Austrian Tyrol & More

ITINERARY

Day 1 – London to Cologne

A mid-morning departure by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels then onwards to Cologne where we have an overnight stay. A welcome dinner is included.

Day 2 – Onwards to Innsbruck

A direct train from Cologne to Innsbruck follows the scenic Rhine route for the first stages of the journey. We arrive in Innsbruck early evening for a 5-night stay.

Day 3 – Lake Achensee Round Trip

We travel to Jenbach to enjoy a ride on the Achenseebahn. For over 130 years, this steam cog railway has made its way up the mountain to Lake Achensee, covering a distance of almost 7kms and a 440m elevation. This railway, which is the oldest of its kind in Europe, terminates in Maurach, where we enjoy a boat trip across the lake before returning to Jenbach via cog railway.

Day 4 – Zugspitze Rack Railway

By rail to Garmisch Partenkirchen – gateway to the top of Germany. The Zugspitze, standing 2,962m above sea level, is Germany’s highest mountain. We take a comfortable ascent onboard the 90-year-old cogwheel train from Zugspitzbahn station via Grainau to Lake Eibsee and through the 4.5km Zugspitz tunnel. Our journey continues on the Gletscherbahn cable car from Zugspitze plateau to the top station, before returning to Lake Eibsee by cable car. Here we join the railway again for our return to Garmisch Partenkirchen and onwards to Innsbruck.

Day 5 – Zillertalbahn & Mayrhofen’s Cable Cars

We return to Jenbach to catch the Zillertalbahn steam service to the market town of Mayrhofen at the end of the Ziller Valley. Upon arrival there will be time for lunch before taking a ride on both the Penkenbahn, at 1,790m above sea level, and the 1,980m high Ahornbahn before returning to Jenbach and Innsbruck.

Day 6 – Innsbruck at Leisure

A full day at leisure to explore Austria’s fifth largest city. Nestled amidst majestic peaks, this breathtaking city offers a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the old town which is full of Baroque and Gothic architecture or, take a cable car from the city centre for spectacular views of the Inn Valley and surrounding mountains. Your tour leader will be on hand to lead an optional excursion.

Day 7 – Innsbruck to Salzburg

Morning at leisure before taking the train to Salzburg for a 2-night stay.

Day 8 – Salzburg at Leisure

Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is dominated by churches, castles, and palaces. Its picturesque old town comprising of Medieval and Baroque architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is easily explored on foot. Why not combine a walking tour of the old town with a sightseeing cruise along the Salzach River or visit one of the many attractions for which Salzburg is famous.

Day 9 – Salzburg to Vienna

Today we travel by train along the scenic line to Vienna. Our journey offers beautiful vistas of the Danube River, the picturesque Wachau Valley and the Austrian Alps. A lunchtime arrival allows time to explore Austria’s capital city and a 48 hour Vienna travel card is included. We stay here for 4 nights.

Day 10 – Vienna at Leisure

A full day to explore Vienna with the travel card provided. Explore Vienna’s magnificent ring boulevard with its glorious landmarks including the Vienna State Opera, Imperial Palace, Parliament and City Hall, accompanied by audio-visual information provided by the Vienna Ring Tram. Your tour leader will be on hand to give advice.

Day 11 – The Semmering Line

Today we travel from Vienna to Graz across the stunning Semmering Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Including 41km of tunnels and viaducts, it is a most impressive feat of engineering with spectacular views en route. There will be time for lunch in Austria’s second city Graz before returning to Vienna for the evening.

Day 12 – Vienna to Bratislava

We take a day trip to Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava. We board the morning fast ferry for a journey along the Danube River and enjoy views of the Danube floodplains, the historic town of Hainburg and Devin Castle en route. Arrival in Bratislava is in the heart of the old town and we have time to explore the Hlávne Námestie (Main Square) which is surrounded by 14th Century Gothic and Baroque architecture, St Martin’s Cathedral, the Blue Church and St Michael’s Gate before returning to Vienna by train.

Day 13 – Vienna to Cologne

Morning train from Vienna to Cologne. We arrive early evening for a 1-night stay with a farewell dinner included.

Day 14 – Homeward bound

We take a morning ICE to Brussels and change on to the Eurostar to London. Arrive back in London mid-afternoon.