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 Nuremburg 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.

Days 3-5 - 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.

You then have three days to discover arguably Europe's most classical city.

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 Staatoper (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. Railbookers can arrange any extras in Vienna.

Days 5-6 - Orient Express Vienna to London

Board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Simplon Orient Express in Vienna. Afternoon tea is served by your personal steward in the comfort of your compartment. A leisurely four course dinner is served, prepared on board by skilled French chefs.

Continental breakfast is served as you travel towards Paris on the Orient Express. 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 for the journey to London. A traditional English afternoon tea accompanied by a glass of champagne is served to you at your table as you watch the gentle scenery of Kent pass by before arriving at your destination, London Victoria. The Orient Express from Vienna is one of the great rail journeys.