Venice & Lake Bled at Christmas 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board. In Paris we stay overnight at the Mercure Gare de Lyon, located close to the famous Bastille Opera House. You are free for dinner this evening, and afterwards why not go and see the imposing façade of Notre Dame Cathedral? Alternatively, perhaps stroll down the magnificent Champs-Elysees for a spot of window shopping. (E)

This morning we board the high-speed TGV service, travelling in First Class through France over the borderinto Italy. We change trains in Milan, continuing in First Class to Venice. We spend the next three nights at the Hotel Papadopoli Venezia, ideally located in the historic centre of Venice, close to the Grand Canal. (B,D)

We enjoy a half-day tour today to the very heart of Venice, St Mark's Square, which is dominated by the magnificent Basilica di San Marco and the venerable Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace. Our local guide leads us through the winding maze of narrow streets, sharing their knowledge and passion for this mesmerising floating city. Following our guided tour you are free to continue exploring at leisure. Venice lends itself to idle wandering, and possibly the best way to enjoy its captivating charms is to let yourself get lost in the myriad of winding alleys and twisting lanes that make up the city centre. Alternatively, why not soak up the atmosphere with aromantic gondola ride? Stroll through the colourful Rialto Fish Market or, for those who prefer a bird's-eye view, take the opportunity to climb the Campanile de San Marco, which offers incredible vistas over the city and the shimmering lagoons further out. (B,D)

Today is at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Why not sail to the islands in the lagoon? The island of Murano is famous for its gorgeous glassware, while Burano is well known for its lace-making industry. (B)

Today we depart by train for Bled, undoubtedly Slovenia's most sought-after and romantic alpine resort. We spend the festive period at the only 5-star hotel on the shores of Lake Bled, the Grand Hotel Toplice, staying for four nights. The majestic scenery is classic 'picturepostcard' - an emerald lake fed by glacier waters and hot springs, made all the more striking by the snowy Julian Alps as a backdrop. (B,D)

On Christmas Eve we travel to Ljubljana by coach for a guided sightseeing tour. The city boasts a medieval castle and numerous city-centre medieval, baroque and Art Nouveau buildings, with uneven roofs and richly decorated façades and portals. The mosaic of Ljubljanais 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)

Today we embark on a guided coach excursion to the beautiful 13th century Predjama Castle, renovated in the Renaissance period. The castle has been perched on a 123 metre high cliff for over 700 years. 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 takes us into the heart of the cave system. (B,D)

We leave Bled today and begin our journey home, travelling by train to Stuttgart. We spend the night at the 4-star Maritim Hotel. (B,D)

Our final day is by rail to Paris, travelling in First Class. After crossing the city by coach we connect with the Eurostar service to 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