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Home , Innsbruck

Scenic Kaleidoscope From $2,649 per person // 9 days

Take the train through the unspoilt Ardennes through Belgium into Luxembourg, then experience the dramatic Moselle and Rhine Valleys in Germany. From here, take in fantastic Alpine scenery, watching snow-capped mountains and beautiful glaciers slide past your windows as you travel through and Switzerland.

The Essentials What's included

The wooded hills of the Ardennes and the beautiful valleys Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations of the Moselle and Rhine rivers 10 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast The route over the mountains from Germany to Austria, via City maps and comprehensive directions to your hotels Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Innsbruck Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel The Arlberg Pass in western vouchers and other documentation World famous Swiss scenic train journeys with the Bernina All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of and Glacier Expresses your travel documents Stay in Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn

Tailor make your holiday

Add extra nights & destinations Choose alternative hotels Upgrade your journey to First Class Let us suggest the most scenic routes - Suggested Itinerary -

Day 1 -

Check in at the Strand Palace Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay before your European scenic journey by rail begins. This evening you have the chance to experience the British capital’s vibrant night-life. With a huge range of bars, restaurants, theatre, music venues, river cruises, art galleries and more besides, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Day 2 - London To Luxembourg

Depart London’s St Pancras station and after an easy platform change at Midi and an hour’s journey to Liege, it is time to enjoy the beautiful Ardennes as you travel to Luxembourg. The comfortable train continues through wooded valleys and past glacial streams before crossing into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. You arrive in in time for an evening meal. Your base for the next 2 nights is the Novotel Luxembourg Centre (or similar).

Day 3 - Luxembourg

Straddling a dramatic gorge, Luxembourg’s offers visitors ancient narrow lanes, open squares and imposing architecture to explore and enjoy. Discover a range of , most notably the Luxembourg City History and the recently renovated National Museum of History and Art (MNHA), both of which are firm recommendations. In the evening, sample some of the excellent local cuisine – we recommend Am Tiirmschen restaurant in the Old Town for good local food.

Day 4 - Luxembourg To Nuremberg Via Moselle & Rhine Valleys

A day of scenic travel awaits as you board your InterCity train and head north through the historic city of Trier and along the banks of the Moselle river as it cuts through the landscape towards the town of Koblenz, before emptying into the mighty Rhine. It is in Koblenz that you change trains, picking up a direct service to Nuremberg. The first hour of this journey is a particular highlight with vineyards, castles and beautiful villages adorning the picturesque Rhine Valley. Once in Nuremberg, check into the Victoria Hotel (or similar) for your overnight stay.

Day 5 - Nuremberg To Innsbruck Via Garmisch-partenkirchen

After a morning strolling through Nuremberg’s historic CBD, it’s time to board a high-speed train for . In the Bavarian capital, change onto a regional service, taking you across the Austrian border to Innsbruck. This journey is one of Europe’s hidden treasures: passing through the famous of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you will get your first taste of Alpine rail travel as the train navigates dramatic valleys and lush meadows. You arrive into Innsbruck in the afternoon and check in for 2 nights at the Hotel Innsbruck (or similar).

Day 6 - Innsbruck

One of the largest resorts in the , this pretty Austrian town offers a wide-range of outdoor pursuits in the spring and summer, such as hiking, mountain biking, paragliding and fishing, as well as world-class . Otherwise, there are cobbled squares with welcoming cafés which might tempt you into spending a whole day in the Old Town. Especially when you sample the delicious ice creams! If you want to take another train journey, why not take a day-trip to the east towards the resort towns of Kitzbuhel and ? Day 7 - Innsbruck To Via Arlberg Pass

Today you take one of the excellent Austrian trains west towards Switzerland. Your fast and comfortable train takes you over the Arlberg Pass, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery through the wide picture windows. The train then heads through the tiny principality of Liechtenstein and down to the charming and historic town of Chur. You have 2 nights here, at the ABC Swiss Quality Hotel (or similar), located near the station. The oldest city in Switzerland, Chur has a medieval centre and an interesting Roman neighbourhood, the Welschdörfli, to explore.

Day 8 - The Bernina Express

One of the most famous and beautiful rail journeys in all of Europe, the Bernina Express provides a magnificent and breathtaking day of travel through the Alps. Using valleys, tunnels and viaducts, including the 65 metre- high Landwasser Viaduct, your comfortable train will take you close to the famous resort of St Moritz, before heading further south and eventually across the Italian border to the town of Tirano. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Italian lunch before heading back to Chur in the afternoon.

Day 9 - Glacier Express To Zermatt

Another scenic journey awaits as you take your seat in the distinctive glass-roofed Glacier Express. Get comfortable, plug in your headphones and enjoy the English commentary as you roll past picture-perfect landscapes, made all the more visible thanks to the train’s clever design. Lunch is served at your seat (payable locally) as you continue your journey over the Oberalp Pass and alongside the mighty Rhone river. The train then heads towards Zermatt at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn. Check into the Astoria Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

Day 10 - Zermatt & The Matterhorn

Enjoy a day exploring Zermatt and its beautiful surroundings. Take the cog railway to Gornergrat which offers panoramic views of the Alps, including the instantly-recognisable Matterhorn. Alternatively, stroll along one of the numerous well-marked trails from the village, or take a cable car to a viewpoint where you can relax with a drink and breathe in the fresh mountain air. In the evening, if you are trying Swiss raclette or fondue, we recommend heading to Schaeferstube – a local restaurant in the heart of the village.

Day 11 - Depart Zermatt

Leave Zermatt today for your onward journey. Travel north out of Zermatt to , then connect with a French TGV service to . Or stay in Switzerland and see more of this beautiful country. We can help plan an extension to this itinerary or return travel to an airport. Just let us know!

Pricing From $2,649 per person

These prices are based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Single supplements will apply for sole occupancy. It is based on Standard Class rail travel and includes seat reservations as necessary. It is based on the best fares on the trains. If you travel during a peak period, particularly at short notice, then supplements may apply.