Planet Rail
Vienna & Salzburg by First Class Rail
9 daysfrom $2,397
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted Walking Tour
Walk & Tour: Austrian Alps, Tyrol & Alpbach
Explore Austria's Tyrol region as scenic walks reveal views of turquoise lakes and alpine huts, while heritage rail journeys add a touch of nostalgia to this walking holiday
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Stuttgart
From London to Stuttgart
Meet the Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras for a Eurostar journey to Paris in Plus class with a light meal. Continue by First Class rail from Gare de l'Est to Stuttgart, Germany. Check in to hotel and enjoy first dinner together.
Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Alpbach
Arrival in Alpbach in Austria's Tyrol
After breakfast, travel by First Class rail from Stuttgart to Jenbach via Munich. Coach transfer through the scenic Alpbach Valley to the four-star hotel in Alpbach. Check in and enjoy a five-course dinner. All guest rooms have a balcony with valley views.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Alpbach
Alpbach Valley views from the Bischoferalm
First walking day with two options. Option A (5.2mi/8.3km): circular route climbing from Alpbach to Bischoferalm mountain hut, returning through pine forests and alpine pastures. Option B (7.6mi/12.2km): follows Option A to Bischoferalm then continues to Bischoferjoch before descending back. Free afternoon to unwind or explore Alpbach.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4railovernight: Alpbach
Exploring Achensee and the Karwendel on foot
Coach transfer to Jenbach to board the historic Achensee cog railway (Europe's oldest of its type, steam-hauled), climbing to Eben then descending to Seespitz on Achensee. Option A (4.0mi/6.2km): stroll along the lake shore and travel by cable car into the Karwendel mountains. Option B (5.6mi/9.0km): coach into the Karwendel Valley to climb to the Feilalmkopf summit. Return to Alpbach for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: Alpbach
Free day to explore Austria's Tyrol
Full day at leisure. Options include relaxing at the hotel (pool, sauna, afternoon tea), using the Alpbachtal Card to ride cable cars to the Wiedersbergerhorn, visiting Rattenberg (Austria's smallest town, known for glassblowing) by bus and train, or travelling by train to Innsbruck to see the cathedral, Hofkirche, Golden Roof and Hölbling house.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Alpbach
Zillertalbahn & Krimml Waterfalls
Coach to Jenbach to join the narrow-gauge Zillertal Railway for a 19-mile journey through the Ziller Valley to Mayrhofen. Free time to explore Mayrhofen's cafés and shops. Short drive to the Krimml Waterfalls, Europe's highest mountainside waterfall and fifth tallest in the world (nearly 1,250ft drop, three tiers). Entrance included; free time to walk the falls. Return to Alpbach for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: Alpbach
Hiking to a 400-year-old mountain hut
Travel by local bus to Inneralpbach. Option A (6.0mi/9.7km): slightly longer route with reasonable ascent and descent on broad gravel paths to the 400-year-old Farmkehralm mountain hut. Option B (5.7mi/9.2km): shorter but more challenging, beginning with a fairly steep ascent from Inneralpbach to Farmkehralm. Time to eat at the hut before returning to hotel for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8railovernight: Cologne
Through Germany to Cologne
Coach from Alpbach to Jenbach, then First Class rail to Munich and onward to Cologne, passing through Ulm (home to the world's tallest church spire). Check in to hotel near Cologne main station. Final group dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast, board the train from Cologne to Brussels in First Class. Switch to Eurostar Plus class in Brussels for the journey to London St Pancras, with a light meal at seats.
Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 8 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Plus class travel with light meals
- First Class rail travel throughout
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Expert walking guides with recognised qualifications
- Carefully planned walking routes (4.0–7.6 miles / 6.2–12.2 km per walking day)
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- 1 picnic lunch
- Complimentary Alpbachtal Card (free travel on local buses and cable cars)
- All guided tours and excursions
- Entrance to Krimml Waterfalls
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
- Lunches (except 1 picnic lunch included)
- Personal spending and optional extras
