Itinerary - 8 Night Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Paris

Travel by Eurostar to Paris and connect with a City Night Line service from the Gare de l'Est to Munich. You have plenty of time to connect in Paris so why not enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants around the Gare du Nord before walking the short distance to your connecting station? Once onboard your sleeper train, settle into your private two berth compartment as you leave the suburbs of Paris behind and head towards the German border.

Day 2

Munich

Arrive early this morning into Munich and head for the Courtyard Munich City Centre, conveniently located around the corner from the station, where you will be staying overnight.

Spend the rest of the day discovering the sights of Munich.

Munich is one of the most picturesque cities in Germany, located in the heart of Bavaria. The centrepiece is the Marienplatz, a large open square with imposing architecture and a wealth of bars and restaurants around it. For a spot of relaxation, head to the Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in the world where you might like to try a Bavarian brew in a traditional beer garden.

Day 3

Munich to Merano

Travel this morning by train from Munich along the spectacular Brenner Pass route high in the Alps to Bolzano. At Bolzano, change on to a local train (payable locally) to Merano. This journey takes around 5 hours with a short change over in Bolzano.

On arrival in Merano, check in at the Adria Merano for a 2 night stay.

Although Merano is surrounded by snowy peaks with fantastic ski opportunities, the city itself sits within a lush green valley and has a lovely mild climate. Spend the afternoon exploring this spa town's flower-decked streets, cafés and boutiques.

Day 4

Merano

Spend two days discovering the South Tyrol region, with its German, Austrian and Italian influences. With your Merano Plus Card (included in the price of your package) you have free use of all public transport as well as complimentary entrance to 78 museums in the region including the Wine Making Museum at the Schloss Rametz and Brunnenburg Castle in nearby Tirolo.

The Passirio River runs through the centre of Merano's attractive Old Town. Discover the markets of Piazza del Grano, the main street of Via Portici, sheltered by nine hundred year old porticos. Castello Principesco, built in the 15th century is just one example of the historic castles in the area.

Day 5

Merano to Riva del Garda

After a last morning in Merano, catch a lunchtime regional train (payable locally) to Bolzano through the stunning scenery of the South Tyrol region. Change trains in Bolzano and head to Rovereto. From here, Riva del Garda is a 30 minute taxi ride away or you can take a regional bus service.

On arrival in Riva del Garda, check in at the Lido Palace Riva del Garda where you will spend 3 nights.

Located at the northern end of the lake, Riva del Garda is a bustling town with an uniquely un-Italian feel thanks to its pre-WWI location within Austria. Spend an afternoon and evening relaxing on the lake, and enjoy dinner in the pretty harbour.

Days 6 and 7

Riva del Garda

Enjoy two full days at leisure in Riva del Garda.

Wander around the pretty Old Town area near the harbour, or climb the Torre Apponale, striking 13th century watchtower for great views. If you are feeling energetic, a half hour walk up to the 16th century Bastione fort on the lower slopes of Monte Rocchetta will reward you with spectacular views over the resort and the lake.

Outside Riva itself, there are plenty of activities on the lake and lovely resort towns such as Limone and Malcesine are easily accessible by boat. Why not spend a day on a cruise exploring the northern half of lovely Lake Garda?

Day 8

Riva del Garda to Turin

Catch a boat this morning from Riva del Garda down Lake Garda to Desenzano (journey time 4 hours) and then connect with the train service to Turin, arriving in the early evening. On arrival, check in at the Town House 70 Turin for an overnight stay.

With its grand boulevards, sophisticated designer shops, leafy parks and extensive museums, Turin is a cultural haven. Spend your first evening exploring the historic Piazzas, the most impressive being Piazza Castello, home to grand palaces such as the Palazzo Reale. Plenty of restaurants line Quadrilatero Romano where you can find fine examples of typical Italian cuisine.

Day 9

Turin to London

Spend a final morning in Turin before catching a high speed TGV service to Paris Gare de Lyon. Here, transfer to the Gare du Nord for your Eurostar service back to London, Ebbsfleet or Ashford.