Waltzing through Austria by Train

DAY 1: PARIS – ZURICH – BREGENZ

Departure from Paris (other cities on request) aboard the high-speed TGV Lyria train to Zurich (4h).
In Zurich, change trains for Bregenz (1h30), a charming Austrian town on the Swiss border, nestled on the shores of Lake Constance.
Once settled into your well-located hotel, enjoy some free time to explore the old town — a maze of narrow streets lined with historic buildings, cafés, and boutiques. The lakeside promenade offers beautiful views of the lake and the Swiss Alps.
Overnight in Bregenz

DAY 2: BREGENZ

Continue your discovery of Bregenz, whose skyline is dominated by the Martinsturm, an old watchtower and granary. Depending on the season, enjoy the beaches of Lake Constance — a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing — or take the cable car up the Pfänder mountain.

Afternoon at leisure.

You may take a short train ride for an excursion to Feldkirch (about 30 minutes). This picturesque medieval town is overlooked by the 13th-century Schattenburg Castle, which offers splendid views over the old town and surrounding valley.

Alternatively, take the train or boat to Lindau, a lovely Bavarian town set on an island in Lake Constance (about 30 minutes). Wander through its colorful streets, explore the iconic harbor with its lighthouse and the Bavarian Lion statue.
Overnight in Bregenz (BB)

DAY 3: BREGENZ – INNSBRUCK

After breakfast, travel by train to Innsbruck (2h30).
The route passes through picturesque Austrian landscapes, offering wonderful views of the Alps.

Welcome to the Tyrolean capital, surrounded by majestic peaks. Innsbruck is known for its colorful architecture and baroque old town. You’ll see the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), a balcony decorated with gilded copper tiles, and the Hofburg, the Imperial Palace once home to Emperor Maximilian I.

In the afternoon, perhaps take a short hike in nature and don’t miss the impressive Bergisel Ski Jump.
Overnight in Innsbruck (BB)
Extra night in Innsbruck available on request.

DAY 4: INNSBRUCK – SALZBURG

This morning, board a train to Salzburg (1h50).
The city is world-famous as Mozart’s birthplace. Visit the composer’s house-museum and admire the baroque architecture of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include Salzburg Cathedral and Mirabell Palace.

Also worth visiting is Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest and best-preserved in Europe, perched above the city.

Take a break in one of Salzburg’s many cafés to try a warm Salzburger Nockerl, a vanilla soufflé whose shape is said to evoke the snow-capped mountains surrounding the city.
Overnight in Salzburg (BB)

DAY 5: SALZBURG (Excursion to SAINT GILGEN)

Today, enjoy an excursion by bus to the mountain village of St. Gilgen, where Mozart’s mother and sister Nannerl, also a gifted musician, once lived.

Traditional wooden houses, mountain peaks mirrored in the lake — St. Gilgen is the kind of dreamlike hamlet that charms visitors year-round. Its crystal-clear lake is perfect for water sports, while the surrounding mountains offer scenic hiking trails for nature lovers.

Take the cable car up to the Zwölferhorn for breathtaking views. A true haven of peace and an easy escape into nature — yet history is still present, and so is Mozart!

Return to Salzburg.
Overnight in Salzburg (BB)
Extra night in Salzburg available on request.

DAY 6: SALZBURG – VIENNA

In the morning, take the train to Vienna (2h30), Austria’s capital — a city of art, music, and imperial elegance.
Viennese architecture is a fascinating blend of historic and modern styles, from baroque and Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) masterpieces to contemporary landmarks. The city is also filled with parks and gardens, such as the Prater with its famous Ferris wheel.

Take a break in one of Vienna’s renowned coffee houses, an essential part of the city’s culture. These elegant cafés are perfect for enjoying coffee and pastries while soaking in the historic atmosphere.
Overnight in Vienna (BB)

DAY 7: VIENNA (Night Train: departures possible Monday, Wednesday, or Friday)

On your second day in Vienna, choose among the museums included in your Vienna Card. Perhaps visit the Belvedere, home to Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, or the Hundertwasser House (Kunst Haus Wien), designed by the visionary artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

In the afternoon, explore Vienna’s imperial past by visiting the grand Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palaces, both testaments to the splendor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Evening departure from Vienna Central Station on the NightJet sleeper train to Brussels or Zurich (depending on availability). The train does not offer full dining service — Discovery Trains recommends dining before departure or bringing a snack on board.
Overnight on the night train (BB)

Extra night in Vienna available on request.

DAY 8: BRUSSELS or ZURICH – PARIS

A light breakfast is served in your compartment.
Arrival in Brussels or Zurich, followed by a short connection to your 2nd-class TGV train to Paris in the morning.
(BB)

On this itinerary, you’ll travel aboard the NightJet night train: Vienna <> Brussels (15h14).

NIGHT TRAIN – NIGHTJET
The NightJet is the night train operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It offers three comfort categories: seated coaches, couchette cars (4–6 berths), and sleeper cabins (1–3 berths). You can travel with other passengers or reserve a private compartment for yourself.

When booking, compartments are mixed by default, though it is sometimes possible to request a berth in a women-only compartment. Compartments adapted for wheelchair users are also available.

COUCHETTE COMPARTMENT (4–6 BERTHS)
This type of compartment is ideal for groups, families, or travelers on a budget.
Each berth comes with a blanket, sheets, and a pillow. Toilets are located at each end of the car, and there is also a washroom in every carriage. Compartments can be locked from the inside.

A Viennese-style breakfast (coffee or tea, one roll, butter, jam) and a bottle of mineral water are offered on board. You will also find a menu with additional snacks and drinks available for purchase in your compartment.

SLEEPER COMPARTMENT (1–3 BERTHS)
This compartment has three bunk-style berths. A blanket, sheets, pillow, towels, and toiletries are provided. Each car has a small wash area (sink) at both ends. Compartments can be locked from both the inside and outside. An à la carte breakfast and hot beverages are served on board.

SLEEPER COMPARTMENT (2 BERTHS)
This compartment is ideal for a comfortable and peaceful journey. Designed for two travelers, with individual bunk beds that can also be booked separately. In that case, you share the compartment with other passengers (men and women in separate cabins). Beds are made up with blanket, sheets, and pillow; towels and toiletries are provided. An à la carte breakfast with hot drinks is included and served in your compartment.
Option to reserve a cabin with private WC and shower (supplement applies).

PRICE – AUSTRIAN WALTZ BY TRAIN

With 3-star hotel accommodation
Price per person in double/twin room: from €1,600
Single supplement: from €645 per person

With 4-star hotel accommodation
Price per person in double/twin room: from €1,815
Single supplement: from €695 per person

NightJet 1st class supplement (1–3 berth cabin): from €170 per person

Notes
Departure from Vienna: every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Cities served: Linz, Salzburg, Rosenheim (Bavaria), Munich

Departure and arrival times may vary slightly depending on the travel day.

Departure city: Paris (other cities on request)
Arrival city: Paris (other cities on request)

The connecting journey to or from these cities will be included in your quote.

PRICE INCLUDES

• Train tickets for the entire journey as per the program: 2nd class for daytime trains
• Bus tickets Salzburg – St. Gilgen – Salzburg
• 4-berth compartment on the NightJet train between Vienna and Brussels or Zurich (depending on availability)
• Accommodation in the chosen hotel category, centrally located, with breakfast included (BB)
• Zwölferhorn cable car from St. Gilgen
• Innsbruck Card 24h
• Salzburg Card 24h
• Vienna public transport card 24h
• Vienna Pass (2 attractions)
• French-speaking assistance from the Discovery Trains team throughout the trip
• Electronic version of the travel booklet

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Meals not mentioned in the travel description
• Private transfers within cities (on request)
• Extra nights in Innsbruck, Salzburg, or Vienna
• NightJet 1st class supplement (1–3 berth cabin): from €170 per person
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Local tourist taxes (depending on the country)
• Evening concert at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna (subject to schedule)
• Printed travel booklet sent by post (+ €12)