Itinerary - 7 Night Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Warsaw

Travel on Eurostar from London to Brussels before transferring onto the Thalys train to Cologne. On arrival in Cologne you may wish to leave your luggage at the station as you have the afternoon to have a look around the city centre.

Just outside the station is the imposing gothic cathedral, the best-known monument in Cologne and Germany's most visited landmark. Climb up inside one of the spires for great views of the city and of the Rhine.

Enjoy dinner before returning to the station to board the overnight train to Warsaw which departs at 23:15. Settle into your comfortable two berth compartment as the train leaves Cologne and makes its way towards Poland.

Day 2

Warsaw

After breakfast, arrive into Warsaw and check in at the Polonia Palace Hotel Warsaw for an overnight stay.

Spend the rest of the day exploring Poland's rapidly changing capital. The Old Town is a major attraction, having been the first part of the city to be rebuilt after the Second World War. During the summer months the cobbled streets are filled by café tables and street performers, lending the area a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere.

The Warsaw Uprising Museum, chronicling the events leading up to this seminal event in the history of the city and the newly opened Copernicus Science Centre with its great interactive displays are both well worth a visit.

Day 3

Warsaw to Kaunas

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before travelling by train to Kaunas via Sestokai on the border, where the rail gauge changes. On arrival in Kaunas, check in at the Park Inn by Radisson Kaunas for an overnight stay.

Kaunas is a culturally vibrant city situated at the confluence of the rivers Neris and Nemunas. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the historic Old Town centre with its lovely churches and impressive Gothic Cathedral Basilica. Later in the evening, why not take in a performance at one of Kaunas's many cultural venues?

Day 4

Kaunas to Vilnius

Spend another morning in Kaunas before heading back to the station and catching a train for the hour long journey to Vilnius.

On arrival in Vilnius check in at the Ramada Vilnius for a 2 night stay.

Lithuania's capital is a modern, cosmopolitan city with a rich history made visible through the great diversity of architectural styles on show. Spend an evening enjoying a meal in one of the huge choice of great restaurants or catch a performance at the stunning Lithuanian Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Day 5

Vilnius

Start your second day's exploration of the city in the Old Town. This is one of the largest in Europe and its striking mix of Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic and Classical architecture has put it on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Wander the maze of streets and discover buzzing squares, majestic churches and boutiques full of handicrafts and amber.

In the afternoon, take a funicular railway up to the impressive Gedaminas Castle which boasts the best panoramic city views in Vilnius. The classical style cathedral is also a must see, with its catacombs and lovely gothic chapel.

Day 6

Vilnius to Riga

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before travelling by bus from Vilnius to Riga. The journey time is approximately 4.5 hours. On arrival in Riga check in at the Radisson Blu Elizabete for a 2 night stay.

The largest city in the Baltic States, the capital of Latvia is steadily gaining a reputation as one of Europe's most beautiful cities. The skyline of Riga is dotted with steeples and turrets, its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are plenty of large green spaces to relax in.

Day 7

Riga

Enjoy a second day at leisure in Riga.

Spend some time looking around the Old Town Square, particularly the House of the Blackheads, which houses a fascinating museum as well as the main Tourist Information Office. Visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia for a sobering account of the German and Soviet occupation during and after WW2. Wander around the huge hangars (originally built to house Zeplins) and open areas of Riga's Central Market. Or head to Alberta and Elizabetes Streets for some of the best Art Nouveau architecture in town.

Day 8

Depart Riga

After breakfast, depart for your return or onward journey.