Lindau & Lake Constance 2012 

We depart from St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels, travelling in Standard Premier Class, and enjoy a light meal and drinks served at our seats. In Brussels we change trains and continue by high-speed train to Cologne for an overnight stay at either the Four Points Hotel or the Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre, both close to the station, the Rhine and the cathedral. (E,D)

Today we leave Cologne and travel by high-speed train to Lindau, where we arrive in the early evening. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery during the journey, which takes us along the spectacular Rhine Gorge, with its many fairytale castles nestled amongst lush vineyards. Our journey then takes us onwards through the beautiful Bavarian countryside. We spend seven nights at the Hotel Reuteman-Seegarten in Lindau, one of the most beautiful towns in Bavaria. Located on a small island on the edge of Lake Constance, it boasts fantastic views over the lake towards the Swiss and Austrian Alps. (B,D)

This morning we enjoy a guided walking tour of Lindau and experience the town's rich history, which dates back to the 13th century. The afternoon is free to explore; as a former Free Imperial City, Lindau still boasts the romantic alleys and dreamy courtyards of its medieval past. You may wish to stroll along the lakeside promenade to the harbour. Widely regarded as the prettiest on Lake Constance, the harbour is home to a famous lighthouse which is well worth a visit. Lindau also boasts the Maximilianstrasse, the town's main shopping street, so you may like to spend the afternoon browsing the shops it has to offer. (B,D)

Our excursion today is one of the highlights of the tour, as we travel by coach to the small town of Meersburg. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the lake, Meersburg's beautiful centre has a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with half-timbered houses. The town is famous for its castle perched on the hillside above the lake. The Old Castle dates from 628 AD and was home to the Bishops of Konstanz. We enjoy a tour of the Old Castle in the company of a local guide before crossing Lake Constance by ferry to Mainau, known as the Garden, or Flower Island. Here you are free to stroll through the beautiful palm tree and flower-filled gardens, and take in the hothouses and fountains which surround the Baroque church and castle at the heart of the island. (B,D)

Today you are free to relax or explore at your leisure, or enjoy the hotel's facilities. You could perhaps visit nearby Überlingen, which boasts one of the region's best promenades. If you are feeling more adventurous, perhaps take the train to the historic city of Ulm, famous for being the birthplace of Albert Einstein and for its rich architectural heritage, including the magnificent cathedral. Alternatively, you could make the spectacular journey over the Arlberg Pass to the Alpine resort of St Anton am Arlberg. (B)

This morning we take a leisurely boat trip along the lake to Friedrichshafen, once home to Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin, builder and pioneer of the famous airships, and now home to the Zeppelin Museum. We enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating museum, which includes a reconstruction of a section of the doomed Hindenburg airship that made its maiden voyage across the Atlantic in 1936. We enjoy some free time in Friedrichshafen this afternoon, perhaps to enjoy a walk along the promenade, or to take in the town's pretty harbour,before we return to Lindau by rail. (B,D)

Today we travel up into the Austrian Alps, where we board the narrow-gauge Bregenzerwald Railway (steam-hauled on some dates). We enjoy a short journey through the pretty mountains and meadows above Bregenz. We continue by coach to Feldkirch, a beautiful town whose historic centre has remained well preserved to this day. As well as a number of 15th century houses, Feldkirch retains some of the towers of its city walls. We enjoy a guided tour of the 12th century Feldkirch Castle, which dominates the town and affords a great panorama over the surrounding landscape. We return to Lindau via Bregenz, where you have some free time to explore this charming Austrian town, most famous for its annual festival. (B,D)

Today you are free to explore at your own pace or relax in the hotel. Perhaps take a last stroll around Lindau, or, for the more energetic, hire a bike to explore the nearby countryside. For those wishing to venture further afield, there are many ferries across the lake to Austria or Switzerland, or even to Konstanz, a marvellous German town on the Swiss border. Here you can see the remaining city gates and mighty cathedral, or simply stroll along the scenic waterfront, lined with pretty gardens and statues. (B)

We return to Cologne by train today. Our arrival in the early evening gives you a little free time to discover the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral, its historic streets and elegant squares and perhaps enjoy a stroll through the charming Old Town to the Rhine. We spend the night at the Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre or the Four Points Hotel Central. (B,D)

This morning we depart from Cologne, and travel by high-speed train to Brussels. Here we board the Eurostar service back to London. A light meal and drinks are served before our arrival into St Pancras International. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Our 12 August departure coincides with the fantastic Bregenz Festival, where a floating stage is built on the lake. In 2012, Umberto Giordano's verismo opera, André Cheniér, based loosely on the life of the French poet, who was executed during the French Revolution, will be performed. Tickets for the opera are available in advance - please contact us for details.