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 Bruges Christmas Markets Medieval Bruges is a perfectly preserved gem as befits one of northern Europe’s richest cities of the Middle Ages. The ‘Venice of the North’ is criss-crossed with attractive waterways and boasts some of the finest examples of Flemish and European art, including the richly detailed canvasses by Van Eyck and Memling and Michelangelo’s beautiful Madonna with Child. The heart of the city is dominated by the Markt Square and imposing Basilica of the Holy Blood, whilst step-gabled Merchants’ buildings line the pretty canals. All around cobbled streets, guild houses, palaces and stone bridges lead to tempting shops, historic cafés and indulgent restaurants.
3 night Christmas markets holiday by First Class rail staying at the Hotel Bryghia (3 star) from £349 per person, or staying at the Hotel Aragon (4 star) from £375 per person or staying at the Oud Huis de Peellaert (4 star) and the Grand Hotel Casselbergh (4 star superior) from £390 per person
Christmas Markets of Bruges – Holiday Highlights
- Medieval Bruges
- Christmas Markets
- First Class rail travel
Read Full Details » Christmas Markets of Bruges by First Class Rail
Christmas Markets of Cologne – departure dates between the dates of 24th November and 20th December 2011
 Cologne Christmas Markets Experience Christmas shopping as it should be amidst Cologne’s seven Christmas markets, each with their own unique charm, on this festive short break.
3 night holiday by Standard Class rail from £349 per person and by First Class rail from £499 per person
Christmas Markets of Cologne – Holiday Highlights
- Cologne’s seven Christmas markets
- Cologne and its famous Cathedral
- First Class rail travel aboard the Flagship services of Eurostar, Thalys and ICE
Read Full Details » Christmas Markets of Cologne by First Class Rail
Venice Carnival by First Class Rail – 11th to 21st February 2012
 - Venice Carnival
Venice truly is like nowhere else on earth which is what makes a holiday here such a unique and unforgettable experience. Let yourself be totally mesmerised by the serenity and sheer beauty of this romantic city.
6 night / 7 day holiday by First Class rail travelling on daytime trains throughout, including 4 nights at the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente (4 star) in Venice, with an overnight stay in Strasbourg or Zurich (featured itinerary) from £1,275 per person or at the Una Hotel Venezia from £1,325 per person or the Canal Grande, Locanda Orseolo or Palazzo Giovanelli from £1,449 per person or the Hotel Al Ponte Antico from £1,575 per person
This holiday is available as detailed below by daytime trains, and by overnight sleeper – please contact us for details
Holiday Highlights
Scenic rail journeys through the Gotthard Pass and Simplon Pass in Switzerland
Romantic Venice
Venice Carnival
St. Mark’s Square and the Doges Palace
The Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal
Lakeside Montreux and Lake Geneva
 Venice Day 1 – By rail to Switzerland
Your holiday begins as you stroll into beautifully restored London St. Pancras station. Take your time to appreciate the splendour of magnificent glass roof, then sit back, relax and watch the countryside swish past as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class (formerly 1st class). On arrival at the Gare du Nord you make your own way the short distance 600-800 yards) to the Gare de l’Est to continue your journey by TGV through France into Switzerland.
You travel through the undulating Swiss countryside to attractive lakeside city of Zurich. It is a short walk (800 yards) to your overnight hotel, the comfortable and welcoming Hotel Wellenberg (4 star).
Day 2 – Through Switzerland to Milan and onwards to Venice
This morning you have time for a short stroll around the attractive lakeside town of Zurich. Then make your own way back to Zurich station. Here you join the comfortable Euro City service to travel along the spectacular Gotthard route for the fabulous journey through picturesque scenery, past soaring mountain peaks and into Italy. On arrival at Milan’s imposing art-deco station change trains and join the Eurostar City service to Venice. On arrival at Venezia Santa Lucia station, walk out of the station and enter a different world. Your private water taxi transfers you in the best possible style to your hotel for the next four nights, the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente (4 star), an attractive, welcoming hotel located in a quiet area just 10 to 15 minutes from the Rialto Bridge with its friendly service, elegant and comfortable rooms.
Days 3, 4 and 5 – Venice and the Venice Carnival
 Venice Carnival Step out in Venice and allow this unique and captivating city to carry where it will. Enjoy Venice and its famous carnival, at dusk and after dark when the day-trippers have gone home and the local Venetians take to the streets. From St. Mark’s Square to the Rialto Bridge, a gondola ride on the Grand Canal to a visit inside the stunning
Doges Palace, feel yourself unwind as you wander amid the myriad of canals along blissfully traffic-free alleyways and campi (squares).
You have plenty of time to discover the city’s luminous quality which emanates from the colours of its painted palazzo, ornate stone bridges and Byzantine basilicas all reflected against the tapestry of canals and lagoons. A short boat ride will lead you to pretty islands on the lagoon, including Murano, home of glass-blowing and colourful Burano, where lace and linen abound.
Day 6 – Venice to Lake Geneva
 Lake Geneva This morning your water taxi re-unites you with the rest of the world as you leave Italy behind and board the Eurostar City service for the First Class journey to Milan. From here join the comfortable Euro City service as it snakes its way into the Alps for the spectacular journey through the Simplon Pass and onto pretty lakeside town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. On arrival in Montreux your hotel for the night is the belle époque Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star) located right next to the station. Take a stroll alongside Lake Geneva and visit this elegant lakeside town which is home to the famous jazz festival.
Day 7 – Free-time in Montreux – Montreux to London – Homeward bound
Stretch your legs this morning or board the trolley bus for the short journey to the stunning medieval Château de Chillon (payable locally). As you marvel at the spectacular setting, twixt sparkling lake and breathtaking mountains, spare a thought for the prisoners of this 13th century castle, considered to be one of the best-preserved in Europe. You may have time for an early lunch before you make your way back to Montreux station. From here you join the Inter Regio train to Lausanne where you change trains and board the TGV to whisk you back to Paris. Watch the rolling hills flash past or reminisce on the wonders of the past few days. Your private taxi transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord and the last leg of your journey. Here you join the Eurostar and let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the light 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.
Our Hotels
 The Mercure Dijon Clemenceau DIJON
The Mercure Dijon Clémenceau (4-star) is well situated just a short stroll from the city’s historic Old Town. All the comfortable, smartly-furnished en suite rooms in this modern hotel feature air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar, radio, telephone, safety deposit box and hairdryer.
 The Starhotel Anderson MILAN
Fully Refurbished in 2003, The Starhotel Anderson (4-star) is a superior hotel, located right next to Milan’s central railway station. The new style of the hotel reflects the fashionable side of Milan. Its sleek public areas are modern, stylish and are featured in architectural and interior design magazines. All 101 stylish en suite rooms are sound-proofed and equipped with air-conditioning, mini-bar, satellite TV, telephone, radio, bathroom and hairdryer. The bar is open until midnight and is an ideal place for relaxing after a busy day in the fashion capital of Italy. In addition to the buffet breakfast, the restaurant offers good quality international cuisine, together with typical local dishes.
 Hotel Regent Contades STRASBOURG
The Hotel Régent Contades (4 star) is ideally situated in the city centre alongside the River Ill, close to the cathedral, and welcomes you in a prestigious 19th century building. All of the hotel’s 47 en-suite rooms feature attractive and refined décor, satellite TV, mini-bar and telephone. The hotel also benefits from a sumptuous
Belle-Époque breakfast room and a cosy and stylish bar, Le Regency. The interiors combine Art Nouveau style with contemporary flare to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout.
 The Wellenberg Hotel ZURICH
The Wellenberg Hotel (4-star) enjoys a unique location in the middle of the historical old town of Zurich, just five minutes’ walk from the lake and the famous Bahnhof Strasse. All of the hotel’s comfortable ensuite rooms have their own temperature control, cable television, radio, minibar, direct dial telephone and are sound-proofed. The hotel is about 800 yards from Zurich station.
The Hotel Continental Zürich (4-star), formerly Sofitel Zürich and part of the MGallery collection, provides a real taste of life in downtown Zurich. The hotel is ideally located just 5 minutes from the main train station and the shopping area on Bahnhofstraße. This smart hotels has a unique, Swiss chalet-inspired decor throughout and benefits from 2 restaurants, a bar, garden and lounge. All 138 en-suite rooms enjoy decor which evokes warmth and coziness and feature shower, bath-tub, WC, air-conditioning, international satellite TV, telephone, WIFI, minibar, tea and coffee facilities and a safe.  Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente VENICE
Enjoying a great location in an area exclusively reserved for local Venetians, the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente
(4- star) offers an attractive and calm setting from which to enjoy and explore this most evocative of cities. Named after Turkish tradesmen, “mori”, who for centuries lived in this beautiful palace, the hotel offers guests contemporary accommodation equipped with air conditioning, mini- bar, hair dryer, direct-dial telephone, satellite television, radio, safe, and internet connection point. The hotel benefits from a tastefully decorated breakfast room, bar and reading room. Guests can relax amidst the exotic atmosphere of the hotel’s furnishings which hark back to the times of oriental merchants, and traders, plying their trade on the “Silk Route” which had Venice as its main port. Located about 10 minutes’ walk from the Rialto Bridge, the Ai Mori d’Oriente offers visitors a fascinating insight into the real Venice as well as easy access to charming restaurants frequented by locals rather than tourists.
 Una Hotel Venezia
Right in the heart of Cannaregio, in the Cà d’Oro quarter, one of the most important districts of Venice, the new UNA Hotel Venezia (4-star) looks straight out onto the Rio Priuli Canal. It is only 5 minutes on foot from the Rialto Bridge and 10 minutes from magnificent St. Mark’s Square. This stately building has been restored to its ancient splendour thanks to carefully thought out renovation, with the emphasis on detail and furnishing. Special features are the Murano glass chandeliers which create a romantic atmosphere. UNA Hotel Venezia has only 37 rooms which are elegantly furnished in a typically ornate Venetian style, and provide every possible comfort.
You can enjoy elaborate cocktails and appetizing snacks in the American bar.
 - Canal Grande Hotel
Canal Grande Hotel (4-star) is a charming, highly-rated boutique hotel located in Ca’ Polacco, an elegant little palace which has just been restored. The furniture of the hotel is characterised by the elegance of Rococo style, typical of 18th century Venice. The lobby with its rose marble fireplace, the breakfast room with its golden mirrors, and the bar with its Venetian red velvet armchairs overlook the Grand Canal and are the best places to begin and end your day! The small terrace on the Grand Canal gives you the opportunity to have a drink in a very special setting and watch the Venetian world go by. Prestige double rooms with Grand Canal view are equipped with damasks, Murano glass and mirrors, and briar, gold decorated furniture. The room features retractable TV, safe, direct telephone, WiFi connection, private marble bathroom with mosaic decorations and air conditioning/heating working all year round.
 - The Locanda Orseolo
The Locanda Orseolo (3 star) is the result of a recent faithful restoration of a typical Venetian home, facing the Orseolo canal and only a few steps from St. Mark’s Square. One of the key features of this charming inn is the wonderful family atmosphere in the heart of enchanting Venice, with breakfast freshly prepared for each guest. All the rooms in his boutique hotel feature tasteful furniture and decor in local Venetian style with thorough attention to detail. Rooms overlook the Orseolo canal or the quiet private courtyard, and feature satellite TV, minbar, safe, hairdryer and wireless internet access.
 - Palazzo Giovanelli Hotel
The boutique Palazzo Giovanelli Hotel (4-star) is an elegant hotel in the historic centre of Venice overlooking the Grand Canal. This brand new hotel is set in a 15th Century palace and blends modernity and tradition to good effect. All the 41 comfortable en-suite bedrooms are unique and furnished with stylish, exclusive fabrics and are fully-equipped with all modern amenities. The hotel benefits from a stylish, modern bar and attentive, friendly service.
 - The Al Ponte Antico Hotel
The Al Ponte Antico Hotel (4-star) – ranked No.1 on ‘Trip Advisor’ – is an intimate residence facing the Grand Canal, with a splendid view of the Rialto Bridge. The exceptional location of this charming palace, its tasteful design and comfortably furnished and fully-equipped rooms is sure to delight customers. The special quality of this exclusive family-run hotel of only 9 rooms is due to the warm welcome, refined atmosphere and highly personalised service and renowned hospitality of the Peruch Family and its staff. The hotel features luxurious interiors and a wonderful terrace, where you can enjoy truly unforgettable evenings.
 The Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic MONTREUX
The Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4-star)
is a traditional Belle-Époque hotel, originally built in 1870 and located right in the centre of Montreux, just a few steps from the railway station. The hotel has 140 rooms and benefits from fabulous views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from its summer terrace. All the comfortable en suite rooms in this stylish hotel feature air conditioning, TV, minibar, radio and telephone.
What’s Included
- First class rail travel to Venice and return
- 6 nights Bed and Breakfast accommodation in 4 star hotels
- Private Transfers*
- Venice Carnival Special offer - 6 night holiday by First Class rail staying at the charming, intimate Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente (4 star) from £1,275 per person
Holiday Highlights
- Berlin’s 60 Christmas Markets
- Fascinating Berlin
- Potsdam’s stunning New Palace
- Imperial Potsdam
- Dinner in a classical Berlin restaurant
Read Full Details » Berlin Christmas Markets (escorted tour)
Holiday Highlights
Was £1,595 – Save £100 – now £1,495 per person
- Medieval Dijon – Capital of Burgundy
- Chalon-sur-Saône
- Beaune and the Hospices de Beaune
- Canal du Centre
- Wine tasting at the Clos de Vougeot
- Châteaux of Burgundy
- All meals and included along with excellent regional wines during lunch and dinner
Read Full Details » French Hotel Barges – Lorraine and Caprice – Save £100 per person
 Verona Opera 2012 Imagine the warmth of an Italian summer’s evening as twilight fades, the moon rises and a thousand lights twinkle all around you. As you gaze in awe around the wondrous roman amphitheatre the diva takes centre stage to beguile you. Verona Opera is a truly magical spectacle, a genuinely unforgettable experience.
Journey to enchanting, vibrant Verona to be enthralled by the city’s own dolce vita, an intoxicating blend of ancient history, epicurean pleasures, exuberant style and inspirational music.
5 night / 6 day holiday by First Class rail, including 3 nights at the Hotel Accademia, Verona from £1,295 per person
Departure Dates
- Tailor-made to suit your specific requirements in conjunction with the dates of the Verona Opera festival which runs from 22nd June to 2nd September 2012
Holiday Highlights
- Medieval Dijon
- A night at the Opera in Verona
- Classical Roman city of Verona
- Spectacular rail journey up the Rhône Valley and through the Simplon Pass
- Lakeside Montreux
- Lake Geneva
 Nice Port Nice by First Class rail
Beautifully set on the shores of the turquoise blue Mediterranean, Nice welcomes you with year-round sunshine, stylish Belle Epoque architecture and wonderful views of the sea and mountains. Stroll along the delightful ‘Promenade des Anglais’, wander among the tempting boutiques and shops and discover stylish restaurants up the winding streets of the lovely Old Town.
4 night Nice Carnival holiday by First Class rail from £495.00 per person, based on the charming Villa Victoria (3 star), or the highly-rated Le Grimaldi (4 star)
Holiday Highlights
Nice
Côte d’Azur
Promenade des Anglais
Old Town of Nice
Orthodox Russian Cathedral
Scenic rail journey along the coast to Nice
First Class rail travel
Day 1 – London to Nice
Nice
Your holiday begins at stunning London St Pancras International station. Sit back, relax and watch the countryside glide past as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class (formerly 1st class). On arrival at the Gare du Nord a private transfer takes you across Paris to continue your journey by TGV through France to Nice, capital of the Côte d’Azur. Enjoy fabulous scenery as you look out on the Mediterranean sea from the comfort of your seat as your train snakes its way along the coast to Nice. On arrival make your way the short distance to your hotel for 4 nights, the stylish Palais de la Méditerranée, a 4 star superior hotel perfectly located on the Promenade des Anglais.
Days 2 to 4 – Nice and the Côte d’Azur
 Nice Promenade
Enjoy 3 full days on the Mediterranean and take the opportunity to visit the lovely old town of Nice and stroll along the Promenade des Anglais. Nice has some smart shops and boutiques in its traffic free city centre, along with the Matisse and Chagall museums. The imposing Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its onion-domed roof is the largest outside Russia and worth a visit. You might decide to explore the beautiful Côte d’Azur and possibly visit some of the other attractive towns along the coast such as Cannes, Monte Carlo and St. Tropez, all easily accessible by train. For a different view of the French Riviera take a car inland to discover the charm and beauty of the provençal hills and countryside.
Day 5 – Nice to London
As you return to Nice Ville station and board your TGV for Lille Europe it is time to say farewell to the French Riviera. Sit back and relax as your high-speed train whisks you virtually the entire length of France from south to north. On arrival in Lille Europe you change trains and board the Eurostar service. The pace has quickened, yet the memories remain to savour over your light meal and drinks, and beyond, as you return to London St. Pancras.
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