Austrian Rail & Sail 2026

Duration

8 Days

Departure Dates

3rd June 2026

Prices from

£2,635 Per person

Travel in First Class over some of Europe's most scenic rail routes to the delightful riverside town of Steyr in Austria. Discover historic towns, enjoy a relaxing cruise along the picturesque Danube, ride behind steam past beautiful country villages, and stroll through the monastery town of Melk on this exclusive, small group tour.

Overview
Itinerary
Further Information
Departure Dates
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Cologne ©Shutterstock

8 days from £2,635

DEPARTS

Wednesday 3 June 2026

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Journey along the scenic Rhine Valley route
Experience the Railjet service through the Arlberg
Discover the monastery town of Melk
Cruise along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube
Explore the picturesque town of Steyr
Ride behind steam on the oldest narrow-gauge railway of Austria
Stay in a beautiful riverside hotel

Also included in your Tour Fare:

7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 lunch
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
Eurostar Plus and First Class rail travel in Europe, where available

DAY 1

Travelling by Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Brussels, then onwards in First Class to Cologne for our overnight stay at the Hilton Hotel, where we check in and enjoy our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

After breakfast this morning, we will depart Cologne taking the Euro City train in First Class along the scenic Rhine Valley route to Basel. We enjoy time at leisure to explore the attractive town hall and old part of the city with a local transport pass (included) before our overnight stay in the GAIA Hotel by the station. We enjoy an authentic evening meal together in a local restaurant.

B, D

DAY 3

Today, we travel to Zurich changing to the comfortable Railjet service through the beautiful Arlberg and Tirol areas of Austria before taking a local train to the riverside town of Steyr. On arrival, we make our way to the historic Minichmayr Hotel for our four-night stay where we check in and enjoy our evening meal in their award-winning restaurant.

B, D

DAY 4

After breakfast, we board our private coach to picturesque Melk for a leisurely cruise along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube sailing past scenic villages and indulging in a two-course lunch served on board. On our return to Melk, we have free time to explore the impressive monastery and narrow streets of the Old Town before returning by road to Steyr in time for our evening meal together.

B, L, D

DAY 5

This morning, we enjoy time at leisure to explore the riverside town of Steyr boasting a stunning variety of architecture in the town square. This afternoon, we experience a steam-hauled journey on the oldest narrow-gauge railway in Austria, the Steyrtalbahn, through scenic countryside and small, romantic villages to Grünburg before returning to our hotel for our evening meal together.

B, D

DAY 6

Today, we enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and make use of the hotel's leisure facilities, explore further, or join your tour manager on an optional excursion to Linz to ride the Postlingbergbahn for amazing views over the city.

B, D

DAY 7

After breakfast this morning, we depart by First Class rail to Frankfurt, connecting onwards to Brussels for our overnight stay at the Pullman Hotel where we check in and enjoy our final evening meal together.

B, D

DAY 8

After breakfast, we depart on the Eurostar Plus service to London St Pancras.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

HOTELS

Hilton Hotel, Cologne

Located close to the railway station and in the heart of Cologne, the Hilton Hotel offers a culinary and social hub at the Pigeon Post Bar and Eatery providing lunch, dinner, and unique cocktails plus a sauna and fitness centre. The modern bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

GAIA Hotel, Basel

Ideally located next to the railway station and within walking distance of Basel’s attractions, the GAIA Hotel offers a warm welcome and relaxing atmosphere including a sauna oasis and serving an organic breakfast in their historic hall. The charming bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a minibar with organic drinks, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Hotel Minichmayr, Steyr

Set in an historic building and occupying a beautiful position overlooking the confluence of the Enns and Steyr Rivers, the charming Hotel Minichmayr offers a panoramic restaurant serving award-winning cuisine and a Wellness Oasis including a whirlpool and sauna. The comfortable bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a desk and/or sitting area, and free Wi-Fi.

Pullman Hotel, Brussels

Ideally located close to the railway station and with excellent links to the city centre, the Pullman Hotel offers a stylish restaurant serving international dishes, a cosy bar, relaxing spa, and a fitness centre. The modern bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom with a rainfall shower, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

FARES

From London St Pancras International:
First Class rail travel to/from Austria, including Eurostar Plus	£2,635
Join at Cologne & Leave at Brussels	£2,395
Single Traveller Supplement	£495
Deposit	£265

7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 lunch

Eurostar Plus and First Class rail travel to and from Austria

All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed

Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Important – Please select the number of passengers before proceeding to ‘Book Now’

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Hilton Hotel, Cologne

GAIA Hotel, Basel

Hotel Minichmayr, Steyr

Pullman Hotel, Brussels

EuroCity Train, Rhine Valley ©Shutterstock

Basel ©Shutterstock

Railjet Train

Railjet Train, First Class

Steyr1 ©Shutterstock

Steyr2 ©AdobeStock

Melk Abbey ©Shutterstock

Danube at Durnstein ©AdobeStock

Danube at Spitz ©Shutterstock

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