Austrian Explorer
- 12 Days
- From £1,699
- Austria
- London to Austria by rail, via Cologne on the River Rhine
- Tyrolean capital Innsbruck and resort town Zell am See
- The musical cities of Salzburg and Vienna
- Arlberg and Semmering Pass rail routes through the Alps
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 10 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Private compartment on the overnight sleeper from Vienna to Amsterdam
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Travel from London St Pancras to Brussels aboard the Eurostar. In Brussels, it’s an easy connection on to the German ICE service bound for Cologne. Once you arrive into Cologne, check in for an overnight stay at the Hotel MGallery Mondial am Dom (or similar) conveniently located near the station.
Spend an evening exploring Cologne’s old town area, or why not take a walk along the banks of the River Rhine?
After breakfast this morning, return to Cologne’s main station and board a train which will take you on a scenic journey down the River Rhine, around Lake Constance and over the Arlberg Pass into Innsbruck. The dining facilities on this train are limited so we recommend stocking up on supplies for a picnic onboard before you leave.
Arrive into Innsbruck this evening and check in at the AC Hotel Innsbruck (or similar), where you have a 2-night stay.
Dubbed “the largest mountain resort in the Alps”, Tyrolean capital Innsbruck has a plethora of outdoor pursuits in the summer, such as hiking, mountain biking, paragliding and fishing. For the less adventurous, there are narrow lanes, cobbled open squares and beautiful ice-cream to seduce you into spending a whole day in the Old Town.
It’s a short train journey from Innsbruck to Zell am See, travelling via Wörgl, around 15 miles from the German border. You have a 2-night stay at the Hotel Cella Central Historic Boutique Hotel (or similar).
One of Austria’s most famous ski resorts in winter, beautifully situated Zell am See is a still a hive of activity in summertime. Relax and unwind in the fresh alpine air or venture up onto the surrounding mountains with the help of chairlifts or cable cars. Hiking is, of course, plentiful in this area with a large number of marked trails to follow and mountain hut cafés to recharge the batteries as you go.
Travel from Zell am See to Salzburg and check in for 2 nights at the Hotel am Mirabellplatz (or similar). Located on the River Salzach, the town of Salzburg is famous its musical links to W. A. Mozart who was born here, and to the Rogers & Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music. If you are a fan of either, then there are plenty of attractions and tours to entertain you. Elsewhere, you can also enjoy exploring the old town and visiting the hilltop castle.
TMR RECOMMENDS: Spend an extra night or two here so that you can visit the stunning Austrian Lake District. Places like St Wolfgang and Hallstatt are accessible by bus and train.
It’s around a 4-hour journey from Salzburg to Graz through the north of the country. On arrival in Graz, check in at the Wiesler Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay.
Centred around its 16th century fortress, the Schlossberg, Graz and its stunning old town are a treat to behold. In fact, the old town here is considered to be one of the best preserved in Central Europe. Don’t miss a visit to the ornately frescoed Gothic cathedral or the views from the castle walls, which you can visit by means of a funicular railway.
After a leisurely start today, return to the station for a stunning journey through the Semmering Pass high in the Alps. The journey takes around 4 hours and takes you along the first mountain railway built in Europe. On arrival in Vienna, check in for a 2-night stay at the Hotel Stefanie (or similar).
Once you’ve settled in to your hotel, it’s time to head out and begin your exploration of the Austrian capital.
With its huge range of museums, galleries, churches and boutique shops, Vienna is a joy to discover. You will have a full day to take in the best of the city’s attractions. Don’t miss a slice of Sachertorte at the famous Sacher Hotel, a tour of the Opera House, or a visit to one of Vienna’s grand Baroque palaces.
Take in a performance at the Spanish Riding School, the Vienna Boys’ Choir or even at the Opera House itself! Alternatively, take a cruise down the mighty River Danube.
You have another free day in Vienna to see some more of the sights before you collect your bags from your hotel and make your way to the station for a sleeper service to Amsterdam. There is also a direct train to Brussels which runs three times a week.
Arriving into Amsterdam the next morning, catch a direct Eurostar service through Belgium, under the English Channel and back to London.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Cologne
Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery by Sofitel is located right in the centre of Cologne, close to the famous cathedral and the main station. All of the modern bedrooms feature air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar and satellite TV. The hotel also boasts a restaurant overlooking the cathedral, a sauna, a steam room and a fitness room.
Innsbruck
Conveniently located between the main station and the Old Town, the AC Hotel Innsbruck offers comfortable accommodation and panoramic views. Spacious air-conditioned bedrooms come with sound-proofed widows, free Wi-Fi access and large HD LCD TVs. There is a restaurant on site as well as a relaxing lounge bar and a gym.
Zell am See
This traditional hotel occupies a prime location in the Old Town of Zell am See, around 300 metres from the lakefront. Bedrooms are furnished in a classic style with free Wi-Fi internet access, flat screen TVs and tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel boasts a spa area, featuring a Finnish sauna, a Turkish steam bath and a menu of beauty treatments.
Salzburg
Located directly opposite the Mirabell Palace, the boutique Hotel am Mirabellplatz is within walking distance of Salburg’s Old Town and the main station. Modern bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning, minibar, safe, and Wi-Fi internet access, which is also free throughout the hotel. The hotel occupies am historic 17th century residence.
Graz
Situated in the inner city of Graz, alongside the Mur River and only a short walk from the Schlossberg Mountain, Hotel Wiesler boasts 98 well-appointed rooms, a sauna and fitness area. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. The Speisesaal restaurant serves up Austrian and international dishes at lunch and dinner.
Vienna
The family run Hotel Stefanie dates back to 1600, making it the oldest hotel in Vienna. Recently renovated bedrooms come with free Wi-Fi internet access and individually adjustable air-conditioning. There is also a bar and a traditional restaurant with a terrace, offering Austrian and international dishes. The Hotel Stefanie is located just a few minutes’ walk from St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Upgrade your accommodation
Cologne
Occupying a great location opposite the famous cathedral in the centre of Cologne, the Excelsior Ernst is one of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’, with a history dating back to 1863. The Michelin starred Taku restaurant has an Asian-inspired menu and innovative French cuisine is served in the Hanse Stube restaurant. Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Zell am See
The Grand Hotel Zell am See occupies a unique location on a private peninsula on the lake front. As well as a rooftop spa with panoramic views, there is also a lake view restaurant serving Pinzgau specialities as well as a welcoming cafe bar.
Salzburg
The Radisson Blu Altstadt occupies a building that dates back to 1377. All bedrooms and suites are individually decorated with all the amenities that you would expect from a 5 star hotel. The hotel also boasts a restaurant overlooking the river and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access in all areas.
Salzburg
One of the most famous hotels in Salzburg, the historic Hotel Sacher occupies a grand building on the banks of the river in the heart of the city. All bedrooms and suites are individually furnished, with state-of-the-art facilities. There are two restaurants to choose from as well as the Café Sacher, where you can enjoy a slice of the original Sachertorte.
Vienna
One of Vienna’s historic palace hotels, the Bristol is located opposite the famous State Opera in the heart of the city. Expect personalised service and Viennese flair at this elegant property which boasts antique furnishings, a gourmet restaurant and a fully equipped fitness centre.
