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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Austrian Lakes & Mountains

10-day rail journey from Zurich through Austrian Alps to Salzburg

Illustration of Austrian Lakes & Mountains

Marvellous Escapes designs this 10-day tailor-made rail holiday for independent travellers who want structure without constant group schedules. You begin in Zurich, board the Eurostar from London, and travel by TGV Lyria across France before crossing into Austria via the scenic Arlberg Pass on the OBB Railjet. The journey unfolds slowly: three nights in Innsbruck with an included card covering 22 museums and attractions, two nights in the alpine village of Mayrhofen where meadows and mountain cable cars invite exploration, and three nights in Salzburg, Austria's cultural heart. There, guided tours visit the 450-year-old salt mines and Sound of Music filming locations, and a half-day excursion reaches the lakeside village of Hallstatt. All nine nights include hotel breakfast, and Marvellous Escapes offers 24-hour on-trip support. The package suits couples seeking a balance of independence and expert guidance, history lovers drawn to Mozart's birthplace and Habsburg palaces, and rail enthusiasts who value named trains and Alpine scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The trip includes flights to and from the UK, which may add cost and carbon; train-only alternatives are mentioned but require separate arrangement.
  • Hotels are listed by location and night count only; specific names and star ratings are not published by the operator.
  • Day 10 offers a flight back to the UK or options to travel home by train or stay longer, requiring separate booking and cost for non-flight options.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Board the Eurostar from London to Zurich via Paris. Take a leisurely stroll through Zurich's Old Town (Altstadt), nestled between the alpine mountains and straddling the Limmat River.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Innsbruck

    Innsbruck

    Board a direct train bound for Innsbruck, relishing views of the Swiss and Austrian Alps over the Arlberg Pass, then check in for a two-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: Innsbruck

    Innsbruck

    Explore Innsbruck's Old Town, the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) and the Hofburg Palace. Your included Innsbruck Card grants access to 20+ attractions, museums, lifts and cable cars, plus the hop-on hop-off bus.

  4. Day 4overnight: Innsbruck

    Innsbruck

    A further day to explore Innsbruck's sights, including the Alpine Zoo and Ambras Castle, with free public transport via your Innsbruck Card.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Mayrhofen

    Mayrhofen

    A picturesque rail journey from Innsbruck to the alpine village of Mayrhofen through verdant Tyrolean valleys. Explore the village's quaint streets and cafes at leisure.

  6. Day 6overnight: Mayrhofen

    Mayrhofen

    A day at your own pace amid majestic mountains and lush meadows, with options for hiking trails, cable car rides up Penken or Ahorn, wellness centre visits, or an authentic Tyrolean meal.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Salzburg

    Salzburg

    A scenic rail journey from Mayrhofen to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the evening exploring Salzburg's Baroque streets and squares.

  8. Day 8overnight: Salzburg

    Salzburg

    Discover the best of Salzburg on an exciting Sound of Music & Salt Mines tour, touring the 450-year-old salt mines and iconic 'The Sound of Music' filming locations against the Salzkammergut backdrop.

  9. Day 9overnight: Salzburg

    Salzburg

    A captivating half-day tour to the picturesque lakeside village of Hallstatt, wandering its narrow cobblestone streets and taking in views of Lake Hallstatt, with an optional cable car to the salt mountain.

  10. Day 10rail

    Return home

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to Salzburg Airport for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, travel home by train or extend your stay in Europe.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board a direct train to Innsbruck, watching the Swiss and Austrian Alps unfold over the Arlberg Pass
  • Day 3Visit the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) and Hofburg Palace in Innsbruck with your included Innsbruck Card granting access to 20+ attractions and museums
  • Day 5Take a picturesque rail journey from Innsbruck through verdant Tyrolean valleys to the alpine village of Mayrhofen
  • Day 8Explore the 450-year-old salt mines and Sound of Music filming locations in the Salzkammergut region
  • Day 9Visit the lakeside village of Hallstatt on a half-day guided tour, walking narrow cobblestone streets with views of Lake Hallstatt

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Innsbruck with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Mayrhofen with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Salzburg with breakfast included
  • Secure reservations for the Eurostar & TGV Lyria trains
  • Rail throughout Austria
  • Private transfer to Salzburg Airport & return flight to the UK
  • Innsbruck Card with free entry into 22 museums and attractions
  • Sound of Music & Salt Mines day trip from Salzburg
  • Hallstatt Half-Day Tour from Salzburg

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The price includes Eurostar and TGV Lyria trains from the UK, plus rail throughout Austria. Return flights to the UK are also included.
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
It is an independent tailor-made journey between destinations. Guided day trips (Sound of Music & Salt Mines tour and Hallstatt half-day tour) are included from Salzburg. Marvellous Escapes provides 24-hour on-trip support.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar from London to Paris, TGV Lyria across France, and OBB Railjet through the Arlberg Pass to Innsbruck. Subsequent journeys use Austrian rail.
What hotels are included?
One night in Zurich, three nights in Innsbruck, two nights in Mayrhofen, and three nights in Salzburg. All include breakfast.
How much walking is involved?
Days include leisurely exploration of Old Towns and villages, plus a guided half-day tour to Hallstatt with walking on cobblestone streets. Mountain cable cars are optional.
What is not included?
Meals other than hotel breakfasts, cable car rides (except the optional salt mountain cable car near Hallstatt), museum entries beyond the Innsbruck Card, and travel on Day 10 after checkout unless by pre-arranged flight.

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