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Regent Holidays

Habsburg Cities by train from the UK

Nine-day rail journey through Turin, Trieste, Ljubljana, and Zagreb from London

Illustration of Habsburg Cities by train from the UK

Regent Holidays organizes this nine-day rail journey linking four Habsburg capitals across Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, departing from London St Pancras. The itinerary connects Turin, Trieste, Ljubljana, and Zagreb by train, with two-night stays in four-star hotels in each city. Day one takes you by Eurostar to Paris, then TGV southward through the Alps to Turin, where you visit the Royal Palace and the Mole Antonelliana's cinema museum and rooftop views. Day three carries you east by regional train through Lombardy and the Karst plateau to Trieste, perched on the Adriatic, where Miramare Castle and the old Austro-Italian quarter await. From Trieste, the Railjet climbs through alpine forest into Austria before descending into Slovenia, arriving in Ljubljana for exploration of its old town, castle, and riverside. The final leg, a two-and-a-half-hour train ride through the Sava Valley, arrives in Zagreb, where Habsburg architecture and vibrant cafés anchor your last two days. This trip suits history lovers, couples seeking leisurely cultural travel, and anyone new to rail tourism in Europe who wants pre-booked trains and solid hotels without constant early starts.

What to know before you look closer

  • All train tickets are included, but the route requires changes: Paris to Turin involves a transfer at Gare de Lyon; Turin to Trieste includes a connection at Milan; Trieste to Ljubljana changes at Villach
  • Hotels are listed as 'or similar'; your final accommodation depends on availability and the tier selected
  • Day 9 is departure only; there is no structured activity in Zagreb on that day

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: NH Torino Centro or similar

    London to Turin

    Travel from London St Pancras by Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, transfer to Gare de Lyon by RER, then board your onward train to Turin (around seven hours). Upon arrival, check in to NH Torino Centro or similar for a two-night stay. Spend the evening exploring Piazza San Carlo.

  2. Day 2overnight: NH Torino Centro or similar

    Turin

    Spend the day uncovering Turin's rich Habsburg heritage: the Royal Palace of Turin (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Piazza Castello, the Galleria Sabauda, and the Mole Antonelliana with its National Cinema Museum and panoramic views.

  3. Day 3railovernight: DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste

    Turin to Trieste

    Depart Turin this morning by train to Trieste, with a connection in Milan (around six and a half hours), passing the Lombardy plains and the Karst landscape. On arrival, check in to the DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste for a two-night stay. Stroll along Piazza Unità d'Italia, Europe's largest sea-facing square.

  4. Day 4overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste

    Trieste

    Today is free to discover the unique blend of Austrian and Italian influences that define Trieste: the opulent Miramare Castle and its gardens, the Borgo Teresiano district, and Caffè San Marco, once frequented by James Joyce.

  5. Day 5railovernight: City Hotel Ljubljana or similar

    Trieste to Ljubljana

    This afternoon, board the train to Ljubljana, Slovenia (currently involves a change in Villach, taking 6 hours 14 minutes), by Railjet through alpine scenery into Austria then Slovenia. Upon arrival, check in to the City Hotel Ljubljana or similar for a two-night stay. Explore the picturesque old town and the iconic Triple Bridge.

  6. Day 6overnight: City Hotel Ljubljana or similar

    Ljubljana

    Today is left free to explore Ljubljana: Ljubljana Castle, the Central Market, Prešeren Square, the Triple and Cobblers' Bridges, and a boat cruise along the Ljubljanica River or a bike ride through Tivoli Park.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria or similar

    Ljubljana to Zagreb

    Today, travel by train from Ljubljana to Zagreb, Croatia's capital (around two and a half hours), following the Sava River Valley. On arrival, check in to the Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria or similar for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring Zagreb's Upper Town, St. Mark's Church, the Lotrščak Tower, and Tkalčićeva Street.

  8. Day 8overnight: Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria or similar

    Zagreb

    Spend the day uncovering Zagreb's Habsburg charm: Zrinjevac Park, the Croatian National Theatre, Dolac Market, and the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships.

  9. Day 9rail

    Depart Zagreb

    Your journey concludes today in Zagreb. You can choose to return to the UK by flight or extend your travels, perhaps heading to Split, Rijeka, or one of Croatia's islands, or take the train back to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrive in Turin after seven hours on the TGV from Paris; spend the evening at Piazza San Carlo
  • Day 2Tour the Royal Palace of Turin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and climb the Mole Antonelliana for panoramic views across the city
  • Day 3Travel six and a half hours by train through Lombardy plains and Karst landscape to Trieste, arriving at Europe's largest sea-facing square, Piazza Unità d'Italia
  • Day 4Explore Miramare Castle and its gardens overlooking the Adriatic, and visit Caffè San Marco, once frequented by James Joyce
  • Day 5Ride the Railjet through Alpine scenery into Austria and Slovenia to Ljubljana, passing mountainous terrain before arrival

Included

  • Accommodation in four-star hotels with breakfast
  • Train tickets: London to Paris, Eurostar Standard
  • Train tickets: TGV Paris to Turin, 2nd class
  • Train tickets: Turin to Trieste, 2nd class
  • Train tickets: Trieste to Ljubljana, 2nd class
  • Train tickets: Ljubljana to Zagreb, 2nd class

Not included

  • International flights - please contact us for best available prices
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions

Questions travellers ask

Which trains am I travelling on?
Eurostar Standard from London to Paris, TGV 2nd class from Paris to Turin, regional 2nd class from Turin to Trieste (with change at Milan), Railjet 2nd class from Trieste to Ljubljana (with change at Villach), and regional 2nd class from Ljubljana to Zagreb
Is all the train travel included in the price?
Yes. Eurostar, TGV, and all regional train tickets from London through Zagreb are included. International flights to return to the UK are not included
What is the pace of the trip?
Two nights in each of four cities (Turin, Trieste, Ljubljana, Zagreb) with one full free day in each, plus travel days. This allows time to explore without constant packing and moving
Are meals included?
Breakfast is included with your hotel accommodation. Lunch and dinner are not included, allowing you flexibility to eat independently or with the group
What is the physical difficulty?
Walking tours of city old towns, castle visits with stairs, and museum exploration. No hiking or high altitude; suitable for people comfortable with urban walking and stairs
When does this trip run?
Regent Holidays does not list specific departure dates in the available information; contact them directly to confirm current dates and availability

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