Venice via the Brenner Pass
- London to Cologne and Innsbruck by Eurostar and high-speed German trains
- Beautiful scenic journey through the Rhine Gorge and the Alps into Italy
- The canals, cuisine and carnival culture of Venice with two full days to explore
- An homeward stop on the border of Germany, France and Switzerland – in Basel
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your trains and hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 6 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
Suggested Itinerary
Travel to Brussels by Eurostar this morning and make an easy change onto the German rail network. Zip across to Cologne and check in for an overnight stay at the Mondial am Dom MGallery (or similar), located within walking distance of the main station.
You’ll arrive in time for a quick look around Cologne’s famous cathedral. located right next to the main station and an evening meal in the Old Town or perhaps a stroll along the banks of the Rhine.
Prepare for a scenic rail journey this morning as you board another ICE service bound for Innsbruck, the unofficial ‘capital of the Alps’. The first leg of your journey takes you across the Rhine and then along its western bank, past castles and vineyards on one side and the pretty villages of Boppard and Bingen on the other. Then, the train continues south-east towards Lake Constance and the Austrian border. The scenery becomes more and more mountainous as you head towards Innsbruck, where you make your overnight stop at the AC Innsbruck Hotel (or similar).
You have a free morning in Innsbruck to explore the city. Why not take the cable car up to the top of the Nordkette, Innsbruck’s local mountain for sweeping views of the city and surrounding area?
In the afternoon, sit back and relax as you travel through the Tyrol region of Austria, continuing through the Brenner Pass and down into Italy. Pass through the fair city at Verona before you cross the lagoon into Venice, where you exit the station on to the magnificent Grand Canal. Head to the UNAHOTELS Ala Venezia (or similar) where you will have a 3-night stay.
Enjoy Venice in all its splendour. The most popular hub of the city is St Mark’s Square, the regal piazza that opens out onto the mouth of the Grand Canal and the Venetian Lagoon. But there are plenty of sights to be found if you allow yourself to get lost in the narrow maze of streets. Taking a bus here means travelling on the water by vaporetto. This is a great way to see the best of Venice. You can also get out onto other islands in the Lagoon such colourful Murano and Burano, or Venice Lido with its beaches on the Adriatic.
TMR RECOMMENDS: Why not combine Venice with the culture and history of Florence, only 90 minutes away by train? Or perhaps visit Lakes Como or Garda on your way back to the UK?
Spend another morning in Venice and buy a picnic for lunch on the train before you return to Santa Lucia station and travel north to Milan. Change here onto a service taking you along the Gotthard route through Switzerland to Basel on the River Rhine. On arrival, make your way to the Hotel Gaia (or similar) for an overnight stay. Basel is one of Switzerland’s culture capitals with plenty of options for an evening meal.
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Basel, perhaps visiting one of the city’s many museums, before returning to the station for your high-speed TGV service back to Paris.
On arrival into Paris Gare de Lyon, transfer to the Gare du Nord by metro (we provide the directions to make this transfer). Here, board a Eurostar which will whisk you back into London. Alternatively, you might like to spend a night in the City of Light so that you have time to explore. Please call for prices and details.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Cologne
Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery by Sofitel is located right in the centre of Cologne, close to the famous cathedral and the main station. All of the modern bedrooms feature air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar and satellite TV. The hotel also boasts a restaurant overlooking the cathedral, a sauna, a steam room and a fitness room.
Innsbruck
Conveniently located between the main station and the Old Town, the AC Hotel Innsbruck offers comfortable accommodation and panoramic views. Spacious air-conditioned bedrooms come with sound-proofed widows, free Wi-Fi access and large HD LCD TVs. There is a restaurant on site as well as a relaxing lounge bar and a gym.
Venice
The UNAHOTELS Ala Venezia is located in a quiet campo close to Santa Maria del Giglio vaporetto stop and St Mark’s Square. Rooms are well-equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a safe, amongst other amenities, and downstairs you will find the fabulous American Bar – the ideal spot to reflect on the magic of Venice.
Basel
The Gaia is a family-run hotel with an historic façade and contemporary interior, located opposite the main SBB station. There are 86 non-smoking bedrooms, all with free Wi-Fi and a complimentary minibar. Guests can also make use of the hotel’s relaxing spa area and welcoming bar.
Upgrade your accommodation
Cologne
Occupying a great location opposite the famous cathedral in the centre of Cologne, the Excelsior Ernst is one of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’, with a history dating back to 1863. The Michelin starred Taku restaurant has an Asian-inspired menu and innovative French cuisine is served in the Hanse Stube restaurant. Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Venice
Combining the traditional Venetian style with a great location and modern facilities, the Hotel Bisanzio is a great base in Venice, just 10 minutes’ walk from St Mark’s Square. Guest rooms come with free Wi-Fi, wooden floors and Murano-glass lamps. There is also a delicious buffet breakfast served daily.
Venice
One of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Luna Baglioni is simply the best in Venetian opulence. Housed in a magnificent Venetian Palace, the hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant, Canova, as well as Caffe Baglioni, where delicious coffees and pastries are available throughout the day.
Basel
Situated in the heart of the Old Town, on the banks of the Rhine, the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is one of Europe’s oldest city hotels, where the likes of Napoleon, Pablo Picasso, Thomas Mann and HRH Queen Elizabeth have stayed. There are three on-site restaurants including the Michelin-starred Le Cheval, a games room and a cigar lounge.
