-
Frankfurt, Germany
Arrive 16 January after long-haul flight via Seoul or Singapore. Rest and recover from jet lag. The Sachsenhausen district has great pubs and traditional German food to ease into the trip.
-
Darmstadt, Germany
17 & 18 January sightseeing between Darmstadt and Frankfurt. Visit the Mathildenhöhe art nouveau artists' colony in Darmstadt and the Römerberg old town square in Frankfurt. Easy 30-minute train connection links the two cities.
-
Rome, Italy
Fly in 19 January and spend two nights before heading north to the Alps. Visit the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and enjoy classic Roman pasta in Trastevere neighbourhood. Book Vatican tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
-
Cervinia, Italy
Train north from Rome then transfer to Breuil-Cervinia ski resort at the foot of the Matterhorn. 21 January travel day, 22 & 23 January full days skiing on some of Europe's highest and most snow-sure pistes. Linked with Zermatt across the Swiss border for extended ski terrain.
-
Paris, France
Travel 24 January via the scenic Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps then onwards to Paris — a spectacular rail journey through Engadin valley and St Moritz. 25 January sightseeing including Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Montmartre. 26 January visit Disneyland Paris, easily reached by RER A train from central Paris.
-
London, United Kingdom
Travel 27 January via Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras in around 2.5 hours. Use the day to explore central London or rest before early morning flight to Edinburgh. St Pancras area has great restaurants and the British Library nearby.
-
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Fly 28 January from London to Edinburgh and collect rental car at the airport. Drive north to Inverness through stunning Highland scenery on the A9. Edinburgh Castle will be visited on the return journey 1 February.
-
Inverness, United Kingdom
Four days based in Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Day trips to Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield and the dramatic Cairngorms National Park are all within easy driving distance. January offers moody winter Highland scenery and a chance to see the Northern Lights on clear nights.
-
Falkirk, United Kingdom
Drive south from Inverness on 1 February stopping at the remarkable Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift connecting two canals. Continue to Edinburgh Castle for a tour of the iconic fortress perched on volcanic rock. Overnight in Edinburgh before flying to London next morning.