Itinerary - 7 Night Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Nuremberg

Speed under the channel on the Eurostar to Brussels and then travel down to Nuremberg via Frankfurt (approx journey time from Brussels, 5 and a half hours).

On arrival in Nuremberg check in at the Le Meridien Grand Nuremberg for a 2 night stay.

Day 2

Nuremberg

Located on the banks of the Pegnitz and dominated by the towers of its medieval castle, Nuremberg is a city with a visible history. Climb the Old Town hill for great views of the city from the castle walls, shop for gingerbread in the Hauptmarkt, visit Germany’s biggest museum of cultural history, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, or take some time out in the Tiergarten Nurnberg, the city’s 60 hectare zoo set in the grounds of the Imperial Forest.

Day 3

Nuremberg to Salzburg

Take the train from Nuremberg via Munich to Salzburg.

On arrival check in at the Stein Hotel Salzburg where you will stay for 2 nights.

Straddling the banks of the Salzach river and surrounded by green hills on one side and the Alps on the other, Salzburg is picture perfect. The baroque old town is a UNESCO world heritage site with its colourful old buildings and winding streets leading up the dominating Festung Hohensalzburg, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. Stroll along the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most fashionable shopping mile or take some time out in the beautiful Mirabell Gardens.

Day 4

Berchtesgaden

You will be picked up from the hotel after breakfast this morning and driven along the Konigsee River valley and into the Bavarian Alps for a visit to Kehlsteinhaus, more commonly known as the Eagles Nest, Hitler's hilltop retreat. On arrival at Obersalzberg, travel up the 110 metre elevator to the Eagle's Nest at an altitude of 5,000 ft. Enjoy spectacular views of the Bavarian Alps and surrounding countryside as well as taking a guided tour of the house where Hitler held meetings and receptions during WWII.

Day 5

Salzburg to Munich

Take the short journey back to Munich on a Railjet service and check in for a 2 night stay at the Courtyard Munich City Centre.

Marvel at the architecture of the Marianplatz, visit the largest cathedral in the city, the Frauenkirche and uncover the legend behind the Teufelsschritt (Devil’s Footstep), take a tour of the renowned Deutsches Museum or relax in the beautiful Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in the world.

No visit to Munich is complete without a visit to a beer hall. The Hofbräuhaus am Platzl is undoubtedly the most famous of these, where you can sample some weisswürste (white sausage) or schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) with your mass (litre glass) of beer.

Day 6

Munich

Meet at Munich main station this morning for a small group visit by rail to Neuschwanstein Castle, set in the idyllic hilltop surroundings of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in the Bavarian Alps. This castle was famously used in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as well as being the inspiration behind the castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty.

The castle was built in the late 19th century, commissioned as a homage to Richard Wagner at the behest of Ludwig II of Bavaria. Since the king's death in 1886 it has been open to the public and has attracted visitors from all over the world who come to see both the spectacular castle and its breathtaking setting.

Please note that the entrance fee for the castle is not included in the tour. The price, payable locally, is 9 Euros per ticket.

Day 7

Munich to Koblenz

Take the scenic journey back along the Rhine to Koblenz. On arrival in Koblenz, check in at the GHotel & Living Koblenz for an overnight stay.

Koblenz is situated at the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) where the confluences of the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Its idyllic location as well as the wealth of castles, palaces and other well preserved buildings makes this city a wonderful place to visit and explore. Wander through the narrow streets and pretty squares of the old town. Cross the river to visit the Ehrenbreitstein fortress or simply walk along the riverfront, admiring the views.

Day 8

Koblenz to London

After breakfast, travel back to Cologne and then home to London, via Brussels.