Authentic Europe
London, Paris & Switzerland in a Nutshell
Self-guided rail trip from London and Paris to Switzerland's Top of Europe
12 daysfrom $2,965
33% rail
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
European Odyssey by First Class Rail
Embark on a grand adventure through Europe, travelling by first-class rail to stunning cities and historic landmarks in pure comfort.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Cologne
London to Cologne
Board the Eurostar at London St Pancras International to Brussels at speeds of up to 186mph, then change trains for the onward journey along the scenic Rhine Gorge to Cologne. Overnight at the Hotel Mondial am Dom (4 star), with time to visit the world-famous cathedral, the old town or a traditional brewery tavern.
- Day 2overnight: Dresden
Cologne to Dresden
Return to Cologne station and continue east to Dresden. On arrival it is just over 1 kilometre on foot or a short taxi ride (payable locally) to the Hotel NH Altmarkt (4 star) for the next 2 nights. Spend the afternoon settling in and perhaps enjoy traditional German cuisine on the Elbhang or in the Neustadt.
- Day 3overnight: Dresden
Free time in Dresden
A free day in Dresden: visit the Frauenkirche and the Old Masters, the Blue Wonder and the Green Vault, the banks of the Elbe, the Wilhelminian district and the baroque Old Town with its splendid Renaissance, Baroque and 19th century riverfront architecture.
- Day 4overnight: Prague
Dresden to Prague
After breakfast and time for further exploring, board the direct service to the Czech Republic. On arrival at Prague HL N station make your own way to the highly-rated Appia Hotel Residence (4 star), your hotel for the next three nights.
- Day 5overnight: Prague
Exploring Prague
A full day in Prague: the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the Josefov Jewish Quarter and Wenceslas Square, the Dancing House on the Vltava, or deeper corners such as the Vinohrady Quarter and the gardens of Prague Castle.
- Day 6overnight: Prague
Exploring Prague
A second full day to enjoy the gorgeous city of Prague at your own pace.
- Day 7railovernight: Krakow
Prague to Krakow
Make your way to Prague HL N station and join the rail service to Krakow, travelling southwards through the changing scenery of Poland. On arrival at Krakow Glowny station make your way to the popular Queen Boutique Hotel (4 star) for the next three nights.
- Day 8overnight: Krakow
At leisure in Krakow - option to visit Auschwitz or the Salt Mines
Discover Krakow: the Old Town with its soaring churches, impressive museums and the vast Rynek Glowny, Europe's largest market square, plus the glorious ensemble of Wawel Castle and Cathedral. Krakow is also the base to visit the UNESCO-listed Auschwitz-Birkenau camp or the Wieliczka Salt Mine with an English-speaking guide.
- Day 9overnight: Krakow
At leisure in Krakow - option to visit Auschwitz or the Salt Mines
A second full day for Krakow and its surrounding region, with the option of Auschwitz-Birkenau or the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the oldest operational mines in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Day 10overnight: Bratislava
Krakow to Bratislava
After a leisurely final morning in Krakow, board the direct service to Slovakia. On arrival at Bratislava Hlavna Stanica station make your own arrangements to the charming Marrol's Boutique Hotel (5 star) for the next two nights.
- Day 11overnight: Bratislava
Exploring Bratislava
A day for Bratislava's interesting history, beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, local cuisine, wine and stylish shopping arcades, from the magnificent cathedral to the cozy cafes of its narrow streets and the historic wine cellars of the city centre.
- Day 12overnight: Vienna
Onwards to Vienna
After breakfast return to the station and make the short journey to Austria. On arrival in Vienna make your own way to the welcoming Hotel Harmonie (4 star), well-located in the centre with easy access to the city's principal attractions, for two nights.
- Day 13overnight: Vienna
Vienna
Explore Vienna: the Spanish Riding School, Prater Park with the ferris wheel from 'The Third Man', the Baroque Belvedere Palace, the grandiose Ringstrasse by tram, traditional coffee houses, and further afield the Schonbrunn Palace.
- Day 14railovernight: Zurich
Vienna to Zurich through the Tirol, Alps and Arlberg Pass
Board the high-speed Rail Jet to Zurich as the Tirolean and Alpine scenery unfurls, past Salzburg and Innsbruck and through the Arlberg Pass at over 4,000 feet, with the option of lunch in the restaurant car (payable locally). The train trundles through Liechtenstein before continuing past Lake Zurich to the city. Overnight at the Hotel Helmhaus (4 star).
- Day 15rail
Zurich to London - Homeward Bound
After an early breakfast, perhaps a whistle-stop tour of Zurich's Old Town between the Hauptbahnhof and the lake, before boarding the TGV to Paris. A private taxi transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord for the Eurostar home to London St Pancras, with a light meal and drinks in your Standard Premier Class seat.
