Head into the popular region of the Harz Mountains in Germany on this picturesque rail holiday, taking in Cologne, the Harz Mountains Railway and historic Hannover. You'll also have a day rail pass from Hannover to explore lovely Lower Saxony.

Make your journey to Venice part of the holiday, with a scenic train ride through the fantastic scenery of the Austrian Tyrol, via the Rhine Gorge and the Brenner Pass. Spend 3 nights in the unforgettable city of Venice before returning via historic Basel. Part of our Seat61 Recommended holidays collection.

Take it easy on a rail holiday to Venice, stopping overnight in some stunning places en route, with shorter journeys and as few changes as possible. Hop across to Paris by Eurostar, then travel via Lake Geneva and the Simplon route to Venice, with a journey back via Innsbruck and the Brenner Pass.

Enjoy a glorious week of self-guided walking in the beautiful Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, in the shadow of the Jungfrau, Mönsh and Eiger peaks. Throughout your holiday, you will benefit from the local knowledge and experience of your hotel hosts who can help with daily walks and day trip ideas.