11 days The Best of Austria & Switzerland - 11 days from Vienna to Zürich (Tour: ZC) 2023
The hills are alive with the sound of music, the aroma of strudel, and the taste of schnitzel. In addition to the fables, falsettos, and tastes of two of Europe’s most scenic countries, a symphony of sights awaits your arrival on this scenic tour of Austria and Switzerland. Palaces and castles, peaks, and glaciers, moving scenery, and famous movie scenes are all on the itinerary. As you make the stunning journey from melodious Vienna to metropolitan Zurich, you’ll experience the breathtaking scenery in a variety of ways. Cruise down the dreamy Danube, board the Glacier Express train for the car-free mountain resort of Zermatt, and frolic in the same Austrian locations as Julie Andrews did in the hit movie The Sound of Music. At the end of your eye-opening and ear-pleasing vacation, “So long, farewell” will be the hardest words to utter.
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ARRIVE IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA | WELCOME TO VIENNA! . At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Dinner |
| 2 | VIENNA | CITY OF DREAMS VIENNA Guided sightseeing includes Schönbrunn Palace and Heldenplatz. Free time this afternoon. Breakfast TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Vienna’s spectacular Schönbrunn Palace served as the summer home of the Habsburg dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the imperial home and glittering life of Austrian royalty in Vienna and the extravagant gardens surrounding the palace. |
| 3 | VIENNA–KREMS–MONDSEE–SALZBURG | THE BLUE DANUBE KREMS Take a delightful Danube River cruise. MONDSEE Visit the Parish Church. SALZBURG Guided walking tour includes Mirabell Gardens, the Great Festival Hall, and Residenz Square 193 mi / 310 km Breakfast TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Sit back and relax and watch the world go by during a leisurely cruise along one of the most scenic sections of the Danube, Europe’s second largest river. Wunderbar! |
| 4 | SALZBURG | THE BIRTHPLACE OF MOZART SALZBURG Enjoy a free day to explore Salzburg. Breakfast TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg, will put a song in your heart as you explore its charmingly splendid gardens, and medieval and Baroque architecture along the pedestrian Altstadt (Old Town). Salzburg’s scenic Alpine landscape and architectural treasures has earned this Austrian jewel the reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. |
| 5 | SALZBURG–INNSBRUCK–ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND | HEAVENLY HILLS OF SWITZERLAND INNSBRUCK Walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof. Free time to browse. before driving into the Swiss Engadine en route to St. Moritz. 236 mi / 380 km Breakfast Dinner TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Pass through the spectacular beauty of Swiss Engadine on your way to St. Moritz. Take in the alpine vistas surrounding this paradise of deep blue lakes and rolling green meadows, forests, snow-capped summits, and endless sky in one of Switzerland’s most stunning valleys. |
| 6 | ST. MORITZ–CHUR–TÄSCH–ZERMATT | ALL ABOARD IN THE ALPS CHUR Take the Globus Local Favorite Glacier Express train to Zermatt with lunch served on board. 149 mi / 240 km Breakfast Lunch LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Don’t let the name fool you. While its speed won’t take your breath away, the Glacier Express train from St. Moritz to Zermatt delivers a slow, breathtaking ride through some of Switzerland’s most stunning scenery. Traveling the rails over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, you’ll take in each passing postcard scene while reaching an altitude of 6,670 feet above sea level. |
| 7 | ZERMATT | PEAK PERFECTION ZERMATT Enjoy a free day. Breakfast Dinner ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE Spend the day leisurely strolling around car-free Zermatt or join an excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier, an Alpine paradise of sky slopes, panoramic vistas, ice carvings and unique views. An amazing experience you do not want to miss. |
| 8 | ZERMATT–BERNE | POETRY IN MOTION ZERMATT Mountain train ride to Täsch. CHILLON Take a Globus Local Favorite guided visit of the castle and enjoy a wine tasting. 155 mi / 250 km Breakfast LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEMS Poised on a diminutive island on Lake Geneva and protected by a natural moat is the striking site of Chillon Castle. Discover the Castle’s secrets as you stroll through it on your guided tour. What better way to complete your visit than with a wine tasting for good measure! |
| 9 | BERNE–INTERLAKEN–LUCERNE | COMING UP ROSES IN BERNE BERNE Guided walking tour. includes a stop at Bear Park, panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and the Old Town. INTERLAKEN Free time for lunch en route to Lucerne. 75 mi / 120 km Breakfast TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Explore the “City of Fountains” Berne - the capital city of Switzerland, dating back to the 12th century. Take in the medieval architecture in the Altstadt (Old Town) with its 6 kilometres of arcades and animated clock tower, and panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and Bear Park. |
| 10 | LUCERNE | LION HEARTS IN LUCERNE LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. Globus Local Favorite Private boat cruise this evening followed by farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Breakfast Dinner LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Lucerne looks on top of the stunning lake Vierwaldstättersee, the “lake of the four forested Cantons.” This evening a private panoramic cruise on the lake will highlight the sheer beauty of Lucerne and its surroundings. To top off the evening and the tour, enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions. |
| 11 | LUCERNE–ZÜRICH AIRPORT | SAFE TRAVELS UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. A morning complimentary transfer to Zurich Airport in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zurich. 42mi/ 68km Breakfast |