European Cities Spectacular by Rail

Day 1  London to Paris      
Arrive at London St Pancras to catch the Eurostar to Paris, one of the most romantic cities in Europe. After checking in to your hotel, choose to head over to the Eiffel Tower to admire the iconic French landmark. Why not end your day in style at one of the sophisticated cocktail bars of Le Marais or delight in some exquisite French cuisine at one of the many brasseries dotted around the city?                

Day 2  Paris              
Spend the day exploring the lively streets of the City of Lights. Meander down the beautiful tree-lined street, Champs Élysées, home to a plethora of restaurants, cafés, theatres and luxury boutique stores and marvel at the impressive Arc de Triomphe. Perhaps visit the Louvre Museum to appreciate the display of more than 35,000 works of art, including the notable masterpiece from the Renaissance era, the Mona Lisa. Bask in the sun as you float down the Seine on a river cruise, taking in a number of historical sites along the way. This evening, why not treat yourself to a fabulous steak-frites dinner and a glass of French wine?                

Day 3  Paris to Amsterdam      
Stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries and visit the Musée de L’Organgerie to admire Monet’s water lily canvases before heading to the station and embarking on your journey to your next destination. Arrive in Amsterdam, fondly referred to as ‘Venice of the North’ for its winding canal ring, now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. After checking in to your hotel, choose to stretch your legs and wander the winding paths through Vondel Park, the largest green space in the city?            

Day 4  Amsterdam      
This morning, live like the locals do and hop on a bike for a tour of the city’s incredible array of dykes, bridges and canals, while hearing some of Amsterdam’s quirky tales. Opt to head over to Museumplein, the cultural beating heart of the city to visit some of the most iconic museums from Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum and Van Gogh Museum. This evening, savour some typical Dutch delicacies including raw herring, pancakes and stroopwafels.      
             
Day 5  Amsterdam to Berlin      
After breakfast, make your way to Amsterdam Station for your train journey to Berlin, a fascinating city with a rich, historical tapestry. Following hotel check in, start to explore the city by visiting the imposing TV Tower to enjoy the wonderful cityscape as the sun dips below the horizon. Decide to have dinner in the tower while you benefit from the rotating views or dine in one of the nearby local eateries.

Day 6  Berlin                
Boasting a unique atmosphere and fascinating past, navigate the iconic landmarks and understand how the city has been shaped over the past century. Visit Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of German unity after the fall of the Berlin Wall and then head to Checkpoint Charlie. After an engrossing morning wandering Berlin’s streets, this afternoon, take some time to relax at your own pace and explore the city’s lovely parks and café culture.        
             
Day 7  Berlin to Prague      
After a leisurely morning at your hotel, make your way to Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof station to catch your train to Prague, also known as the City of a Hundred Spires for the myriad of beautiful Gothic churches and cathedrals and their pointy spires adorning the skyline. This evening, hit the city’s emerging culinary scene and go to a typical Czech pub where you can try some traditional stews, dumplings or salads and sample some local beer.
             
Day 8  Prague                
This morning, spend time exploring Prague Castle, an imposing UNESCO World Heritage site which towers over the old town and boast over 1,000 years of fascinating history. Continue exploring the city at your leisure this afternoon. You could meander the cobblestone streets through the historic Jewish Quarter, take a boat ride down the Vltava River or visit one of Prague’s symbols of history, the Old Town Hall with its exquisite astronomical clock. Make the most of your final evening in Prague and enjoy a delicious meal of refined Czech cuisine at one of the city’s many restaurants.  

Day 9  Prague to Vienna      
Before heading to the station, decide to take a final stroll over to Charles Bridge and take some photos of the magnificent surroundings. Catch the train to Vienna, a glamourous Central European metropolis located on the banks of the Danube River. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and delight in a hearty meal after your journey.

Day 10  Vienna                
Take the morning to walk around this vibrant city. Stop at St Stephens Cathedral, a stunning Gothic structure and the tallest church in Austria. Climb the 343 steps to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of the city. Perhaps stop by the Spanish Riding School to witness the extensive training of the majestic Lippizaner horses or visit Hofburg Palace, the former winter residence of the Imperial family and one of the largest integrated palace complexes in the world. Partake in a traditional ‘kaffe and kuchen’ at Café Sacher, the most famous historic coffee shop in Vienna, and sample a mouthwatering slice of Sacher-Torte. Finish your day by seeing the heart of the classical Viennese culture, the State Opera House.                
             
Day 11  Vienna to Salzburg                
Bid farewell to the capital of Austria and board the train to the city where Mozart was born. The wonderous city of Salzburg is located near the German border and boasts an incredible backdrop of the Eastern Alps with the Old City and the New City divided by the Salzach River. After checking in to your hotel, why not amble over the bustling heart of Salzburg’s old town, Getreidegasse which offers a broad range of dining options.      

Day 12  Salzburg            
Perhaps spend the morning exploring Hohensalzburg, the biggest, fully preserved castle in Central Europe, originally built in 1077 and boasts 300 degrees of magnificent views of the city and the surroundings snow-capped mountains. Marvel at the architecture, wander the corridors filled with hidden corners and exciting secrets. This afternoon, opt to explore one of the main settings of the Sound of Music at Mirabell Palace and Gardens, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site or discover Mozart’s birthplace.        

Day 13  Salzburg to Zurich      
Head over to the station after breakfast in time to catch the train to Zurich. Sit back, relax and watch the world go by as your journey between cities and be sure to have your camera ready to capture the mesmerising scenes of the Allberg Pass. Upon arrival in Zurich, head over to your hotel. Take a stroll around the medieval streets and squares of this pretty alpine city and enjoy a tasty meal in a restaurant.    

Day 14  Zurich              
Make the most out of your time in Zurich with your tour. Learn about the city’s interesting history from your guide as you navigate the capital’s landmarks. Enjoy a scenic cruise on the serene turquoise lake whilst taking in the views of the surrounding alpine mountains. Take a leisurely walk to Lindt, Home of Chocolate and experience a guided tour of the museum. Learn about the fascinating process of how chocolate is made and treat yourself some delectable delights.

Day 15  Zurich                
Why not mosey on over to the world famous Confiserie Sprungle for one last indulgence before heading to the airport for your onward journey?