Great Rail Journeys
Classic Austrian Alps
9 daysfrom $2,536
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
GRJ All Inclusive Austria: Highlights of the Alps
Relax amongst the splendour of mountain peaks and meandering meadows when you embark on an escorted Austrian rail holiday in the Tyrol.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Mannheim
London to Mannheim
Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras and board the Eurostar to Brussels. Switch trains and continue via Cologne to Mannheim, set at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. The Mannheim Baroque Palace, one of the largest in Europe, is a short walk from the hotel. First dinner together as a group.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Kirchberg in Tirol
Through Germany to picturesque Kirchberg
After breakfast, walk to Mannheim station and take a train to Austria via Ulm and Munich, crossing the Austrian border through beautiful alpine valleys. Transfer by coach from Wörgl to Kirchberg in Tirol for a six-night stay. The hotel features a pool, spa and wellness centre. First dinner in Austria with all-inclusive package including unlimited drinks 9am–10pm. Note: during 9 May, 23 May, 13 June and 20 June departures, the wellness area and outdoor pool at Hotel Kroneck will be under refurbishment; guests may use the sister hotel's facilities.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Kirchberg in Tirol
Free day to discover the Austrian Alps
Full day at leisure to unwind at the hotel spa, explore Kirchberg in Tirol, or head further afield. The parish church with its green spire sits on a small hill. Scenic hillside strolls offer great valley views; swimming in the 'badesee' (bathing lake) is popular. Return to the hotel for dinner and drinks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4railovernight: Kirchberg in Tirol
The 'Tyrolean Sea' and Gramai Valley
Coach to Jenbach, then board the steam-hauled Achensee Railway for a 4-mile journey to Seespitz on the shores of Achensee – the 'Tyrolean Sea'. Continue by coach into the Gramai Valley for views of idyllic meadows and the Karwendel Mountains, plus a tasting of Kaiserschmarrn. Cruise back across Achensee, disembarking at Scholastika before returning to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: Kirchberg in Tirol
Exploring the Tyrol or further afield at leisure
Free day with options including Kitzbühel (short train ride), St Johann, Kufstein fortress, or Innsbruck with its cathedral, Hofkirche, Goldenes Dachl and Hölbling house. Return to the hotel for dinner and drinks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Kirchberg in Tirol
Krimml Waterfalls and Zell am See
Visit the Krimml Waterfalls – Europe's highest mountainside waterfall with a drop of nearly 1,250 feet. Entrance included; free time to walk the different trails and enjoy a picnic lunch. Continue by coach along the Salzach Valley to Niedernsill, then board the Pinzgauer Railway to Zell am See. Free time to stroll the lakefront promenade and Stadtplatz. Note: on September and October departures, engineering works mean travel by regional train between Fürth/Kaprun and Mittersill.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: Kirchberg in Tirol
Königssee and the infamous Eagle's Nest
Cross into Germany and travel to Berchtesgaden. Ascend to the Eagle's Nest by lift inside the mountain for panoramic views; free time to explore this historic site. Descend by coach to Königssee – Germany's most beautiful lake – for picnic lunch and free time. Return to Kirchberg for the final dinner and drinks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8railovernight: Cologne
Through Germany to Cologne
Coach transfer from Kirchberg to Wörgl, then train across the German border to Munich and on to Cologne. Admire views of picturesque towns, broad rivers, perching castles and dense forests. Check in to a central Cologne hotel and enjoy the final group dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast, make way to Cologne station and board the train to Brussels, then switch to the Eurostar service to London St Pancras, where the alpine adventure concludes.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 8 nights' 3 or 4-star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Standard Class travel
- All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- 5 picnic lunches
- Unlimited drinks included each day between 9am–10pm in Kirchberg (house wine, draught beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee; excludes spirits and drinks in the cellar bar)
- Afternoon coffee and cakes each day between 3pm–4.30pm in Kirchberg
- All guided tours and excursions
- Entrance to Krimml Waterfalls
Not included
- Cancellation and travel insurance
