Venice & Lake Bled at Christmas 2012 

We depart St Pancras International on the Eurostar to Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class with a light meal and drinks served on board. Arriving in the French capital, we transfer across the city by coach to continue our journey by rail to Stuttgart. We spend one night in Stuttgart at the Maritim Hotel, located close to the Old Town. (E,D)

We continue our journey this morning, travelling by rail (Standard Class) across Germany, through the breathtaking snow-capped mountains of Austria and across the border to Slovenia. Our destination is Lake Bled, undoubtedly Slovenia's most sought-after and romantic alpine resort. The showpiece of this pretty area is the little white church on the island in the centre of Lake Bled. The majestic scenery is classic 'picture postcard' - an emerald lake fed by glacier waters and hot springs, made all the more striking with the snowy Julian Alps as the backdrop. We spend four nights in Bled at the fabulous 5-star Grand Hotel Toplice. (B,D)

Today we embark on a guided coach excursion to the beautiful 13th century Predjama Castle, perched on a 123 metre high cliff. Among the castle's most interesting sights are the living quarters, the chapel and the dungeon. From the castle building a passage leads to an observation post on the rocky cliff that offers a wonderful view over the surrounding countryside. After some free time, we continue to the fascinating Postojna Caves, with 20km of sculpted caverns and an underground Nativity scene. We enter the labyrinth of caves on a small electric railway, and explore the larger caverns on foot, which take us into the heart of the cave system. (B,D)

On Christmas Eve we travel to Ljubljana by coach for a guided sightseeing tour. The city boasts a myriad of architecturally diverse buildings, including a medieval castle and numerous city-centre medieval, baroque and Art Nouveau structures, with uneven roofs and richly decorated façades and portals. The mosaic of Ljubljana is completed by picturesque bridges across the Ljubljanica River and the vast Tivoli Park, which extends into the very centre of the city. Following our tour you have time to visit Ljubljana's traditional Slovenian Christmas Markets, located along the river. On our return to Bled, we enjoy a festive four-course dinner in the hotel, and if you wish to attend Midnight Mass, tea and walnut cake will be served on your return. (B,D)

You are free on Christmas morning to relax before our four-course Christmas lunch in the hotel. This afternoon we take a horse and carriage ride around Lake Bled - a journey that provides excellent photo opportunities, with the island in the lake set against a backdrop of snowy forests and lofty peaks. (B,L,D)

We leave Bled today, travelling by train (Standard Class) to the incredible floating city of Venice. Upon leaving the city's Santa Lucia station, we are greeted by a truly glorious view of the Grand Canal lined with opulent buildings. Crossing the Ponte degli Scalzi, one of only four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, we arrive at our home for the next three nights, the Hotel Papadopoli Venezia. (B,D)

Today we enjoy a guided tour of Venice, including the magnificent St Mark's Square, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful city squares in the world. Overlooked by St Mark's Basilica, the large open space is surrounded by the Doge's Palace, the Procurator's residence, the famous Sansoviniana Bookshop and the iconic bell tower, as well as the waters of the lagoon. Our local guide takes us on a walking tour of the city, leading us around the narrow streets and small squares to visit some of Venice's main sights, including the famous Rialto Bridge, completed in 1591 and an architectural gem that spans the Grand Canal. For the rest of the day you are free to explore this truly amazing city at leisure. Venice lends itself to idle wandering so the best way to soak up the atmosphere is to simply let yourself get lost in the myriad of twisting lanes and alleys. (B)

Today is at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Perhaps visit the nearby islands of Burano, famous for its lace making and full of colourful streets lined with pastel-painted houses, and San Giorgio Maggiore, where you can admire the magnificent views over the sparkling water from the campanile. Alternatively, why not indulge yourself by visiting one of the many art collections in the city? The Gallerie dell'Accademia, for example, holds magnificent masterpieces by Bellini, Carpaccio and Tintoretto. (B)

Our journey home begins today as we travel by train in First Class via Milan to Turin, a beautiful city that spreads out over a pretty network of avenues and squares, lined with delightful architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. We spend the night at the ATA Concord Hotel. (B,D)

We depart Turin this morning, travelling by train in First Class to Paris. In Paris we cross the city by coach to connect with the Eurostar to London. (B)

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