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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

European Wonderland

Scenic rail circuit via the Bernina Express from Milan to Munich

Illustration of European Wonderland

Railbookers operates this 15-day independent rail vacation from Milan to Munich, running through St. Moritz, Zurich, Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague. The route opens with one of Europe's classic scenic train rides: the Bernina Express from Tirano to St. Moritz, crossing the Brusio spiral viaduct and the Bernina Pass summit, with views of Lake Bianco and the Morteratsch Glacier along the way. From there, days alternate between free time to explore on your own, as in Milan and Zurich, and included extras such as a multi-day Vienna Pass covering top sights like Schonbrunn Palace, and a hop-on hop-off tour of Prague's Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle, and Charles Bridge. Food runs through the itinerary too, from Zurich's fondue to Vienna's coffeehouses and Munich's beer gardens. Vienna gets the longest stay at three nights, while Milan is a single overnight stop. The trip suits independent travelers who want a long, varied tour of central Europe's cities and mountain scenery without a fixed group schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • A day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich is suggested on day 14, but the itinerary describes it as something to do 'on your own,' not an included excursion.
  • The evidence pack lists no specific departure dates for this tour; confirm current availability and timing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Milan

    Milan

    Welcome to Italy's fashion capital. The day is free to explore the city on your own. You'll discover monuments and art galleries, delicious cuisine, quaint cobbled streets and charming courtyards, picturesque canals, and the Duomo's hidden treasures. (Overnight in Milan)

  2. Day 2railovernight: St. Moritz

    Bernina Express

    Travel from Milan to Tirano by train then board the legendary Bernina Express to St. Moritz. This panoramic journey will take you over the Brusio spiral viaduct, past Puschlaversee, over Alp Grum and onto the summit of the Bernina Pass. Before you arrive in the resort town of St. Moritz, the train travels along Lake Bianco and the Morteratsch Glacier. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a stroll around the lake or experience the glitz and glamour of the casinos. (Overnight in St. Moritz)

  3. Day 3overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    Enjoy a full day soaking up the scenery of St. Moritz , famous for its champagne climate and its glamorous ski scene. It is said that winter sports were invented here, and there are plenty of activities to choose from in winter and summer. Explore some of the 112 miles of walking trails, some through Switzerland's only national park. Or try your hand at mountain biking, windsurfing, golf, or of course skiing. Alternatively, for a bit of culture, head to the Segantini Museum. (Overnight in St. Moritz)

  4. Day 4overnight: Zurich

    St. Moritz to Zurich

    Make your way to Zurich by way of St. Moritz and Chur. Once settled, step out and explore the city on your own. Peruse the shops along the Bahnhofstrasse, famed as one of the most attractive shopping streets in the world, or find a great restaurant for dinner. (Overnight in Zurich)

  5. Day 5overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Try some fondue at a local restaurant and enjoy a cup of Gluhwein while strolling around. Learn all about the history of Switzerland at the Landesmuseum and stroll through the much-loved Kunsthaus art gallery to see the works of Van Gogh, Rodin and Monet. Later, wander through the narrow streets of the Niederdorf district and check out some other top attractions. (Overnight in Zurich)

  6. Day 6railovernight: Salzburg

    Zurich to Salzburg

    Board your direct train to Salzburg via the Arlberg Railway through the gorgeous Arlberg Pass. The city is beautiful year-round with its storybook village complete with a castle atop a hill. In addition to incredible architecture, it was also the setting for the 1965 movie the Sound of Music, and the birthplace of Mozart. (Overnight in Salzburg)

  7. Day 7overnight: Salzburg

    Salzburg

    Spend the day discovering the beauty and charm of Salzburg at your own leisure. Explore the city’s baroque architecture, stroll through the quaint streets of Old Town, or take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for stunning views over the city. For a touch of old-world elegance, consider a horse and carriage ride through the historic center. (Overnight in Salzburg)

  8. Day 8overnight: Vienna

    Salzburg to Vienna

    It's time to experience the Austrian capital, from its Parliament and City Hall to Hofburg Palace. All of Vienna seems to be postcard-perfect. Stop at an authentic Viennese coffeehouse, soak up culture at a concert at the world-famous Vienna State Opera House, or fuel up on delicious cuisine. (Overnight in Vienna)

  9. Day 9overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Use your included Vienna Pass for free admission to top sights, such as Schonbrunn Palace and Schonbrunn Zoo, the Giant Ferris Wheel, the Beethoven Museum, Forchtenstein Castle, Madame Tussauds, Vienna Ring Tram, and so much more! Hungry? Try everything from schnitzel to sausages, hearty stews, and mouth-watering cakes. (Overnight in Vienna)

  10. Day 10overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Continue using your Vienna Pass to explore the city further. With so much to see and do, there's no telling what kind of adventures you'll have today. Visit the Liechtenstein Castle, Spanish Riding School, Albertina, Danube Tower, House of Music, Schubert's birthplace, or the Imperial Burial Vault. (Overnight in Vienna)

  11. Day 11railovernight: Prague

    Vienna to Prague

    Travel by train to Prague, known as the city of a Hundred Spires. Prague is a must-visit for travelers who love history and beautiful architecture. (Overnight in Prague)

  12. Day 12overnight: Prague

    Prague

    Take advantage of your included hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of the city. See the 15th-centry Astronomical Clock in National Square, Prague Castle, Strahov Monastery, Kampa Island, Dancing House and, of course, the world-famous Charles Bridge. Visit Malo¡ Strana, also known as Lesser Town, historic Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Later, check out Petro­n Hill and Observation Tower on your own. Or, browse through an art gallery before heading to a charming cafe or bar. Supposedly, Prague has the best beer in all of Europe.(Overnight in Prague)

  13. Day 13railovernight: Munich

    Prague to Munich

    This morning, board your train to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Visit Marienplatz with its impressive Town Hall and ornate Glockenspiel. Why not experience Munich's hospitality at a traditional beer garden? (Overnight in Munich)

  14. Day 14overnight: Munich

    Munich

    Munich may be famous for Lederhosen, beer, and Oktoberfest, but there's so much more to this city. Spend the day wandering along beautiful neo-classical parts of the city such as LudwigStrasse & LeopoldStrasse, choose from over 80 museums to visit, get an aerial view of the city from St. Peter's Church, or take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle on your own. (Overnight in Munich)

  15. Day 15

    Your Journey Ends in Munich

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels. B View The Full Map

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Bernina Express runs from Tirano to St. Moritz over the Brusio spiral viaduct, past Alp Grum and the Bernina Pass summit, and along Lake Bianco and the Morteratsch Glacier.
  • Day 6A direct train to Salzburg travels via the Arlberg Railway through the Arlberg Pass.
  • Day 9The included multi-day Vienna Pass grants free admission to top sights such as Schonbrunn Palace and Schonbrunn Zoo and the Giant Ferris Wheel.
  • Day 12A hop-on hop-off tour of Prague takes in the 15th-century Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle, and the Charles Bridge.
  • Day 13The train to Munich arrives in time to visit Marienplatz, with its Town Hall and Glockenspiel.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
  • 2 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in St. Moritz
  • 2 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 2 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in Salzburg
  • 3 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in Vienna
  • 2 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in Prague
  • 2 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in Munich Seat reservations on the Bernina Express from Tirano to St. Moritz Multi-day Vienna Pass, which includes Admission to top attractions and museums
  • Free public transportation and discounts throughout the city
  • Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour in Prague

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Railbookers includes rail travel throughout, including seat reservations on the Bernina Express from Tirano to St. Moritz and the Arlberg Railway to Salzburg.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. Several days are free to explore on your own, such as Milan, Zurich, and Salzburg, with a hop-on hop-off tour included in Prague.
What is included in the price?
Railbookers includes 14 nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, rail travel throughout, seat reservations on the Bernina Express, a multi-day Vienna Pass with admission to top attractions, and a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour in Prague.
What is the Bernina Express?
It is a scenic train from Tirano to St. Moritz that crosses the Brusio spiral viaduct, Alp Grum, and the Bernina Pass summit, passing Lake Bianco and the Morteratsch Glacier.
Is the Neuschwanstein Castle day trip included?
No. The itinerary lists it as an optional day trip from Munich to do 'on your own,' not an included excursion.

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