The Alps and More

Holiday Highlights

  • Scenic rail journeys through Germany, Switzerland Italy and Austria
  • Ride the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway
  • Narrow gauge rail journey to Collalbo
  • Steam loco trip on the renowned Zillertal Railway
  • Achensee steam rack railway
  • Semmering Pass – UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Ascend the Scheeberg by rack railway
  • Stunning mountain scenery and views
  • Free time to explore Chur, Bolzano, Innsbruck, Graz and Vienna
  • Centrally located hotels
  • 16 days from £2,995pp
REQUEST A QUOTE

A selection of wonderfully scenic rail journeys in Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Austria together with visits to steam hauled tourist lines and free time in Vienna, makes this a holiday to suit all tastes.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – London to Cologne

Depart on mid-morning Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, then onwards to Cologne for an overnight stay.

Day 2 – Cologne to Chur

Leaving Cologne after breakfast you follow the course of the River Rhine as we head south to Basle, then onwards to Chur. Stay here for 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 3 – Explore

Using your rail pass, a free day allows you the chance to explore Chur and the surrounding area using the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railways network.

Day 4 – Across the Alps to Italy

The Albula line from Chur to Samedan is a classic example of outstanding railway engineering. Using a series of hairpin bends and spiral tunnels to gain height, the views are breathtaking. From Samedan you head down the Engadine valley to Zernez, where you change to a postbus (ticket purchsed locally at the station) for the journey to Malles, over the border in Italy. Here you will meet up with the line to Merano, before ending the day in Bolzano in the Italian Alps. Stay 2 nights with breakfast included.

Day 5 – Renon

A day based in Bolzano. This area was part of Austria until ceded to Italy in 1918 so you are more likely to hear German spoken than Italian. A suggested excursion is by cable car from Bolzano, followed by a narrow gauge rail journey to Collalbo. The historic railway operates partly with original cars and partly with more modern ones. It is the only one of its kind left in South Tyrol and offers spectacular views of the Dolomites. Purchase a RittenCard for this excursion which provides unlimited travel and entry into museums, castles and galleries in the Renon and South Tyrol area.

Day 6 – Brenner Pass

Leaving after breakfast, you have a leisurely journey over the Brenner Pass to the Austrian city of Innsbruck. Free afternoon for some city sightseeing or riding the light rail to Igls or Fulpmes.

Day 7 – Steam Trains

No trip to this area would be complete without a visit to the renowned Zillertal Railway where you take a trip behind the steam loco and heritage coaches. On your return route you can change in Jenbach to the Achensee steam rack railway for a trip up to the stunning alpine lake of the same name. Return by train to Innsbruck.

Day 8 – Tauern Pass

Leaving Innsbruck you travel south via the scenic Tauern Pass which links Austria to the Balkans. Your final destination is Graz, very close to the Slovenian border, where you stay for 3 nights with breakfast included.

Days 9 & 10 – Leisure Time

The old city of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth exploring. For transport enthusiasts the city’s well developed tram network is the icing on the cake.

Day 11 – Semmering Pass

The line linking Graz with Vienna is well known for its railway engineering and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your Vienna hotel is well situated for local transport (underground) and we include a city transport pass for the duration of your stay. The pass is valid on buses, trams and the U-bahn (underground).

Day 12 – Mountaineering by Train

A suggested full day excursion is by train to Puchberg for an ascent of the Scheeberg by rack railway, affording wonderful views of the surrounding area.

Days 13 & 14 – Exploring Vienna

Free days based in Vienna. The sightseeing in this city is well documented but there is also a very comprehensive transport system for those interested.

Day 15 – To Mainz

You begin your journey home today and travel via Linz, Passau and Nuremberg on a direct train to Mainz for an overnight stay.

Day 16 – To London

Early morning train from Mainz, via Cologne, will make a connection in Brussels with Eurostar and you arrive back into London St Pancras late afternoon.

Selected Hotels

Ibis Köln am Dom, Cologne

Hotel Freieck, Chur

Hotel Regina, Bolzano

AC Hotel, Innsbruck

Ibis Graz Hotel, Graz

Novum Hotel Prinz Eugen, Vienna

IntercityHotel, Mainz

Please note - hotels can be subject to change

Price Includes

  • All travel as stated in standard class based on a Global Rail Pass
  • Vienna transport ticket
  • Accommodation in good quality hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
  • All suggested excursions as detailed

Price per person

From £2,995 per person sharing

Single room supplement £650

Booking form

Download your tour booking form here.

Download

24/7 Support

Pharos

Ffestiniog Travel provides 'out of hours' support for all independent travellers in the event of an emergency.

Why Choose Ffestiniog Travel?

  • UK's first rail tour operator to run an overseas escorted rail holiday in 1974
  • Created for people who love rail holidays and exploring the world’s heritage railways
  • Dedicated rail holiday specialist - great destinations, sightseeing and unparalleled railway content
  • Train ticket supplier for worldwide rail operators - we can plan and arrange your rail journey to anywhere
  • Knowledge of the world’s rail routes makes us leading specialists in escorted and Tailor Made rail holidays
  • Over 60% of our existing rail tour travellers return to holiday with us year after year
  • Committed to supporting rail travel and heritage railways around the world
  • Our profits support the continued preservation of the famous Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
  • Small, dedicated rail holiday travel team offering an award-winning personal service

Logos Pharos Response ABTOT AITO Quality Charter

Facebook Twitter YouTube Flickr