13 days Exploring the Alpine Countries
Discover storybook castles and glittering palaces amidst stunning Alpine vistas as you explore Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Begin in Vienna with a visit to Schoenbrunn Palace. In Grinzing, the winemaking region of Vienna, sit down to dinner at a traditional inn. Cruise on the Danube and see Melk Abbey. Enjoy a Mozart Dinner Concert in the Baroque Hall of centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant in Salzburg, the "City of Music." Spend a night in the heart of the Black Forest. Visit Oberammergau, famous for the Passion Play and expert woodcarvers. Enjoy a magical dinner complete with a visit by local village performers. Enjoy picture stops at Bavaria’s famous castle, Neuschwanstein, and a guided tour of the Chateau de Chillon on Lake Geneva. Enjoy a scenic train ride aboard the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn into the relaxing pedestrian village of Zermatt. Spend two nights in the alpine village of Zermatt, Switzerland, at the foot of the Matterhorn where you have a choice of included activities. Relax during two nights in Lucerne, “the Swiss Paradise on the Lake.”
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Overnight Flight. ( Not Included ) | Set out to explore three distinct Alpine cultures set amid incredible landscapes. |
| 2 | Vienna, Austria - Tour Begins | Your tour opens in Vienna. This evening, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring regional wine and a meal highlighting the local cuisine in the quaint winemaking region of Grinzing. Dinner High 57° Low 41° 3" Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier Wien |
| 3 | Vienna | Come to know Vienna this morning during a locally guided tour that showcases its architectural marvels. You will visit the incredible Schoenbrunn Palace and see the impressive St. Stephen's Cathedral. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore the avenues of Vienna or visit one of its many museums. Breakfast High 57° Low 41° 3" Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier Wien |
| 4 | Vienna - Salzburg | After a short journey through the countryside, embark upon a lovely cruise along the Danube,* one of Europe’s most important waterways. Later, make a stop at the Benedictine Melk Abbey before continuing to the “City of Music,” Salzburg. Tonight, transport back in time during a Mozart Dinner Concert in the elegant Baroque Hall of the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant. Breakfast & Dinner High 56° Low 39° 3" Castellani Parkhotel |
| 5 | Salzburg | Discover the splendor of Salzburg on a leisurely paced walking tour of the Old Town. Some of the amazing sights you will see along the way include the Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. Breakfast High 56° Low 39° 3" Castellani Parkhotel |
| 6 | Salzburg - Munich, Germany - Oberammergau | Welcome to Germany. In Munich, feel the energy of this lively and fascinating city during a tour that highlights Olympic Park; the world-famous Glockenspiel; and Marienplatz, a beautiful square surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafés. Later in the day, arrive at your home for the next two nights — the quaint village of Oberammergau, renowned for woodcarvings and the Passion Play. This evening, enjoy a magical dinner and a visit by a local performer from the village. Breakfast & Dinner High 24° Low 15° 5" Alte Post Hotel |
| 7 | Oberammergau - Innsbruck, Austria - Oberammergau | Take in the scenery of the spectacular Bavarian Alps en route to enchanting Innsbruck, located in Tyrolean Austria. Walk through the charming pedestrian streets and see such landmarks as The Golden Roof on a locally guided tour. As you wind through the narrow cobblestone lanes, it is easy to understand why this city was the center of European culture and politics during the 14th century. Breakfast High 33° Low 24° 4" Alte Post Hotel |
| 8 | Oberammergau - Black Forest | Today fairytales become reality during a picture stop of Bavaria’s most famous castle, King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein. Next you are off to the heart of the Black Forest, a region famous for its artisans who create authentic cuckoo clocks and Hummels. Breakfast & Dinner High 67° Low 51° 2" Maritim Hotel Titisee |
| 9 | Black Forest - Zermatt, Switzerland | Welcome to Switzerland! Your first stop en route to Zermatt is at one of the most photographed castles in the world, the Château de Chillon, located on serene Lake Geneva. Later, enjoy a short train ride aboard the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn from Tasch to the relaxing pedestrian village of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. Take a stroll and breathe in the fresh Alpine air. Breakfast & Dinner High 55° Low 41° 2" Hotel Pollux |
| 10 | Zermatt | All of Zermatt is at your fingertips. It’s your choice! Explore on foot during a guided walking tour. Or, experience Zermatt independently before visiting the Matterhorn Museum to learn more about the triumph and tragedy of the first ascent of this imposing peak. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Breakfast High 55° Low 41° 2" Hotel Pollux |
| 11 | Zermatt - Grimsel Pass - Lucerne | Views of glaciers, crystal clear rivers and snowcapped mountains will invigorate you as you travel through the spectacular scenery of the Grimsel Pass. Your destination is the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” the city of Lucerne. Breakfast High 66° Low 48° 2" Ameron Hotel Flora Lucerne |
| 12 | Lucerne | Set out on a scenic walking tour of this picturesque place, including a stroll through its romantic Old Town. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or independently explore the best of Lucerne. Tonight, come together with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner featuring local specialties and toast the end of a wonderful trip. Breakfast & Dinner High 66° Low 48° 2" Ameron Hotel Flora Lucerne |
| 13 | Lucerne - Tour Ends | Your tour comes to a close today. Breakfast |