From Munich via Venice to Friuli — entirely by train

This is where your journey begins. From the main station, you'll travel south by EuroCity over the Brenner Pass.

Santa Lucia station sits right on the Grand Canal — step out of the hall and you're straight into Venice. From here, every destination is within easy reach on foot or by vaporetto.

A family-run hotel in a Venetian palazzo directly opposite Santa Lucia station, on the Grand Canal. Ideal for a rail journey: short distances with luggage, central yet peaceful.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Venice's most famous bridge spans the Grand Canal and is lined with rows of shops. In the early evening, it's worth pausing on the bridge to watch the boat traffic, before heading into the lanes around the Rialto market for a good meal.

This grand square, with St Mark's Basilica, the Campanile and the Procuratie buildings, is considered Venice's showpiece. It's quietest early in the morning; the golden mosaics of the basilica are well worth the trip in any case.

The Byzantine-style St Mark's Basilica dazzles with over 8,000 square metres of golden mosaics. The supplement for the Pala d'Oro and the loggia with the horse quadriga is worth it; booking a time slot online avoids long queues.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)

The Palazzo Ducale was the seat of the Doge and the centre of power in the Republic of Venice. Grand halls, the armoury and the walk across the Bridge of Sighs to the prisons vividly tell the story of the Serenissima.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The most important collection of Venetian painting, with works by Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese. A calm counterpoint to the bustle of St Mark's Square, easily covered in a good hour.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The island of the glassblowers has lived off the art of glass since the 13th century. In the workshops, you can watch the master craftsmen at work, while the Museo del Vetro tells the story of the craft.

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)

This small fishing island is famous for its brightly painted houses and lace-making. Wandering between the vivid façades and canals is a delight; the leaning church tower is a well-known landmark.

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)

Trieste's terminus station is close to the harbour and the centre. From here, the Piazza Unità and most hotels are within walking distance.

One of the largest sea-facing squares in Europe, lined with magnificent palaces from the Habsburg era. In the evening, when the façades are lit up, the square takes on a special atmosphere.

The fortress on the city hill offers sweeping views over the Bay of Trieste. The ramparts and the lapidarium can be explored quickly, and the neighbouring Cathedral of San Giusto is worth a detour.

A centrally located hotel between the station and Piazza Unità, easily reached on foot. A practical base for two nights with day trips into Friuli.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Once one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire, today a UNESCO World Heritage site. The vast early Christian floor mosaic in the basilica and the archaeological museum with its forum and harbour remains bring ancient history vividly to life.

This old seaside resort on an island in the lagoon combines a historic town centre with long sandy beaches. The early Christian Basilica of Sant'Eufemia and the narrow lanes invite a leisurely stroll before heading down to the Adriatic.

This small town, founded by the Lombards, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and, with the Tempietto Longobardo, holds one of the most important examples of early medieval art. The Devil's Bridge over the Natisone and the lanes of the old town round off the visit.

This small 8th-century chapel, with its stucco figures, is considered a masterpiece of Lombard art. The tranquil interior above the river makes for an atmospheric end to the journey.