Exploring the Alpine Countries Austria - Germany - Switzerland - 2021

Day 1 Overnight Flight

From regal Austrian palaces to handcrafted German clocks and snowcapped Swiss Alps, set out to experience three Alpine cultures set amid postcard-worthy landscapes.

Day 2 Vienna, Austria - Tour Begins

Welcome to Vienna, Austria’s stately capital city. Built by the Habsburg Empire and amplified by classical composers, Vienna exudes an old-world charm that can be found in its cobblestone streets and elegant architecture. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner in the city. Following your meal, enjoy a performance by opera singers and ballet dancers set to the music of Strauss, Mozart, and more.

Day 3 Vienna

Come to know Vienna this morning during a locally guided tour that showcases its architectural marvels. Visit the 17th-century Schönbrunn Palace, containing more than 1,440 rooms, and see the impressive St. Stephen's Cathedral. The afternoon is yours. Enjoy free time to explore the avenues of Vienna or perhaps visit one of its many museums.

Day 4 Vienna - Salzburg

Journey through the countryside before taking a cruise along the Danube,* one of Europe’s most renowned waterways. Continue to Salzburg, the “City of Music,” and find lush gardens and old-world charm. Step into another time with dinner at the 1,200-year-old St. Peter’s Restaurant. Home to aged stone walls and sleek wooden ceilings, St. Peter’s is the oldest restaurant in Austria and is still owned by monks.

Day 5 Salzburg

Choose how you spend your morning because it’s your choice! Discover Salzburg on a leisurely paced walking tour of the Old Town -OR- feel like you’ve joined the Von Trapp family on a city tour featuring iconic film locations from The Sound of Music. No matter how you choose to spend the morning, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the beloved town on your own.

Day 6 Salzburg - Innsbruck - Oberammergau, Germany

Look out upon the Bavarian Alps en route to enchanting Innsbruck, located in Tyrolean Austria. Upon arrival, it’s your choice! Walk through Innsbruck on a locally guided tour and take in landmarks such as the Golden Roof -OR- visit the Museum of Tyrolean Regional Heritage, peeking into this historic region through traditional costumes and handicrafts. Continue on to the quaint village of Oberammergau, your home for the next two nights, renowned for woodcarvings and the Passion Play.

Day 7 Oberammergau - Linderhof Palace - Oberammergau

Tour Linderhof Palace, the only palace - out of three - that King Ludwig II lived to see completed. Walk the extraordinary halls that were modeled after Versailles with an expert guide and bask in the luxury of past royals. Later, fairytales become reality during a picture stop of Bavaria’s most famous castle, King Ludwig’s third palace, Neuschwanstein. Regarded as the most photographed castle in Germany it was the inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. Return to Oberammergau for an evening at leisure.

Day 8 Oberammergau - Black Forest

You’re off to the heart of the Black Forest, a region famous for artisans who create authentic cuckoo clocks and Hummels. On your way, get a taste of local flavors at a German winery. Enjoy a tour before sampling the vintages and looking out over the rows of vines and nearby Lake Constance. End your day amongst the tree-studded mountains of the Black Forest.

Day 9 Black Forest - Montreux, Switzerland - Zermatt

Welcome to Switzerland! Take in your surroundings at the resort town of Montreux, located on serene Lake Geneva. Later, enjoy a short train ride aboard the scenic Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. Travel to Zermatt – a relaxing car-free village in the Swiss Alps. Take a stroll and breathe in the fresh Alpine air.

Day 10 Zermatt

All of Zermatt is at your fingertips. Spend the day however you’d like – perhaps you will set out on an optional guided hike through the Swiss Alps, passing by rugged peaks and verdant foliage on a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Day 11 Zermatt - Grimsel Pass - Lucerne

Travel alongside glaciers, crystal-clear rivers, and snowcapped mountains as you venture through the spectacular scenery of the Grimsel Pass. Your destination is Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Upon arrival, set out on a scenic walking tour of the city, including a stroll through its romantic Old Town.

Day 12 Lucerne

The day is yours to relax or independently explore the best of Lucerne. Perhaps you will embark on an optional excursion to Mount Pilatus, ascending the world’s steepest railway on a panoramic gondola to the summit. Tonight, come together with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner featuring local specialties and toast the end of a wonderful trip.

Day 13 Lucerne - Tour Ends

Wish the Alps goodbye as your tour comes to a close today.