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 in the pretty French Alpine town of Chambery
- 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
- All rail journeys, in standard class
- Seat reservations where required
- 6 nights’ hand-picked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email
- Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions
A Seat61 Recommended Holiday
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 Hotel Firenze (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?
Leave your hotel after breakfast today and return to Santa Lucia station for your journey north to Milan. Change here onto a service taking you via Turin and across the French border to Chambery. On arrival, make your way to the Mercure Chambery Centre (or similar) for an overnight stay.
Spend your last evening in this pretty Alpine town with its medieval castle and pretty old town area.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, before checking out of your hotel and 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
Hotel Firenze occupies an historic palazzo and has an ideal location close to the famous Piazza San Marco in the centre of Venice. The bedrooms are decorated in a traditional Venetian style and all have en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, mini bar and a safe. Breakfast is served in the lovely first floor breakfast room or, in the summer, on the top floor terrace overlooking Venice and the lagoon.
Chambery
A minute’s walk from Chambery Station, this modern, comfortable hotel is also within easy reach of attractions such as Chambéry Cathedral. The classically furnished bedrooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Amenities at the hotel include a restaurant and a cosy 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.
