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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise & Rail Tour

Glacier Express, Austrian Alps & Danube Cruise

Fourteen-day rail and river journey from London through Swiss Alps and Danube capitals

Illustration of Glacier Express, Austrian Alps & Danube Cruise

Great Rail Journeys operates this 14-day escorted tour combining the legendary Glacier Express with a seven-night river cruise along the Danube, departing from London and returning via Brussels. The first five days explore the Swiss Alps and Austrian Tyrol by rail, with stays in four-star hotels and visits to the Lavaux wine region (a UNESCO site producing Chasselas), the alpine town of Innsbruck, and historic Chur. From day six onwards, you board MS Amadeus Cara (or a sister ship on selected dates) in Budapest for a luxury cruise downstream through Vienna, Bratislava, and the Wachau Valley, calling at Melk Abbey and ending in Passau. The entire journey includes guided sightseeing tours, a choice of excursions on day 11 (Salzburg or Český Krumlov), onboard entertainment from Vienna Philharmonic alumni, and full meals throughout. This tour suits repeat rail travellers, couples seeking guided cultural immersion, and history enthusiasts interested in imperial capitals and medieval monasteries.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (GBP 4199) covers rail, hotel, and cruise but First Class rail upgrades cost extra on selected departures
  • Single supplement is GBP 1900 (from GBP 6099 total), significantly above half the double rate
  • Day 11 offers a choice between Salzburg (with Austrian Lake District stop) or Český Krumlov; final excursion depends on your selection
  • Only one departure confirmed for August 2026; availability and pricing subject to confirmation

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Vevey

    A stunning start in Lake Geneva

    Meeting at London St Pancras, the holiday begins as guests board the Eurostar to Paris. From Paris, travel continues by rail to Lake Geneva. On arrival, transfer to the hotel in the picturesque town of Vevey for a two-night stay. First dinner together this evening.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Vevey

    The Lavaux wine region

    A local train to Cully in the Lavaux region, a UNESCO World Heritage site with terraced vineyards rising from the shores of Lake Geneva. Journey through the landscape on a local land train before visiting a nearby winery for a talk from the owner and a wine tasting with nibbles. Lavaux produces exceptional wines, mainly Chasselas.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Chur

    The iconic Glacier Express to Chur

    Board the magnificent Glacier Express for a panoramic journey through Swiss scenes of green meadows, evergreen forests and snow-capped mountains along the Rhine Valley. Spiral up mountains, cross vast viaducts, burrow through tunnels and rise above the clouds on the way to Chur. Explore Switzerland's oldest village and its Altstadt before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Innsbruck

    Arrival in Innsbruck

    Leave Switzerland and cross into Austria by rail to Innsbruck. Located in the Inn Valley against the dramatic backdrop of the Alps, Innsbruck is known for its imperial buildings and quaint Old Town with Renaissance and Baroque buildings and traditional Tyrolean architecture. After checking in, the evening is free to explore or relax. Note: on the 8th August departure there will be a short coach replacement from Buchs to Feldkirch. On the 27th June departure, guests travel by coach from Bad Ragaz to Feldkirch before continuing by rail.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Innsbruck

    The Zillertalbahn Railway to Mayrhofen

    A journey on the Zillertalbahn railway through Austria's Tyrol region, passing Tyrolean towns, lush meadows, and majestic peaks to the ski resort of Mayrhofen. Explore at leisure in the afternoon. Note: on the 3rd and 26th September departures, today features a journey on the Achensee Railway from Jenbach to Seespitz instead.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6railovernight: Budapest (onboard)

    Boarding our luxurious ship in Budapest

    Travel by rail to Budapest where the ship awaits. Welcome cocktails in the lounge, then first dinner on board accompanied by a performance from a traditional Hungarian folklore troupe. Evening night-time cruise along the Danube taking in the illuminated sights of Budapest including the neo-Gothic Parliament building, Buda's Baroque castle, and the Chain Bridge. Note: for departures on 3rd September the ship will be MS Amadeus Nova; for 26th September departures the ship will be MS Amadeus Star.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Danube (onboard, cruising)

    Exploring Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'

    Sightseeing tour of Budapest exploring Heroes Square, the State Opera House, St Stephen's Basilica, Matthias Church, and Fisherman's Bastion. Free time after lunch on board. Sailing upstream through the evening, navigate the scenic Danube Bend passing Visegrad and Esztergom.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Danube (onboard, cruising)

    Uncovering the old-world charm of Bratislava

    Arrive in Bratislava, Slovakia's capital. Guided tour admiring attractive squares, idyllic streets, grand palaces, historic churches, and quirky statues. Views from the hilltop castle across the Old Town and the SNP Bridge. Free time after lunch to explore the Old Town or discover Soviet-era architecture. Set sail again after dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Vienna (onboard)

    Embracing the imperial majesty of Vienna

    Guided tour of Vienna uncovering Austria's imperial heritage along the Ringstrasse boulevard, seeing the Opera House and Parliament. Free time to explore St Stephen's Cathedral, museums, Schönbrunn Palace, or enjoy Sachertorte at a coffeehouse. Evening entertainment from four former members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Danube (onboard, cruising)

    Melk Abbey and the scenic Wachau Valley

    Arrive in Dürnstein for free time to wander the charming streets and admire the powder blue Baroque church tower and hilltop castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Lunch on board while sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Dock in Emmersdorf for a guided visit to Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine Abbey atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11overnight: Danube (onboard, cruising into Germany)

    Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District or Český Krumlov

    Wake in Linz with a choice of two excursions. Option 1: Day trip to Salzburg with a stop in the Austrian Lake District, then a guided sightseeing tour of Salzburg's UNESCO-listed Old Town including Getreidegasse where Mozart was born. Option 2: Excursion to Český Krumlov in Czechia, exploring the palatial castle and UNESCO-listed Old Town. Return to ship for dinner and overnight cruise into Germany.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. Day 12overnight: Passau (onboard)

    Crossing the German border to Passau

    Conclude the Danube cruise drifting through beautiful scenery into Germany. After lunch, arrive in Passau for a guided tour of the 'Three Rivers City' at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Explore the Baroque Old Town including St Stephen's Cathedral and the Veste Oberhaus fortress. Farewell gala dinner on board this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  13. Day 13railovernight: Cologne (or Mainz on selected departures)

    From the Danube to the Rhine-side city of Cologne

    Disembark after breakfast and travel by coach to Munich, then by train through Germany to Cologne. The city is dominated by its Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest church in northern Europe. Check in to the hotel for an overnight stop with free time to explore before the final dinner together. Note: on the 3rd & 26th September departures, travel is to Mainz for an overnight stay instead.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  14. Day 14rail

    Homeward bound

    Leave Cologne by rail after breakfast, travel to Brussels, then board the Eurostar to London St Pancras where the holiday concludes.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Local train through the Lavaux UNESCO World Heritage wine region with vineyard terraces overlooking Lake Geneva, followed by a winery visit and Chasselas wine tasting
  • Day 3Day 3: Glacier Express journey in panoramic carriages through the Swiss Alps, climbing mountains, crossing viaducts, and tunnelling through peaks to reach Chur
  • Day 5Day 5: Zillertalbahn railway through Austria's Tyrol to Mayrhofen, passing Tyrolean towns and majestic alpine peaks
  • Day 6Day 6: Night-time cruise along the Danube in Budapest viewing the illuminated neo-Gothic Parliament, Buda's castle, and Chain Bridge, with traditional Hungarian folklore performance
  • Day 10Day 10: Guided visit to Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine monastery perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube in the Wachau Valley

Included

  • Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 6 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Cara (or MS Amadeus Nova / MS Amadeus Star on selected departures)
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • Eurostar Standard Class travel
  • Standard Class rail travel throughout (First Class option available on selected departures)
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast each day
  • 3 dinners on the Glacier Express & Austrian Alps portion of the tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the cruise including a spectacular gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
  • Complimentary luggage service from home to the ship and back (one case per cabin)
  • Swiss Half Fare Card permitting 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railways
  • A superb choice of excursions
  • Hungarian traditional folklore troupe performance
  • Onboard entertainment from former members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar Standard Class from London to Paris and Brussels, the Glacier Express in panoramic carriages, the Zillertalbahn railway, and standard-class rail throughout. First Class upgrades are optional on selected departures.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team throughout the 14 days.
What is included in the price?
Six nights in four-star hotels, seven-night river cruise with five-star service, all breakfast, lunch and dinner (including a gala dinner and drinks package on the cruise), all rail and coach travel, guided tours in major cities, Swiss Half Fare Card for 50% discounts on free days, luggage service from home to ship and return, and onboard entertainment.
What hotels are included?
Four-star hotels in Vevey (two nights), Chur (one night), Innsbruck (two nights), and Cologne or Mainz (one night on selected departures). The remainder of the tour is spent on the river cruise ship MS Amadeus Cara or sister ships.
When does this tour run?
August 2026 is the confirmed departure month. The operator may offer other dates; contact them to confirm availability.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes guided walking tours in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Passau, plus free exploration time in several towns. Visits to Melk Abbey and hilltop locations involve stairs and uneven terrain.

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