The Best of Austria by Train 10 Days - 9 Nights

Upon arrival to the Vienna International Airport, our driver will be waiting for you to welcome you in Vienna with a warm “Grüss Gott!! und Wilkommen in Österreich”. After the migration and customs procedures, transfer to your Hotel in Viennas´s city center. Time to rejuvenate from the long flight from home. Rest of the day is at leisure. Your Vienna debut deserves a gentle first day: stroll the Ringstrasse beneath Habsburg façades, duck into the Hofburg complex for the Sisi Museum, and pause in a wood-paneled coffeehouse—Café Central or Café Sperl—for a first encounter with proper Viennese pastry. Another greater option is to go to the Sacher Hotel´s coffee shop and enjoy an icon from the city: The Sacher Torte, a very typical chocolate cake accompanied with a coffee. You will love it!!  Later, cross to the Museums Quartier to choose your own adventure: the Leopold Museum if Egon Schiele calls, MUMOK for modernism, or simply a sun-dappled courtyard spritzer. And in the evening, ride the tram (the classic Ring lines) for a lit-up lap of the boulevard, then wander to the Staatsoper and the Kärntner Straße where you will find many restaurants for dinner. Overnight in Vienna.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will have an interesting guided tour to Melk. On arrival, you will visit the Melk Abbey, perched high above the Danube, this Benedictine abbey dazzles with its baroque architecture, gilded library hall, and frescoed church. Once a medieval stronghold of learning, it remains one of Austria’s most important spiritual and cultural landmarks. From the Abbey gardens, descend with your guide to the pier and board a Danube river cruise to Krems. During the voyage, your guide points out vineyards, castle ruins, and villages, sharing stories of Richard the Lionheart and local wine traditions. In Krems, enjoy a short guided stroll through the medieval lanes before returning to Vienna. Overnight. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your day visiting the Schönbrunn Palace, the imperial family’s summer residence, also known as the palace of empress Sisi. During our interior visit we are going to see the splendid rooms and salons. A walk through the magnificent gardens will give you an idea of the imposing dimensions of this palace. Back to your hotel for the check out. Proceed to the Main Train Station and board a Railjet from Vienna to Salzburg. These modern intercity trains typically run at least hourly, with a fastest journey time around 2 h 22 min. Upon arrival, our driver will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel. After a short break, you can start discovering the Old Town, including Mozart’s birthplace, the Salzburg Cathedral, Residenzplatz, and baroque courtyards that inspired “The Sound of Music.”. If time permits, ride up the funicular to the Hohensalzburg Fortress for sweeping views and insight into medieval Salzburg’s defenses. Evening suggestion: attend a Mozart dinner concert in a historic hall (optional). Overnight in Salzburg. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set out with your guide on a half-day excursion into the Salzkammergut Lake District, one of Austria’s most enchanting regions. Your journey begins at Lake Fuschl, whose emerald waters have long been a retreat for royalty. Continue to St. Gilgen, the lakeside village linked to Mozart’s family, before gliding along the shores of Wolfgangsee toward the pilgrimage town of St. Wolfgang, where centuries-old traditions meet glittering waters and alpine backdrops. Along the way, your guide weaves together tales of salt mining, imperial summer holidays, and the deep-rooted folk culture that still thrives in this region. A short stop in Mondsee, with its brightly painted houses and the abbey church made famous in The Sound of Music, rounds off the circuit. Return to Salzburg at lunch time. The afternoon is free for personal discovery—your guide will give you ideas of suggested cafés, hidden courtyards, or shops specializing in local handicrafts. You can also trace a more leisurely arc through Salzburg: Mirabell Gardens, a baroque masterpiece laid out in 1690, and famed for their symmetrical flower beds, marble statues, and views toward Hohensalzburg Fortress. Once part of the prince-archbishop’s palace grounds, they’re today one of Salzburg’s most photographed spots—recognizable from The Sound of Music—and a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. Then, take a deep dive into the DomQuartier’s art and state rooms. This unique museum circuit leads through the former archbishops’ state rooms, the Residenz Gallery, and the cathedral museum. Lavish baroque halls, fine paintings, and hidden passageways reveal how Salzburg’s prince-archbishops combined political power with artistic splendor, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the city’s cultural heart. Optional evening activity: attend a short organ concert in Salzburg Cathedral. Overnight in Salzburg. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today’s train connection is half the fun. Your regional train Salzburg → Attnang-Puchheim → Hallstatt (the classic routing for the Salzkammergut), is one of Austria’s most scenic rail journeys and starts at 10:11 am. Upon arrival in Hallstatt, our driver will be waiting for you to take you to the hotel. After check-in, there is time to enjoy lunch at leisure in a lakeside restaurant, sampling fresh fish or seasonal specialties, before a relaxed afternoon of exploration— whether visiting the small local museum, renting a boat for a quiet lake ride, or simply savoring the stillness of this alpine jewel. This small and picturesque world-famous town between Lake Hallstatt and the steep slopes of the Dachstein Massif is considered one of the most beautiful lake side villages in the world. Not only does it captivate with its fabulous idyllic & fairytale-like atmosphere, Hallstatt also has a rich history that dates back to the Neolithic Age. In 1997 Hallstatt and its surrounding area the Salzkammergut was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and in 2012 Hallstatt again went through the media after it became known that a hair exact replica of the town of Hallstatt exists in southern China!! Then, as the day softens into evening, settle into your hotel, where the quiet of the lake and mountains wraps you in a uniquely serene atmosphere. Overnight in Hallstatt. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your journey by ferry back to Hallstatt Bahnhof, where your train awaits for a scenic ride through the Salzkammergut and into the heart of the Austrian Alps. The journey toward Zell am See is a highlight in itself: verdant valleys, sparkling lakes, and rugged mountains pass outside your window, offering a cinematic preview of the Tyrolean landscapes to come. Your guide will provide context on the region’s history and geology during the transfer, turning the ride into a rolling classroom of natural beauty. Upon arrival in Zell am See, start exploring the lakeside town at your own pace, with its narrow streets, historic churches, and traditional alpine architecture. Stroll along the promenade with views across the mirror-like lake, and learn how the town has long blended summer lake leisure with winter alpine sports. For those seeking elevation, ride the Schmittenhöhebahn to reach the panoramic summit. From here, the entire lake, surrounding peaks, and even the distant Großglockner glacial ridge can be admired. The afternoon offers optional activities: a gentle lakeside walk, a short cycle ride, or simply relaxing by the water with a locally sourced snack. In the evening, dine in one of Zell am See’s atmospheric alpine restaurants, sampling regional specialties such as Kasnocken (cheese dumplings) or freshly caught fish from the lake. Overnight in Zell am See. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Board the morning train to Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, with mountains rising dramatically around the Inn Valley. The train journey, approximately two hours, showcases Austria’s alpine panoramas: glacial rivers, wooded slopes, villages clinging to the valley sides and traditional architecture. Upon arrival at Innsbruck Train Station, our driver brings you to your hotel. Later, join your guide for a walking tour of Innsbruck’s Old Town, where medieval streets, pastel-colored facades, and the iconic Golden Roof tell stories of Habsburg opulence and local craftsmanship. Visit the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) and the charming arcades of Maria-Theresien-Straße, learning how Innsbruck merged political, cultural, and alpine traditions. In the late afternoon, ascend via the Hungerburgbahn funicular to the Nordkette mountains for a guided exploration of panoramic viewpoints. From here, the city is framed by jagged peaks, offering breathtaking photographic opportunities. Your guide will point out the surrounding alpine villages and share legends and local folklore associated with the mountains. Evening at leisure with optional dinner at a Tyrolean tavern. Overnight in Innsbruck. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on a guided alpine adventure to St. Anton am Arlberg, a world-famous resort nestled in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps. Upon arrival, start a day of hiking and exploration, tailored to your group’s interests and fitness level. Your guided walk may traverse high mountain meadows, alpine pastures dotted with wildflowers, and crystal-clear streams, all while your guide shares stories of Tyrolean mountaineering, ski culture, and local wildlife. Stop for a traditional alpine lunch at a mountain hut, sampling hearty Tyrolean specialties such as Speck platters or Kaiserschmarrn, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. In the afternoon, descend to the village for a brief guided tour of St. Anton, learning about its ski history and cultural traditions. Return to Innsbruck in the late afternoon, giving you time to relax or enjoy an evening stroll along the Inn River. Overnight in Innsbruck. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Board a morning Railjet from Innsbruck to Graz. The journey takes about 5½–6 hours and traverses alpine valleys, river plains, and picturesque villages, giving travelers a final taste of Austria’s varied landscapes. Upon arrival at Graz Hbf,our driver brings you to your centrally located hotel. Meet your local guide for an afternoon walking tour of Graz, starting at the bustling Hauptplatz with its historic townhouses and cafes. Ascend the Schloßberg hill for panoramic views over the red-tiled rooftops and the Mur River. Explore the Renaissance Landhaus courtyard and the city’s blend of baroque elegance and modern design at the Kunsthaus and Murinsel. Your guide highlights Graz’s UNESCO World Heritage status and its reputation as Austria’s culinary capital, including a taste of local pumpkin seed oil or Styrian wine. Evening is free to enjoy dinner at one of Graz’s cozy restaurants or to stroll along the riverbank, soaking up the city’s relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Overnight in Graz. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. According to your planned return flight, board a Railjet from Graz to Vienna (approximately 2 h 55 min). On arrival at Wien Hbf, a comfortable transfer brings you directly to Vienna International Airport for your onward flight. If your flight allows a few hours buffer, the driver can offer a short city highlights drive or walk en route to the airport, such as a quick view of Schönbrunn Palace gardens or a photo stop at the Ringstrasse, giving you one last glimpse of Vienna’s imperial grandeur before departure. This final day ensures a smooth, stress-free transfer, allowing travelers to reflect on a journey that balanced the scenic rails, cultural depth, and guided insights across Austria. End of our services. (B)