Venice and Vienna by Rail
- The magic of ethereal Venice
- Two spectacular Alpine crossings, including the Semmering Pass between Villach and Vienna
- The splendour and glamour of Austria’s grandiose capital, Vienna
- Sleeper train travel back from Vienna to Cologne
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 5 nights’ centrally located hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Private two-berth compartment on the overnight sleeper from Vienna to Cologne
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
Suggested Itinerary
This morning, embark on your adventure at London St Pancras, where you take the Eurostar across to Paris. After an easy crossing between Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon in Paris, board a TGV train to north-west Italy. This journey starts of on the fast line through French arable farmland, reaching speeds of up to 200 mph, before branching off onto a more twisty and scenic route across the Alps and passing through the Fréjus Tunnel into Italy. Arrive in the cosmopolitan city of Turin in the evening and transfer to the Starhotels Majestic (or similar) for your overnight stay.
Make your way to the impressive Porta Nuova station in Turin for your train service through to Venice, taking around 4 hours. Cross the lagoon into Venice Santa Lucia station and check in for 2 nights at the Hotel Bisanzio (or similar).
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: You may also like to travel to Venice via the Swiss Alps, with a stop one of Switzerland’s lakeside cities such as Zurich, Lausanne or Lucerne.
Spend a full day exploring the narrow alleys, pretty squares and wide Grand Canal vistas of Venice. Along with the famous attractions like St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, you can also get away from the crowds and discover lesser known wonders like the islands of Murano and Burano or the beautiful Peggy Guggenheim Museum.
After a busy day of sightseeing, why not relax as the locals do, with an Aperol Spritz overlooking the Venetian Lagoon.
After breakfast this morning, board the twice-daily train service direct to Vienna. This is an Austrian Railjet train, and the on-board catering is of a good standard, so you can head to the restaurant car for lunch as the scenery becomes more mountainous and you cross into Austria. From here, the train winds its way through the eastern Alps, passing through Klagenfurt and then over the famous Semmering Pass and onwards to the capital city, Vienna.
On arrival in Vienna, check in at the Hotel Stefanie (or similar) where you will have a 2-night stay.
Elegant boulevards, baroque architecture, imperial palaces and historic Viennese cafés; Austria’s capital city is as stately is it sounds. Enjoy a full day at leisure taking in the sights, with plenty of stops for coffee and Sacher Torte.
Famous highlights include the stunning Belvedere and Schönbrunn Palaces, the Spanish Riding School and some of the world’s oldest and best museums such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Museum of Natural History, both built at the same time to house the huge collection amassed by the Habsburg Emperors.
Spend another day enjoying the best of Vienna. Perhaps pay a visit to St Stephen’s Cathedral, take a cruise along the Danube River or discover the colourful archicture of Friedensreich Hundertwasser at the quirky Hundertwasserhaus, and nearby Kunst Haus Wien which also houses a program of temporary exhibititions.
In the evening, collect your bags from your hotel and make your way to Vienna’s central station for your sleeper service to Cologne.
You’ll arrive at Cologne main station at around 8am this morning. You will usually have received a continental breakfast in your cabin on the train, but you may want to head out of the station for a coffee in the centre of Cologne before your onward journey to Brussels, and from there back to London.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Turin
This polished, 19th century hotel is located near all Turin’s main attractions and features modern bedrooms, an elegant restaurant complete with stained glass skylight, and an exercise room. A buffet breakfast is provided daily at the hotel. Le Regine Restaurant by Eataly serves both Piedmont and international cuisine.
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.
Vienna
The family run Hotel Stefanie dates back to 1600, making it the oldest hotel in Vienna. Recently renovated bedrooms come with free Wi-Fi internet access and individually adjustable air-conditioning. There is also a bar and a traditional restaurant with a terrace, offering Austrian and international dishes. The Hotel Stefanie is located just a few minutes’ walk from St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Upgrade your accommodation
Turin
Grand Hotel Sitea is located in the centre of Turin, right behind Piazza San Carlo and a 10-minute walk from Piazza Castello. Rooms are elegantly furnished and come with parquet or carpeted floors, and a TV with satellite channels. There is also free internet access. All rooms offer a marble bathroom, some with spa bath.
Venice
Located just off the famous St Mark’s Square, this splendid hotel is an icon of Venice. The hotel consists of the Bauer L’Hotel, the Casanova Rooms annexe and the palatial Bauer Il Palazzo, which fronts onto the Grand Canal. The De Pisis restaurant is known throughout the city for its quality and service.
Vienna
Located right next to the inspiring and stylish Museums Quarter, the Sans Souci is a fabulous boutique hotel in keeping with its artistic surroundings. Rooms are tastefully decorated and provide all modern comforts including Wi-Fi and a pillow menu to ensure you get the perfect night’s rest. The hotel operates an excellent on-site spa as well as a wonderful bar and restaurant to help you unwind.
