Art at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna
Vienna is a delightfully graceful and elegant city with some of the most spectacular palaces
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Cologne is like a living textbook on history and architecture: drifting about town you’ll stumble upon an ancient Roman wall, medieval churches galore, nondescript postwar buildings, avant-garde structures and a new post-modern quarter right on the Rhine.
Dresden enthrals visitors with a synthesis of the arts, including world-renowned orchestras and choirs, fascinating buildings and art treasures, and impressive museums.
The magnificent city of Prague charms you with its lovely Old Town and its attractive squares and narrow streets.
Among the highlights of this beautiful city are the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle,
the Josefov Jewish Quarter and Wenceslas Square.
Krakow is the former capital of Poland and still one of the country’s most important cities. It’s also considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe thanks to the excellent preservation of its buildings and its rich artistic and cultural heritage.
In Slovakia’s southwest, Bratislava is its lively capital city with winding streets and small but impressive buildings situated on both banks of the Danube.
The delightful Austrian capital of Vienna is steeped in European history and full of fascinating buildings within the inner ring of the city, along with the evocative ferris wheel synonymous with the film ‘The Third Man’.
There is plenty of variety in Zurich. A city where nature is always close to urban life. You can find the hip district next to the old town, as this city continually juxtaposes itself. Stroll along the river to the sparkling lake and admire the mountain views.
The European Odyssey by First Class rail lets you experience a wide variety of destinations and countries, each with their own history, culture, architecture and lifestyle. This 14 night / 15 day holiday takes you through England, Belgium, Germany, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and France.
Low season – from £1,995 per person
Mid-season – from £2,195 per person
High-season – from £2,495 per person
Your holiday begins this morning as you stroll into the beautifully restored London St Pancras International station. Take your time to admire the magnificent glass roof and then sit back, relax and watch the countryside glide past as you travel by Eurostar to Brussels at speeds of up to 186mph.
Once you arrive at Brussels station, change trains to continue your onwards journey to Germany along the scenic Rhine Gorge to Cologne. On arrival, check in for your overnight stay at the comfortable, ideally located Hotel Mondial am Dom (4 star). You might have time to visit the world-famous cathedral with spectacular views from the top. Perhaps later you could stroll through the old town or alongside the river Rhine and have dinner at one of the traditional, welcoming brewery taverns.
Today, you make your way back to Cologne station to continue your journey east to Dresden. On arrival at Dresden main station it is just over 1 kilometre on foot or a short taxi ride (payable locally) to your hotel for the next 2 nights, the well-regarded Hotel NH Altmarkt (4 star). Spend the afternoon familiarising yourself with your new surroundings.
Tonight, perhaps enjoy some traditional German cuisine. Choose one of the romantic spots on the “Elbhang” (the hillside along the river) for this. In the baroque palace in the inner Neustadt area you can taste the specialties of neighboring Bohemia, and in fashionable locations in the outer part of Neustadt you can find culinary offerings from all over the world. Warm summer days are best to spend at one of the many beer gardens along the Elbe.
You have two full days to discover the charming city of Krakow and its surrounding region. You might start by taking a stroll through the Old Town which contains soaring churches, impressive museums and the vast Rynek Główny, Europe’s largest market square. The glorious ensemble of Wawel Castle and Cathedral is widely regarded as the most important collection of buildings in Poland, perched on the top of a hill, immediately south of the Old Town and is a must-see attraction.
Krakow is the base to visit the UNESCO listed Auschwitz-Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp, a sobering tribute to the people that perished there during the Holocaust. The camp was originally designed for Polish political prisoners but became the most notorious camp of World War II because an estimated 1.6 million people of 27 nationalities were killed by the Nazis here.
A different option during your time in Krakow is the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the oldest operational mines in Europe and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can take a tour of the site with an English-speaking guide. Highlights here include the intricate carvings in the underground chambers, such as a cathedral and perhaps Krakow’s most famous son, Pope John Paul II.
Despite sitting in the centre of Europe, Slovakia has only recently become a popular destination amongst tourists. Bratislava is a great place for a city break because of its interesting history, beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, delicious local cuisine, high-quality wine, and stylish shopping arcades. Bratislava presents a welcoming atmosphere, without the pitfalls of many other big cities. It’s a destination where you can unwind, let go of daily worries and just relax. Everything is reachable and conveniently located. One moment, you can bask in the awe-inspiring view of the magnificent cathedral. The next, you can satisfy your palate with traditional or modern culinary delights, followed by a freshly made espresso in any of the numerous cozy cafes nestled in scenic narrow streets and plazas. The city centre’s historic wine cellars provide a unique wine tasting experience.
Further information
COLOGNE
The Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery by Sofitel (4 star) is at the heart of Cologne old town. Cologne Cathedral, the main station, river Rhine, shopping streets, and a wide range of museums and other attractions are just a stone’s throw away. In “Reissdorf im Mondial”, you can enjoy regional dishes and draft beers in the setting of a modern Cologne brewery with views of the cathedral. All of the modern en-suite rooms at this smart hotel feature air conditioning, a minibar, satellite TV and a luxurious bathroom. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. The stylish hotel also boasts a spa with sauna, steam room and fitness room.
DRESDEN
The NH Altmarkt (4 star) lies on the Altmarkt Square in Dresden’s Old Town. Each of the hotels 240 bright and spacious rooms feature classic décor with dark wood interiors and floors, air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy access to the hotels gym and roof terrace. A full breakfast buffet and a selection of Spanish and German meals are served in the elegant restaurant with its beige and red colour schemes. Guests are also welcome to relax in the contemporary-style bar or in the cigar lounge.
PRAGUE
The Appia Residences (4 star) is nestled in the peaceful surroundings below Prague castle. The residence enjoys an excellent location – just a 5 minute walk from Charles Bridge and located next to the famous Nerudova street, which was once part of the Royal Route. Guests can relax in the romantic garden and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast served in the ancient breakfast restaurant which boasts unique roof beams. All 21 rooms have oak wooden floors and marble bathrooms. Each room is individually designed and reflects unique character, whilst the deluxe rooms overlook the garden. Free Wi-Fi is readily available throughout the hotel.
KRAKOW
The elegant Queen Boutique Hotel (4 star) is located between Krakow’s Old Town and Kazimierz district, close to Wawel Castle. Its facilities include aa three-room restaurant which specialises in Polish and fusion dishes, as well as an on-site spa with sauna which also offers a selection of beauty treatments. All rooms at the Queen Boutique are air-conditioned and come with tea making set. They are decorated with modern details and contrasting bright and dark colours. Each room is soundproofed and come with a safe, minibar and a seating area, in addition to a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.
BRATISLAVA
Marrol’s Boutique Hotel (5 star) enjoys an ideal location in Bratislava city centre, within walking distance of the historical Old Town. WiFi is free of charge throughout the hotel. All 54 air-conditioned rooms at this top-rated and stylish boutique propery have been designed and equipped to offer the maximum comfort and create a perfect experience whether you are travelling for a business or leisure. All rooms and other hotel areas are strictly non-smoking. Free of charge facilities include coffee and tea making facilities, a daily refilled minibar, a Smart TV with free international TV channels and a laptop size safety deposit box. The Jasmine SPA is open exclusively to hotel guests. Maximum capacity of the spa is 6 people and charges need to be paid locally. The hotel restaurant HOUDINI offers a rich buffet breakfast, lunch menu and a la carte menu. The lobby with a fireplace is an inviting place to relax in winter, whereas in summer you can unwind on the terrace. The hotel is within a 5-minute walk from the Old Town Hall, St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Danube Quay. Bratislava Castle is 1.5 km away, Michael’s Tower and the Presidential Palace are also close by.
VIENNA
The family-run Hotel Harmonie (4 star) is ideally located 550 yards from the Servitenviertel, a charming residential area in Vienna’s 9th district. The hotel offers a lounge with a bar and library, a fitness room, a 24-hour mini shop and free Wi-Fi. Entirely re-designed in June 2013 in a dance theme, all 66 rooms at this boutique hotel are fitted with a minibar, tea and coffee facilities, a large work desk, laptop-size safe and up to 42“ large flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The en-suite bathrooms come with a shower, bathrobes and slippers, and there is an ironing board. A rich buffet breakfast is served every morning, and it includes regional organic products. Guests can reach the city centre within a 5-minute tram ride or a 10-minute walk.
ZURICH
The stylish and intimate Hotel Helmhaus Zurich (4 star), located in the Old Town dates from the 14th century, and is a minute’s walk from both the Helmhaus Art Museum and tram stop. The air-conditioned, individually decorated rooms have minimalist modern furnishings and oak wood parquet floors, plus free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars; tea and coffeemaking facilities are available on request. A complimentary hot and cold breakfast buffet is offered daily in an artsy dining room. Other amenities include loaner iPads and seasonal welcome drinks.
Throughout the year and tailor-made to suit your holiday needs
For information and booking Tel: 01347 825292 or email info@planetrail.co.uk
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