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Tailor Made Rail · Independent rail holiday

Vienna via Lake Constance

Cologne to Vienna by rail via Lake Constance and Alpine pass

Illustration of Vienna via Lake Constance

Vienna via Lake Constance is a 6-day independent rail holiday operated by Tailor Made Rail, beginning in Cologne and ending in Vienna with an overnight sleeper return leg. You travel south from the Rhine city through Germany to Lindau, a striking peninsula town on Lake Constance where the Swiss Alps rise across the water. The centerpiece is Day 3: a direct RailJet journey through the Arlberg Pass high in the Alps, descending through Salzburg and Linz into Austria's imperial capital. Vienna offers a full day to explore museums, galleries, churches, and parks, with optional tickets available for the Vienna Opera House or Spanish Riding School. The return journey on Night 5 is by double-compartment sleeper to Cologne or Amsterdam, arriving the following morning. Throughout, Tailor Made Rail handles tickets and hotel bookings, leaving you free to set your own pace in each city. The itinerary suits first-time rail travellers gaining confidence on major European trains, repeat rail enthusiasts seeking scenic variety, independent explorers comfortable without daily escorts, and couples enjoying cultural capitals together.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 1,049 is for November to March low season; high season (April to October) starts at GBP 1,199.
  • Day 5 notes that catering on the sleeper is limited; an evening meal before boarding is recommended.
  • The sleeper route returns to Cologne or Amsterdam depending on the day of the week; confirm your departure preference when booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Cologne

    London to Cologne

    Travel to Brussels by Eurostar and then connect onto the German ICE service which will take you directly into the heart of Cologne. Enjoy an evening stroll along the Rhine, or head for Cologne's Old Town for dinner or a glass of Kölsch beer.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lindau

    Cologne to Lindau

    Board a morning train south via Augsburg towards Lake Constance. Lindau is uniquely situated on a peninsula that juts out onto the lake with breathtaking views across to the snow-capped Swiss Alps.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Vienna

    Across the Arlberg Pass

    Take a local train back to Lindau's mainland station and then change for a direct RailJet service to Vienna, watching the incredible scenery of the Arlberg Pass through the large windows. After passing through Salzburg and Linz, arrive into Vienna in time for dinner and a first wander around the imperial city.

  4. Day 4overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    A full day to take in Vienna's museums, galleries, churches and boutique shops. Don't miss a slice of Sachertorte at the famous Sacher Hotel, a tour of the Vienna Opera House, and a stroll through the magnificent parks. Tickets can be arranged for the Spanish Riding School, the Vienna Boys' Choir or the Opera House.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Overnight sleeper train

    Overnight train home

    After another action-packed day in Vienna, make your way to the main station in the evening to take the overnight train to Brussels or Amsterdam (depending on the day of the week). An evening meal before boarding is recommended, as catering on the sleeper is limited.

  6. Day 6rail

    Arrive home

    On arrival, transfer onto the Eurostar back to London. If time allows, you might also like to stop for a night in Amsterdam, Cologne or Brussels on your way home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Arrive in Lindau on Lake Constance, a peninsula town with views across to the snow-capped Swiss Alps.
  • Day 3Travel the RailJet through the Arlberg Pass high in the Alps, passing Salzburg and Linz before reaching Vienna.
  • Day 4Explore Vienna's imperial architecture, museums, and galleries, with optional visits to the Vienna Opera House or Spanish Riding School.
  • Day 5Depart Vienna on an overnight sleeper train in a double compartment, arriving in Brussels or Amsterdam by morning.

Included

  • All rail journeys, in standard class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • Double compartment on the overnight train from Vienna to Cologne (or Amsterdam)
  • 4 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes all rail journeys in standard class, seat reservations where required, and a double compartment on the overnight sleeper from Vienna to Cologne or Amsterdam.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail holiday. Tailor Made Rail provides tickets, hotel reservations, and easy-to-follow travel documentation, but you arrange your own activities and dining.
Which trains does the itinerary use?
Eurostar from London to Brussels, German ICE to Cologne, a local train and RailJet through the Arlberg Pass to Vienna, and a sleeper train back to Brussels or Amsterdam.
What hotels are included?
Four nights in handpicked hotels: Mondial am Dom MGallery in Cologne, Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Lindau, and Hotel Stefanie in Vienna. All include breakfast.
When does this trip run?
Year-round with two pricing tiers: November to March from GBP 1,049, and April to October from GBP 1,199 per person.
Can I upgrade my rail class or hotels?
Yes. First-class rail upgrades cost from GBP 200 per person. Hotel upgrades to the Marriott Cologne or Bristol Hotel Vienna are available.

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