Stretching across much of mainland Europe, the wild and rugged
Alps are home to some of the world's most magnificent landscapes.
On this marvellous tour we discover the incredible attractions in
three of the countries around the towering peaks - from the German
city of Munich to the beautiful Austrian Lakes and Switzerland's
superb mountain railways.
Highlights
Munich
UNESCO-listed Salzburg
Traunkirchen
Lake Traunsee
Imperial Innsbruck
Achenseebahn Railway
Elegant St Moritz
Bernina Express
Glacier Express & Jungfrau Express
What’s Included
1st & Standard Class Rail Eurostar Standard Premier Eurostar Meals Heritage Rail Excursions
4* Hotel Accommodation Breakfast Every Day Selected Evening Meals
Our adventure begins at St Pancras International, where we meet
our group at our dedicated Departure Office, before joining the
Eurostar to Brussels. Here we change trains and continue to
Cologne, where we overnight.
On Day 2 we travel southwards along the scenic
Rhine Gorge and onwards by rail to Munich. Located within sight of
the Alps, lively Munich is the capital of Bavaria, as well as one
of Germany's best-loved cities. We spend two nights here at the
Maritim Hotel.
On Day 3 we discover more of Munich. With a
rich culture and heritage, the city has a wonderful collection of
museums, galleries and architectural treasures. We enjoy a guided
tour to introduce the highlights of the city, before time to
explore at leisure.
Please Note: For
departure APG1805 on Day 1, you will be
staying at the Maritim Stuttgart hotel in Stuttgart.
Leaving Munich behind, today we take the train into Austria. We
arrive in Salzburg, a city with a wealth of musical heritage, known
the world over as the birthplace of Mozart, and the setting for
Rogers & Hammerstein's 'The Sound of Music'. On arrival we
enjoy a guided walking tour. Spread out below the grand
Hohensalzburg Fortress, the churches, squares and alleyways of
Salzburg's beautiful Old Town are incredibly well preserved,
dominated by fabulous Baroque spires, and are recognised as a
UNESCO World Heritage site. After the tour, you are free to
discover more of the city. Later we travel by coach to Lake
Traunsee, a spectacular lake which resembles a fjord, for three
nights in the lakeside village of Traunkirchen, at the Hotel
Post.
Today is free for you to relax in Traunkirchen. Perhaps take a
stroll around the village's twisting cobbled lanes, and admire the
authentic fishermen's cottages, or visit nearby Bad Ischl.
Today we explore the stunning Austrian Lake District. We head
first to St Wolfgang, a charming, historic town, before continuing
to St Gilgen, full of Baroque and Rococo character and colourful
streets lined with pavement cafés. We continue to pretty Mondsee,
whose 15th century church featured in the wedding scene of 'The
Sound of Music'.
We transfer by coach to Salzburg, where we join the rail service
for the journey into the Tyrol. The route takes us past the
towering peaks of the rugged Austrian Alps, before arriving in
Innsbruck. Our base for two nights is the Hotel Innsbruck.
Today we take a trip on the superb Achenseebahn Railway. After
journeying to Jenbach by mainline rail (Standard Class), we join
the steam powered cogwheel railway for the ascent to Achensee. Here
we take a relaxing cruise across the crystal-clear emerald waters
of the lake. We later return to Innsbruck.
Today's journey takes us into the spellbinding scenery of
Switzerland. On leaving Innsbruck, the train cuts through the
mighty Alps, which dominate the skyline. The journey continues
through attractive Liechtenstein and into the Swiss town of
Sargans. Here we change trains and travel alongside the Rhine and
its dramatic scenes to Chur. We continue our ascent through the
majestic mountain peaks, overlooking the lush meadows running down
to the valley floor. The line uses a series of loops, spirals and
switchbacks to gain altitude. We then arrive in the elegant
lakeside resort of St Moritz for three nights at the Hotel
Schweizerhof.
Today we take a journey on the superb Bernina Express, which
passes glaciers, rushing mountain streams and flower-filled Alpine
meadows. The railway has been rewarded with UNESCO World Heritage
status - as a testament to the incredible engineering that was
required to create the line, as well as for the scenery through
which it passes. During our journey we travel across the spiralling
viaduct at Brusio. The track clings to the mountainside as we wind
our way above deep ravines and past waterfalls to more than 7,000
ft above sea level. Later we arrive in Tirano in Italy. You have
some free time in Tirano before our return journey.
Today you are free to explore St Moritz. You may like to take
advantage of your included St Moritz travel card, which allows you
free travel on the town's cable cars. Why not ride to the summit of
the Diavolezza, which boasts stunning views over the surrounding
peaks?
We take the famous Glacier Express along the iconic route from
St Moritz to Brig, enjoying the incredible view through the
panoramic windows of our First Class carriage. Our journey takes us
through Switzerland's classic landscapes; from the jagged mountain
peaks to the sprawling vineyards and over the famous Landwasser
Viaduct.
The train climbs steadily and steeply up and over the Oberalp
Pass, the peak of the route, and spirals down past little villages,
before reaching Brig. Here we change trains and travel to
Interlaken.
Today we travel to the Jungfraujoch (Standard Class) - Europe's
highest railway station. Our ascent takes us through ever changing
scenery to Kleine Scheidegg, where we join the Jungfrau Railway for
the final leg of the journey.
During the journey the train pauses at two observation stops;
windows hewn out of solid Alpine rock between the tunnel and the
infamous north face of the Eiger, with spectacular views down the
valley. Finally, the train arrives at Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of
Europe'. We descend via the charming mountain resort of
Grindelwald.
Your day is free to spend at leisure in Interlaken. Tonight we
enjoy a farewell dinner here. On Day 15, we take
the train to Basel, before continuing by high-speed TGV to Paris,
where we connect with the Eurostar to London.
Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be
found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices
& Availability' button. We write to all booked customers
approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise
the exact departure and return time for their particular group.
An escorted experience and all travel
arrangements
The services of a professional UK Tour Manager from start to
finish
Exclusive meeting point at our dedicated Departure Office in St
Pancras
First Class rail travel unless otherwise described (Standard
Premier Class on Eurostar journeys with a light meal and
drinks)
Comfortable accommodation in your
destination
14 nights' hotel accommodation including 1 outbound overnight
stay in Cologne, 2 nights at the 4-Star Maritim Hotel in Munich, 3
nights at the 4-Star Hotel Post in Traunkirchen, 2 nights at the
4-Star Hotel Innsbruck in Innsbruck, 3 nights at the 4-Star Hotel
Schweizerhof in St Moritz and 3 nights at the 4-Star Hotel
Interlaken in Interlaken
Delicious meals included
24 meals including 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 9 dinners
including a farewell dinner in Interlaken
Exciting excursions and free time to
explore
Guided tours of Munich and Salzburg
Journey on the Achenseebahn Railway
Cruise on Lake Achensee
Journey on the scenic line through the Alps from Austria to
Switzerland
Journey on the Bernina Express to Tirano
Journey on the Glacier Express in panoramic carriages
Excursion on the Jungfrau Railway
Not Included
Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the
price of the tour but can be arranged.
