• Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • Trip Includes
  • Trip Excludes
  • Hotel

Alps Tour: Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Zurich

Experience the Alpine Journey by Rail with our Alps Tour.

Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you wind through four of the Alps’ most enchanting alpine cities by rail. On this 9-day journey, you’ll experience the very best of Bavaria, Austria, and Switzerland – from Munich’s world-famous beer halls to the fairytale castles of Salzburg, the Olympic grandeur of Innsbruck, and the cosmopolitan charms of Zurich.

But you’ll enjoy far more than just a typical tour. Consider us your facilitators to an authentic taste of alpine Europe. Hike through wildflower-strewn meadows, sample delicacies at local markets, mingle with warm villagers, and uncover unexpected delights around every corner. We’ve designed this tour to seamlessly blend luxury and authenticity every step of the way. From craggy mountain peaks to genteel lakeside towns, get ready to be swept away by the Alps’ show-stopping natural beauty and Old World charm.

What your itinerary will look like:

Itinerary with Flexible Activities: You can follow our recommended itinerary to experience the highlights of each destination, or customize it to suit your personal preferences.

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrive in Munich

Welcome to the Bavarian capital! After checking into your hotel for a two-night stay, spend your afternoon getting acquainted with Munich's old town area. Visit the iconic Marienplatz square with its striking New Town Hall and glockenspiel clock. Don't miss the chance to raise a stein at one of Munich's classic beer halls like Hofbräuhaus. [Night in Munich]

Day 2

Munich's Palaces and Parks

Today, explore some of Munich's most famous attractions like the enormous Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty. You could also visit the Alte Pinakothek museum housing one of the world's finest collections of European art. End your day with a stroll through the English Garden, one of the largest city parks. [Night in Munich]

Day 3

Travel to Salzburg

After breakfast, depart Munich and take the train to the Austrian city of Salzburg. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Get oriented by visiting the iconic Salzburg Cathedral and Residenzplatz square in the UNESCO-listed Old Town. You may also want to see some of the filming locations from "The Sound of Music." [Night in Salzburg]

Day 4

Discover Salzburg

Salzburg has an incredible wealth of baroque churches and palaces to explore. Visit the stunning Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest preserved castles in Europe. You can also tour Mozart's birthplace and residence. End your day with a delicious sampling of local food specialties like kasnocken pasta. [Night in Salzburg]

Day 5

Journey to Innsbruck

Leave Salzburg after breakfast and travel by train to the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck, nestled amidst the Austrian Alps. After checking into your hotel for two nights, spend the afternoon strolling along the famed Maria-Theresien-Strasse and seeing sights like the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace. [Night in Innsbruck]

Day 6

The Austrian Alps

Take today to experience the incredible natural beauty surrounding Innsbruck. You could ride up the Nordkette Cable Car for spectacular views over the Inn Valley. Another iconic attraction is the Bergisel Ski Jump offering panoramic vistas. Hiking trails also allow you to explore the alpine landscape up close. [Night in Innsbruck]

Day 7

Travel to Zurich

After breakfast, depart Innsbruck and cross into Switzerland to the city of Zurich. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend your afternoon exploring the unmistakable Swiss charm of Zurich's Old Town and strolling along the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most upscale shopping avenues. [Night in Zurich]

Day 8

Zurich's Highlights

Today you can experience the top attractions of the cosmopolitan Swiss city. Take a walking tour across the churches and guildhalls of Old Town. You could also visit one of Zurich's world-class museums like the Swiss National Museum or Kunsthaus art museum. End your day with a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich. [Night in Zurich]

Day 9

Depart Zurich

Enjoy your final morning in Zurich visiting any sights you missed before departing for your next destination. If time allows, you could explore one of Zurich's charming neighborhoods like hip Zurich West or ride up Uetliberg mountain for panoramic views.

Your rail adventure and hotel package includes: 

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey. 
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating. 
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience. 
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options. 
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience. 

Your rail adventure and hotel package does not include: 

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights. 
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs. 
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility. 
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.  
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered. 
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion. 
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included. 

 

Important Notes 

  • Customs Fees and Duties: Any – if applicable - customs fees or duties for goods purchased while traveling are the responsibility of the traveler. 
  • Extra Nights: Any additional hotel nights or early check-ins and late check-outs outside the scheduled itinerary will incur extra charges.  
  • Visa and Passport Fees: Guests are responsible for securing their own visas and any associated costs. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. 
  • Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Please arrange this separately, as it is not included in the package. 

All our hotel options have been carefully selected, conveniently located near the train station for your comfort.

Munich

Our Included Favourite

25 hours the royal bavarian

Walking distance from the city center

Offers bike rentals

Popular Alternative

Courtyard by Marriott Munich City Center

Family friendly

Fitness center

Luxe Alternative

Sofitel Munich Bayerpost

Munich’s former Bavarian Royal Post Office

Luxury spa

Salzburg

Our Included Favourite

Dorint City Hotel Salzburg

Wellness area

On site Restaurant

Popular Alternative

Star Inn Hotel Premium Salzburg Gablerbräu

Historic building

Family friendly

Luxe Alternative

Sheraton Grand Salzburg

Rooftop with mountain scenery

Piano bar

Innsbruck

Our Included Favourite

Grauer Bär

Cozy, stylish & alpine!

Panoramic swimming pool

Popular Alternative

Basic Hotel Innsbruck

Tyrolean tradition and modern lifestyle

Cozy rooms

Luxe Alternative

AC Hotel by Marriott Innsbruck

On site Casino

Rooms enjoying breathtaking views of the Alps

Zurich

Our Included Favourite

Hotel Glockenhof

2 on site restaurants

Impeccable cleanliness

Popular Alternative

Townhouse Boutique Hotel

Small boutique hotel

Brand new Bar & Restaurant

Luxe Alternative

Central Plaza Hotel

Modern lifestyle and excellent service

3 on site restaurants