Venice via the Brenner Pass
- 7 Days
- From £999
- Italy
- London to Cologne and Innsbruck by Eurostar and high-speed German trains
- Beautiful scenic journey through the Rhine Gorge and the Alps into Italy
- The canals, cuisine and carnival culture of Venice with two full days to explore
- An overnight stop in Italy’s first capital city, Turin, on your way home
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your trains and hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 6 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Travel to Brussels by Eurostar this morning and make an easy change onto the German rail network. Zip across to Cologne and check into the Mondial am Dom MGallery (or similar), located within walking distance of the main station.
You’ll arrive in time for a quick look around Cologne’s famous cathedral. located right next to the main station and an evening meal in the Old Town or perhaps a stroll along the banks of the Rhine.
Prepare for a scenic rail journey this morning as you board another ICE service bound for Innsbruck, the unofficial ‘capital of the Alps’. The first leg of your journey takes you across the Rhine and then along its western bank, past castles and vineyards on one side and the pretty villages of Boppard and Bingen on the other. Then, the train continues south-east towards Lake Constance and the Austrian border. The scenery becomes more and more mountainous as you head towards Innsbruck, where you make your overnight stop at the AC Innsbruck Hotel (or similar).
You have a free morning in Innsbruck to explore the city. Why not take the cable car up to the top of the Nordkette, Innsbruck’s local mountain for sweeping views of the city and surrounding area?
In the afternoon, sit back and relax as you travel through the Tyrol region of Austria, continuing through the Brenner Pass and down into Italy. Pass through the fair city at Verona before you cross the lagoon into Venice, where you exit the station on to the magnificent Grand Canal. Head to the UNAHOTELS Ala Venezia (or similar) where you will have a 3-night stay.
Enjoy Venice in all its splendour. The most popular hub of the city is St Mark’s Square, the regal piazza that opens out onto the mouth of the Grand Canal and the Venetian Lagoon. But there are plenty of sights to be found if you allow yourself to get lost in the narrow maze of streets. Taking a bus here means travelling on the water by vaporetto. This is a great way to see the best of Venice. You can also get out onto other islands in the Lagoon such colourful Murano and Burano, or Venice Lido with its beaches on the Adriatic.
TMR RECOMMENDS: Why not combine Venice with the culture and history of Florence, only 90 minutes away by train? Or perhaps visit Lakes Como or Garda on your way back to the UK?
Spend another morning in Venice with time for an early lunch before you return to Santa Lucia station and catch a train north to Turin. Watch out for the Alps looming in the distance before you pull in at Porta Nuova station and make your way to the Starhotels Majestic (or similar) for an overnight stay. Turin is the elegant capital city of the Piedmont region, famous for its grand architecture and cuisine (including some of the best chocolate in the world).
After breakfast in your hotel this morning, take a taxi or short metro journey to Turin Porta Susa station and board a high-speed TGV, bound for Paris.
On arrival into Paris Gare de Lyon, transfer to the Gare du Nord by metro (we provide the directions to make this transfer). Here, board a Eurostar which will whisk you back into London. Alternatively, you might like to spend a night in the City of Light so that you have time to explore. Please call for prices and details.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery by Sofitel is located right in the centre of Cologne, close to the famous cathedral and the main station. All of the modern bedrooms feature air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar and satellite TV. The hotel also boasts a restaurant overlooking the cathedral, a sauna, a steam room and a fitness room.
Conveniently located between the main station and the Old Town, the AC Hotel Innsbruck offers comfortable accommodation and panoramic views. Spacious air-conditioned bedrooms come with sound-proofed widows, free Wi-Fi access and large HD LCD TVs. There is a restaurant on site as well as a relaxing lounge bar and a gym.
The UNAHOTELS Ala Venezia is located in a quiet campo close to Santa Maria del Giglio vaporetto stop and St Mark’s Square. Rooms are well-equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a safe, amongst other amenities, and downstairs you will find the fabulous American Bar – the ideal spot to reflect on the magic of Venice.
This polished, 19th century hotel is located near all Turin’s main attractions and features modern bedrooms, an elegant restaurant complete with stained glass skylight, and an exercise room. A buffet breakfast is provided daily at the hotel. Le Regine Restaurant by Eataly serves both Piedmont and international cuisine.
Upgrade your accommodation
Occupying a great location opposite the famous cathedral in the centre of Cologne, the Excelsior Ernst is one of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’, with a history dating back to 1863. The Michelin starred Taku restaurant has an Asian-inspired menu and innovative French cuisine is served in the Hanse Stube restaurant. Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Combining the traditional Venetian style with a great location and modern facilities, the Hotel Bisanzio is a great base in Venice, just 10 minutes’ walk from St Mark’s Square. Guest rooms come with free Wi-Fi, wooden floors and Murano-glass lamps. There is also a delicious buffet breakfast served daily.
One of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Luna Baglioni is simply the best in Venetian opulence. Housed in a magnificent Venetian Palace, the hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant, Canova, as well as Caffe Baglioni, where delicious coffees and pastries are available throughout the day.
Grand Hotel Sitea is located in the centre of Turin, right behind Piazza San Carlo and a 10-minute walk from Piazza Castello. Rooms are elegantly furnished and come with parquet or carpeted floors, and a TV with satellite channels. There is also free internet access. All rooms offer a marble bathroom, some with spa bath.