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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Adriatic Explorer

London to Split by rail through four countries, cities and Alps.

Illustration of Adriatic Explorer

Marvellous Escapes' Adriatic Explorer is a 15-day independent rail journey that departs London and arrives in Split on Croatia's Adriatic coast, passing through Cologne, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Ljubljana and Zagreb across four countries. The trip blends high-speed rail with scenic Alpine routes and city exploration. You travel by InterCity Express from Cologne to Munich, then by rail through rising Alpine scenery to Salzburg and Vienna, where you spend three nights and attend a classical concert with dinner at Schonbrunn Palace. From Vienna you continue south by rail into Slovenia to explore Ljubljana's Triple Bridge and castle, then cross into Croatia for a guided walking tour of Zagreb's Austro-Hungarian old town. The journey ends in Split with three nights on the Adriatic, where a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass lets you revisit Diocletian's Palace or venture to nearby beaches. The itinerary includes multiple full days at leisure for independent exploration, supported by 24-hour on-trip assistance. Hotel breakfasts are included at each stop, and your return flight to the UK departs from Split.

What to know before you look closer

  • The return flight to the UK from Split is included; the outbound journey from a UK airport to London is assumed but not explicitly stated in the itinerary.
  • On Day 4, the itinerary states rail travel from Salzburg to Vienna but overnight accommodation is Salzburg, suggesting either a full day excursion or unclear sequencing; confirm the exact routing with Marvellous Escapes.
  • The package lists 'Original Sound of Music and Salt Mines Day Trip' in inclusions but no specific day in the itinerary names this activity; confirm when and where it operates.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Cologne

    Cologne

    Travel by rail from London to Cologne via Brussels, arriving in Germany's vibrant Rhine city. Enjoy time to explore the old town or admire the iconic Cologne Cathedral before your overnight stay.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Munich

    Munich

    Travel south by high-speed rail from Cologne to Munich aboard Germany's flagship InterCity Express service. Arriving in Munich, stroll through Marienplatz to see the famous Glockenspiel, admire the twin towers of the Frauenkirche, or enjoy dinner in one of the city's historic beer halls.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Salzburg

    Salzburg

    Continue your journey by rail from Munich to Salzburg, crossing from Germany into Austria against a backdrop of ever-rising Alpine scenery. You'll soon reach Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace, where you can spend the afternoon wandering cobbled lanes and visiting Mirabell Gardens.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Salzburg

    Salzburg

    This morning, continue east by rail from Salzburg to Vienna, enjoying a comfortable journey through Austria's ever-changing landscapes.

  5. Day 5overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Arriving in Vienna, Austria's elegant imperial capital, you'll immediately sense the grandeur of this historic city. After checking into your hotel, perhaps take an evening stroll along the Ringstrasse or visit a traditional coffee house.

  6. Day 6overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Today, experience the grandeur of Vienna with a visit to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, followed by a VIP classical concert with priority access, welcome drink, front-row seating and a glass of sparkling wine.

  7. Day 7overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Today enjoy a full day at leisure in Vienna to explore the city at your own pace, from world-class museums to elegant cafes and the Ringstrasse's grand architecture.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Ljubljana

    Ljubljana

    Today you leave Austria behind and travel south by rail to Slovenia's charming capital, Ljubljana. After checking into your hotel, perhaps take a stroll along the Ljubljanica River, cross the iconic Triple Bridge, or admire views from Ljubljana Castle.

  9. Day 9overnight: Ljubljana

    Ljubljana

    Today you'll enjoy Ljubljana at your own pace. You may wish to take the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle, or venture further afield to Lake Bled or the Postojna Caves on an optional excursion.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Zagreb

    Zagreb

    Continue your journey by rail from Ljubljana to Zagreb, crossing into Croatia. Arriving in Zagreb, explore the cobbled streets of the Upper Town, visit St. Mark's Church, or stroll through Ban Jelacic Square.

  11. Day 11overnight: Zagreb

    Zagreb

    Today, enjoy a private guided walking tour of Zagreb, uncovering the rich history of Croatia's capital, from the atmospheric Upper Town (Gornji Grad) to the elegant Austro-Hungarian architecture of the Lower Town.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Split

    Split

    Travel by rail from Zagreb to Split, heading south through Croatia's dramatic inland landscapes towards the sparkling Adriatic coast. Take an evening stroll along the palm-lined Riva promenade or wander through Diocletian's Palace.

  13. Day 13overnight: Split

    Split

    Today you have the freedom to discover Split and its surroundings with your 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass, from Diocletian's Palace to panoramic sea views from Marjan Hill.

  14. Day 14overnight: Split

    Split

    Enjoy a further day in Split with the flexibility of your hop-on hop-off pass, revisiting Diocletian's Palace, relaxing on nearby beaches, or venturing along the Dalmatian Riviera.

  15. Day 15

    Return home

    After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Split Airport for your return flight to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: board the InterCity Express from Cologne south to Munich, then explore Marienplatz and the twin towers of the Frauenkirche.
  • Day 3Day 3: travel by rail from Munich to Salzburg, crossing into Austria as the Alpine scenery rises around you.
  • Day 6Day 6: tour Schonbrunn Palace, then enjoy dinner followed by a classical concert with front-row seating and sparkling wine.
  • Day 11Day 11: join a private guided walking tour through Zagreb's Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and the elegant Austro-Hungarian Lower Town.
  • Day 12Day 12: travel by rail from Zagreb south through Croatia's inland landscapes toward the Adriatic coast and Split's Diocletian's Palace.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Cologne & Munich with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Salzburg, Ljubljana & Zagreb with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Vienna and Split with breakfast included
  • Rail travel from London and return flights to UK from Split
  • Original Sound of Music and Salt Mines Day Trip
  • Schonbrunn Palace Tour, Dinner & Concert
  • Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour in Split
  • Private walking tour in Zagreb

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes includes rail from London to Cologne, the InterCity Express from Cologne to Munich, and scenic rail journeys between Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Ljubljana, Zagreb and Split.
Is this trip guided or independent?
Independent tailor-made. You travel between destinations on your own schedule. Guided elements are a private walking tour in Zagreb and a Schonbrunn Palace tour with concert in Vienna. Marvellous Escapes provides 24-hour on-trip support.
What is included in the price?
Hotel accommodation (14 nights with breakfast), rail travel from London, return flights from Split to the UK, the Salzburg Sound of Music and Salt Mines day trip, Schonbrunn Palace tour with dinner and classical concert, a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass in Split, and a private guided walking tour in Zagreb.
How many nights does the trip last?
15 days and 14 nights, with one night each in Cologne and Munich; two nights in Salzburg, Ljubljana and Zagreb; and three nights each in Vienna and Split.
Will there be much walking?
Yes, the trip includes city walking and exploration on foot. In Zagreb you will join a guided walking tour of the Upper Town and Lower Town. In Split you have a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass to get around. Optional excursions to Lake Bled and Postojna Caves are available from Ljubljana.
When does the tour run?
Marvellous Escapes publishes no fixed departure dates for this tailor-made tour. Contact the operator to discuss your preferred dates.

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