Alpine Majesty: A 10-Day Rail Journey Through Austria and Switzerland

10 Day Tour of Vienna, Salzburg, Zurich and Interlaken

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Trip Map
Itinerary
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10 Days 9 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Nature Lovers

Outdoor Activities

Experience a breathtaking 10-day adventure by train through the heart of Austria and Switzerland, showcasing some of Europe's most stunning landscapes and cultural treasures. From the historical elegance of Vienna and Salzburg to the scenic beauty of Zurich and Interlaken, each destination offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring experiences. Revel in private guided tours and self-guided hikes by cable car, while enjoying the ease of travel with the detailed guidance provided in our mobile app. Whether ascending Alpine peaks or exploring vibrant cities, this itinerary promises panoramic views and unforgettable moments.

Ascend by cable car to hike Alpine peaks such as the Untersberg & Mt. Pilatus.
Wander through Vienna's historic center on a guided tour, unveiling the city's imperial past.
Explore Salzburg's Altstadt with a local guide, where music and history echo through the streets.
Experience Zurich's charm with a private tour of the Old Town's cobblestone lanes.
Cruise across Lake Thun, soaking in the Swiss Alps' majestic panoramas.

Ascend by cable car to hike Alpine peaks such as the Untersberg & Mt. Pilatus.
Wander through Vienna's historic center on a guided tour, unveiling the city's imperial past.
Explore Salzburg's Altstadt with a local guide, where music and history echo through the streets.
Experience Zurich's charm with a private tour of the Old Town's cobblestone lanes.
Cruise across Lake Thun, soaking in the Swiss Alps' majestic panoramas.

Hofburg Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo

Parks & Gardens

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Castles & Chateaux

Old Town

Architecture

Fraumunster

Churches & Monasteries

Lake Zurich

Natural Beauty

Unterseen

Small Towns

Interlaken Monastery & Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Hohematte Park

Natural Beauty

Must see sights

Hofburg Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo

Parks & Gardens

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Castles & Chateaux

Old Town

Architecture

Fraumunster

Churches & Monasteries

Lake Zurich

Natural Beauty

Unterseen

Small Towns

Interlaken Monastery & Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Hohematte Park

Natural Beauty

Starting from

$3725

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Vienna

Day 1

Arrive Vienna

To Be Determined

Arrival in Vienna Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi

Vienna has one main airport, Vienna International Airport, where almost all visitors arrive. Taxis are available directly at the terminal exit, or you can arrange a private transfer for added convenience. Uber is also available to those who have the app.

Day 1

Arrive Vienna

To Be Determined:

Taxi Transfer to Hotel

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Ring Street

Afternoon/Late Afternoon:

Inner City

Early Evening:

Hip Vienna

Day 1

Arrive Vienna

Day 1

Arrive Vienna

To Be Determined

Arrival in Vienna Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Along Vienna's Ringstraße (Ring Street)

The Ringstrasse, or the Ring Street, surrounds Vienna's old town where the city walls once stood until the 19th century. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was at the height of its prosperity at the time the walls were torn down, and so it lined the wide Ringstrasse with monumental buildings such as the neo-Gothic town hall and neo-Classical parliament buildling. A fun experience is to take a tram ride around the entire length of the Ringstrasse, soaking in the full richness of the spectacle.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Exploring Vienna's Inner City

When the Viennese say they are going “into the city”, they are talking about the Inner City (Innere Stadt). The Inner City corresponds to Vienna’s original medieval city, which was once surrounded by defensive walls that stood where the Ringstrasse (Ring Street) now runs. A warren of medieval alleyways crowded into the protected space between the walls, creating a dense network of pedestrian streets that remains to this day.

Early Evening

Hip Vienna; the Naschmarkt and Museum Quarter

The centuries-old market known as the Naschmarkt and its surroundings are a great destination for those who love shopping, art, cafes, and nightlife. With a population of students and young professionals this area is one of Vienna’s youngest, and not coincidentally, it’s most hip and bohemian. Even the nearby Museum Quarter is happening, as it's abuzz with activity even well after its outstanding museums have closed.

Day 2

Vienna

Day 2

Vienna

Day 2

Vienna

Day 2

Vienna

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walk through Vienna's Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Experience the Imperial Vienna

Discover the very heart of the Habsburg Empire that once covered most of central Europe. Within the vast Hofburg Palace complex, which was once home to Austria’s emperors and their administrators, you will find palaces, museums, a famed riding hall, the Austrian national library, and much more. The State Opera House and other major monuments are also nearby. Majestically stunning, the buildings and squares of Imperial Vienna still evoke awe in the observer even if the Empire they were built for is now long gone.

Afternoon to Early Evening

Hike from the Kahlenberg Overlook

Upon your first glimpse from Kahlenberg's viewing terrace, you will immediately understand why this mountain is one of Vienna's favorite destinations for weekend outings. The Danube River stretches into the horizon and the whole city of Vienna is laid out before you, surrounded by forests, fields, and vineyards. After enjoying the view, you can then make a relaxing 2-mile hike down to the river about 1000 feet below.

Early Evening/Evening

An Evening out in the Wine Village of Grinzing

Nothing better symbolizes the Viennese love of “gemütlichkeit” (roughly translated as coziness) than the wine villages and vineyards which hug the gentle slopes beneath the Vienna woods. They are home to wine taverns known as Heurigen. The most famous of the wine villages is Grinzing, which is easily reached from the city center by tram. Despite its closeness to the city center, a visit to Grinzing seems to transport you to the countryside, as quaint cottages and cozy old farmhouses create a charming village atmosphere.

Day 3

Vienna to Salzburg

Day 3

Vienna to Salzburg

Day 3

Vienna to Salzburg

Day 3

Vienna to Salzburg

Morning

Visit the Karlskirche & Belvedere Palace

Two of Vienna's greatest architectural treasures lie just beyond the Ring Street - the Belvedere Palace and the Karlskirche (St. Charles's Church). Often missed by visitors, these Baroque wonders represent Austria at the peak of its prestige and power and deserve to be on every visitor's list.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Stroll from the Hundertwasser Haus to the Prater

The charming and unusual Hundertwasserhaus is one of Austria's architectural highlights. The colorful building represents a harmonic place where human beings and nature can live together with equal rights. Just a short walk away is the Prater, a large and pleasant public park. You can make your through the park to Vienna's oldest fun park, which is home to a towering Ferris wheel called the Wiener Riesenrad.

3:40 PM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you. Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more information on ordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

16:38 - 19:08

Rail Journey to Salzburg

The scenic journey on the comfortable train will take about two and a half hours. The journey is aboard a comfortable, modern train with wi-fi, provided either by the Austrian rail company or a private rail carrier called Westbahn. The verdant rolling countryside of northern Austria makes for a pleasant voyage, and on clear days, you can also enjoy a view on the Alps in the distance from the left side of the train. You also have detailed instructions below for the voyage, as well as a translation and explanation of your tickets in your ticket booklet.

7:08 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Salzburg Main Station (Salzburg Hbf) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and buses pickup directly in front of the station. Taxis are available near the station entrance and are generally honest. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Day 4

Salzburg

Day 4

Salzburg

Day 4

Salzburg

Day 4

Salzburg

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg

Salzburg is simply overwhelming in all the best ways. It is alive with fascinating history, grandiose and sublime architecture fills every street and square, culture and music permeate the atmosphere, and it is surrounded by breath-taking natural scenery. This guided tour with a local will provide the context needed to bring all of this beauty into perspective, and to connect the physical city to its history, culture, and environment.

Mid-Day

Visit to the Hohensalzburg Fortress

The Festung Hohensalzburg dominates Salzburg, appearing simultaneously formidable and enticing. From one side of the fortress you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and from the other a beautiful view of the nearby Alps. In addition to touring the fortress staterooms, you can also visit the Fortress Museum, a Marionette Museum, the Torture Chamber, an observation tower, and more.

Afternoon

Explore the Altstadt

Salzburg's Altstadt, which simply means Old Town, is one of the world's most charming city centers. It possesses an amazing wealth of Baroque buildings, as its 17th and 18th centuries archbishop rulers focused on beautifying their town rather than fighting foreign wars like neighboring states. A series of squares runs through the old town, and most you will find dominated by a beautiful church. Throughout the Altstadt, you will find markets, pleasant shops, and cozy restaurants.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Explore the Neustadt and Mirabell Palace Gardens

On the right bank of Salzach river lies the Neustadt (New Town). Although it may be just a bit newer than the Altstadt, it still boasts hundreds of years of history in it's winding and narrow Medieval lanes. The Mirabell Palace, a Baroque masterpiece built in 1606 by the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg for his concubine, is the most famous site in the Neustadt. As impressive as the palace and its interior are, the elaborate gardens surrounding the palace are more famous than the palace itself.

Early Evening/Evening

Concert or Other Cultural Event in Salzburg

Birthplace of Mozart, home to the world's most prestigious music festival (the Salzburger Festspiele), and forever associated with The Sound of Music, Salzburg is practically synonymous with music. The city fully embraces this heritage and today there are abundant opportunities to enjoy performances of classical music in the city. While it possesses several fine concert halls, its palaces, churches, and gardens also host performances and often provide the perfect venue.

Day 5

Salzburg to Zurich

Day 5

Salzburg to Zurich

Day 5

Salzburg to Zurich

Day 5

Salzburg to Zurich

Early Morning/Morning

Excursion to the Peak of the Untersberg

The nearly 6,000-foot high Untersberg is Salzburg's nearest Alpine Mountain, and a visit to its peak is the perfect way to experience the Alps without traveling too far. Don't worry, there's no need to bring your climbing gear. You can take a bus from Salzburg to the base of the mountain, and then take an exhilarating cable lift ride all the way to the limestone summit. There you will find a stupendous view of the Alps spread out before you, and if you feel like wandering a bit, a network of rocky trails spreads out from the summit. The Salzburg card covers both the bus ride to the lift (it's the last stop of bus line #25) and the cable car tickets!

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Visit the Hellbrunn Palace and Gardens

Built as a summer palace by Salzburg's Prince-Bishop, the Hellbrunn Palace is a picturesque palace surrounded by even more beautiful gardens. The early baroque palace was built exclusively for the purpose of entertainment, as the Prince-Bishop would actually return to Salzburg in the evening. It can be toured with an audio guide and includes several beautiful frescoed ceilings. There is a great deal to discover in the gardens - hidden grottos, clever statues, reflecting pools, as well as flora and fauna. And the trick fountains are a must for every visit. Both the transportation (bus #25) and the entry are covered by the Salzburg Card.

2:55 PM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Salzburg Main Station (Salzburg Hbf) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

15:56 - 21:20

Rail Journey to Zurich

Your journey should take about five-and-a-half hours in total. In most cases, you will travel on a RailJet, EuroCity or InterCity train from Salzburg to Zurich, which is a modern and comfortable train with air conditioning and usually a good wifi connection. This train ride will take you through the beautiful Austrian countryside before crossing the border into Switzerland. You will then continue past the exquisite Swiss lakes of Walensee, Obersee, and Zürichsee before finally arriving in Zurich.

9:20 PM

Arrival in Zurich and Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival in Zurich, you will exit the rail station and proceed to the taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Taxis in Zurich are generally reliable and honest and are less expensive than using a pre-arranged pick up service for your transfer to the hotel. You can also use the Uber App if you have it installed on your phone. Detailed arrival information and instructions for taking a taxi are provided in the Full Itinerary.

Day 6

Zurich

Day 6

Zurich

Day 6

Zurich

Day 6

Zurich

Early Morning to Mid-Day

Self-Guided Excursion Up Mt Pilatus

In summer months, you can ride the steepest rack-railway in the world at a gradient of nearly 48 percent from Alpnachstad up the giant mountain of Mt Pilatus that looms over the city of Lucerne. In winter you can glide up the other side of the mountain on a cable car from Kriens. The highest point, Tomlishorn, with superlative views of Lake Lucerne, is only 30min on foot from the hotels and restaurants near the top.

1:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Private Introductory tour of the Zurich Old Town

During this 2.5-hour private walking tour, you will learn how Switzerland became Switzerland, and why Zurich is its most populated and important city. The walk towards the lake will take you to the Lindenhof, where you will enjoy a marvelous view of the Limmat all the way over to the Grossmünster. From there you will head to the Fraumünster, passing by St. Peter's Church, which bears the biggest clock face in Europe. Passing by the side of the city's Grossmünster, you will walk from the Lake to the Niederdorfstrasse, where you will experience the focal point of Zurich's restaurants and bars.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Self Guided Tour of Zurich East Bank

Explore the environs of the left bank of the Limmat River in Zurich, including, for example, Grossmünster church where the Protestant Reformation found a receptive audience, as well as the modern artistic masterpieces housed in the Kunsthaus, before settling down to a traditional hearty cheese fondue somewhere along the pedestrianized Niederdorfstrasse.

Day 7

Zurich to Interlaken

Day 7

Zurich to Interlaken

Day 7

Zurich to Interlaken

Day 7

Zurich to Interlaken

Morning

Self Guided Visit to Zürich's West Bank

A wander around the West Bank of Zürich's Limmat River will help you experience the city's development over the centuries, from its iconic Fraumünster church, the rise of its famous banking industry around Paradeplatz, its associations with the Irish writer James Joyce, and its impact on modern sporting history at the FIFA World Football Museum.

1:55 PM

Taxi Transfer to Zurich Main Rail Station

Zurich taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.

15:02 - 16:58

Rail to Interlaken

A Swiss Travel Pass for this two-hour and fifteen-minute train journey to Interlaken is included with the purchase of an itinerary. You will receive detailed instructions for the trip and a translation and explanation of your tickets. Bern is the capital of Switzerland and the home of Toblerone chocolate.

4:58 PM

Rail Pickup by Taxi

Upon arrival in Interlaken, you will exit the rail station and proceed to the taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Taxis in Interlaken are generally reliable and honest and are less expensive than using a pre-arranged pick up service for your transfer to the hotel. Detailed arrival information and instructions for taking a taxi are provided in the Full-Length itinerary with purchase of an itinerary.

Day 8

Interlaken

Day 8

Interlaken

Day 8

Interlaken

Day 8

Interlaken

Early Morning to Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion up Jungfrau

Journey directly through the famous Eiger Mountain to what the Swiss called "The Top of Europe", the icy, windswept gap in the mountain ridges known as Jungfraujoch at 3,454m/11,332ft just below the summit of Jungfrau. The train ride to the top is not cheap, but it's the highest train station in Europe and definitely an unforgettable experience.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Self-Guided Excursion Up Harder Kulm

Travel by funicular from close to the Old Town in Interlaken to the Harder Kulm viewing platform at 1,322 meters above sea level from where you're able to soak up majestic panoramas of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, or admire the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. The castle-like the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant sometimes hosts folk music and dancing. The hike down, should you choose to go that way, will take around one hour.

Day 9

Interlaken

Day 9

Interlaken

Day 9

Interlaken

Day 9

Interlaken

Early Morning to Mid-Day

Self-Guided Excursion to the Top of Niederhorn

For a slightly different outdoor activity, head up the Niederhorn mountain by cable car from the shore of Lake Thun to the very top and hike down to the mid-station of Beatenburg Vorsass or jump off the cable car there before enjoying a thrilling ride back down to the bottom along a sealed path on a trotti bike (a type of large scooter). Catch a bus back to Interlaken or jump aboard a ferry to get across Lake Thun.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Self-Guided Tour of Interlaken's Historic Center

Although the overwhelming number of visitors to Interlaken come to the city to access the mountains throughout the Bernese Oberland in general and the Jungfrau region in particular, there are nevertheless a number of attractions in the town worth seeing, like the castle, the Unterseen (Old Town) district, and the Museum of Tourism.

Afternoon to Early Evening

Lake Thun, Self-Guided

Surrounded by dazzling mountain scenery and a staccato of smart villages, Lake Thun is one of the two highly attractive waterways sandwiching the town of Interlaken that offers the opportunity of a relaxing boat ride from one end to the other. After disembarkation you can wander Thun's low-lying Old Town and its fairy-tale turreted castle before returning to Interlaken by train. Travel by boat and train is free with the Swiss Travel Pass included in your Full Itinerary.

Day 10

Depart Interlaken

Day 10

Depart Interlaken

Day 10

Depart Interlaken

Day 10

Depart Interlaken

To Be Determined

Rail or Taxi Journey from Interlaken to the Zurich Airport

The most affordable way to reach the airport is via train from the Interlaken East or West rail station. In most cases, your itinerary will include a Swiss Travel Pass, which covers the cost of this scenic journey to Zurich Airport, which takes just over 2 hours. If you prefer, you can also take a taxi or book a pre-arranged transfer. The journey by car also takes about 2 hours, but is not cheap - a pre-arranged transfer costs about 300 Swiss francs. Directions and instructions for either option are included in the Full Itinerary, so you can enjoy a stress-free trip to the airport.

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Alpine Majesty: A 10-Day Rail Journey Through Austria and Switzerland

10 Day Tour of Vienna, Salzburg, Zurich and Interlaken

$3725

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Arrival in Vienna Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.