The Alps and More

ITINERARY

Day 1 – London to Cologne

Depart on mid-morning Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, then onwards to Cologne for an overnight stay.

Day 2 – Cologne to Chur

Leaving Cologne after breakfast you follow the course of the River Rhine as we head south to Basle, then onwards to Chur. Stay here for 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 3 – Explore

Using your rail pass, a free day allows you the chance to explore Chur and the surrounding area using the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railways network.

Day 4 – Across the Alps to Italy

The Albula line from Chur to Samedan is a classic example of outstanding railway engineering. Using a series of hairpin bends and spiral tunnels to gain height, the views are breathtaking. From Samedan you head down the Engadine valley to Zernez, where you change to a postbus (ticket purchsed locally at the station) for the journey to Malles, over the border in Italy. Here you will meet up with the line to Merano, before ending the day in Bolzano in the Italian Alps. Stay 2 nights with breakfast included.

Day 5 – Renon

A day based in Bolzano. This area was part of Austria until ceded to Italy in 1918 so you are more likely to hear German spoken than Italian. A suggested excursion is by cable car from Bolzano, followed by a narrow gauge rail journey to Collalbo. The historic railway operates partly with original cars and partly with more modern ones. It is the only one of its kind left in South Tyrol and offers spectacular views of the Dolomites. Purchase a RittenCard for this excursion which provides unlimited travel and entry into museums, castles and galleries in the Renon and South Tyrol area.

Day 6 – Brenner Pass

Leaving after breakfast, you have a leisurely journey over the Brenner Pass to the Austrian city of Innsbruck. Free afternoon for some city sightseeing or riding the light rail to Igls or Fulpmes.

Day 7 – Steam Trains

No trip to this area would be complete without a visit to the renowned Zillertal Railway where you take a trip behind the steam loco and heritage coaches. On your return route you can change in Jenbach to the Achensee steam rack railway for a trip up to the stunning alpine lake of the same name. Return by train to Innsbruck.

Day 8 – Tauern Pass

Leaving Innsbruck you travel south via the scenic Tauern Pass which links Austria to the Balkans. Your final destination is Graz, very close to the Slovenian border, where you stay for 3 nights with breakfast included.

Days 9 & 10 – Leisure Time

The old city of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth exploring. For transport enthusiasts the city’s well developed tram network is the icing on the cake.

Day 11 – Semmering Pass

The line linking Graz with Vienna is well known for its railway engineering and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your Vienna hotel is well situated for local transport (underground) and we include a city transport pass for the duration of your stay. The pass is valid on buses, trams and the U-bahn (underground).

Day 12 – Mountaineering by Train

A suggested full day excursion is by train to Puchberg for an ascent of the Scheeberg by rack railway, affording wonderful views of the surrounding area.

Days 13 & 14 – Exploring Vienna

Free days based in Vienna. The sightseeing in this city is well documented but there is also a very comprehensive transport system for those interested.

Day 15 – To Mainz

You begin your journey home today and travel via Linz, Passau and Nuremberg on a direct train to Mainz for an overnight stay.

Day 16 – To London

Early morning train from Mainz, via Cologne, will make a connection in Brussels with Eurostar and you arrive back into London St Pancras late afternoon.