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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

GRJ All Inclusive Austria: Highlights of the Alps

Nine-day escorted Austrian Alps journey from London via heritage railways

Illustration of GRJ All Inclusive Austria: Highlights of the Alps

Great Rail Journeys operates this nine-day escorted journey into the Austrian Tyrol and neighbouring Bavaria, departing from London and returning there nine days later. The tour combines rail travel, including the steam-hauled Achensee Railway and the Pinzgauer Railway, with coach transfers and a lake cruise, creating a mix of heritage railway experiences and scenic Alpine landscapes. Travellers spend six nights based in Kirchberg in Tirol, a small mountain town, with two full free days to explore independently or join optional excursions. The itinerary brings you to Krimml Waterfalls, where you can walk the marked trails beside Europe's highest mountainside waterfall, to the emerald waters of Achensee by boat, and to Eagle's Nest above Berchtesgaden. All-inclusive pricing covers breakfast and dinner each day, picnic lunches, unlimited drinks during your stay in Kirchberg, entrance fees to major attractions, and the expertise of a Tour Manager from departure to return. With a maximum group size of 40 and a relaxed pace built around the six-night base, this tour suits couples, repeat rail travellers, and those seeking guided comfort in the mountains.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 1,499 covers the package; Eurostar Standard Class is included, but optional upgrades to Eurostar Plus Class are available at additional cost.
  • Two hotel options are listed for Kirchberg (Lifthotel or Hotel Kroneck); your final accommodation depends on availability and the operator's assignment.
  • Unlimited drinks are offered 9am-10pm daily in Kirchberg and exclude spirits and drinks in the cellar bar.

Day by day

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Board the Achensee Railway, a steam-hauled heritage line, for a 4-mile journey to Seespitz on Achensee, the Tyrolean Sea, followed by a coach journey into the Gramai Valley and a boat cruise back across the lake.
  • Day 6Visit Krimml Waterfalls, Europe's highest mountainside waterfall at nearly 1,250 feet, with entrance included and free time to walk the different trails.
  • Day 6Travel on the Pinzgauer Railway from Niedernsill to Zell am See, then enjoy free time to stroll the lakefront promenade.
  • Day 7Ascend to Eagle's Nest above Berchtesgaden by lift inside the mountain for panoramic views, then visit Königssee, Germany's most beautiful lake, for a picnic lunch.

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar Standard Class to and from Brussels, regional InterCity trains across Germany and Austria, and two heritage railways: the Achensee Railway and the Pinzgauer Railway. A lake cruise on Achensee is also included.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is an escorted tour. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager for the entire nine days, leading guided excursions and accompanying the group throughout.
What is included in the all-inclusive package?
Included are eight nights of hotel accommodation, breakfast and dinner daily, five picnic lunches, unlimited drinks between 9am-10pm at Kirchberg (house wine, draught beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee), afternoon coffee and cakes between 3pm-4.30pm at Kirchberg, all rail and coach travel, a boat cruise, entrance to Krimml Waterfalls, and all guided tours and excursions. Cancellation and travel insurance are not included.
How many days are spent in Kirchberg?
Six nights are spent in Kirchberg in Tirol. You have two free days (Day 3 and Day 5) to explore the area or undertake optional excursions to nearby towns such as Kitzbühel, Innsbruck, or Kufstein fortress.
What physical activity is involved?
The tour includes scenic hillside strolls in Kirchberg, walking the trails at Krimml Waterfalls, exploring Berchtesgaden and Königssee lakefront, and strolling Zell am See. An ascent to Eagle's Nest is by lift inside the mountain, requiring minimal physical exertion.
When does this tour run?
Great Rail Journeys publishes scheduled departures; confirm current dates directly with the operator, as engineering works may affect certain months (noted for September and October departures).

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