Great Rail Journeys
Walk & Tour: Austrian Alps, Tyrol & Alpbach
9 daysfrom $3,605
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Italian Christmas & Austrian New Year
Celebrate the festive period in two of Europe's most spectacular winter destinations. Shimmering Lake Garda at Christmas is truly enchanting, while traditional Innsbruck is the perfect place to enjoy New Year's celebrations.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Turin
London to Turin: Crossing the Alps to Italy
Meeting the Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras, join the Eurostar in Plus class with a light meal served en route to Paris. In Paris, change for the First Class service direct to Turin. This scenic journey passes the Alps. Check in to the hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy the first dinner of the tour at the hotel restaurant.
Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Bardolino, Lake Garda
Through northern Italy to Lake Garda
After breakfast, a full morning to explore Turin at leisure. In the afternoon, continue by rail through northern Italy, passing Milan on the way to Peschiera del Garda, then by coach to Bardolino on Lake Garda. Check in to the four-star hotel for five nights. Welcomed with a glass of prosecco before a three-course dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Bardolino, Lake Garda
Christmas Eve in Sirmione, the 'Pearl of Lake Garda'
Travel to the enchanting lakeside town of Sirmione for leisure time. Explore the medieval town, the Rocca Scaligera castle, the Grotte di Catullo Roman villa remains, or enjoy cafés and trattorias. Return to the hotel in Bardolino in the afternoon, then celebrate Christmas Eve with a gala dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Bardolino, Lake Garda
Celebrate Christmas Day on Lake Garda
Morning free to enjoy as you wish – walk beside Lake Garda, visit Cisano village or Bardolino. In the early afternoon, gather for a festive Christmas lunch at a historic venue in the centre of Bardolino. A three-course dinner in the evening leads into live music entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Bardolino, Lake Garda
Raise a glass on a Boxing Day wine tasting
After breakfast, a Boxing Day excursion by coach to the Franciacorta wine region. Visit a local winery for a tour of the production process, followed by an expert-led tasting of different vintages accompanied by local specialities. Return to the hotel for tea, coffee and pastries, then a gala dinner in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Bardolino, Lake Garda
Experience the timeless charm of Venice on a guided tour
After breakfast, take a train to Venice. A private boat transfer goes to St Mark's Square for a guided walking tour including the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and Rialto Bridge. Free time to explore – optional gondola ride, visit Murano, or enjoy a café. Private boat transfer back to the station, then return to Lake Garda for a three-course dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7railovernight: Innsbruck
Touring Verona then crossing the Alps to Austria
Leave Lake Garda by coach to Verona for a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre, including Juliet's balcony and the Roman arena. Free time for lunch around Piazza Brà. In mid-afternoon, board the train for a direct journey to Innsbruck via the Brenner Pass. Check in to the hotel in Innsbruck's Old Town for five nights. Three-course dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8overnight: Innsbruck
The historic Zillertalbahn to charming Mayrhofen
Travel on the Zillertalbahn through the Ziller Valley, passing the Ziller river, Tyrolean towns and snow-covered meadows. Arrive in Mayrhofen for leisure time – optional gondola cable car to Penken summit, cobbled street walks, or visit the Ahorn Eagle's Stage. Return journey to the hotel and dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9overnight: Innsbruck
A guided tour of idyllic Innsbruck
After breakfast, a guided walking tour of Innsbruck's Old Town, including Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse, the Hölbling house, the 14th-century watchtower and the Golden Roof. Free afternoon to explore further – optional Nordkette Cable Car designed by Zaha Hadid for views across the Tyrolean Alps at over 7,000 feet. Dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10overnight: Innsbruck
Riding the Stubaitalbahn on New Year's Eve
After breakfast, journey through the Stubai Valley aboard the narrow-gauge Stubaitalbahn from Innsbruck, winding through meadows, sleepy villages, icy forests and alpine meadows to Fulpmes. Back in Innsbruck, relax before a fabulous New Year's Eve gala dinner with wine.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 11overnight: Innsbruck
New Year's Day in picturesque Innsbruck
Day free to explore Innsbruck – walk beside the Inn River, visit the Innsbrucker Hofgarten, explore the baroque cathedral or gothic Hofkirche. Optional use of the hotel's spa and wellness facilities. Three-course dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 12railovernight: Cologne
To historic Cologne on the River Rhine
Transfer to Innsbruck station and travel by rail down the Inn valley to Munich, then change trains and continue through Germany – passing Augsburg, Ulm, Schwäbisch Gmünd and Limburg an der Lahn – to Cologne. Check in to the overnight hotel. Dinner served this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 13rail
Homeward bound
After final breakfast, take the train from Cologne to Brussels. From Brussels, join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras in Plus Class with a light meal onboard. Arrive in London and the festive holiday comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 12 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Plus class travel
- First & Standard Class rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Eurostar light meals
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- 1 lunch (Christmas Day festive lunch)
- All guided tours and excursions
- Private boat transfers in Venice
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.
- Vacations By Railfrom $5,799
