Munich to Val Gardena

The flight from Singapore to Munich was uneventful, which is exactly what you want from a long-haul overnight.

My paranoia about the EU's new Entry/Exit System proved unfounded. The horror stories online of hours of queuing, missed flights, and general bureaucratic carnage did not materialise. We walked straight through the pre-registration kiosks (where the fingerprints and photo were taken) and onto the joined the manual processing queue at 7am. By 7:12 we were done, waved through by an immigration officer who didn't utter a single word. Suited us perfectly. He was extremely efficient. Our bags arrived at the carousel four minutes later.

A straightforward 30-minute S-Bahn ride took us from München Flughafen to München Ost. Pro tip: if you're travelling in a group, the Airport-City-Day-Ticket (Group) covering Zones M-5 is worth knowing about - €32.50 for up to five people, with 24 hours of unlimited travel included.

We made it to the European continent! Only 2 trains, and a drive to go to get to our final destination

It was hot. Thank goodness there was a seat in the shade

Carriage numbers and platform markers so you know exactly where to wait and get on the train quickly at the right door

At München Ost, we found ourselves doing what we had become very good at: waiting. We'd built in generous contingency time based on those EES horror stories — contingency that turned out to be entirely unnecessary. Our train to Bressanone (or Brixen, if you prefer the German) didn't leave until 11:33, which left us time to have breakfast at a French bakery...because apparently that's what you do in Germany. Oh and of course make an Aldi run for snacks and supplies.

We had booked our train tickets the moment they were released and secured a mini business compartment - four seats, enclosed, with attendant service. We were like Chinamen who had just left their country for the first time, oohing and aahing over every feature. Helena, our attendant, came around to take our orders for included drinks — including alcoholic options for those who felt that 11am on a train through the Alps was entirely appropriate timing. The scenery, winding through the Alps and across Austria, was the kind that makes you put your phone away and just look.

We had calmed down by now. Ample storage

Very happy with our little cabin.

View of the plebs from our cabin

Small bag holder for each passenger

Charging station

Free drink and the terrible currywurst that Mal purchased. Can you spot Ali's massive lemonade in the background

A very scenic train ride

After about 3.5 hours, we arrived in Bressanone to find our pre-arranged taxi driver waiting, which was just as well, as several other travellers made pointed attempts to poach him. Apparently taxis are scarce.

By the time we pulled up to  Hotel Montchalet  in Ortisei, we had been travelling for 47 hours. The hotel was beautiful, charming without being fussy, stylish without trying too hard. A brief tour of the facilities, and then, mercifully, our rooms. A chance to play around with the shower features, a quick dinner and we all crashed...

Bressanone Station. We didn't have to look at anything else

Because Alexander was already waiting for us

Very beautiful 40 min drive

Hotel Montchalet. Cosy yet stylish

Outdoor seating with hidden hot tub in the corner

Indoor pool

Our room

Bathroom

With the highest tech shower I have ever seen. It can transform into a steam room in 15 min.

Which button should I press first...

Our bedroom

Of course when you're in Italy you get a fancy coffee machine in the room

One of our two balconies. Richard and Ali's room has an amazing view of the mountain and village

Complimentary bread service at dinner. Only the Italians would make it look like a sculpture

Complimentary welcome appetiser. Beetroot, prawn tartare and passionfruit sauce

We ordered quick...

...as well as comfort food. This was speck dumpling soup. Delicious

Well done us! We made it and we're still awake!

We came back to find this. Lovely touch.