until you emerge at St Anton.

After the descent into the Inn Valley, it is definitely the Austrian Tyrol – with traditional haystacks, onion domed churches and wayside chapels. From the Oetztal station, the road heads south to Obergurgl and the Timmelsjoch high Alpine road into Italy. The train continues along the Inn Valley, passing lush pastureland and Tirolean villages, including Stams that is famous for its monastery. The Olympic ski jump at Igls on the right of the train indicates your imminent arrival in Innsbruck.

At each stop, there is no unnecessary waiting and the train continues promptly. Ski slopes are visible in the distance, with Kitzbuehel off to the south-east. At Kufstein the train crosses temporarily into Germany and the landscape flattens slightly, with fields and forests, and the Chiemgau Alps in the near distance. The train travels to the south of the Chiemsee and then into Austria once more.

There is a spectacular although fleeting moment as the train crosses the Salzach River, and on the right you are dazzled by the spires and turrets of the old city of Salzburg and its hilltop fortress on the horizon. After Salzburg the countryside becomes a patchwork of arable fields and large farmhouses, before the more built-up stretch between Wels and Linz. It is at Linz that you meet the Danube and cross from Upper Austria into Lower Austria, leaving the trail of the Danube to meander further north, cutting its own gorge above the Wienerwald. Check in to your hotel in Vienna for three nights.

Days 3 & 4: In Vienna

You have two full days to explore Vienna. Situated on the banks of the Danube River, it has been at the heart of central European history since Roman times and was the focal point of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

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’ (tavern) 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, 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.

On your second day in Vienna, perhaps explore the city’s inextricable link with music. Take time to listen to the Mozart Orchestra playing in the Musikverein, and 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 often as you want.

Day 5: Vienna to Budapest by train

Depart from Vienna in the morning and take a direct train to Budapest. This journey will take under three hours, following the course of the Danube River, and you will arrive in the afternoon.

Stay in Budapest for three nights.

Days 6 & 7: In Budapest

Enjoy two full days in Budapest exploring the tree-lined boulevards of Pest and the cobbled hilly streets of Buda, which are linked by the magnificent Chain Bridge built in the mid 19th century. The city straddles a curve in the Danube River and is packed with interesting sights to visit on foot, but it is also easy to get around by bus or underground.

Visit the Castle District in Buda where you can find medieval buildings such as the Royal Palace, which has been rebuilt several times over the past seven centuries and houses the National Gallery, Budapest Historical Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. You can also visit the 13th century Matthias Church and the neo-Gothic Fishermen’s Bastion nearby.

On the east of the river, you will find Pest which is home to historical buildings such as the vast neo-Gothic Parliament building, which houses the Hungarian crown jewels. On the two mile long, tree-lined boulevard of Andrassy út you will find elegant shops and houses, Heroes Square and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Your second day in Budapest gives ample time to explore another building not to miss. The Hungarian State Opera House offers guided tours and opera performances.

The thermal springs of Budapest have been enjoyed since Roman times and baths are to be found in both Buda and in Pest. The Szechenyi Baths built in modern Renaissance style are one of the largest bathing complexes in Europe, with both outdoor and indoor pools. The world-famous Gellért Thermal Baths are highly favoured by locals and tourists alike.

Margaret Island is a pretty park situated in the middle of the Danube reachable by tram or bus. It boasts more than 10,000 trees, beautiful gardens and a swimming pool.

Day 8: Budapest to Vienna, and on to Cologne by sleeper train

Depart from Budapest today and return by train to Vienna, where you will take the evening sleeper service to Cologne. A deluxe double sleeper cabin is included.

Day 9: Cologne to London by train

Arrive in Cologne about 9am and transfer to a day-time train to Brussels.

In Brussels change to the Eurostar service back to London, arriving in the afternoon.

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 and standard premier on Eurostar of about £500 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.