Vienna by First Class Rail

As a former Imperial capital, the delightful city of Vienna is packed with fascinating attractions including some of Europe’s finest palaces, churches and museums. The city tells a fascinating story of life at the centre of the Hapsburg dynasty from more than six centuries, but is also home to many innovative and cutting-edge designs at the same time.

Take the time to discover its many highlights on this superb 6 night / 7 day vacation by First Class rail, which also includes stay in Beethoven’s birthplace Bonn and the historical city of Nuremberg, from $1,150 per person (based on two passengers travelling together and sharing a twin/double room).

Day 1 – London to Bonn by First Class rail

Your vacation starts at St. Pancras International station in the heart of London. Admire the beautiful architecture and sweeping glass roof of this destination station before you join the Eurostar to Brussels. Sit back, relax and watch the countryside swish past as you travel at speeds of up to 186mph. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class (Eurostar’ 1st class for leisure travellers). On arrival at Brussels Midi station you change trains to join the high-speed ICE service to Cologne. Here you connect with the onward service to Bonn, set on the banks of the Rhine. On reaching Bonn, make your own way to your hotel for the evening and check in for your overnight stay at the comfortable Ameron Hotel Königshof (4 star). After settling in, you may wish to discover more of Bonn, which was the capital of West Germany until reunification in the 1990s. It is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven; today the townhouse he was born in is a museum featuring original scores, letters and instruments – offering an insight into the celebrated composer. The charming old town is a delight to stroll around. This evening why not choose to dine in your hotel’s Italian restaurant ‘Oliveto’ overlooking the River Rhine?

Day 2 – Bonn to Vienna

This morning after breakfast you make your way back to the station to board the direct ICE service to Vienna. Relax in your First Class seat and admire the ever-changing scenery as you travel south east through Germany and into Austria and the wonderful city of Vienna. You are making your own way to your hotel for the next four nights, the Hotel Stefanie (4 star), superbly located in Vienna with easy access to all the city’s principal attractions.

Days 3 to 5 – Exploring Vienna

You have three full days to explore Vienna and visit some of the buildings and monuments that tell the story of this delightful European city. As a former Imperial capital, Vienna boasts a rich cultural heritage – and many of its elegant public buildings are situated on the Ringstrasse, the fascinating inner ring road which encircles the city’s historical core. Highlights of the city include the impressive Hofburg Palace, which was the seat of the Hapsburg dynasty for more than 600 years.

Alternatively discover the magnificent Baroque Belvedere Palace with its fabulous collection of works by Gustav Klimt or one of the other world class museums and galleries. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, located in the very heart of Vienna, is one of the most distinctive buildings in the city with its bright tiled roof; the views from the top of the tower are virtually unrivalled.

You might like to discover more about Beethoven during your stay. The composer lived in Vienna for 35 years and composed much of his work here. His residence is now the Beethoven Museum, there is a monument on Beethovenplatz and his tomb is in the main cemetery. Vienna’s House of Music also presents Beethoven in great detail, in the context of his work.

Vienna also boasts a wealth of traditional coffee houses where you can sit and watch the world go by before a trip further afield to the evocative Rococo style Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most popular attractions in the Austrian capital.

Day 6 – Vienna to Nuremberg

Today you bid farewell to Vienna as you return to the station and join the high-speed ICE service to the German city of Nuremberg. On arrival in this attractive city head the short distance to your overnight hotel, the welcoming and highly-rated Hotel Victoria (4 star), ideally located close to the heart of this fascinating city. This afternoon you may have time to explore Nuremberg and walk into the charming old town to see some of its numerous monuments and buildings, including the Kaiserburg and a host of fascinating museums. This evening choose from an array of excellent restaurants for dinner.

Day 7 – Nuremberg to London – Homeward bound

Today you return to Nuremberg main station for the start of your journey home.

Firstly you travel on the high-speed ICE service to Frankfurt Airport where you change trains and continue to Brussels aboard another stylish ICE train. At Brussels Midi station make your way to the Eurostar terminal to board the Eurostar service back to London. Let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service. At 186mph the landscape is a blur at times, though memories abide as you return to London St. Pancras International and the final leg of your journey home.