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Booval

07 3202 3355

Capalaba

07 3245 4377

Carindale

07 3369 5899

Mt Ommaney

07 3558 1556

Our Agents

Booval

07 3202 3355

Capalaba

07 3245 4377

Carindale

07 3369 5899

Mt Ommaney

07 3558 1556

Alpine Discovery by Rail and Highlights of the Danube

20-Day Europe Rail Tour

  • Travelmarvel Tours & Cruises

From: $16,595

Save $800 – Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Trip Length: 20 Days
  • Trip Starts: Zurich
  • Trip Finishes: Budapest

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Overview

Discover Europe by rail and river on a journey combining Switzerland’s alpine icons with a Danube River cruise. Begin in Zürich and Lucerne, ride the famed Glacier Express and Bernina Express, visit Jungfraujoch and Zermatt beneath the Matterhorn, then continue through Salzburg and Munich, including fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle. Finally, cruise the Danube through Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, exploring the Wachau Valley, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.

Itinerary

Arrive in Zürich, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception as your journey begins.

Accommodation: 25hours Hotel Zürich West

This morning, enjoy a guided orientation of vibrant Zürich, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and its striking medieval architecture. Then board a train to Lucerne. On arrival, set out on a guided walking tour of this charming Alpine city. Stroll along the iconic Chapel Bridge, home to the distinctive octagonal Water Tower, with the Swiss Alps as a spectacular backdrop.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Lucerne

Board the Luzern–Interlaken Express for a memorable journey into the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Insider Experience – Luzern–Interlaken Express

Travel along the shores of crystal-clear lakes, past romantic waterfalls and over the magnificent Brünig Pass. Through large panoramic windows, admire some of the Alps’ most spectacular scenery before arriving in Interlaken, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Two Nights, Hotel Metropole Interlaken or similar

Today, journey high into the Swiss Alps as you travel by mountain railway to Jungfraujoch, 3,454 metres above sea level — the highest railway station in Europe. Known as the ‘Top of Europe’, this remarkable ascent carries you through the heart of the Bernese Alps, revealing ever-changing views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers and alpine valleys. At the summit, admire sweeping panoramas across the surrounding mountains and explore the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observatory, completing an unforgettable visit to one of Switzerland’s most iconic alpine destinations.

Meals: Breakfast

Today, travel by regional train to Zermatt, set beneath the iconic Matterhorn. This picturesque alpine village is entirely car-free, making it a pleasure to explore on foot. This evening, breathe in the crisp mountain air as you wander its charming streets and wooden chalets at a relaxed pace.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Two Nights, Hotel Sonne Zermatt or similar

After breakfast, join a morning tour of Zermatt. Discover the charming Hinterdorf (Old Village), where around 30 traditional chalet-style barns and storehouses dating from the 16th–18th centuries still stand. The afternoon and evening are yours at leisure — perhaps choose an optional scenic helicopter flight for unforgettable views across the Swiss Alps.

Enhance Your Journey – Scenic Helicopter Flight

Soar above the Swiss Alps on a breathtaking helicopter flight, taking in sweeping panoramas of snow-capped peaks and deep alpine valleys.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today board the legendary Glacier Express for a spectacular journey to the alpine resort town of St. Moritz. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Insider Experience — Glacier Express

Enjoy a journey aboard the famed Glacier Express. From the comfort of panoramic carriages, admire ever-changing scenery — soaring peaks, deep valleys, forested slopes and flower-filled meadows — as the train winds through the heart of the Swiss Alps to glamorous St. Moritz.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Two Nights, Hotel San Gian St. Moritz or similar

After breakfast, enjoy an Insider Experience aboard the Bernina Express. Later, return to St. Moritz by regional train.

Insider Experience — Bernina Express

Board the Bernina Express for one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys, travelling from St. Moritz to the charming Italian town of Tirano. Marvel at glittering lakes, the mighty Morteratsch Glacier and the dramatic Bernina Pass before descending past turquoise alpine lagoons, sweeping valleys and the iconic Brusio Circular Viaduct. Pause at Alp Grüm, 2,091 m above sea level, for photographs overlooking the Palü Glacier and the Val Poschiavo.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, journey into Austria, travelling to Innsbruck en route to Salzburg. On a guided tour, discover this alpine city where imperial history, mountain scenery and lively local culture come together. Later, continue to Salzburg.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Two Nights, Hotel IMLAUER & Bräu Salzburg or similar

Enjoy a guided tour of Salzburg and its charming Old Town, where melodies drift from bustling coffee houses. This afternoon, you may choose to join an optional excursion through the Bavarian Alps to the historic Eagle’s Nest. This evening, enjoy a special dinner with your fellow travellers.

Enhance Your Journey — The Eagle’s Nest

Travel through the Bavarian Alps to the Eagle’s Nest, a mountaintop retreat built as a teahouse for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, travel from Salzburg to Munich by train. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided discovery of the Bavarian capital, regarded by many as Germany’s most beautiful city. See the famous Glockenspiel at the Town Hall and explore the historic city centre, home to the iconic Frauenkirche. The afternoon is yours to relax or continue exploring at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Two Nights, Munich, Hotel München City Center or similar

Today, visit Neuschwanstein Castle for your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience — Neuschwanstein Castle

Embark on a coach journey into the Bavarian Alps. Visit the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle, perched high above the village of Hohenschwangau. Renowned for its romantic architecture, this fairy-tale castle inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes, the interior is equally captivating, adorned with colourful murals and lavish decoration.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel by coach to your river ship, docked in Passau on the Danube. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Seven Nights, Travelmarvel river ship

In the beautiful city of Passau, enjoy a guided walking tour through the cobbled lanes of the Altstadt, taking in its historic charm and architectural highlights. Then enjoy the Aldersbach Brewery Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Aldersbach Brewery

Travel by coach to nearby Aldersbach brewery founded in 1268, where you’ll be welcomed by local musicians and taken on a tour of the brewery. Afterwards, enter the festival hall to enjoy locally brewed beer with tastings of some local food, all in the spirit of Oktoberfest, with live music and singing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, choose how you’d like to explore. You may wish to join an optional tour to either Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or Salzburg, or simply enjoy time at leisure in Linz.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit

Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the UNESCO-listed town of Český Krumlov, home to more than 300 historic buildings and a beautifully preserved medieval centre.

Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights

Travel through Austria’s scenic countryside to Salzburg. Stop at Mondsee, where you’ll see the famous Wedding Church from The Sound of Music, before continuing to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart’s hometown. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace before returning to the ship.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Join a local guide to see Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, then continue to Dürnstein, where you have a free afternoon to explore. Perhaps join an optional tour to taste some of the region’s wine.

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting

Visit Dürnstein Abbey, where you’ll savour a glass of the local Grüner Veltliner or riesling produced in the region, as well as delicious brandy.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive along the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city’s most famous buildings. On arrival in the centre, a walking tour will provide an insider’s view of sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace. Afterwards, perhaps visit the Naschmarkt and browse the stalls. This evening, you may choose to attend an optional concert.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna’s palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringstrasse.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, discover Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, on a walking tour through the Old Town, where you will see St Martin’s Cathedral, the Primatial Palace and the Main Square. You’ll also visit Michael’s Gate, the only surviving entrance of the city’s original fortifications. Tonight, celebrate the end of your river cruise with a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and learn about Budapest’s vibrant history as your local guide takes you to a range of impressive sights, including Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Basilica. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore at leisure, or perhaps join an optional excursion.

Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock

Visit this museum, once a World War II hospital and later a Cold War bunker, located in caves beneath Buda Castle.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Trip Inclusions

Travel by coach to nearby Aldersbach brewery founded in 1268, where you'll be welcomed by local musicians and taken on a tour of the brewery. Afterwards, enter the festival hall to enjoy locally brewed beer with tastings of some local food, all in the spirit of Oktoberfest, with live music and singing.

Embrace the elegance of Vienna with a drive along the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city’s most celebrated buildings. Continue on foot for a guided walking tour through the historic centre, where you’ll discover landmarks such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace.

Enjoy gentle scenic cruise along the Wachau Valley in Austria. Dotted with quaint villages and hilltop castles, UNESCO has recognised Wachau as a world heritage site

Take the famous Glacier Express narrow-gauge train in Switzerland to Brig, enjoying incredible views through the panoramic windows of your carriage along the way. 

Ride the Bernina Express, one of the world’s great rail journeys, travelling across the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhaetian Railway from Switzerland into Italy. Panoramic carriages reveal glaciers and alpine meadows as the train climbs the Bernina Pass, with a photostop at Alp Grüm, before curving across the iconic Brusio Circular Viaduct and descending toward Tirano.

Explore Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II’s fairytale palace set high in the Bavarian Alps. Said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, tour its richly decorated rooms inspired by medieval legends and take in sweeping views over forests, lakes and mountains from one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks.

Dates & Pricing

Trip Dates:

07 Apr 2027 30 Jun 2027 28 Jul 2027

Room Type:

Twin Share
Solo (Own Room)

  • Wednesday

    07 Apr 2027

    Zurich

    Monday

    26 Apr 2027

    Budapest

    Retail Price: $17,395

    Our Price

    AUD $16,595

    Save $800

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Wednesday

    30 Jun 2027

    Zurich

    Monday

    19 Jul 2027

    Budapest

    Retail Price: $17,395

    Our Price

    AUD $16,595

    Save $800

    Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Wednesday

    28 Jul 2027

    Zurich

    Monday

    16 Aug 2027

    Budapest

    Retail Price: $17,595

    Our Price

    AUD $16,795

    Save $800

    Twin Share (Per Person)

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