Europe by Rail with the Glacier Express image
Operated by G Adventures

Europe by Rail with the Glacier Express

From
Price on request
Duration
13 days
Countries
Austria, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, France, Hungary
Activity
easy

The adventure

Europe is full of magnificent train rides, so why not come with us and hop aboard as many of them as you can? Over 13 days, you’ll go from London to Paris via the Eurostar and Paris to Switzerland on the TGV while admiring picturesque scenery zooming by. Take in the alpine sights by way of the famous Glacier Express, and disembark in Germany to fill up on beer and bratwurst in Munich. With additional train rides to Salzburg, Vienna, and Budapest, this is your one-stop – okay, multiple-stop – shop for seeing Europe by rail.

At a glance

Duration
13 days
Route
London → Budapest
Countries
Austria, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, France, Hungary
Activity level
easy
Style
Culture & History, Multi-Country / Grand Tour, National Parks & Wilderness, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Europe by Rail with the Glacier Express image

Day by day

Beautiful view of mountains and forests in Klagenfurt, Austria.
Your journey through

Austria, United Kingdom & 4 more countries

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2Board the famous Eurostar train for the journey…It's hard to run out of things to do in a city like Paris. Visit the Eiffel Tower, dozens of museums, Luxembourg Garden, wander the banks of the Seine or sip wine and eat cheese at a sidewalk café like a local.
It's hard to run out of things to do in a city like Paris. Visit the Eiffel Tower, dozens of museums, Luxembourg Garden, wander the banks of the Seine or sip wine and eat cheese at a sidewalk café like a local.
Day 3Spend the day with free time to visit…The Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Rodin Museum are all worth a visit. Stop by Notre Dame or Sacre Coeur to add some spirituality to your day. Shop on the Champs-Élysées or explore the Left Bank.
The Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Rodin Museum are all worth a visit. Stop by Notre Dame or Sacre Coeur to add some spirituality to your day. Shop on the Champs-Élysées or explore the Left Bank.
Day 4Take a morning TGV train to Lausanne
Take a morning TGV train to Lausanne, Switzerland. Spend the afternoon in this charming town.
Day 5Board another train for the journey to Zermatt
Board another train for the journey to Zermatt, a tiny village in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy the afternoon in the car-free centre or hiking in the nearby mountains.
Day 6Board the Glacier Express for a slow…
Board the Glacier Express for a slow and stunning ride through the Alps. Pass meadows, rushing streams, bridges, villages and massive mountains as the train heads towards Chur. Arrive in the evening after a full day of soaking in the scenery.
Day 7Take a full day to reach Munich
Take a full day to reach Munich, in the heart of Bavaria. Arrive in time for an optional evening out at a local brewery with a few steins of beer and some typical German fare.
Day 8Explore the city or head further afield…
Explore the city or head further afield to visit Füssen and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
Day 9Visit Dachau before a short train ride to SalzburgVisit the concentration camp of Dachau, right outside the city centre. Learn of the atrocities of war and the triumph of the human spirit. Return to the city for a short train ride to Salzburg, Austria. This charming city is brimming with history and character. Known for the nearby salt mines, Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, Salzburg has plenty to pack into a day and a half.
Visit the concentration camp of Dachau, right outside the city centre. Learn of the atrocities of war and the triumph of the human spirit. Return to the city for a short train ride to Salzburg, Austria. This charming city is brimming with history and character. Known for the nearby salt mines, Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, Salzburg has plenty to pack into a day and a half.
Day 10Make the most of a free day in Salzburg
Make the most of a free day in Salzburg. Opt to visit the salt mines or take the famous Sound of Music tour.
Day 11Continue by train to Vienna
Continue by train to Vienna. Opt to visit the famous opera house, join a city tour or visit world-class museums. Stay overnight at a G Adventures for Good supported hotel that supports migrant workers.
Day 12Take a morning train to BudapestJourney by train to Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'. The city, split into Buda and Pest by the river, retains its eastern charm with Buda Castle and Turkish-style thermal baths. Depending on arrival time, opt to visit some city sights or soak in one of the famous baths.
A picturesque view of Prague with the Vltava River, historical buildings, and a bridge.Budapest
Journey by train to Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'. The city, split into Buda and Pest by the river, retains its eastern charm with Buda Castle and Turkish-style thermal baths. Depending on arrival time, opt to visit some city sights or soak in one of the famous baths.
Map showing Budapest
Day 13Departure dayDepartureWe highly recommend booking extra time in this vibrant city.
We highly recommend booking extra time in this vibrant city.

Discover Austria

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Picturesque village by the lake with misty mountains and charming architecture on a cloudy day.
Stunning aerial view of the rugged Alpine mountains near Salzburg, Austria.
Magnificent scenery of rough majestic mountains peaks covered with dry vegetation and snow under cloudy sky
Scenic view of Hallstatt village surrounded by mountains and lake in misty atmosphere.
A picturesque landscape featuring a solitary tree on a lush, green hillside with distant mountains.
Operated by G Adventures

A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.

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