Austrian Waltz by Train

Departure from Paris (other cities on request) aboard the TGV Lyria, high-speed train to Zurich (4h).
At Zurich, you change trains to reach Bregenz (1h30), a charming Austrian city on the Swiss border, on the banks of Lake Constance.
Once settled in your perfectly located hotel, freely explore the old town, a maze of narrow streets lined with historic buildings, cafés, and shops. The lakeside promenade offers you breathtaking views of the lake and the Swiss Alps.
Overnight in Bregenz

Continue your exploration of Bregenz. The city is symbolized by the Martinsturm, a former watchtower and granary. Depending on the season, you can enjoy the beaches of Lake Constance, a popular meeting spot for swimming and sunbathing, or set off to conquer the Pfänder, a mountain accessible by cable car.

Afternoon at leisure.

Take advantage of a short regular train ride for a rail excursion to Feldkirch (about 30 min). This picturesque medieval town is dominated by its 13th-century castle, the Schattenburg, which offers superb views over the old town and the surrounding valley.

As another option, take the train or boat for an excursion to Lindau, a charming Bavarian town located on an island in Lake Constance (about 30 min journey). Stroll through its streets lined with colorful houses, discover the iconic harbor with its lighthouse and the statue of the Bavarian lion.

Overnight in Bregenz (B&B)

After breakfast, you travel by train to Innsbruck (2h30).
The journey passes through picturesque Austrian landscapes, offering impressive views of Alpine scenery.

Welcome to the capital of Tyrol, surrounded by stunning peaks. Innsbruck is known for its architecture, colorful buildings, and baroque old town. Here, you can admire the “Goldenes Dachl” (Golden Roof), a balcony with gilded copper tiles, and the Hofburg or Imperial Palace, the residence of Emperor Maximilian I.

In the afternoon, you might choose to go for a short hike in the heart of nature. Don’t miss the Bergisel Olympic ski jump.
Overnight in Innsbruck (B&B)
Extra day in Innsbruck available on request.

This morning, depart by train for Salzburg (1h50).
The city is world-famous as the birthplace of Mozart. Here, you can visit the composer’s house-museum and admire the baroque architecture of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buildings like the Salzburg Cathedral and the Mirabell Palace are perfect examples.

The Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest and best-preserved in Europe, dominating the city, is also a must-see.

Take a break in one of the many city cafés to taste a “Salzburger Nockerl,” a warm vanilla soufflé whose shape is meant to evoke the snow-capped mountains surrounding Salzburg.
Overnight in Salzburg (B&B)

Today, you set off on a bus excursion to the mountain village of Saint Gilgen, where Mozart’s mother and his sister Nannerl, also a talented musician, lived.

Traditional wooden houses and mountain peaks reflected in the lake waters. The small community of Saint Gilgen is an idyllic hamlet, perfect for days of intense heat or winter cold. Its clear lake is ideal for water sports. The surrounding mountains offer hiking trails for nature lovers and breathtaking scenery.

The cable car climbs up to the heights of the Zwölferhorn.
A true haven of tranquility, easy to reach, and perfect for a relaxing half-day in nature. But don’t be mistaken: history is present. And Mozart is too!

Return to Salzburg.
Overnight in Salzburg (B&B)
Extra day in Salzburg available on request.

In the morning, depart by train for Vienna (2h30), Austria’s capital, a city of art and music.
Viennese architecture is a fascinating blend of historic and modern styles, featuring baroque buildings, examples of Jugendstil (Art Nouveau), and contemporary structures. Vienna also boasts many parks and gardens, such as the Prater with its iconic Ferris wheel.

Take a break at one of the Viennese cafés. Vienna’s cafés are famous worldwide and are an important aspect of the city’s culture. They provide an elegant setting to savor coffee, pastries, and soak in the historical atmosphere of the city.
Overnight in Vienna (B&B)

For this second day in Vienna, choose from the museums included with your Vienna Card. Give in to the temptation of the Belvedere, which displays paintings by Gustav Klimt including the famous “Kiss,” or Hundertwasser House (Kunst Haus Wien), designed by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

In the afternoon, you may want to discover Vienna’s imperial past by visiting the sumptuous palaces such as Schönbrunn and the Hofburg. These majestic buildings attest to the grandeur of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Departure for Brussels or Zurich (depending on availability) from Vienna Central Station on the NightJet night train.
The train does not offer a true dining service. Discovery Trains recommends dining before departure or bringing a snack on board.
Night train. (B&B)

Additional night in Vienna available upon request.

A light breakfast served in your compartment.
Arrival in Brussels or Zurich. Short connection, then 2nd class TGV train to Paris in the morning. (B&B)