The Best of Austria & Switzerland

11 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
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 ...
11%
$4,796
From$4,249
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Danube cruise:
    • Mondsee : Visit the church from The Sound of Music
    • Salzburg : Guided walking tour, visit Mirabell Gardens and Residenz Square; dinner at the St. Peter Stiftskeller
    • Innsbruck : Walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof
    • Chur–zermatt: By Glacier Express train (first-class with panorama windows) including lunch
    • Zermatt–tÄsch: By mountain train
    • Chillon : Guided visit of the castle
    • Berne : Guided walking tour, stop at the Rose Garden and the Bear Park
    • Interlaken : Take pictures of the Jungfrau
    • Lucerne : Walking tour including the Lion Monument & Chapel Bridge; private cruise with a drink and farewell dinner at a local restaurant

What's this trip about?

    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.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start City VIENNA, AUSTRIA
End CityLUCERNE–ZÜRICH AIRPORT

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Germany

Attractions

  • Innsbruck
  • Lucerne
  • Salzburg
  • St. Moritz
  • Vienna
  • Zermatt
  • Zurich

Activities

  • Culture

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 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)

VIENNA-HELDENPLATZ-SQUARE .jpg

Day 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 ...

Day 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 (Breakfast) 193 mi / 310 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Sit back and...

Day 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 ...

Day 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. (Breakfast,Dinner) 236 mi / 380 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Pass through the spect...

Day 6: ST. MORITZ–CHUR–TÄSCH–ZERMATT

All Aboard in the Alps CHUR Take the [LF] Glacier Express train to Zermatt with lunch served on board. (Breakfast,Lunch) 149 mi / 240 km

LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Don’t let the name fool you. While its speed won’t take your breath away, the Glacier Express trai...

Day 7: ZERMATT

Peak Perfection ZERMATT Enjoy a free day. (Breakfast,Dinner)

FREE TIME TIPS 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.

ZERMATT.jpg

Day 8: ZERMATT–BERNE

Poetry in Motion ZERMATT Mountain train ride to Täsch. CHILLON Take a [LF] guided visit of the castle and enjoy a wine tasting. (Breakfast) 155 mi / 250 km

LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEMS Poised on a diminutive island on Lake Geneva and protected by a natural moa...

Day 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. (Breakfast) 75 mi / 120 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Expl...

Day 10: LUCERNE

Lion Hearts in Lucerne LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. [LF] Private boat cruise this evening followed by farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Lucerne looks on t...

Day 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. (Breakfast) 42mi/ 68km

LUCERNE.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,249
Price per day$386
Last Updated: 4/17/2024
Start Date
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01 May 2024
11 May 2024
$4,629
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08 May 2024
18 May 2024
$4,249
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15 May 2024
25 May 2024
$4,249
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22 May 2024
01 Jun 2024
$4,539
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29 May 2024
08 Jun 2024
$4,249
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05 Jun 2024
15 Jun 2024
$4,269
Sold Out
12 Jun 2024
22 Jun 2024
$4,269
Sold Out
19 Jun 2024
29 Jun 2024
$4,729
Available
26 Jun 2024
06 Jul 2024
$4,269
Available
03 Jul 2024
13 Jul 2024
$4,499
Sold Out

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Globus Reviews & Ratings

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Other Globus Reviews

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kit

Mar 2024

Written on

guide Sites are amazing, but tour ruins it

This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the exper...

m

mike

Feb 2024

Written on

Never Again

Just returned from Italy. Guides were very informative. Hotels went downhill with each city. Dinners which were included were absolutely horrible - vegetable lasagna...

I

In country help

Jan 2024

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Tour company help is most needed in-country

This is an upcoming trip that I haven't taken yet - the Sicilian Escape. I booked my own international flights for round trip to the launch point in Palermo. My erro...

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Why Travel with Globus?

Perfectly Planned. Seriously Stress Free.

After 90-plus years of sharing the world with travelers, Globus has set the gold standard for award-winning touring across virtually every continent. Our global network of premiere travel partners, operations experts, and hospitality pros share one goal in mind—an exceptional travel experience no matter where we travel together.

Beyond the Guidebooks.

While Italy is synonymous with spectacular food, it is the close family connection that brings generations of tradition to the table. Globus goes beyond typical tours to introduce you to local legends and local experiences not found on just any map. Meet the Bonajuto family at Antica Dolceria—the oldest confectionery in Sicily. More than 150 years after the dolceria was founded by Francesco Bonajuto, the family still serves its heavenly chocolates in the same spot, while also serving as international ambassadors of Sicilian cuisine. Che dolce!

Don’t Miss the Must Sees.

Why stand in line to catch a fleeting glimpse of ancient ruins and remarkable historic sites? Globus gives you VIP access with an expert Local Guide to go deeper, get closer, and soak it all in. From the Parthenon to the Vatican museums, you’ll explore Europe’s most beloved locations without getting lost in a crowd or waiting in line. Don’t just file past masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David or get only a hurried look at the Crown Jewels in Edinburgh Castle. Experience Europe’s extraordinary sights—and historic sites—with the VIP access you deserve.

Dreams Realized.

The Colosseum. The Prado. Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Each Globus tour always includes the legendary landmarks, the major attractions, and the must-see sites. Going beyond the iconic exteriors, we lead you to the front of the line, straight through the door, and inside the walls of Europe’s most awe-inspiring places for an exclusive look behind the scenes. With priority access, we ensure you behold the sights you’ve long dreamed of—without waiting any longer!

Do as the Locals Do.

When in Rome—or London, Paris, or Barcelona—we arrange for you to do as the locals do, not just what the tourists do. In every itinerary, we include hands-on, authentic experiences for a true taste of a day in the life. Board a private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, bake scones in an Irish farmhouse, or sample Geysir Schnapps in Iceland. By striking a golf ball at St. Andrews or dancing the Sirtaki while sipping ouzo, you truly get to step into someone else’s shoes and experience the world from an insider’s perspective.

Adventure, a la Carte

While Globus vacations get you up close and personal to the world's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences, we also know the value of spending time on your own to explore as you please. After all, travel is meant to be filled with memorable moments of your own with serendipitous surprises that can’t be planned or scheduled. We build free time into every itinerary so you can leisurely explore the beckoning bookstore, tempting café table, or whimsical window shopping that's schedule free. Don’t wait a lifetime for that once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s waiting just around the corner!

Pick your Passion.

Maybe you’re an art lover, a foodie, or a history buff. Perhaps you’re moved by music, art, cuisine, or theater. Or maybe making tracks in the great outdoors is more your speed. We offer a wide array of optional excursions and activities—tailored to a variety of fitness levels and interests—so you can customize your adventure with your own personal passions and preferences. Each Globus excursion and activity has been personally tested by us and handpicked to allow you to really get to know each destination. You never have to choose between included and optional excursions, since optional activities fit seamlessly with your vacation schedule!

A Friend in Every City.

Join us and a few of our friends in your next dream destination. After all, we’ve spent over 90 years making friends in virtually every city and country in the world who let us in on local secrets, like where to find the best scone, stein, or spumoni; the best people-watching table; or the best view of wide-open spaces. Every Globus vacation includes local experts who share the stories behind the sights and Local Favorites you won’t find in the guidebooks. Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides hail from the region through which you’re traveling. No one is more familiar, passionate, or eager to share insider knowledge than our local pros!


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Logistics

Accommodation

MGallery am Konzerthaus This 211-room upscale property offers Free Wi-Fi access in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. A mix of both Viennese and Mediterranean cuisine is offered in the stylish restaurant, whilst drinks can be enjoyed in the nostalgic charm of the lounge bar which has original décor from the Orient Express.WienAustriaAm Heumarkt 35-37Imlauer Hotel Pitter SalzburgLocated in center of Salzburg, walking distance to Mirabell Gardens and Mirabell Palace - 15 minutes to WA Mozart Airport.SalzburgAustriaRainerstrasse 6-8Hotel SteffaniA quintessential Alpine retreat enjoying a fantastic location in the heart of St. Moritz, just a stone's throw from the chic boutiques and funicular stations. This family-owned traditional hotel dates back to 1869 and offers 60 guestrooms furnished with local murals and high-quality materials. The hotel boasts 3 restaurants, 3 bars and a state of the art spa area with indoor pool, steam bath and sauna. St. MoritzSwitzerlandSonnenplatzPolluxChalet style hotel with modern comforts and amenities, restaurant, sauna and solarium; located near the Gornergrat station.ZermattSwitzerlandBahnhofstrasse, 28Best Western Plus Hotel Bern"Offering contemporary comfort, this hotel impresses with its excellent city center location right next to the historic ""Zytglogge"" Tower and close to the French Church. The impressive Art Nouveau facade conceals a modern interior with a timeless design, all 116 air-condoned guest rooms have a telephone, radio, television, Free Wi-Fi access, Nespresso machine, hairdryer and safe. Guests have complimentary access to a fitness center and The ""Volkshaus 1914"" restaurant is a popular culinary meeting place with a stylish interior, drinks can be enjoyed in the Attika-bar which offers breathtaking views over the old roofs of the city. " BernSwitzerlandZeughausgasse 9,Holiday Inn Bern WestsideEnjoy a Great Location at the Westside Shopping and Leisure Centre when you Book the Holiday Inn Bern-Westside Hotel. This chocolate-themed hotel is only 200 meters away from the Toblerone factory and is linked to Daniel Libeskind's Westside Centre, putting a wide range of shops and restaurants at your doorstep.BerneSwitzerlandRiedbachstrasse 96AstoriaIdeally located in the heart of Lucerne, surrounded by mountains, close to its lake boasting crystal clear waters, the historic old town, and famous Chapel Bridge. All 252 contemporary rooms have a minibar and Wi-Fi. There's a plush cocktail lounge, a stylish café, and a rooftop bar affording city views. Other facilities include a full equipped modern gym.LucerneSwitzerlandPilatusstrasse 29Radisson BluSituated on the shore of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by Swiss mountains, this contemporary 189-room hotel is conveniently located close to the historic Old Town with many shops and restaurants just a short walk away. Spacious, light-filled guest rooms have large floor-to-ceiling windows with a stylish chic decor and amenities include air-conditioning, coffee/tea making facilities, minibars and Free Wi-Fi internet access. Mediterranean dishes are served in the LUCE Restaurant with an outdoor terrace for Summer dining, creative cocktails can be enjoyed in the LUCE Bar and a great selection of vintage wines are available in the LUCE Wine Lounge. On-site services include a fitness center on the fifth floor, a sauna, a steam bath and a relaxation room with a view of Mount Pilatus. Room service is delivered by the hotel's resident robot butler, aptly named" Jeeves" after the legendary quintessential butler invented by British-American author P.G. Wodehouse. LucerneSwitzerlandInseliquai 12Renaissance Zurich TowerThis 300 room luxury hotel is housed in a modern tower building located in the vibrant Zurich West quarter. The exclusive Grill restaurant serves urban cuisine and the lounge bar offers drinks, snacks and cocktails. Other amenities include a fitness area on the 15th floor with city views, sauna and steam bath.ZurichSwitzerlandTurbinenstrasse 20,
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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Optional Activities
XZC5|With Avalon's Romantic Rhine Cruise
Trip ID
globus-ZC

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