Iconic European Cities & Scenic Alps by Rail
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day rail adventure from London to Zurich, taking in Frankfurt, Vienna, and Innsbruck, blending cultural gems with breathtaking Alpine scenery along the way.
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
Overview
Embark on an 8-day rail journey from London to Zurich, traversing some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Start your adventure with a Eurostar journey from London to Frankfurt, where you’ll spend a night before continuing your journey to Vienna, for three nights.
The next day, board a train headed for Innsbruck, nestled in the Austrian Tyrol. The next day, you’ll continue your journey to Zurich, on a scenic ride across the striking Arlberg Pass, traveling through the majestic Alps and arriving in Zurich.
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy a night discovering the historic charm of Zurich's Old Town
- Journey by train through the stunning Swiss and Austrian Alps via the Arlberg Pass
- Experience remarkable landmarks and breathtaking natural beauty in Innsbruck
- Spend two nights immersing yourself in the grandeur of Vienna
What's Included
Accommodation
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Frankfurt with breakfast included
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Salzburg with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Innsbruck with breakfast included
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
Transport
- Secure reservations for the Eurostar & Deutsche Bahn InterCity Express and TGV Lyria trains
- Rail throughout Austria
Excursions and Activities
- Innsbruck Card with free entry into 22 museums and attractions
- Vienna City Card with free public transport
Day’s Itinerary
Get PricesFrankfurt
This morning, you will board the Eurostar from London to Brussels, where you'll transfer to a high-speed Deutsche Bahn InterCity Express (ICE) train for a direct journey to Frankfurt. Here, you’ll check into your hotel for an overnight stay. (Overnight in Frankfurt)
Vienna
After breakfast, board your train from Frankfurt to Vienna. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a three-night stay. Enjoy some free time to explore the city's attractions at your leisure. Take a stroll to see highlights like the iconic Anchor Clock, the renowned Opera House, and the Hofburg, Vienna’s Imperial Palace. In the evening, enjoy some traditional Austrian cuisine, including the classic Wiener Schnitzel and the delectable Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cream cake. (Overnight in Vienna)
Vienna
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel and set out for more exploration. Use your included Vienna City Card, and Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour to visit top attractions at your own pace. Consider attending an opera or concert in one of Vienna's renowned musical venues. With over 500 concerts annually at the Musikverein, Vienna's acclaimed concert hall, you'll find something to suit every musical preference! (Overnight in Vienna)
Vienna
You have another day to explore the many sights of Vienna today. Your Vienna City Card, provides free access to public transportation and valuable discounts at museums and tourist attractions. Spend the morning visiting iconic sites such as the magnificent Hofburg Palace and the stunning Opera House. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a participating restaurant, where your City Card grants you a 20% discount. In the afternoon, take advantage of your Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket to easily navigate the city. As you explore, relish the sustainable travel experience provided by your eco-certified Vienna City Card, ensuring a convenient and eco-friendly visit to this historic city. (Overnight in Vienna)
Innsbruck
Today, board a direct train to the picturesque city of Innsbruck, an Alpine haven nestled in the heart of Tyrol and surrounded by majestic mountains. Marvel at the stunning views of the Austrian countryside during your journey. Upon arrival in Innsbruck, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. (Overnight in Innsbruck).
Innsbruck
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel, preparing yourself for an exciting day of exploration in Innsbruck. Head to Innsbruck's charming Old Town, renowned for its medieval architecture and picturesque streets. Visit the iconic Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), a stunning landmark that epitomizes the city's rich history. Make your way to the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence. This historical building offers insight into the grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty and features beautifully decorated rooms and exhibits. Your included Innsbruck Card allows you access to over 20 attractions and museums, take advantage of free upward and downward journeys on selected lifts and cable cars, and enjoy a free ride on the hop-on hop-off bus. Allowing you to explore the city’s key attractions at your own pace. Stops include the Alpenzoo Innsbruck and the Ambras Castle. Hop off at any point that piques your interest, and explore further. (Overnight in Innsbruck)
Zurich
After breakfast, embark on a scenic train journey through the Swiss and Austrian Alps via the Arlberg Pass. Departing from Innsbruck, you'll travel alongside the breathtaking Alpine landscapes. You’ll traverse the Arlberg Pass, where stunning mountain meadows and panoramic views await at every turn. Your train then passes through the picturesque shores of Lake Zurich. Upon arrival in Zurich, check in for an overnight stay (Overnight in Zurich)
Return home
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking-out and boarding a train to Paris. Upon arrival, transfer to the Eurostar for your journey back to London. If you’d like to extend your stay in Europe, or journey on elsewhere from Zurich, speak to your Marvellous Escapes Travel Designer.
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Testimonials & Reviews
Got questions about your rail holiday?
What makes Marvellous Escapes’ rail holidays different?
All our trips are 100% tailor-made. We design your journey around your interests, pace, budget, and preferred travel style.
Can you customise my itinerary?
Absolutely. Nothing is off the shelf. Whether you want a scenic rail journey through the Alps, a cultural city break, or a multi-country adventure, we design your itinerary from scratch.
What happens if my train is delayed or cancelled?
If your train is delayed or cancelled, don’t worry, we’re here to help. You’ll have access to our 24-hour on-trip support, and our team will assist with rebooking your journey, adjusting connections, or arranging alternatives where needed. We’ll make sure you can continue your trip with as little disruption as possible.
Do I need to print my train tickets?
We’ll send you a full printed ticket pack 2–3 weeks before departure, which includes all your train tickets, itinerary and travel documents. You’ll also receive a digital copy of your tickets, so you can choose whichever format you prefer when travelling.
What financial protection do you provide?
We protect every booking with our ATOL licence, the UK Package Travel Regulations, and a secure trust account (Protected Trust Services), ensuring your money and your holiday are safe.
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