Across the Spine of the Alps

You will be treated to stunning scenery as you depart on the Glacier Express, the world’s slowest express train, for the journey to Chur. You will be able to gaze out of the panorama windows that stretch across the roof of the train and sample delicious local cuisine served to your seat, while you enjoy commentary on headphones that complement your journey.

On arrival in Chur, make your way to the Ambiente Hotel Freieck (or similar) where you will stay for 3 nights.

Chur is one of the oldest settlements in Switzerland, with a history dating back to the third millenium BC. The restaurants, boutiques and galleries of the medieval Old Town give the city a Mediterranean feel.

On one of your two days here, you will have a return trip on the Bernina Express, which runs down to Tirano in Italy before returning in the afternoon. You’ll travel across viaducts, alongside rivers and through some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in Europe.

Depart Chur after breakfast and head back to the station for your next rail journey, making an easy change at the small station of Sargans to connect with an Austrian RailJet train, which takes you through the tiny principality of Liechtenstein and over the dramatic Arlberg Pass, a trading route for thousands of years.

Arriving into the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck, you will check into your hotel, the Hotel Innsbruck (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

Spend a full day exploring the city and surrounding area. Wander the cobbled lanes and charming open squares of the old town centre, or strike out to the surrounding hills in what is unofficially dubbed “the capital of the Alps”.

TMR RECOMMENDS: DAY TRIP TO GARMISCH. Take the ultra-scenic ride through the Austrian Tyrol to the German ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The train passes through some of the Alps’ finest scenery and an array of shops, bars and restaurants await you in Germany’s premier mountain resort.

One of Europe’s lesser known scenic rail journeys takes you east this morning from Innsbruck, through Tyrolean villages and alongside lakes and glacial streams, connecting with the main line at the junction station of Schwarzach-St Veit.

The subsequent service, an Intercity train from Salzburg and Munich, whisks you through the heart of the Austrian Alps and through the Karawanken Tunnel into Slovenia. Shortly after emerging into Slovenia, your train will pull into the town of Lesce Bled, where you will transfer through to the Hotel Lovec (or similar) on Lake Bled, for a 3-night stay.

One of the most picturesque spots in Europe, Lake Bled covers only half a square mile, but features a beautiful island complete with 17th-century church. The lake is popular with swimmers, fishermen and boat-lovers, who flock from Slovenia and neighbouring countries during the summer. A number of hikes are possible in the nearby Triglav National Park, which contains over 340 square miles of protected flora and fauna.

Try the local custard and cream cake, Kremšnita, as well as fresh fish from the lake. 1906 Restaurant in the Hotel Triglav, is an eatery well-worth a visit during your stay!

Return to Lesce Bled station this morning and catch a regional train to Slovene capital Ljubljana. Here, transfer onto a direct service which takes you along the banks of the Sava River, through stunning Slovenian countryside and across the Austrian border to Graz. The terrain becomes more mountainous as you head into Austria.

On arrival into Graz, make your way to the Grand Wiesler Hotel (or similar) where you have an overnight stay. Graz is a pretty town with a hilltop castle, which commands sweeping views over the surrounding area.

Enjoy a leisurely start today, with plenty of time to continue your exploration of Graz. Perhaps enjoy a walk along the river or browse the boutiques in the Old Town area.

Just before lunch, return to the station and catch a direct train which will take you through dramatic Alpine scenery, across the German border to Stuttgart in the south-east of the country. Here, you’ll check in for an overnight stay at the Arcotel Camino (or similar).

Depart Stuttgart late this morning for a last scenic journey, as your train twists and turns along the beautiful Rhine Gorge route, past the Loreley Rock and a plethora of castles and charming villages.

An easy platform change at the cathedral city of Cologne delivers you to the Eurostar terminal at Brussels, where you connect with your final train, transferring you back to London St Pancras in just under 2 hours.