Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Sleeper Journey through Austria

Ten-day sleeper train loop from London through Vienna, Salzburg and Hallstatt

Illustration of Sleeper Journey through Austria

Marvellous Escapes offers this 10-day independent tailor-made rail journey from London to Austria combining the romance of sleeper train travel with cultural exploration. You depart London by Eurostar to Brussels for one night, then board the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train for an overnight journey to Vienna. The Austrian capital offers three nights with included breakfast, a 48-hour hop on hop off sightseeing bus pass, and a memorable evening at Schönbrunn Palace featuring a guided tour, dinner and classical concert. From Vienna you travel by day train through Alpine scenery to Salzburg for three nights, with included guided excursions to the Sound of Music filming locations and historic salt mines set deep in the mountains, plus a half-day visit to the lakeside village of Hallstatt. Your return to London follows another night aboard the NightJet sleeper train from Salzburg to Brussels, departing the morning after arrival. This trip suits repeat rail travellers drawn to sleeper train romance, couples seeking cultural evenings, and history lovers interested in imperial Vienna and Mozart's Salzburg.

What to know before you look closer

  • The trip begins and ends in London but uses Eurostar to reach Brussels; confirm London St Pancras departure logistics with Marvellous Escapes.
  • Day 10 return to London depends on Eurostar connections from Brussels; check schedules as part of your booking.
  • Vienna and Salzburg hotels are not named in the evidence; confirm specific properties and their star ratings before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Brussels

    Brussels

    Begin your European rail adventure as you travel from London to Brussels by Eurostar. On arrival, enjoy time to explore the Belgian capital, known for its grand squares, elegant architecture and famous chocolate shops.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Onboard sleeper train

    Vienna

    Enjoy a free day to discover Brussels at your leisure, perhaps exploring the Grand Place or sampling traditional Belgian cuisine before your overnight rail journey. Later this evening, board the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train for your overnight journey to Vienna.

  3. Day 3overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Arrive into the elegant Austrian capital of Vienna and begin exploring with your included 48 hour hop on hop off sightseeing bus ticket, discovering grand boulevards, imperial architecture and historic landmarks at your own pace.

  4. Day 4overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Continue discovering Vienna today using your hop on hop off sightseeing ticket. Perhaps visit St Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace or enjoy coffee and cake in one of the city's traditional cafés.

  5. Day 5overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Today is free for further exploration before enjoying a memorable evening experience at the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, with a guided palace tour followed by dinner and a classical concert.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Salzburg

    Salzburg

    Travel by rail through the Austrian countryside to the beautiful city of Salzburg. Surrounded by Alpine scenery and famous as the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg offers charming streets, baroque architecture and a rich musical heritage.

  7. Day 7overnight: Salzburg

    Salzburg

    Enjoy an unforgettable full day excursion exploring some of the region's most iconic sights, following in the footsteps of The Sound of Music and visiting the historic salt mines hidden deep within the mountains.

  8. Day 8overnight: Salzburg

    Salzburg

    Today, enjoy a half day tour to the breathtaking lakeside village of Hallstatt, one of Austria's most picturesque destinations, admiring stunning mountain scenery and peaceful lake views before returning to Salzburg.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Onboard sleeper train

    Brussels

    Enjoy free time in Salzburg before boarding the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train for your overnight journey back to Brussels, relaxing and enjoying the unique experience of overnight rail travel.

  10. Day 10rail

    Return home

    Arrive back into Brussels and continue by Eurostar to London, bringing your unforgettable Austrian sleeper rail adventure to an end.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train in Brussels for your overnight journey to Vienna.
  • Day 5Evening guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace followed by dinner and a classical concert.
  • Day 6Travel by rail through Austrian countryside to Salzburg surrounded by Alpine scenery.
  • Day 7Full day excursion following The Sound of Music trail and visiting historic salt mines in the mountains.
  • Day 8Half-day guided tour to the lakeside village of Hallstatt with mountain and lake views.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Brussels with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Vienna and Salzburg with breakfast included
  • 2-nights sleeper train accommodation
  • Roundtrip Rail from London
  • 48-hour, Hop on hop off bus tour in Vienna
  • Schönbrunn Palace Tour, Dinner & Concert
  • Original Sound of Music and Salt Mines Day Trip
  • Hallstatt Half-Day Tour

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included in the from-price?
Yes. The price includes roundtrip rail from London (Eurostar and ÖBB NightJet sleeper trains), hotel accommodation with breakfast, and all named guided experiences.
Which trains am I traveling on?
Eurostar from London to Brussels, the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train from Brussels to Vienna (Day 2) and from Salzburg back to Brussels (Day 9).
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Independent tailor-made journey between destinations. Included are sightseeing and guided tours of Schönbrunn Palace, Sound of Music and salt mines, and Hallstatt, plus 24-hour on-trip support from Marvellous Escapes.
How many nights do I sleep on the train?
Two nights: one on the Brussels-to-Vienna NightJet (Day 2) and one on the return Salzburg-to-Brussels NightJet (Day 9).
What is included in Vienna?
Three nights hotel with breakfast, a 48-hour hop on hop off sightseeing bus ticket, and an evening at Schönbrunn Palace with guided tour, dinner and classical concert.
How much walking is involved?
City walking in Vienna and Salzburg, stairs in palaces and cathedrals, and guided day excursions to the salt mines and Hallstatt village.

Similar journeys