Belle Trains, who run holidays by steam train in Continental Europe, have announced their second tour, The Alpine Belle, which departs in June 2026 for Germany and the Austrian Alps.
The nine-day tour offers passengers the chance to dine on board in vintage carriages whilst journeying by steam through some of the most scenic routes in the Alps – including the opportunity to travel through three different countries in just one day. Passengers will stay in Lindau on Lake Constance, in the Austrian Tyrol, Salzburg and Wiesbaden, in some of the best hotels in each area.
Departing from Cologne on June 4th, the train travels along the Rhine Valley to the Hesse region, where steam locomotive 01 1104 joins for the journey to the foothills of the Alps, on the German shores of Lake Constance. The Alpine Belle will carve its way along some of the most scenic railway lines in the world as it takes passengers through Switzerland, along the foothills of the Alps towards Innsbruck.
After two nights here, passengers will travel through the heart of the Alps to Salzburg, where there is a three-night stay. Journey's end will be in Frankfurt or Wiesbaden, for the final night of the holiday. Marcus Robertson, Chair and Founder of Belle Trains, said: “This tour combines everything you would want in a rail holiday – the magic of steam, luxurious carriages, spectacular landscapes and delightful cuisine on board.
“With fantastic hand-selected hotels all alongside our vibrant and experienced Holidays Team, it promises to be an unforgettable trip.” He added “we have received some fantastic feedback from our first tour and can't wait to welcome passengers back on board in 2026”.
The company will be again partnering with Rail Event of Switzerland who own the Prestige Continental Express and their other associated carriages. Their 1960s dining carriages and 'Diamant Bar' piano bar have been immaculately restored in Belle Époque style with intricate marquetry and polished brass, which accommodate their Five Star passengers.
Passengers can also choose to travel in two other classes, either the company's 4-star option, where guests are accommodated in a 1960s restaurant car, with tables for two and tables for four, or the 3-star option in First Class Compartments of six guests. Every package includes luggage porterage service between hotel stays, coach transfers when required and an English-speaking representative on the train and at each hotel.
