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Rail Escape

Alps Tour: Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Zurich

Nine-day Alpine rail loop through Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Zurich

Illustration of Alps Tour: Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Zurich

Rail Escape's nine-day Alps Tour moves through Bavaria, Austria, and Switzerland by first-class rail, departing Munich and concluding in Zurich with two-night stays in Salzburg and Innsbruck along the way. The itinerary balances cultural exploration in each city with easy access to Alpine scenery and mountain attractions. Days one and two in Munich showcase the Bavarian capital: Marienplatz square, Nymphenburg Palace, and the English Garden occupy your unscheduled time. From there, rail carries you to Salzburg, where baroque churches, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and Mozart's birthplace mark the exploration days. Innsbruck comes next, positioned in the Austrian Alps with options for cable-car rides and hiking. The journey concludes in Zurich with its Old Town, museums, and lakeside setting. Four-star hotels near train stations, daily breakfast, and airport transfers anchor the package. This itinerary suits repeat rail travellers, couples wanting unhurried city stops, and those drawn to Alpine history and architecture.

What to know before you look closer

  • Rail Escape states that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating despite the overall first-class promise
  • Excursions, activities, and entrance fees to museums and attractions are not included in the from-price
  • Lunch and dinner are not included; all meals beyond breakfast are the guest's responsibility
  • Airport transfers are included, but local transportation within cities (taxis, buses, subways) is not

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Munich

    Arrive in Munich

    Welcome to the Bavarian capital! After checking into your hotel for a two-night stay, spend your afternoon getting acquainted with Munich's old town area. Visit the iconic Marienplatz square with its striking New Town Hall and glockenspiel clock. Don't miss the chance to raise a stein at one of Munich's classic beer halls like Hofbräuhaus. [Night in Munich]

  2. Day 2overnight: Munich

    Munich's Palaces and Parks

    Today, explore some of Munich's most famous attractions like the enormous Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty. You could also visit the Alte Pinakothek museum housing one of the world's finest collections of European art. End your day with a stroll through the English Garden, one of the largest city parks. [Night in Munich]

  3. Day 3railovernight: Salzburg

    Travel to Salzburg

    After breakfast, depart Munich and take the train to the Austrian city of Salzburg. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Get oriented by visiting the iconic Salzburg Cathedral and Residenzplatz square in the UNESCO-listed Old Town. You may also want to see some of the filming locations from "The Sound of Music." [Night in Salzburg]

  4. Day 4overnight: Salzburg

    Discover Salzburg

    Salzburg has an incredible wealth of baroque churches and palaces to explore. Visit the stunning Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest preserved castles in Europe. You can also tour Mozart's birthplace and residence. End your day with a delicious sampling of local food specialties like kasnocken pasta. [Night in Salzburg]

  5. Day 5railovernight: Innsbruck

    Journey to Innsbruck

    Leave Salzburg after breakfast and travel by train to the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck, nestled amidst the Austrian Alps. After checking into your hotel for two nights, spend the afternoon strolling along the famed Maria-Theresien-Strasse and seeing sights like the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace. [Night in Innsbruck]

  6. Day 6overnight: Innsbruck

    The Austrian Alps

    Take today to experience the incredible natural beauty surrounding Innsbruck. You could ride up the Nordkette Cable Car for spectacular views over the Inn Valley. Another iconic attraction is the Bergisel Ski Jump offering panoramic vistas. Hiking trails also allow you to explore the alpine landscape up close. [Night in Innsbruck]

  7. Day 7overnight: Zurich

    Travel to Zurich

    After breakfast, depart Innsbruck and cross into Switzerland to the city of Zurich. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend your afternoon exploring the unmistakable Swiss charm of Zurich's Old Town and strolling along the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most upscale shopping avenues. [Night in Zurich]

  8. Day 8overnight: Zurich

    Zurich's Highlights

    Today you can experience the top attractions of the cosmopolitan Swiss city. Take a walking tour across the churches and guildhalls of Old Town. You could also visit one of Zurich's world-class museums like the Swiss National Museum or Kunsthaus art museum. End your day with a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich. [Night in Zurich]

  9. Day 9

    Depart Zurich

    Enjoy your final morning in Zurich visiting any sights you missed before departing for your next destination. If time allows, you could explore one of Zurich's charming neighborhoods like hip Zurich West or ride up Uetliberg mountain for panoramic views.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Explore Munich's Marienplatz square and its New Town Hall with its glockenspiel clock; visit a traditional beer hall like Hofbräuhaus
  • Day 2Day 2: Tour Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty, or stroll the English Garden, one of the largest city parks
  • Day 4Day 4: Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest preserved castles in Europe, and tour Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg
  • Day 6Day 6: Ride the Nordkette Cable Car from Innsbruck for panoramic views over the Inn Valley and the surrounding Austrian Alps
  • Day 8Day 8: Take a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich after walking through the Old Town and visiting world-class museums

Included

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey.
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience.
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options.
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Not included

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights.
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs.
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility.
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered.
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion.
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included.

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. Rail Escape includes first-class rail travel throughout the itinerary, though some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
Which cities does the tour visit?
The nine-day tour departs Munich, travels to Salzburg, then Innsbruck, and ends in Zurich, with two nights in each city.
What hotels are included?
Rail Escape books four-star hotels: 25 Hours The Royal Bavarian in Munich, Dorint City Hotel Salzburg, Grauer Bär in Innsbruck, and Hotel Glockenhof in Zurich.
What meals are included?
Daily full breakfast is provided at all hotels. Lunch, dinner, and snacks are not included and are at your own expense.
Are entrance fees to museums and attractions included?
No. Entrance fees to museums, castles, and other attractions are not included and must be paid separately.
Is airport transportation included?
Yes. Airport transfers upon arrival and departure are included. Local transportation within cities such as taxis, buses, and subways is not.

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