On the Trail of Early Civilizations

On the Trail of Early Civilizations – Historical Train Journey in Southern Europe

Join a 12-day train journey in Southern Europe and discover some of the oldest cultural heritage sites and historic gems in Europe.

This unique journey takes you from Denmark to Southern Italy via Austria and Italy. You visit some of the most fascinating and historically significant cities.

From medieval Bologna to the unique trulli houses in Alberobello and the prehistoric sassi caves in Matera, you experience history in a sustainable and comfortable way.

The journey begins with a night train from Denmark to Austria. You arrive in Innsbruck, surrounded by the majestic Alps.

After an overnight stay in this charming alpine city, you continue to Bologna, known for medieval architecture and culinary traditions.

From Bologna, you travel by high-speed train along the Adriatic coast to Bari, a historic port city with a unique atmosphere.

From here, the journey continues to Alberobello, where you stay in an authentic trulli house. It is an unforgettable experience.

Then, travel to Matera, one of the oldest cities in Italy. You stay in the historic Sassi district, known for prehistoric cave dwellings.

The journey ends with a stay in Rome, Naples, or Sicily. Here you can enjoy rich history and culture before flying back to Denmark.

This Southern Europe train journey combines culture, history, and unforgettable landscapes.

Highlights:

  • Bologna: Explore medieval towers, the world’s oldest university, and renowned gastronomy.
  • Bari: Visit the historic old town and the impressive Basilica di San Nicola.
  • Alberobello: Stay in an authentic trulli house and experience unique UNESCO-listed architecture.
  • Matera: Discover historic cave dwellings and the unique atmosphere of this remarkable city.
  • Rome: End the journey in the Eternal City with iconic landmarks such as Colosseum, Pantheon, and Vatican.

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12 days / per person from
17.990,-
Includes train, sleeper cabin, hotels, transfers, and flights
Inkluderet i prisen
  • Double sleeper cabin with private toilet from Hamburg to Innsbruck
  • Stay in a fascinating and historic trulli house in Alberobello
  • Private transfers in Southern Italy
  • Travel along beautiful coastal routes by the Adriatic Sea

Flight or train – your choice

With us, you can choose whether to travel to and from your destination by train or by plane.

Travel options:

  • Train travel both ways
  • Flights both ways
  • Train outbound – flight return
  • Flight outbound – train return

Travel Catalogue

Read more about the itinerary, attractions, and experiences in the catalogue here.

Recommended itinerary

Explore the suggested day-by-day itinerary and discover the experiences that await you.
Day 1: Denmark to Hamburg (option to start the journey with a flight to Bologna or Bari)
Days 1–2: Hamburg to Innsbruck by Night Train
Day 2: Innsbruck to Bologna
Days 2–4: Bologna
Day 4: Bologna to Bari
Dag 4-6: Bari
Day 6: Bari to Alberobello
Days 6–8: Alberobello
Day 8: Alberobello to Matera by Private Transfer
Days 8–10: Matera
Day 10: Matera to Rome / Naples / Sicily
Days 10–12: Rome, Naples or Sicily
Day 12: Transfer to the airport and flight home (it is also possible to return by train – request a quote)
Popular

All trips can be tailored to your preferences

All trips can be customised, combined and tailored to your preferences, including different hotels, number of nights, cities and travel by plane or train.

About the hotels

We work with many hotels in the city, and the examples below are only intended as samples of hotels within walking distance of the stations.

Albergo Centrale Bologna ***, Bologna

Vicolo Cattani, 7, 40126 Bologna BO, Italien
Bologna Centrale togstation ligger ca. 1,1 km fra hotellet (ca. 14 minutters gang). Herfra er der togforbindelser til hele Italien og internationale destinationer. Overkommelig gåafstand til/fra Bologna Centrale station – ideelt for gæster ud...
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Art Hotel Commercianti ****, Bologna

Via de' Pignattari, 11, 40124 Bologna BO, Italien
Bologna Centrale togstation ligger ca. 1,3 km fra hotellet (ca. 16 minutters gang). Herfra er der togforbindelser til hele Italien og internationale destinationer. Overkommelig gåafstand til/fra Bologna Centrale station – ideelt for gæster ud...
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Hotel Il Guercino ****, Bologna

Via Luigi Serra, 7, 40129 Bologna BO, Italien
Bologna Centrale togstation ligger ca. 2,1 km fra hotellet (ca. 25 minutters gang eller få minutter med taxi). Herfra er der togforbindelser til hele Italien og internationale destinationer. Hotellet ligger uden for gåafstand til togstationen...
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Phi Hotel Bologna ****, Bologna

Via de' Fusari, 9, 40123 Bologna BO, Italien
Bologna Centrale togstation ligger ca. 1,5 km fra hotellet (ca. 18 minutters gang). Herfra er der togforbindelser til hele Italien og internationale destinationer. Overkommelig gåafstand til/fra Bologna Centrale station – ideelt for gæster ud...
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The Social Hub Bologna ****, Bologna

Via Aristotile Fioravanti, 27, 40129 Bologna BO, Italien
Bologna Centrale togstation ligger ca. 2 km fra hotellet (ca. 25 minutters gang eller få minutter med taxi). Herfra er der togforbindelser til hele Italien og internationale destinationer. Hotellet ligger lidt uden for gåafstand til stationen...
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JR Hotels Oriente Bari ****, Bari

Corso Cavour, 32, 70122 Bari BA, Italien
Bari Centrale togstation ligger ca. 1 km fra hotellet (ca. 12 minutters gang). Herfra er der togforbindelser til hele Italien og internationale destinationer. Overkommelig gåafstand til/fra Bari Centrale station – ideelt for gæster uden bil, ...
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Palazzo Calò ***, Bari

Str. Lamberti, 8, 70122 Bari BA, Italien
Bari Centrale togstation ligger ca. 1 km fra hotellet (ca. 12 minutters gang). Herfra er der togforbindelser til hele Italien og internationale destinationer. Overkommelig gåafstand til/fra Bari Centrale station – ideelt for gæster uden bil, ...
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Trulli Holiday Albergo Diffuso ****, Alberobello

Piazza XXVII Maggio, 38, 70011 Alberobello BA, Italien
Alberobello togstation ligger ca. 800 meter fra gæstehuset (ca. 10 minutters gang). Herfra er der regionale togforbindelser til Bari, Martina Franca og resten af Puglia. For togrejsende: Kort gåafstand til/fra Alberobello station – ideelt fo...
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Trullidea ***, Alberobello

Via Monte Sabotino, 10, 70011 Alberobello BA, Italien
Alberobello togstation ligger ca. 900 meter fra hotellet (ca. 12 minutters gang). Herfra er der regionale togforbindelser til Bari, Martina Franca og resten af Puglia. Overkommelig gåafstand til/fra Alberobello station – ideelt for gæster ude...
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Fra i Sassi – Residence ***, Matera

Via D'Addozio, 102, 75100 Matera MT, Italien
Matera Centrale togstation ligger ca. 1,2 km fra hotellet (ca. 15 minutters gang). Herfra er der forbindelse til Bari og resten af regionen. Overkommelig gåafstand til/fra stationen – ideelt for gæster uden bil, der ønsker let adgang til tog ...
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La Pergola ai Sassi, Matera

Vico I Casalnuovo, 49, 75100 Matera MT, Italien
Matera Centrale togstation ligger ca. 1,5 km fra hotellet (ca. 18 minutters gang). Herfra er der forbindelse til Bari og resten af regionen. Overkommelig gåafstand til/fra stationen – ideelt for gæster uden bil, der ønsker let adgang til tog ...
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Lo Stemma Luxury Boutique Hotel ****, Matera

Via delle Beccherie, 37, 75100 Matera MT, Italien
Matera Centrale togstation ligger ca. 1,2 km fra hotellet (ca. 15 minutters gang). Herfra er der forbindelse til Bari og resten af regionen. Kort gåafstand til/fra stationen – ideelt for gæster uden bil, der ønsker let adgang til tog og offen...
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Locanda di San Martino Hotel & Termae Romanae ***, Matera

Via Fiorentini, 71, 75100 Matera MT, Italien
Matera Centrale togstation ligger ca. 1,2 km fra hotellet (ca. 15 minutters gang). Herfra er der forbindelse til Bari og resten af regionen. Kort gåafstand til/fra stationen – ideelt for gæster uden bil, der ønsker let adgang til tog og offen...
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Palazzo Del Duca Hotel & Restaurant ****, Matera

Via Muro, 50, 75100 Matera MT, Italien
Matera Centrale togstation ligger ca. 1,4 km fra hotellet (ca. 17 minutters gang). Herfra er der forbindelse til Bari og resten af regionen. Overkommelig gåafstand til/fra stationen – ideelt for gæster uden bil, der ønsker let adgang til tog ...
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Accommodation and Hotels

On this journey, you stay at carefully selected hotels that offer comfort, a great location, and a welcoming atmosphere. If you have specific preferences regarding hotel type, location, or facilities, you can include them in your request, and we will find the best solution for you.

What to expect from the accommodation:

  • Comfortable rooms and quality facilities
  • Hotels close to the city center or train station
  • A cozy and safe atmosphere
  • The option to choose between different standards

The cities visited on this journey

Prices for this journey

The prices shown are indicative and based on our suggested train journey and hotel options. All trips can be tailored to your preferences, and you are always welcome to request a tailor-made offer that matches your specific needs.
Standard

3-star hotels
2nd class train

12 days / per person from
17.990,-
Includes train, sleeper cabin, hotels, transfers, and flights
  • Hotel with breakfast and train included
  • 3-star hotels and 2nd class train
Tailor the trip to your wishes
Premium

4-star hotels
1st class train

12 days / per person from
21.990,-
Includes train, sleeper cabin, hotels, transfers, and flights
  • Everything from the Standard package is included
  • Hotel with breakfast and train included
  • 4-star hotels and 1st class train
Tailor the trip to your wishes
Popular
Standard

3-star hotels
2nd class train

12 days / per person from
17.990,-
Includes train, sleeper cabin, hotels, transfers, and flights
  • Hotel with breakfast and train included
  • 3-star hotels and 2nd class train
Rejsen kan tilpasses efter jeres ønsker
Premium

4-star hotels
1st class train

12 days / per person from
21.990,-
Includes train, sleeper cabin, hotels, transfers, and flights
  • Everything from the Standard package is included
  • Hotel with breakfast and train included
  • 4-star hotels and 1st class train
Rejsen kan tilpasses efter jeres ønsker
Populært

All prices are from prices and include:


  • All train journeys in 1st or 2nd class
  • All seat reservations where available
  • Double sleeper cabin with private toilet from Hamburg to Innsbruck
  • 2 nights in Bologna including breakfast
  • 2 nights in Bari including breakfast
  • 2 nights in Alberobello in a trulli house including breakfast
  • Private transfer from Alberobello to Matera
  • 2 nights in Matera in the Sassi district including breakfast
  • Transfer to the train station in Matera
  • 2 nights in Rome including breakfast
  • Transfer from Rome Airport to the train station
  • Flight home from Rome
  • 24-hour emergency phone service
  • Child discounts apply with at least 2 paying adults

All journeys can be tailored, combined, and customized to your preferences with different hotels, number of nights, cities, and travel by flight or train

About the travel options

Travel options vary from trip to trip – sometimes the journey is by train, other times by cruise or ferry. Here you can read more about what applies to this specific trip:

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