Itinerary - 5 Night Luxury Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Cologne

Travel from St Pancras International or Ebbsfleet International by Eurostar to Brussels and then connect on to the ICE train to Cologne. Journey time from London is 4 hours approximately. Check into the contemporary Hilton Cologne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Visit Cologne's Chocolate Museum for a tasting, relax in a traditional bar and sample the local specialty beer kolsch, then head up to the top of the Dom for fabulous views over the city.

Day 2

Cologne to Nuremberg

Take the high speed ICE train from Cologne to Nuremberg (approximately 3 hours 30 minutes). On arrival check in at the historic Le Meridien Grand Nuremberg, where you will stay for 1 night.

Spend the day exploring this charming small city. If you are staying over the Christmas period you are in for a treat as Nuremberg has the largest Christmas Market in the whole of Germany.

Perhaps the most impressive structure in Nuremberg remains the Imperial Castle, or Kaiserburg, which sits proudly on top of the Old Town hill. Used by the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire from the 11th century to 1571, the castle was one of the most important centres of power during the Middle Ages and the town which grew up around it laid the foundations for today's modern city.

Art is a central feature of the beauty of Nuremberg and despite the heavy bombings of the Second World War, much of this managed to survive thanks to the medieval rock-cut cellars which lie 24 metres beneath the castle hill.

Day 3

Nuremberg to Vienna

Take the high speed ICE train from Nuremberg to Vienna (approximately 4 hours 50 minutes). On arrival, check in at the historic Hotel Sacher, where you will stay for 2 nights.

After settling into your hotel, begin your exploration of arguably Europe's most classical city. Vienna is also a great place for art lovers with galleries ranging from the traditional (the Kunsthistorisches Museum for example) to the changing exhibitions at Hundertwasser's colourfully designed Kunsthaus.

Day 4

Vienna

Spend another full day in Vienna. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is well worth a visit, situated in the heart of Vienna. Its roof is one of Vienna’s most famous landmarks . The church was built in the 12th century and completely revamped in Gothic style during the 14th century.

Also try and fit in a visit to The Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera). This State Opera is famed all around the world thanks to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and their opera performances. The festive building itself was built 1869 in an Italian Renaissance style. .

Day 5

Board the Orient-Express

Board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice-Simplon Orient-Express in Vienna. Afternoon tea is served by your personal steward in the comfort of your compartment. Relax and enjoy the passing scenery before getting dressed up for dinner. This leisureky four course meal will be served in one of the train's beautiful restaurant cars, prepared onboard by skilled French chefs.

Day 6

Orient-Express to London

Continental breakfast is served this morning as you continue towards Paris. A delicious brunch is served in the restaurant cars as you travel on towards the Channel. After crossing the Channel, board the cream and umber carriages of the British Pullman at Folkestone for the final leg of your journey to London. Enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea accompanied by a glass of Champagne as you watch the gentle scenery of Kent pass by before arriving at your destination, London Victoria.