Cruise Express has launched a new tour exploring Europe’s mountains and lakes by train offering guests the chance to experience one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys in the old-world glamour evoked by heritage train travel.
Starting in London with the Eurostar and travelling across Germany and Austria on the luxurious Alpine Belle, the 14-day scenic rail adventure takes in the glittering lakes and towering peaks of Central Europe from the comfort and style of modern and heritage trains.
Highlights include the chance to traverse some of the most scenic railway lines in the world as the Alpine Belle weaves its way through the Alps, with time to explore Lake Constance, Innsbruck and Salzburg.
Train enthusiasts will enjoy being transported by steam locomotive 01 1104 through the Appenzell Alps, and a vintage electric locomotive through the Klostertal Valley and Arlbergtunnel, as well as the chance to dine in salon cars styled like the legendary Orient Express and 1960s dining coaches.
Departing May 31, 2026, the new 14-day Alpine Belle Steam Spectacular tour is priced from $14,990* per person twin share, or $18,490* for solo travellers, and includes:
- Economy class airfares from Sydney to London and Frankfurt to Sydney including all taxes and fees
- Transfers throughout including from the airport, to hotels, and to train stations, as well as a luggage courier service
- 13 nights’ accommodation across London, Cologne, Lindau, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Wiesbaden (or Frankfurt)
- Train journeys including the Eurostar, Steam Locomotive 01 1104, and a vintage electric locomotive
- Some meals including breakfast daily at hotels, and four lunches and dinners onboard the train
- Packages are available for 4-star and 5-star service. 5-star guests are welcomed onboard the Alpine Belle with a glass of champagne, wine served with meals in elegant Prestige Continental Express dining carriages modelled on the legendary Orient Express salon cars and a four-course dinner at the Interalpen Hotel. 4-star guests receive a welcome drink and dine in vintage 1960s dining coaches
- A team of Belle Trains staff onboard the train and at hotels to assist with arrangements and enquiries
Cruise Express Managing Director Meg Hill said the new itinerary was created following the success of the Harz Mountain Steam Spectacular which departed earlier this year and proved popular with Australian travellers.
“Australians are enamoured with train travel and Europe offers some of the best. There is no better way to take in the spectacular beauty of the Alps than on a train, weaving through tunnels and viaducts, skirting the shores of stunning lakes, and careering over jaw-dropping mountain passes in comfort and style. This exciting new rail tour offers a variety of train trips ranging from the Eurostar to a steam locomotive, presenting the ultimate way to explore one of Europe’s most scenic regions in 2026,” Meg said.
