SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: London to Brussels and sleeper train to Innsbruck

You begin your rail holiday by travelling on an afternoon Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Brussels.

You then continue by Nightjet sleeper train to Innsbruck. We recommend the two bed sleeper compartment on the Nightjet train. There is a washbasin in the compartments and shared toilets in each carriage.

Days 2 & 3: In Innsbruck

The sleeper train arrives in Innsbruck just after 9am, giving you the whole day to explore this city framed by mountains. Innsbruck is known worldwide for its ski resorts and its history of hosting winter sports competitions. To see its majesty first-hand you should take the Innsbrucker Nordkette, a cable car ride which leads up to part of Austria’s largest natural park. This takes roughly 20 minutes and gives awe-inspiring views of the city and its surrounding mountains. You can choose to go directly to the top or disembark at the various stations en route, each offering something different to do.

Another way to see the city from above is the Hungerburg Funicular, a modern funicular which takes you up to the Hungerburg at 860m above sea level. On a clear day you can see across to the Italian border.

Perhaps Innsbruck’s most famous modern attraction is the Bergisel Ski Jump, a 90m slope that has been used at both the Olympic Games and the World Championships. Innsbruck also has a variety of cultural sites to explore. The Hofburg (Imperial Palace) was constructed in the 15th century and has a beautiful interior, now split into five themed museums detailing the history of Austria and in particular the Hapsburgs. The Hofgarten located nearby is a more tranquil alternative and will give you chance to get away from the crowds for a time whilst you enjoy the ponds and array of plant life. Slightly further out of the centre is Ambras Castle, once home to the historical figure, Archduke Ferdinand II.

Day 4: Innsbruck to Salzburg by train

After breakfast at your hotel, board a direct train to Salzburg where you will arrive in under 2 hours. As you leave Innsbruck, ski slopes are visible in the distance, and the winter resort of Kitzbuehel is 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. Check in to your hotel for two nights.

Day 5: In Salzburg

You have a full day in Salzburg to discover this compact and very attractive city. Famous for being the birthplace of Mozart, and the location for “The Sound of Music” film, there are numerous gardens and intricate architecture to enjoy, including notably striking Baroque churches and buildings designed by Fischer von Erlach.

The piercing green-grey waters of the Salzach River flow through the city, with the Old Town on its left bank. Here you can find the Hohensalzburg Fortress, an 11th century castle which sits upon the Festungsberg. Other places of interest include the Mirabell Palace Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and Mozart’s birthplace, which has a museum that tells the compelling story of his life, relationships and musical inspirations.

The Salzburg Festival is held in July and August each year, offering an array of opera, music and drama.

Day 6: Salzburg to Munich by train

After a leisurely breakfast in Salzburg, board a direct rail service to Munich, which will take around 1.5 hours. Sitting on the left side of the train as you leave Salzburg will give you amazing views of the Alps. In the foreground are the foothills of the Chiemgau Alps.

The scenery becomes less mountainous as you approach Munich and is replaced instead with fields and Bavarian farmlands. Arrive in Munich and check in to your hotel for your final three nights.

Days 7 & 8: In Munich

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is situated within sight of the Alps. It is an elegant, beautiful and affluent German city with well preserved historic buildings, palaces, gardens, imposing monuments and churches.

At the heart of the city is the Marienplatz, home to the old and new Town Halls (you can watch the famous Glockenspiel). Nearby is the Viktualienmarkt and the Frauenkirche, as well as the Michaelskirche which is the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps.

From the centre the city fans out into boulevards, parks, gardens and imposing museums, including the famous Alte Pinakothek and Neue Pinakothek. The Residenz Palace is a feast of architectural styles combining Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Classicism. There are 130 rooms filled with rich furniture, paintings and tapestries. The English Garden is one of the largest urban gardens in the world and offers restaurants, a teahouse and beer gardens.

Further afield you find Baroque palaces such as Nymphenburg, BMW headquarters and the Olympic Park from 1972. Munich is also home to popular cultural festivals including the Oktoberfest and Fasching. If you want to venture out of Munich, why not take a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (reachable by train in approximately 2 hours).

Day 9: Munich to London by train

Just before 9am depart by train from Munich to Brussels, with a change in Siegburg. Check in for your Eurostar back to London, arriving at St Pancras in the evening.

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 £380 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.