Vienna to Venice by Rail

Day 1  Vienna, Austria          
On arrival check in to your hotel before heading out to explore this historic city. Head to the iconic Prater Park and perhaps board the giant Ferris wheel, one of Vienna’s must beloved landmarks, giving panoramic views of the city and beyond. With a large choice of dining options in the park, why not indulge in hearty Viennese fare or perhaps enjoy a crisp beer in the garden of the legendary Schweizerhaus.              

Day 2  Vienna            
Explore the city on two wheels on your included Vienna City Bike Tour, the perfect way to view the sights. Cruise through the streets alongside your local guide, stopping at the beautiful Vienna State Opera, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. After absorbing the city’s imperial architecture, discover its musical heritage including Mozart and Strauss at the interactive Haus der Musik museum?          

Day 3  Vienna            
Explore Vienna’s cultural legacy and perhaps admire the works of the Old Masters at the Kunsthistorisches Museum or the symbolist works of Vienna’s Gustav Klimt. Afterwards head to the Naschmarkt, which houses 120 market stands and restaurants offering a range of delicious cuisines. Be sure to visit one of the famous Viennese coffee houses for strong brews and sweet treats.        

Day 4  Vienna to Graz      
This morning board the train to Graz, Austria’s second city. Graz means ‘little castle’, so after checking in, why not take the funicular or glass elevator up Schlossberg Hill to see the remains of the legendary fortifications. For a spectacular descent, try the "Kriegssteig" - the staircase that zig-zags down the cliff face to the Schlossbergplatz. After exploring the labyrinthine cobbled streets of the old town, why not grab a coffee at Murinsel? Originally a temporary project for the European City of Culture celebration it has become a beloved city landmark.          

Day 5  Graz            
From Renaissance courtyards and Baroque palaces to Gothic frescos and hyper modern architecture, Graz blends it all together effortlessly. The Landeszeughaus armoury features historical weapons in a historical setting, whilst Kunsthaus Graz contemporary art museum is a striking feat of modern architecture, fondly nicknamed “the friendly alien” by locals. In the evening discover why Graz is known as Austria's “Capital of Delight” at one of the cities creative restaurants which fuse Styrian produce with modern creative cuisine. The city hosts food festivals celebrating local fare, including truffles, in summer and autumn months.          

Day 6  Graz to Ljubljana, Slovenia          
This morning catch the train across the border and into Slovenia. After travelling through the Slovenian countryside, arrive in Ljubljana. On arrival check in to your hotel before heading out to explore this vibrant city. Renowned as one of Europe’s greenest capitals, why not enjoy a walk through the beautiful Tivoli Park, the city’s largest.          

Day 7  Ljubljana          
Travel back in time at Ljubljana Castle, which sits on a hilltop high above the city with your included ticket. Ride the funicular to the top to discover this historic fortress, which dates back to the 11th Century. This afternoon, sample local produce at the city’s lively farmers market before strolling through Ljubljana’s lovely old town. Be sure to visit the iconic Triple Bridge, joining the terraces on each side of the Ljubljanica River.

Day 8  Ljubljana to Venice, Italy      
After a leisurely morning in Ljubljana, catch your train to Venice via Trieste. Travel through the picturesque Brovnica Valley, and the rolling green hills of Slovenia. As you approach Trieste, pass through the vineyards of the Veneto wine region and keep an eye out for the old station of Prosecco. Change trains in Trieste and continue on to Venice Santa Lucia station, then transfer to your centrally located hotel for the evening.    

Day 9  Venice            
Today discover the highlights of Venice on your included full day small group walking tour. Explore the colourful neighbourhoods and markets, visit the impressive St Marks Basilica and enjoy skip the line access at the Gothic styled Doge’s Palace. Finish the day taking to the grand canal by iconic gondola, learning the canal’s pivotal role in Venetian life from the 13th Century to the present day.  

Day 10  Venice            
A free day to explore this magnificent city at your leisure. Delve into the treasure trove of art history in one of the almost 100 museums and galleries or perhaps explore the lagoon further and visit the colourful streets of Burano, or Murano, famed for its centuries-old glass-making process, and watch the artisans at work. In the evening watch the sun set over the waterfront before meandering through Venice’s enchanting alleyways and beautiful bridges. Why not stop at a local restaurant to sample the cuisine?  

Day 11  Venice          
After a final stroll around the enchanting city, make your way to Venice airport for your onward flight.