Great Rail Journeys
Classic Austrian Alps
9 daysfrom $2,536
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
Vienna by First Class Rail
Travel to Vienna in luxury and discover imperial palaces, classical music, and grand cafés in one of Europe's most elegant capital cities.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Bonn (Ameron Hotel Königshof)
London to Bonn
Begin at London St Pancras International station and join the Eurostar to Brussels, with a light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class as you travel at speeds of up to 186mph. At Brussels Midi, change onto the high-speed ICE service to Cologne, then connect onward to Bonn, on the banks of the Rhine. Check in for an overnight stay at the Ameron Hotel Königshof (4 star). Bonn, capital of West Germany until reunification, is the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven; his townhouse is now a museum of original scores, letters and instruments. This evening, dine at the hotel's Italian restaurant 'Oliveto', overlooking the Rhine.
- Day 2overnight: Vienna (Hotel Kaiserhof)
Bonn to Vienna
After breakfast, return to the station to board the direct ICE service to Vienna, travelling south east through Germany and into Austria in a First Class seat. Make your own way to your hotel for the next four nights, the Hotel Kaiserhof (4 star), superbly located with easy access to the city's principal attractions.
- Day 3overnight: Vienna (Hotel Kaiserhof)
Exploring Vienna
A full day to explore Vienna, the former Imperial capital with its rich cultural heritage. Many of its elegant public buildings sit on the Ringstrasse, the inner ring road encircling the historical core. Highlights include the impressive Hofburg Palace, seat of the Hapsburg dynasty for more than 600 years, or the Baroque Belvedere Palace with its collection of works by Gustav Klimt.
- Day 4overnight: Vienna (Hotel Kaiserhof)
Exploring Vienna
St Stephen's Cathedral, in the heart of Vienna with its bright tiled roof, offers virtually unrivalled views from the top of the tower. Discover more about Beethoven, who lived in Vienna for 35 years: his residence is now the Beethoven Museum, with a monument on Beethovenplatz, his tomb in the main cemetery, and Vienna's House of Music presenting his work in detail.
- Day 5overnight: Vienna (Hotel Kaiserhof)
Exploring Vienna
Enjoy Vienna's traditional coffee houses before a trip further afield to the evocative Rococo-style Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most popular attractions in the Austrian capital.
- Day 6overnight: Nuremberg (Hotel Victoria)
Vienna to Nuremberg
Bid farewell to Vienna and join the high-speed ICE service to Nuremberg. On arrival, head the short distance to the overnight hotel, the Hotel Victoria (4 star), close to the heart of the city. This afternoon, explore Nuremberg's old town, including the Kaiserburg and its museums, and choose from an array of excellent restaurants for dinner.
- Day 7rail
Nuremberg to London - Homeward bound
Return to Nuremberg main station for the start of the journey home. Travel on the high-speed ICE service to Frankfurt Airport, change trains and continue to Brussels aboard another ICE train. At Brussels Midi station make your way to the Eurostar terminal to board the Eurostar back to London St Pancras International, with the meal and drinks included in the Standard Premier service.
Included
- First Class rail travel throughout, including Eurostar (Standard Premier) and ICE services
- 1 night's accommodation at the Ameron Hotel Königshof (4 star) in Bonn
- 4 nights' accommodation at the Hotel Kaiserhof (4 star) in Vienna
- 1 night's accommodation at the Hotel Victoria (4 star) in Nuremberg
