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15-day Germany, Austria, Switzerland Tour

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

See sights made famous by the Sound of Music movie

Filzmoos, austria.

From this mountain village your alpine vistas are unparalleled

Rothenburg, germany.

There's something to enchant everyone in this quaint storybook village

Innsbruck, austria.

The beauty of this imperial city will take your breath away

Munich, germany.

The Marienplatz is the center of activity in the Bavarian capital

Nuremberg, germany.

Half timbered houses and cobblestone streets are common sights of this medieval city

Rhine river, germany.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride down this legendary waterway

Black forest, germany.

Watch skilled artisans craft the iconic cuckoo clock

Heidelberg, germany.

Get a spectacular view from the town's hilltop castle

Lucerne, switzerland.

Some say this is the loveliest of all Swiss cities

Pricing disclaimer.

15-day tour featuring Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Munich, Tyrol, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vaduz in Liechtenstein, Lucerne, Rhine Falls, Black Forest, Heidelberg, and Rüdesheim. Travel to the land of fairy-tale villages, medieval castles, pristine lakes, and stunning alpine vistas. Multiple-night stays in six endearing towns including "Sound of Music" sites in and around Salzburg. Sip ale from a stein at Munich’s festive Oktoberfest fairgrounds ( on select departures )and see the Golden Roof balcony built for royalty in imperial Innsbruck. Take a cable car ride in the Swiss Alps ( optional excursion ), witness Europe’s largest waterfall at Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen, and see where cuckoo clocks are hand-crafted in the Black Forest. Join us for an unforgettable journey! Highest Elevation : Tours may take the Gerlos Pass which is 4,921 feet or the Arlberg Pass at 5,883 feet. Hotels in Austria and Switzerland are located as high as 3,500 feet. Walking Expectations : “Active” - An average of 3 1/2 miles per day often encountering uneven surfaces, steps and inclines.

Tour Year 2024

Tour itinerary.

DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Europe.

The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in and for your arrival in Europe. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport – Bavaria.

Upon arrival at Frankfurt Airport, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach for a ride through the Main River Valley and the Franconian Wine Region on the way to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. Get acquainted with your fellow tour participants during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)

DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Nuremberg – Rothenburg – Bavaria.

Your bus transfer into the city center introduces you to the history of Nuremberg. Hitler staged his propaganda rallies here, and after his fall, Nuremberg was chosen as the location for the War Trials. For additional insight, visit the Documentation Center at the site of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds (approximately €6 admission fee). If you prefer a lighter subject, enter the Toy Museum (approximately €7 admission fee), celebrating Nuremberg’s tradition as the “City of Toys.” Spend the afternoon in the enchanting medieval village of Rothenburg. When you see the well-preserved walls, cobblestone streets, distinctive inns, and Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Weihnachtsdorf (a whimsical Christmas shop), it feels as if you are walking into a fairy tale. Return to your hotel for an authentic German dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Munich & AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos.

Travel to the Bavarian capital of Munich for a panoramic city tour, including views of the Olympic Village, the Bohemian district of Schwabing and the Königsplatz. Walk through the pedestrian-only Marienplatz (main square) with the Rathaus (Town Hall) and its captivating Glockenspiel (clock tower). In late September, spend the majority of your free time experiencing the festivities of Oktoberfest at the fairgrounds. This afternoon, as you cross into Austria and drive through the province of Salzburg, admire the mountain-fed rivers and flower-laden meadows. Arrive in the village of Filzmoos, and enjoy Austrian hospitality during dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5 - AUSTRIA . . Salzburg - Filzmoos.

The entire day focuses on the province of Salzburg with special attention to the sites made famous by the “Sound of Music.” Visit Mondsee to see the church where they filmed the wedding of Maria and Captain Von Trapp. In the city of Salzburg, stop at the gazebo that was used to film Liesl singing “16 going on 17” and Mirabell Gardens where several “Do Re Mi” scenes were filmed. The walking tour includes Residenz Square where Maria sings “I Have Confidence in Me.” Spend the afternoon shopping in the charming pedestrian-only area of the Old Town, exploring the Salzburg High Fortress, or visiting Mozart’s Birthplace (approximately €12 admission fee). Take a stroll through Saint Peter's Abbey and Cemetery where, in the movie, the Von Trapp family hides from the Nazis. After an independent dinner, return to your hotel in Filzmoos. (Breakfast)

DAY 6 - AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos.

The day is at your leisure. Choose from an abundance of mountain paths for an exhilarating hike or bike ride with awe-inspiring panoramas. Or, simply relax in your Austrian village surrounded by the boundless splendor of the Alps. This afternoon, your tour manager will invite you for an optional Eagle’s Nest excursion (see Optional Excursions), combining history with incredible views. Rejoin your group for a traditional Austrian dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7 - AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck – Tyrolean Village.

Admire the glorious scenery during your drive to Innsbruck, capital of Tyrol. The Golden Roof, the symbol of Innsbruck, is decorated with 2,657 copper shingles. Completed in 1500, Maximillian I commissioned the building of this covered balcony to celebrate his wedding and used it as a royal box to view the entertainment in the square below. You will have time to shop for the famed Swarovski Crystal and to explore the old city center with the Maria Theresien Boulevard, Triumphal Arch and exquisite Imperial Church. Your chalet-style hotel for the next two nights is located in a Tyrolean Village a short distance from Innsbruck. Choose a local restaurant for your independent dinner or join the optional  Tyrolean Show & Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions) for a light-hearted presentation of Austrian folklore, music and dancing. (Breakfast)

DAY 8 - AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village near Innsbruck.

The peaceful villages, tucked in the valleys around Innsbruck, are the perfect location for a relaxing day. Frescoed and flower-adorned chalets create an idyllic atmosphere as you walk through town. Viewed from an outdoor café or along one of the numerous hiking paths, the Tyrolean Alps present breathtaking scenery. If you wish to return to Innsbruck, hotel staff can advise on local transportation, or you can choose the full-day optional Neuschwanstein & Linderhof excursion (see Optional Excursions). At the end of the day, return to your Tyrolean hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 9 - LIECHTENSTEIN . . Vaduz & SWITZERLAND . . Swiss Alps.

Depending on the weather, depart Austria by way of the Arlberg Pass or through the engineering masterpiece of the Arlberg Tunnel. Following a stop in Vaduz, the capital city of Liechtenstein, cross the border into Switzerland. For the next two nights you will stay in a cozy village surrounded by the Swiss Alps. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 10 - SWITZERLAND . . Stans – Lucerne – Swiss Alps.

Stop in the old mountain village of Stans for the optional Swiss Mountain excursion (see Optional Excursions), offering thrilling panoramic views by funicular and cable car. You will have a full afternoon to discover Lucerne’s picturesque covered bridge, famous Lion Monument and other special treasures. The soaring mountain peaks of Rigi and Pilatus standing guard over Lake Lucerne create one of the most imposing sights in Europe. Before returning to your hotel for dinner, consider joining your tour manager for an optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11 - SWITZERLAND . . Schaffhausen Rhine Falls & GERMANY . . Black Forest.

After a Swiss breakfast, travel north to the impressive and powerful Rhine River Falls, near the town of Schaffhausen. An extended visit allows time for an independent lunch and to see the falls by boat (approximately €10) or from viewing platforms accessible on foot by paths and stairways. Return to Germany for a two-night stay in the renowned Black Forest. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 12 - GERMANY . . Black Forest.

Escape modern life and behold the natural beauty of the rustic villages nestled between the thickly wooded mountains. The landscape and history of the Black Forest come to life while visiting some of the region’s treasured highlights such as the waterfall of Triberg, the Schwarzwaldmuseum (Black Forest Museum), and a local artisan’s clock shop. This is your chance to examine authentic hand-carved and hand-detailed Black Forest cuckoo clocks. During an independent dinner, become better acquainted with this lovely area. (Breakfast)

DAY 13 - GERMANY . . Heidelberg – Rüdesheim.

Winding past peaceful villages and farmhouses, depart the Black Forest on the way to historic Heidelberg, situated in the Neckar Valley. This famous university town is immortalized in the operetta “The Student Prince.” Walk through the Old Town or take the funicular (approximately €9) for a close-up look at the ruins of Heidelberg’s red sandstone castle. Continue to your hotel in Rüdesheim. Located among the vineyards of the Rhine wine region, Rüdesheim is known for its festive atmosphere. An independent dinner presents the chance to try Federweisser (feather wine) with Zwiebelkuchen (onion cake) while enjoying Rüdesheim’s tradition of live music and merriment. (Breakfast)

DAY 14 - GERMANY . . Rüdesheim.

A full day in Rüdesheim provides the opportunity to walk along the attractive Rhine River promenade and the enchanting Drosselgasse, the main shopping street. You may wish to join the optional Rhine Cruise & Cable Car excursion (see Optional Excursions), presenting magnificent views of the Rhine River Valley. During tonight’s “Farewell Dinner,” celebrate the highlights of your journey. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 15 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.

Transfer to the Frankfurt Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)

Travel Time

Overnight flight from the U.S.A to Europe.

Arrive at Frankfurt Airport in Germany. Board your motor coach for a scenic ride (1¾ hrs) through the Main River Valley Region. Then continue (1½ hrs) to the festive state of  Bavaria  for a two-night stay. Welcome dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)

Start the day with a panoramic tour (1½ hrs) of Nuremberg followed by independent sightseeing. Transfer (1½ hrs) to the beautifully-preserved, medieval village of Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber , where you will spend the afternoon. Return (1½ hrs) to your Bavaria hotel   for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Motor to your morning stop (1½ hrs) on the way to the elegant Bavarian Capital of Munich for a panoramic city tour (1½ hrs), followed by free time at the pedestrian-only square of the old town (Marienplatz). Make a short stop (1½ hrs) near the German/Austrian border before traveling (1½ hrs) through the scenic Alps. The charming mountain village of Filzmoos will host you for a three-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

The entire day focuses on the province of Salzburg with sights made famous by the “Sound of Music.” Begin with a stop in Mondsee (1¼ hrs) and views of the Van Trapp Home (¼ hr) followed by a tour of Salzburg (1¼ hrs). This afternoon provides additional time to explore this historic city and have an independent dinner before returning to your hotel (1 hr). (Breakfast)

The day is at your leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. In the afternoon join the optional Eagle's Nest excursion (1½ hr transfer each way), to Hitler's mountain hide-away. Return to your hotel for a traditional Austrian dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Admire the scenery as you drive from the region of Salzburg to Tyrol (2½ hrs), stopping for a short morning break. Continue (2 hrs) to the beautifully-situated imperial city of Innsbruck . Spend the afternoon in Innsbruck's Old Town. Toward dinner time, proceed (½ hr) to a Tyrolean village for a two-night stay. Have an independent dinner or join the optional Tyrolean Show & Dinner excursion (½ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast)

Enjoy a free day in your peaceful Tyrolean village or join the full-day optional Neuschwanstein & Linderhof excursion which includes travel to Neuschwanstein Castle (2 hrs), Linderhof Palace (1¼ hrs), and a return to your Tyrolean hotel (1½ hrs). (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning travel through breathtaking scenery (1½ hrs). After a morning stop, continue (1½ hrs) to Vaduz in the tiny principality of Liechtenstein. Cross the border into Switzerland (1½ hrs) for a stop in one of the charming towns. Proceed (½ hr) to your hotel in the beautiful Swiss Alps for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Travel (1 hr) to the mountain resort of Stans , with the opportunity to take an optional Swiss Mountain funicular ride. Continue to Lucerne (½ hr) for sightseeing and the optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion. Return (1 hr) to your hotel in the Swiss Alps. (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, travel north to Zurich (1 ½ hrs). Continue (1 hr) to Schaffhausen for a view of the imposing Rhine River Falls . Next, cross the German border, enter the enchanting Black Forest region and head to your hotel (1½ hrs) for an included group dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

The landscape and history of the Black Forest come to life while visiting some of the region's treasured highlights such as the waterfall of Triberg, the Schwarzwaldmuseum (Black Forest Museum), and a local artisan's clock shop (Travel times between stops varies from ½ hr to 1 hr). Return (½ hr) to your hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 13 - GERMANY. . Heidelberg – Rüdesheim.

Travel (1½ hrs) through the northern part of the Black Forest . Continue (2 hrs) to historic Heidelberg to visit the Old Town. Late afternoon ride (1¾ hrs) to Rüdesheim , located on the Rhine River, for a two-night stay. (Breakfast)

The wine village of Rüdesheim is known for its festive appearance and laid-back lifestyle. For your last day in Europe, relax in Rüdesheim, or consider the optional Rhine Cruise & Cable Car excursion (¾ hr transfer), featuring a 2½-hour boat ride on the romantic Rhine River and a cable car ride for views of the scenic Rhine valley. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Transfer to the Frankfurt Airport (1½ hrs) for your return flight home. (Breakfast )

Favorite Traveler Experiences

•   Walk on the walls surrounding the medieval town of Rothenburg
•   Sip ale from a stein at Munich’s festive Oktoberfest fair grounds
•   Relive the “Sound of Music” as you visit movie sites in Salzburg
•   See the Golden Roof balcony built for royalty in imperial Innsbruck
•   Take a cable car ride in the unsurpassed splendor of the Swiss Alps
•   Witness Europe’s largest waterfall at Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen
•   See where cuckoo clocks are hand-crafted in the Black Forest
•   Get a spectacular view of Heidelberg from its hilltop castle
•   Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class or First Class hotels
•   13 Breakfasts and 9 Dinners in addition to any in-flight meals
•   Tour Manager for the full European duration of the tour
•   Land Transportation in Europe by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach
•   Image Tours Touroclopedia® trip preparation tips
•   Trip Documents with luggage tags, final details and travel guidance

Traveler Reviews

Thomas & janice w..

The Availability, Departure Dates, and Rates are for illustration and planning purposes only. Since final pricing and single availability can only be confirmed with a travel agent, steps 4 & 5 of this on-line booking module is reserved for your travel agent only. (Please Call) indicates that we still have some tour availability; however, you should have your travel agent call our office to confirm air availability.

Select Departure Month

Upcoming departures, sep 19, 2024, oct 03, 2024, $4,240 p.p.d.o., sep 23, 2024, oct 07, 2024, sep 22, 2025, oct 06, 2025, $4,290 p.p.d.o., tour hotels.

Meiser Design Hotel

• Mini-Bar/Fridge
• In-Room Safe
• Lift Accessible
• Fitness Area

Alpenhotel Wurzer

• in-room safe

Gasthof Bad Hochmoos

• indoor pool

Hotel Eierhals Royal

Central Hotel Freiburg

• air conditioning
• safety deposit box at reception

Hotel Felsenkeller

Optional excursions.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DETAILS

Our tours are carefully planned to offer a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment and leisure time. Optional Excursions provide the flexibility to choose between leisure time or additional guided sightseeing activities. Unless otherwise noted, optional excursions must be booked with and paid to your tour manager during the tour. Prices are in U.S. Dollars. MASTERCARD®, VISA®, or DISCOVER® (no other credit cards are accepted) are recommended to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. You must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager. If you bring a DISCOVER® card, also bring a VISA® or MASTERCARD®, as DISCOVER® is not widely accepted in Europe. Cash payments during the tour must be in Euros. Personal checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted. The operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes or cancel excursions at their sole discretion.

EAGLE'S NEST

Visit Hitler’s former hideaway, known as the Eagle’s Nest. Upon arrival in Berchtesgaden, Germany, a mountain bus takes you on a breathtaking drive up a steep, winding road. An elevator built into the mountain brings you to the top, where you will have impressive panoramic views over both Austria and Germany. Operation of this excursion is subject to favorable weather conditions. In the case of halted bus operation, we will substitute a visit to the Obersalzburg Documentation Center.

TYROLEAN SHOW & DINNER

Begin the evening with a typical Austrian dinner, including your choice of beer, wine or soft drink. After dinner, the Gundolf Family welcomes you at their theater in Innsbruck to present Tyrolean Folklore through a series of entertaining performances. The show features customary clothing, traditional songs, unique dances, amusing instruments and expert yodeling.

NEUSCHWANSTEIN & LINDERHOF

Visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, inspiration for the Disney castle. A 30-minute walk up hill and a 45-minute tour scaling several winding staircases with over 300 steps, is rewarded by a fascinating look at the castle's intriguing design. In the late afternoon, tour the extravagant French rococo interior of the Linderhof Palace. (maximum elevation 4,000 feet)

SWISS MOUNTAIN

Reach the summit of Mount Stanserhorn (elevation 6,232 feet) by both cog-wheel train and the world’s only open-top cable car. At the highest stop, enjoy the panoramic views from the terrace, take a walk along the paths, and snap pictures of the magnificent alpine vistas. This excursion is subject to favorable weather and cable car operation, and may be rescheduled or cancelled. In some cases, another mountain may be substituted.

SWISS LAKE BOAT RIDE

Board a steamer for a scenic ride on Lake Lucerne. The lake borders four cantons (states) of Switzerland and, for this reason, is also known as Vierwaldstättersee ("Lake of the Four Forest Cantons"). Your cruise will provide splendid views of the surroundings, comprised of mountain cliffs rising up to 5,000 feet, picturesque villages, and gorgeous lakeside resort homes.

RHINE CRUISE & CABLE CAR

Cruise past medieval fortresses, enchanting villages and hillside vineyards along the Rhine River. Back on land, take a guided tour of the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. End the excursion with a cable car ride up to the Niederwald Monument, affording beautiful views of the Rhine River Valley.

Tour Extensions

Rüdesheim post-tour extension, tour year 2025.

Today begins your Germany, Austria, Switzerland adventure. The Image Tours “Departure Instructions” will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” for directions on where and when to meet your Tour Manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach for a ride through the Main River Valley and the Franconian Wine Region on the way to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. Get acquainted with your fellow tour participants during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)

Your bus transfer into the city center introduces you to the history of Nuremberg. Hitler staged his propaganda rallies here, and after his fall, Nuremberg was chosen as the location for the War Trials. For additional insight, visit the Documentation Center at the site of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds (admission fee). If you prefer a lighter subject, enter the Toy Museum (admission fee), celebrating Nuremberg’s tradition as the “City of Toys.” Spend the afternoon in the enchanting medieval village of Rothenburg. When you see the well-preserved walls, cobblestone streets, distinctive inns, and Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Weihnachtsdorf (a whimsical Christmas shop), it feels as if you are walking into a fairy tale. Return to your hotel for an authentic German dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

The entire day focuses on the province of Salzburg with special attention to the sites made famous by the “Sound of Music.” Visit Mondsee to see the church where they filmed the wedding of Maria and Captain Von Trapp. In the city of Salzburg, stop at the gazebo that was used to film Liesl singing “16 going on 17” and Mirabell Gardens where several “Do Re Mi” scenes were filmed. The walking tour includes Residenz Square where Maria sings “I Have Confidence in Me.” Spend the afternoon shopping in the charming pedestrian-only area of the Old Town, exploring the Salzburg High Fortress, or visiting Mozart’s Birthplace (admission fee). Take a stroll through Saint Peter's Abbey and Cemetery where, in the movie, the Von Trapp family hides from the Nazis. After an independent dinner, return to your hotel in Filzmoos. (Breakfast)

Tucked into the valleys around Innsbruck, the peaceful Tyrolean villages are the perfect location for a relaxing day. Frescoed and flower-adorned chalets create an idyllic alpine atmosphere as you walk through town. Viewed from an outdoor café or along one of the numerous hiking paths, the Tyrolean Alps present breathtaking scenery. If you wish to return to Innsbruck, hotel staff can advise on local transportation, or you can choose the full-day optional Neuschwanstein & Linderhof excursion (see Optional Excursions). At the end of the day, return to your Tyrolean hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Stop in the old mountain village of Stans for the optional Swiss Mountain excursion (see Optional Excursions), offering thrilling panoramic views by funicular and cable car. You will have a full afternoon to discover Lucerne’s picturesque covered bridge, famous Lion Monument and other special treasures. The soaring mountain peaks of Rigi and Pilatus standing guard over Lake Lucerne, creating one of the most imposing sights in Europe. Before returning to your hotel for dinner, consider joining your tour manager for an optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast, Dinner)

After a Swiss breakfast, travel north to the impressive and powerful Rhine River Falls, near the town of Schaffhausen. An extended visit allows time for an independent lunch and to see the falls by boat (admission fee) or from viewing platforms accessible on foot by paths and stairways. Return to Germany for a two-night stay in the renowned Black Forest. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Escape modern life and behold the natural beauty of the rustic villages nestled between the thickly wooded mountains. The history of the Black Forest come to life while visiting some of the region’s treasured highlights. See the waterfall of Triberg, the Schwarzwaldmuseum (Black Forest Museum), and the clock shop of a local artisan. This is your chance to examine authentic hand-carved and hand-detailed Black Forest cuckoo clocks. During an independent dinner, become better acquainted with this lovely area. (Breakfast)

Winding past peaceful villages and farmhouses, depart the Black Forest on the way to historic Heidelberg, situated in the Neckar Valley. This famous university town is immortalized in the operetta “The Student Prince.” Walk through the Old Town or take the funicular (admission fee) for a close-up look at the ruins of Heidelberg’s red sandstone castle. Continue to your hotel in Rüdesheim. Located among the vineyards of the Rhine wine region, Rüdesheim is known for its festive atmosphere. An independent dinner presents the chance to try Federweisser (feather wine) with Zwiebelkuchen (onion cake) while enjoying Rüdesheim’s tradition of live music and merriment. (Breakfast)

A full day in Rüdesheim provides the opportunity to walk along the attractive Rhine River promenade and the enchanting Drosselgasse, the main shopping street. You may wish to join the optional Rhine Cruise & Cable Car excursion (see Optional Excursions), offering magnificent views of the Rhine River Valley. During tonight’s “Farewell Dinner,” celebrate the highlights of your journey with your fellow passengers. (Breakfast, Dinner)

•   Experience Munich's lively Oktoberfest when traveling in late September
•   Tour Manager for the full duration of the tour within Europe
•   Trip Documents with final details and travel guidance

Reach the summit of Mount Stanserhorn (elevation 6,232 feet) by both funicular train and the world’s only open-top cable car. At the highest stop, enjoy the panoramic views from the terrace, take a walk along the paths, and snap pictures of the magnificent alpine vistas. This excursion is subject to favorable weather and cable car operation, and may be rescheduled or cancelled. In some cases, another mountain may be substituted.

BLACK FOREST CAKE WORKSHOP

The famous regional dessert takes center stage as you work with a professional to assembe your own delicious Black Forest Cake. All the ingredients are provided and you are artfully guided through the assembly and decorating process. At the conclussion of the visit, taste your creatation and recieve a copy of the recipe to make at home.

15-day Germany, Austria, Switzerland Tour Map

Alpine Enchantment: A Family Adventure Through Historic Cities & Scenic Landscapes

14 day tour of zurich, interlaken, munich, salzburg and vienna.

• Ascend to the Jungfraujoch for breathtaking views, an ice palace, and thrilling Alpine experiences.
• Discover the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle on an excursion into the Bavarian Alps.
• Ascend the Untersberg by a scenic cable car and dodge trick fountains in Hellbrunn Palace’s gardens.
• Wander through Munich’s beautiful English Garden, one of Europe’s largest urban parks.
• Enjoy a private guided walking tour of Vienna’s historic Inner City and visit its sumptuous palaces.

Must see sights

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Trip map & itinerary.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Arrive Zurich

To Be Determined

Private Transfer from the Zurich Airport

We will schedule a pick up for 20 minutes after your flight's arrival time. You will be met in the terminal by an English speaking driver holding a sign with your name on it. The ride is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

To Be Determined:

Zurich Airport Pickup

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

West Bank, Self-Guided

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

East Bank, Self Guided

Early Morning to Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion Up Mt Pilatus

Ride the steepest rack-railway in the world at a gradient of nearly 48 percent from Alpnachstad up the giant mountain of Mt Pilatus that looms over the city of Lucerne, or glide up the other side on a gondola from Kriens. The highest point, Tomlishorn, with superlative views of Lake Lucerne, is only 30min on foot from the hotels and restaurants near the top.

Zurich to Interlaken

Taxi Transfer to Zurich Main Rail Station

Zurich taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.

Early Morning to Late Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion up Jungfrau

Journey directly through the famous Eiger Mountain to what the Swiss called "The Top of Europe", the icy, windswept gap in the mountain ridges known as Jungfraujoch at 3,454m/11,332ft just below the summit of Jungfrau. The train ride to the top is not cheap, but it's the highest train station in Europe and definitely an unforgettable experience.

Interlaken to Munich

Taxi Dropoff at Rail Station

Interlaken taxis are reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up 45 minutes prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walk Tour of Historic Munich

Munich contains many reminders of a long and varied history but also encompasses the modern features of a strong and vibrant city. The insights of a local help make sense of the traditions, trends, and promises of Bavaria's Capital - sometimes referred to as the city of laptops and lederhosen. On this tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Munich and point out the many hidden treasures.

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit to the Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum (i.e., the German Museum) is the world's largest museum of science and technology. It is located on a small island in the River Isar, which flows through central Munich. The museum's vast and fascinating collection is spread out among 40 different exhibitions. You will encounter examples of technology stretching across humanity's long history, from a reproduction of pre-historic cave paintings to the laboratory where the atom was split.

Munich to Salzburg

Visit to the BMW Museum and the 1972 Olympic Park

If you have a passion for cars and German engineering precision, then you'll love the shrines to one of Germany's finest automobiles - the ultra-modern BMW Museum and the futuristic-looking BMW World. Adjacent to BMW World are the extensive and beautifully sculpted grounds of 1972's Olympic Park built on top of the mountain of rubble transported there during the post-WWII city clean-up operation.

Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg

Salzburg is simply overwhelming in all the best ways. It is alive with fascinating history, grandiose and sublime architecture fills every street and square, culture and music permeate the atmosphere, and it is surrounded by breath-taking natural scenery. This guided tour with a local will provide the context needed to bring all of this beauty into perspective, and to connect the physical city to its history, culture, and environment.

Salzburg to Vienna

Early Morning to Mid-Day

Excursion to the Peak of the Untersberg

The nearly 6,000-foot high Untersberg is Salzburg's nearest Alpine Mountain, and a visit to its peak is the perfect way to experience the Alps without traveling too far.  Don't worry, there's no need to bring your climbing gear. You can take a bus from Salzburg to the base of the mountain, and then take an exhilarating cable lift ride all the way to the limestone summit. There you will find a stupendous view of the Alps spread out before you, and if you feel like wandering a bit, a network of rocky trails spreads out from the summit. The Salzburg card covers both the bus ride to the lift (it's the last stop of bus line #25) and the cable car tickets!

Guided Walk through Vienna's Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Tour the Schönbrunn Palace

The magnificent Baroque palace of Schönbrunn is most famously associated with Empress Maria Theresa, who lived here surrounded by 16 little archdukes and duchesses who also happened to be her children. On your tour of the palace, you will see how Maria Theresa and other past imperial residents lived. No visit is complete without a stroll in the vast gardens surrounding the palace.

Danube Cruise in the Scenic Wachau Valley

A one-and-a-half-hour train ride from Vienna brings you to the town of Melk, where you can tour the vast Melk Abbey. From there you can begin a 22-mile cruise through the Wachau Valley, considered the most beautiful stretch of the entire Danube River. You'll pass medieval castle ruins, hills covered in vineyards, and several charming villages, where you can debark to try some wine or take a hike up to a castle. The valley is also a perfect destination for cyclers and winery tours.

Depart Vienna

Transfer to the Vienna Airport by Public Taxi

Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you.  If you are picked up three hours prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your flight.  If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so.

Tours by Country

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• Czechia, Austria & Hungary
• Switzerland & Italy
• France & Germany
• Croatia & Slovenia
• Netherlands & Germany
• Germany & Czech Republic

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• Rome, Florence & Venice
• Prague, Vienna & Budapest
• Paris & Rome
• Munich & Prague
• Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam
• Berlin & Munich
• Berlin & Prague
• Krakow & Warsaw

Tours by Theme

• Castles & Palaces
• Scenic Countryside
• Culinary & Wine
• Natural Wonders
• Museums & Galleries
• Day Cruises
• Jewish Heritage

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Switzerland and Austria

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13-Day Tour to Zurich, Salzburg, Vienna, Innsbruck and Zermatt

13 days, 4 countries and 14 cities

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12 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners

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One of our most popular trips going to Austria and Switzerland, this incredible duo also delivers a visit to the little Liechtenstein capital. The Alps take center stage on this journey, but you’ll also learn about life as a Carinthian nun when you join them for dinner in a former castle.

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This tour starts and ends in Zurich, and operates in 2024

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Salzburg and Vienna with a Local Specialist

Discover Liechtenstein, Zürich, Innsbruck and Lucerne

Visit Vaduz, St. Moritz, Stresa, Graz, Lipizzaner Stud farm in Piber and Zermatt

View the Golden Roof and Hofburg Palace in Innsbruck, the Matterhorn and Jungfrau mountains (weather permitting), Chillon Castle, Bern and the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument in Lucerne

See The Wachau Valley

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

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A departure is shown as 'Definite Departure' once it has reached a minimum number of guests. That particular departure will definitely run, barring any extraordinary circumstances. We update these regularly, and you can book any departure. While it is highly unlikely a departure doesn't meet the minimum number of guests, you will be offered the best alternative dates or a full refund of any payment made if this is the case. If there are ever any changes to your departure, we will contact you.

How can I book flights for my tour? What about extra hotel nights?

You can add flights and extra hotel nights directly through Trafalgar, so that everything is taken care of, leaving you to relax and enjoy your tour. If you're booking online, once you've selected your travel dates and room type, you'll be offered an option to add extra hotel nights and flights. Alternatively, you can call us to book and one of our travel experts can advise on your options.

How much is the deposit for a Trafalgar tour?

On most of our departures, you can secure your trip today with a low deposit from just $200.

What are the different kinds of experiences available?

Each Trafalgar tour has a carefully-selected range of included experiences to help immerse yourself in a destination. But did you know that every tour also has a Be My Guest and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience? Be My Guest Experiences are the original local travel experience, letting you step into the lives of hosts who will share stories about their families and communities. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences that give back to the local communities, which support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our tours also include a selection of Optional Experiences which are available for an additional cost, allowing you to make your trip your own.

Can I join a Trafalgar tour as a solo traveller?

A guided tour is the perfect way to solo travel. You'll meet like-minded people traveling with Trafalgar, and you'll relax knowing you can travel with ease, forming genuine connections as you go. To find out more solo room types and pricing select your preferred departure date and continue to the next page.

Where can I find room options?

Once you've selected your preferred departure date, on the next step add the number of guests to review the available room options and find the one that suits you best.

How can I apply my past guest discount?

It's great to have you back on board - the loyalty of our guests means everything to us. To access your Global Tour Rewards discount, please confirm the name and date of your past trip once you've added your passenger details. The discount will be applied before you book.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

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Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

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Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Switzerland.

Reach new heights

Incredible skiing on the Swiss Alps and delectable Swiss chocolate are only two reasons for visiting Switzerland. Located between Austria, France, Germany and Italy, you can get quite a diverse European cultural experience depending on which region of Switzerland you choose. And though the food, music, art and people themselves are very much influenced by their European neighbors, they are all still uniquely Swiss. You will leave with plenty of memories to savor for a lifetime.

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Destination must-see's.

Matterhorn:

World famous and the symbol for Switzerland, this mountain is the most photographed in the world. It faces the four cardinal directions and is the tenth highest mountain in Switzerland, but because it has a pyramid shape it is very challenging to climb. The first ascent was in 1865 and cost the lives of 4 out of 7 alpinists. It gets its German name from the words matte meaning meadow and horn meaning peak.

This village is like no other. It lies at the foot of what is probably the world’s most famous mountain. It also is located in an enormous hiking and ski region, making it a great vacation spot, even in the summer. This is a car-free zone vacation spot, making it possible to preserve its historical features as well.

As the capital of Switzerland it has managed to retain its historic features. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features 4 miles/6 km of arcades, or as the locals like to call it ‘Lauben,’ making it the longest weather-sheltered shopping in Europe. They also hold the seat of Switzerland’s government, many festivals, a bear park, and beautiful historic buildings that line the streets.

This gateway to central Switzerland sits on Lake Lucerne and has a view of the mountain from wherever you are. Aside from the view it has the Chapel Bridge which is one of Europe’s oldest wooden bridges. A tourist favorite is to visit its souvenir and watch shops, which Switzerland is known for.

Destination Must-Do's

Swiss Chocolate:

It is only expected that the country that created chocolate is the country that consumes the most chocolate as well. It was created by adding milk to chocolate to try to reduce the cost and make it more palatable, which lead to milk chocolate. Switzerland now has over seven major chocolate companies. The best part is if you are a chocolate lover you can tour these companies and try their many different chocolates.

Swiss fondue:

Swiss fondue was created by local villagers with limited access to fresh foods in the winter. They discovered that if you heated the aged cheese with wines, garlic, and herbs then dipped your stale bread it would soften in the flavorful cheese mixture. Families would cook together in one pot and eat by the warm fire, becoming a Swiss winter tradition over time known as fondue.

GoldenPass:

This train ride is like a day vacation. You experience two languages, three regions, and eight lakes. The company focuses on journey and comfort not just transportation. It has seven different lines you can choose from, with the most famous being the panoramic that has panoramic windows that allow you to be one with the landscape. The other is the chocolate train which is a first class trip that lets you experience the production of famous Swiss cheese, the creation of Swiss chocolate, and a chance to see its magnificent castle.

Glacier Express:

This may be the slowest express train in the world, but for a reason. There is so much to experience on this journey that they slow it down for you. It takes you from Zermatt to St. Moritz. The train ride is an eight-hour panoramic journey. You travel into the Alps, go through 91 tunnels, and 291 bridges.

Expert Advice

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization encourages the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world. Switzerland has three natural and eight cultural sites that can be visited when in the country.

The currency is the Euro in almost all of Europe. In Switzerland, the Swiss Franc is used (CHF). Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to and would dispense local currency. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available.

You're in for a treat as you truly savor the local flavors of the Alpine region. In Austria, look for the beef soup -- Rindsuppe -- a clear soup with gold color that is as tasty as it looks! The Tafelspitz is beef boiled in broth, often served with an apple and horseradish sauce. It's one of Austria's most savory dishes.

Featured Tours to Switzerland

Switzerland: Hidden Trails & Majestic Peaks

Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains featuring a cruise on Lake Maggiore and scenic trains in Switzerland & Italy

Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria featuring Oktoberfest

Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria

Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Italy

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Europe: The Grand Tour

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Best of the Germanic Lands: Wonderful Austria, Germany, and Switzerland Tour

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• Trip Overview

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Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration.

Nourish your senses as you walk along classic wine trails and listen to the music of some of the world’s most celebrated composers. Travel through the splendors of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland on a custom tailored tour and immerse yourself in luxury and culture, chocolate and marzipan, fairytale castles and snow-capped mountains. Baroque palaces tower above cobblestone streets as half-timbered buildings hide chic, contemporary restaurants.

Customizable Itinerary

Vienna – contemporary and imperial vienna.

The corners of Vienna brim with impressive contemporary museums, chic restaurants, and imperial splendor from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Your flight lands at the Vienna airport, and your private transfer awaits your arrival. You will be escorted into the heart of the city to find historical streets that wind around the elaborate architecture of the State Opera House. The city has a deep connection with music, and operatic and ballet performances are staged hundreds of times each year. The current opera house was erected in the 19th-century in the style of Early French Renaissance.

What's Included:

Vienna – Museums and Monuments

In the morning, the Bohemian spirit fills the café known as Mozart’s favorite refuge and one of the last places the maestro performed in public. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingers along the cushioned booths as patrons engage in conversation. After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to whisk you through Vienna’s captivating monuments and rich history. Pass the stunning black façade of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and marvel at the Late Romanesque style of the Heathen Towers gate remains from the 13th-century edifice. The majority of the structure was renovated in the 18th-century, but the nearly 450-foot tall tower was erected in the 1400s.

Vienna – Vienna’s Quarters and Restaurants

In the morning, the shops on the Mariahilf, one of Vienna’s busiest walking streets, opens to the public. Locals venture to the produce market to buy fresh fruits and vegetables as the aroma of fresh bread emanates from the bakery stands. Cheesemongers offer free samples to passersby as your private guide leads you on another tour of the city to reveal more of the opulent sites and monuments. On sunny days, locals gather on the Danube canal to sunbathe on the sandbank beaches with deck chairs and blankets to turn the canal shores into a resort atmosphere.

Salzburg – Transfer to Salzburg and Visit the Hallein Salt Mine en route

Locals around the old city venture to a cafe to enjoy a double mocha with a splash of herbaceous liqueur, known as the Mozart. The tarts and croissants add a buttery, sweet aroma to the rich scent of roasted coffee beans. Your private transfer meets you in your hotel lobby and escorts you to the stunning city of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, with a stop at the Hallein salt mine along the way. The Baroque architecture in the town of Hallein adds a layer of luster beneath the towering figures of the mountaintops. Travel to the entrance of the mine and find a large doorway that leads into the mountain. The alpine air blends with the scent of stone.

Salzburg – Salzburg’s Charming Streets

The sunlight washes over the quiet district of New Town, located north of the Salzach River. The Mirabell Gardens and Mozart’s former home shine against what was once on the fringe of the historical city. Horses clop along the cobblestone streets of Old Town and pass the Baroque buildings of the 16th and 17th-centuries. Mozart left an impression on Salzburg that remains today as it emanates from the music that pours out of charming shops and fills the plaza of Market Square.  Follow your guide on an in-depth tour of Salzburg’s history and splendor that begins at Residenzplatz, the oldest square on the Salzach River’s left bank.

Munich – Visit Neuschwanstein Castle

The old merchant homes from the 15th-century that line the pedestrian avenue of the Getreidegasse continue to draw visitors from around the world. Wrought-iron shop signs dangle over doorways and cafes are filled with people in search of a freshly brewed cup of coffee. After breakfast, leave the charming city of Salzburg behind and make your way over the border into the Bavarian region of Germany. Before you reach Munich, stop in the town of Fussen, home to the Neuschwanstein Castle. King Ludwig II built the structure between 1869 and 1886 but spent only 170 days living on the grounds before his untimely death. The stories of Ludwig’s youth, along with the enticing tales of celebrated operas, inspired the castle’s fairytale design.

Munich – Tour the Bavarian Capital

Men walk through both the contemporary, and the historical, streets of Munich in lederhosen throughout the year and women enjoy the flowing fabric of dirndls. Cafes open to the cobbled streets of Old Town and the 950-foot tall television tower near Olympic Park watches over the entirety of Germany’s third-largest city. Your guide will lead you on an elaborate full day tour of Munich’s captivating old streets and its contemporary neighborhoods.

Baden-Baden – The Spa Town of Baden-Baden

The bustling outdoor market of Viktualienmarkt opens daily with 140 colorful booths filled with the unique flavors of Bavaria. The scent of fennel and radishes joins the aroma of honey and cured sausages as they dangle from the small rafters. Stroll through the avenues to find a rainbow of hues and sweet, freshly baked strudels. After breakfast, venture to the town of Baden-Baden, located in the famous German Black Forest. A neoclassical pump room was erected in the 19th-century to overlook the manicured grounds of Kurpark.

Baden-Baden – The Wine Region of Alsace

The Baroque buildings and fountains of Old Town come to light in the morning, framed by antique shops and lavish galleries. After breakfast, your guide will lead you across the western border in the Alsace region of France for a day among the medieval towns, award-winning restaurants, and mouthwatering wines. Travel the well known Route des Vin d’Alsace which begins in the town of Thann. The French, German, and Swiss use the Alsace as an easy weekend getaway to follow along meandering trails that hug the Vosges Mountains foothills and the banks of the Rhine River. The village of Obernai stands at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile surrounded by the Ehn River.

Zurich – Visit the City of Basel

Today you will leave the lovely town of Baden-Baden and cross the border into Switzerland to discover the incredible cultural attractions and luxurious ambiance of Basel, with more than 15 square miles of museums. Six bridges arch over the Rhine River to connect the cobbled streets of Old Town with the manicured streets of the more contemporary neighborhoods. Basel joined the Swiss Confederation in the 16th-century, and its university became a center for distinguished scholars and teachers.

The Town Hall in Marktplatz marks the city center as a daily market takes place in the mornings and brims with pyramids of fruit and budding flowers. The Town Hall’s bright red walls dominate the square with a 16th-century Gothic style with its adorning clock constructed between 1511 and 1512. The Basel Historical Museum contains a collection of art and weaponry that spans more than two millennia beneath its cavernous vaulted ceilings. Your guide will lead you to a stunning 15th-century mural depiction of the “Dance of Death,” a medieval allegory on the universality of death, which in philosophers’ and artists’ minds, united the world.

Zurich – Explore the Sites of Zurich

Zurich springs to life in the morning as locals venture to work along the cobbled streets and electric trollies. The city stands at the heart of Europe, in the center of Switzerland, and emits a cosmopolitan flair while maintaining a deep connection to its alpine heritage. Old Town rises over the left bank of the Limmat River where the Romans first build their settlement, and the old streets of the city follow the grid of the fortified town. The aroma of coffee drifts out of the small cafes and blends with the scent of leather from the bound books inside the antique bookstores.

Your guide will lead you to the Kunsthaus Museum as run by the Zurich Society of Arts, a society of artists founded in the late 18th-century. The museum houses the largest collection of Monet’s work outside of Paris and specializes in exhibitions of quality over quantity. At the center of the Monet exhibit hang two of the artist’s larger water lily canvases, along with the 20th-century haystack series, which inspired Kandinsky’s style of non-figurative forms. The more contemporary neighborhood across the river contains the Bahnhofstrasse, a mile-long street with bank headquarters, exclusive fashion boutiques, and street cafes where people linger and watch the chic styles of passersby.

Lausanne – The Capital City of Bern

The winding roads of the Alps take you from the charm of Zurich, with its mixture of cosmopolitan culture and Swiss heritage, to the shores of Lake Geneva in the city of Lausanne. Before you reach the city, stop in Switzerland’s capital of Bern, home to a picture-perfect Old Town, Albert Einstein’s home, and a unique blend of historical streets set atop a sandstone plateau that overlooks the calm waters of the Aare River. Swiss flags hang along the half-timbered buildings of the old city and brush against the doorframes of hidden, chic bars. Cafes set tables along the cobblestone streets and provide patrons with decadent hot chocolate, delicious coffee, and indulgently sweet pastries.

Lausanne – Revel in a Full Day Tour of In and Around Lausanne

Wake up in the enchanting city of Lausanne, and it’s view of the glistening waters of Lake Geneva as framed by the rolling mountain peaks on the distant horizon. The blue copper spires of the Cathedral imitate the spiked peaks that surround the city. A timber-canopied staircase with a tiled roof rises alongside antique homes to the terrace and leads to the cathedral’s front door. Medieval streets, Gothic architecture, and diverse artistry mingle with the two renowned universities that bring a vibrant ambiance of the city.

Lausanne – Depart for Home

Locals venture to a nearby cafe in the morning, a charming coffeehouse nestled among the bustling streets of the Grand Pont. You can spend some extra time in the luxury of your hotel. When the time comes, your private transfer will meet you in the hotel lobby and escort you to the airport in Geneva for your international flights home.

Trip Highlights

• Indulge in the unique flavors of the landscape with visits to the cherished wine regions Alsace, on the French border, and Lavaux, near the Swiss Alps
• Venture deep into the heart of the Austrian mountains while touring the world’s oldest salt mine
• Witness the graceful allure of the imperial Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna
• Discover the fairytale edifice and inspiring frescoes of the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany
• Enjoy the electric atmosphere of a traditional German beer hall in Munich, home to liter steins and mesmerizing music
• Sink into the relaxing, healing waters of Baden-Baden with a tranquil spa treatment in the historic baths
• Witness the elaborate artwork of Austrian masters in the Leopold Museum and along Museums Quartier
• View one of the largest collection of French Impressionist artwork in the world to find a stunning array of Monet’s large water lily pieces
• Absorb the culture and heritage of the Swiss Alps in Bern, host to a collection of museums providing insight into the region’s past that informs its present
• Relish the pleasures of private tour guides who specialize in catering each tour to your interests
• Immerse yourself in the comforts of luxurious accommodation located in the heart of cities, villages, and towns across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

Detailed Description

Private tours allow you the flexibility to explore the bustling streets of a city, linger in the charming alleys of a village, and enjoy the vibrant artwork of a museum you stumbled upon along the way. Your 15-day tour of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland allows you to follow your guide on individualized tours created with your personal tastes in mind. From stallion training at the Spanish Riding School to posing with epic operatic murals in the Neuschwanstein Castle, submerging in mineral waters of Baden-Baden to the Gothic cathedral of Lausanne, you will have the splendor of history and the beauty of landscape at your fingertips.

Your tour begins with your arrival in Vienna, Austria, home to the Hapsburg Palace and a renowned opera house. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel in the heart of the city. Spend the next day on a tour of Vienna’s cultural heritage, from museums to churches as you enjoy the delicious cuisine and inviting nightlife. Continue the next morning with a half-day tour of Vienna to discover the opulence of the Hapsburg Palace grounds, along with a performance of the Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School. Make your way to Salzburg by way of the Hallein Salt Mine the following day and dive deep into the caverns to see the extent of the mine and its history.

Continue as your guide will lead you on a full day grand tour of Salzburg, from Mozart’s birthplace to the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Taste a delicious marzipan and enjoy a view of the Salzach River. Travel next to the Bavarian region of Germany to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle. The fairytale ambiance emanates from the elaborate architectural design and décor. Move next to a full day tour of the famous Glockenspiel and outdoor markets of Munich. Venture through the mixture of contemporary and antique streets to enjoy the delightful music and laughter of one of the city’s famous beer halls.

Journey next to the town of Baden-Baden in the Black Forest and stroll through the streets on an introductory tour before you relax in the hot and cold baths of one of the town’s celebrated, historical spas. Cross the border into France for a unique tour of the Alsace wine region and relish the sights of medieval towns and beautiful vineyards. You will then make your way into Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich. The ambiance combines its deep heritage with a contemporary style and architecture outside of the old town. En route to Zurich you visit the museum friendly city of Basel, celebrated for its art, bridges, and culture.

Traverse the streets of Zurich to experience the pleasures of the city at your preferred pace to take in the museums, the half-timbered buildings, and the elegant shopping streets. Stop in the city of Bern en route to Lausanne; the Swiss capital has two distinct districts separated by the Aare River. Once in Lausanne, relax in your luxurious hotel that overlooks Lake Geneva. You will then have time to enjoy the charms of Lausanne before you wander along the treasures of the Lavaux wine region, filled with delicious wineries and stunning vineyards. Conclude as your private transfer meets you at your hotel in Lausanne to escort you to Geneva Airport for your flight home

Starting Price

$6,900  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.

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Germany Austria Switzerland Itinerary: 10 Days on the Road

You’ve decided on your Europe trip and you’re now wondering how to plan it. I can help with that!

I lived in Southern Germany (Stuttgart) for six years and traveled to Switzerland and Austria more times than I can count. Since it was just a few hours away, we went for festivals, ski trips, summer hiking, and exploring beautiful villages and cities.

While I don’t recommend trying to cram as much as possible into one trip, I think it’s very doable to visit these three countries within 10 days. 

I’m sharing what I think is the best 10-day Germany, Austria & Switzerland itinerary that’ll show you how to make the most out of your time.

With this itinerary, you will stay within certain regions of each country so you’re not on the road the entire time. 

You’ll have a mix of scenery, busy days, tours, and downtime. The goal is to divide your time over as many activities and places as possible without rushing through them.

Overall, you’ll be splitting your time nearly evenly in each country.

Keep reading for all the details about this itinerary. Every detail has been thought out for the most memorable trip you can have!

Why Combine Germany, Austria, and Switzerland on the Same Trip?

We all know Europe is full of amazing countries with wonderful spots for traveling, so why does this trip include Germany, Austria, and Switzerland instead of someplace else like Italy, Spain, or France? And why only these 3 countries?

Well, this combination has logical, geographical, and experience-related motives.

They’re Close

First, it simply makes sense to combine Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. These 3 countries are very close to one another – they literally share borders.

If you check a map of central Europe, you’ll see that Germany borders both Switzerland and Austria from the south, whereas Austria is to the east of Switzerland.

They Have the Same Language

Another reason why it’s a good idea to combine Germany, Austria, and Switzerland into one trip is the common language. 

All 3 of these countries speak German. It’s one of the 4 official languages of Switzerland and the sole official one in Austria.

If you don’t speak German, this combination means you can learn some basic phrases in German and use them for all the places you’ll visit.

This isn’t an obligation since you can get by just fine with English, but showing you know a few phrases goes over well with locals. 

They’re Versatile and Have a Lot to Offer

Last but not least, combining Germany, Austria, and Switzerland gives you a rich experience with a wide range of activities to satisfy different interests.

These countries have natural landscapes with lakes, waterfalls, rivers, mountains, and more. They have historical sites, museums, art, architecture, adventures like hiking or paragliding, and cuisine among many other cultural aspects.

This means you’re guaranteed to enjoy your visit no matter what you’re looking to do.

Are 10 Days Enough for Visiting Germany, Austria, and Switzerland?

The answer to this heavily depends on your travel style and what you’re looking to accomplish with the trip.

If you’re a home base type of traveler who likes to deeply explore a single location at a time, 10 days likely won’t be enough for you to thoroughly cover even 1 of the countries.

If you’re a go-go-go traveler who aims to see as much as possible of the places they go, then 10 days are probably enough to see a lot of the 3 countries since they’re quite close to one another. However, this approach isn’t the most comfortable or rewarding in my opinion.

If you prefer a balanced approach, then I believe 10 days will be enough for you to experience and enjoy a bit of each country to a pretty satisfying level. This travel style is what I’ve gone for with this itinerary.

How to Get Around During a Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Trip?

Making your way around Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (or Europe in general) is basically a choice between 2 means of transportation: car or train.

Each option has its pros and cons, so I’ll highlight them in this section to help you choose what works best for you.

Taking a Car

This itinerary was created for a car, but you can just as easily take a train too.

The upside of getting around with a car is that you don’t need to worry about sticking to a departure schedule. You can set off according to your own time and you’ll never miss your ride.

A car can also be the faster method to reach some places since you can take shortcuts and don’t have to make stops along the way. Not to mention, taking a car allows you to go on side trips and make detours.

That said, taking a car in Europe can be more expensive than taking a train. Not only because of the rental cost but also the gas and road tax.

• Vignette : Austria and Switzerland both require a vignette, which is a sticker you purchase at a gas station or store to go on your windshield. In Austria, you’ll spend less than 20EUR, but the Swiss vignette runs about 40-45USD (depending on the exchange rate).
• Gas : Gas in Europe is much more expensive than in the US, about 3-4 times the cost.
• Car Rental : Compared to places like the US, a rental car will be considerably cheaper in Europe. Typically you can find a small to midsize sedan for $30-50/day. I always book through Discover Cars , an aggregate company that helps you find the best prices (often lower than through the company directly). They also have fantastic customer service, which can be hard to find in the rental car industry.

Driving in Europe can sound daunting, but these three countries are fairly easy to navigate. The roads are well-maintained and drivers follow the rules of the road. There are plenty of well-marked signs and it’s likely that your rental will have GPS included. 

Taking a Train

While in Europe, trains are a great way to get around. They’re fast, clean, and efficient (especially in these countries!). And train stations are in the center of towns or cities, so once you disembark you’re not too far from your hotel.

They’re also pretty affordable, so you can save much of your budget for the actual visit. Also, you’ll be relieving yourself from the hassle of driving in a new/foreign country.

The downside to trains, however, is having to plan your time around their schedule. Besides the lack of flexibility, you’re also likely to take a longer time to get to your destination by train vs by car.

Some of these trips require multiple connections, so you’ll need to pay attention as well.

Additionally, some places are tricky to reach by train. You’ll get off at the nearest point but have to figure out how to make it to the specific spot you want to visit.

There are many different ways to book train tickets in Europe which deserves its own post. I priced out this trip in May via RailEurope and it is $324 per person (I’m looking about 9 months out). With the Eurail Pass, it’s $292 (but you still need to pay a few euros to reserve seats).

The Eurail Pass is more flexible (i.e. you can change train times if there are open seats) which can be more appealing. Please note the train from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden cannot be booked via Eurail.

Booking your train tickets early is key to finding low prices. If you wait until the last minute, you could end up spending a lot more on your tickets.

Children under 15 travel free via train.

TRIP OVERVIEW & MAP 10 DAYS SWITZERLAND | AUSTRIA | GERMANY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrive in Zurich & Head to Lucerne DAY 2: Lucerne to Interlaken/Lauterbrunnen DAY 3: Grindelwald & Junfraujoch DAY 4: Travel to Innsbruck & Overnight DAY 5: Travel to Salzburg & Explore DAY 6: Berchtesgaden | Königsee | Eagle’s Nest DAY 7: Salzburg Day Trip DAY 8: Travel to Munich & Explore DAY 9: Neuschwanstein Day Trip DAY 10: Fly Home

Click on map below to see full map in Google Maps.

Germany Austria Switzerland 10-Day Itinerary

Day 1: arrival in zurich & head to lucerne.

• Distance by car: 52.5km (32 miles)
• By Train: 40-60 minutes, no connections
• Country: Switzerland
• Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Your 10-day trip to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland will start with your landing in Zurich, Switzerland’s capital

Assuming you arrive early in the morning, you’ll have 3 full days to explore Switzerland. 

With this itinerary, I didn’t plan a day in Zurich because it’s a massive business city and one of the most expensive in the world. The town of Lucerne is much more quintessential Switzerland and a much cuter town.

If you would like to get a taste of the city, however, I recommend heading to the old town (Altstadt) and exploring for a few hours before heading to Lucerne. It’s only 6 miles from the airport to the city center and easily accessed via train or car. 

Lucerne is only about 45 minutes from Zurich, so you could spend most of your day in Zurich and then make your way to Lucerne for the evening.

If you decide to head straight to Lucerne (which I highly suggest), here’s how to spend your day.

Grab a bite before on your way to Lucerne or have breakfast when you get there. Some of my favorite places to fill up on breakfast or lunch are Richemont Gastronomioe , Mill’Feuille , and Antons Restaurant .

After food, you’ll start exploring the old and new towns. You can walk around on your own or join a walking tour such as the one to Chapel Bridge and Old Town or one with a local via LocalBini. 

While exploring the old town, don’t miss the sight of the iconic Lion Monument. It dates back to the 1820s and pays tribute to the Swiss Guards who were murdered during the French Revolution.

You can also wander along the lake or catch a boat ride over it with a 1-hour cruise .

If you’re into museum visits, here are some great options such as the Richard Wagner Museum, Sammlung Rosengart Museum, Swiss Museum of Transportation, or Chocolate Adventure Pavilion.

Don’t forget to snap some pictures at the Chapel Bridge. It’s a covered wooden footbridge that crosses the river Reuss. It contains various interior paintings dating back to the 1600s and features a unique flower pot decor along its guard rails.

When dinner time rolls in, be sure to try the country’s world-famous dishes such as fondue, raclette, Älplermagronen, and Rösti. Among my top restaurants for Swiss cuisine are Restaurant Balances , Hermitage , and Gasthaus Schlüssel .

Hotel Recommendations

Most hotels are located in the Old Town, so head over to Waldstatterhof Swiss Quality Hotel or Ibis Styles Luzern for the night whenever you’re ready.

Day 2: Exploring Lauterbrunnen & Interlaken

• Distance by car: 67.6km (42 miles)
• By Train: 2.5-3.5hrs (1+ connections)

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel or at one of the restaurants I mentioned above. Then, you’ll leave from Lucerne to Lauterbrunnen. 

Lauterbrunnen looks like something out of a storybook. Here you’ll see mountains jutting out of the ground and 72 waterfalls all over the mountain valley.

These mountains are sheer rock faces overlooking a wide valley. It was formed by glaciers over millions of years. You’ll often spot base jumpers and other extreme sports enthusiasts enjoying nature’s playground. 

Interlaken is a beautiful little town between the green glacial lakes of Thunersee and Brienzersee (‘see’ means lake). It’s about a 20-minute drive from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, and you can stay at either location for beautiful views (although Lauterbrunnen sits right in the valley).

Tip: This area has many cable cars going up mountains, boat rides on the lakes, funiculars, and trains to the tops of mountains. There are a lot of ways to see this area! If you want to dig in and explore, I recommend purchasing the Jungfrau Travel Pass . It covers nearly everything with a few exceptions that you can read about here .

Here are my top recommendations for a day in Lauterbrunnen:

WALK THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL VALLEY FLOOR

Make your way into the valley and park at Lauterbrunnen. From here, walk one of the many trails throughout the valley. You could go on for miles or take a quick stroll. 

If you want to really see all the highlights, though, book this guided tour from Interlaken . You’ll see the best waterfalls in the area and learn about the history of this beautiful valley. This is a great option especially if you don’t have a car.

GO PARAGLIDING IN INTERLAKEN

Paragliding in Interlaken was my absolute favorite activity the last time we visited the area. We went nearly 10 years ago and we still talk about it today. It was a highlight for sure! Because you just drove in today, I recommend doing this early the next morning so you can really explore the valley. I booked with this tour company and loved them. 

VISIT TRÜMMELBACH FALLS

Trümmelbach is the only glacier waterfall in the world that can be accessed underground. These are Europe’s largest subterranean waterfalls and are impressive to see in person.

There are three glaciers feeding meltwater through here to create these falls. And it’s a lot of water! At 20,000 liters per second, you can imagine how powerful and mighty these falls are. 

HIKE ONE OF THE WATERFALL TRAILS

There are tons of hiking opportunities throughout the massive valley. And some lead to villages such as Murren or Wengen.

Some hotels I’d recommend for your stay are Chalet Rosa B&B and Hotel Oberland .

If you don’t wish to stay in Lauterbrunnen, there are so many options in this area. One time we stayed at this small hotel in Le issigen, a small town above Lake Thun (Thunersee). I liked it here because it’s so quiet and you stay at a traditional Swiss mountain home that’s been converted into a hotel.

Day 3: Exploring Grindelwald and Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)

• Distance by car: 20.3km (12 miles) to Grindelwald. Train required after Grindelwald.
• By Train: 43 minutes to Grindelwald. Then train to Jungfraujoch.

Today you’ll head to Grindelwald and then to Jungfraujoch, called the Top of Europe. This trip takes a bit of time so I recommend starting early. To reach Jungfraujoch, you need to take a train from Grindelwald.

Grindelwald is a small Swiss village in the beautiful Swiss Alps. It’s also a great launching point for Jungfraujoch, a massive mountain at 11,000ft and the tallest in Europe! 

GO TO THE TOP OF JUNGFRAUJOCH

From Grindelwald, you can take the Eiger Express train to the top and back (be sure to book these tickets ahead of time). When you book, you can select how long you wish to stay at the top. There’s plenty to do, including seeing the longest glacier in Europe, taking in the sweeping views, and exploring an underground ice palace with ice sculptures.

I recommend going up Jungfraujoch in the morning so you can spend your afternoon at Grindelwald, but it’s really up to you how you want to plan your day. I prefer to not feel like I’m waiting around to board a train, so I prefer to do those activities in the morning and then be free to explore the rest of the day.

EXPLORE GRINDELWALD

Grindelwald itself has tons to do. Since you’re short on time, I recommend walking the town and grabbing a bite to eat.

For something more adventurous, there’s plenty to do! Soar like an eagle on a fast-moving glider , walk on the cliff walk overlooking the mountains below, or drive a mountain cart , among other things. Note that some of these things require a gondola or cable car ride.

If you prefer to keep your feet planted, go on one of the many hikes in the region such as the Kleine Scheidegg .

At the end of the day make your way back to Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen for your last night in Switzerland.

Day 4: Explore Innsbruck

• Distance by car: 380km (236 miles)
• By Train: 6-7 hours with 3+ connections
• Country: Austria
• Currency: Euro

The following morning you’ll travel from Interlaken to Innsbruck, a cute college town in the mountains of Austria.

This town makes for a great stopping point between Switzerland and Salzburg. 

If you went straight through, the drive would take about 7 hours (assuming there’s zero traffic and you don’t stop), and even longer via train. So I recommend a stopover night in this beautiful and historic town to break up your trip.

I also like this drive because you go through some spectacular mountain scenery, and even cross through the small country of Liechtenstein (look out for the black license plates!).

If you prefer something a bit quieter, I recommend looking into the Achensee, a pretty Alpine lake about 55km (34 miles) from Innsbruck.

If you’re driving, don’t forget to get a Vignette sticker before you cross the border to Austria. It‘ll cost you around 10 EUR, and if you don’t buy one you could get a huge fine of over 100EUR. Vignettes are available at all gas stations.

Since the drive will fill a good portion of your day, here is how I recommend spending your afternoon/evening:

• Walk the cute old town (Altstadt) and check out some of the shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• Visit OlympiaWorld and learn about the 1976 Olympics.
• Climb the town tower for beautiful views.

Each time we’ve been to Innsbruck, we’ve stayed at these beautifully maintained apartments just up the hill from the old town. There are hiking trails from the apartment and a lovely farm-to-table restaurant on the mountainside called Gasthaus Planötzenhof Andreas Heis . If you like pretty views with your meal, then I recommend this place!

Day 5: Explore Salzburg

• Distance by car: 166km (103 miles)
• By Train: 2 hours, no connections

Today you will make your way to Salzburg, just a few hours from Innsbruck. As you’re likely tired from all this travel, you’ll get a chance to relax and enjoy a few nights in the Salzburg area.

Expect more scenic views and an easy drive. If you’re driving, there are three routes to get there, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

When you arrive at Salzburg (aka the City of Mozart ), you’ll probably be ready to explore.

Make your way to the Old Town (Altstadt). It’s a small but packed old town filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and cathedrals. 

A must-see spot is Mozart’s birthplace at the intersection of Hagenauerplatz Square and Getreidegasse Street.

There are various walking tours, but you can easily walk yourself. If you want to learn about the history of the area, I recommend this 2.5-hour tour that starts at Palace Mirabell and takes you through the Makartplatz, New & Old Town, Mozart’s Birthplace and ends at the top of Mönchsberg Hill (optional). 

You’ll also see River/Mozartsteg, Toscanini Hof, St. Peter’s Cemetery/Church, Alter Markt, Mirabell Gardens, Kapitelplatz, and many more places.

There are also food tours where you can see the city while experiencing Austrian cuisine. I recommend this one for food tasting or this one for beer tasting in Old Town

It’s hard to miss the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress perched above the Altstadt. To get there, you can either walk the switchback path to it or take the funicular for about 5EUR (ascent and descent, admission included).

Once at the top, get ready to be blown away by the 360 views. Explore the medieval interior of Europe’s largest intact medieval castle. You can see the Salzburg Bull, the Archbishop Chapel, Golden Hall, and Golden Chamber.

Don’t go back down too soon. You can take the Monchsberg road to reach Augustiner bräu – Kloster Mülln, Austria’s largest beer tavern. For a delicious meal, try the Gasthaus Burgschenke .

My top recommendation for dinner is the Mozart Dinner Concert at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium in the old town. It’s the oldest restaurant in Central Europe.

Call it a night at Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt Salzburg or MEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center .

Day 6: Explore Salzburg/Berchtesgaden

• Distance by car: 34.6km (21 miles)
• By Train: 1 hour with 1 connection
• Country: Germany & Austria

Since Berchtesgaden is a short distance from Salzburg, we’ll keep our base in the city and do a day trip from here.

Today you’ll go on a day trip to Berchtesgaden, a national park with the looming Eagle’s Nest. There are a few options for your day, depending on your interests:

TAKE A BOAT RIDE AT KÖNIGSEE

The Koenigsee is a beautiful large lake in the southern German Alps. There’s a popular boat ride that takes you along the lake to St. Bartholomew’s Church. They even have a trumpet player that shows you how well this mountain valley can echo! Once at the church, you have time for lunch and a drink before heading back. It’s a beautiful way to spend the day. 

VISIT THE EAGLE’S NEST

Alternative to Lake Königsee, you can visit Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest at the top of Mount Kehlstein and the Documentation Museum. You can take a guided tour from Salzburg or a bus directly from Salzburg to the documentation center.

You can also drive yourself as well.

Once you’re done exploring, head back and recharge for the next day.

Day 7: Explore Around Salzburg: Hallstatt | Sound of Music Tour 

• Distance by car: Varies
• By Train: Bus only

In and around Salzburg, there are many day trips and activities that you can enjoy early in the morning. Here are some of my recommendations.

• Sound of Music Tour : you’ll visit locations used in the movies, hear songs, take photos, and enjoy the countryside.
• Day Trip to Hallstatt : hike up the Salzberg mountain and enjoy the view of the sunrise from the Skywalk (with a photographer)
• Bike Tour Around Salzburg : about 3.5 hours through the city and countryside.

Hallstatt has become really popular in the past few years, but there are many other lakes in the area. Surrounding Salzburg, there are a total of nine lakes in this region.

Mondsee is a good option for a cute town on a pretty lake (but you won’t have the same striking town as Hallstatt). This lake is also on the Sound of Music tour as well. Attersee is the largest in the region and the most striking with mountains in the background.

Alternative Option: If you’re excited to get to Munich, you could alternatively head there today to have an extra day to explore.

Day 8: Explore Munich

• Distance by car: 147km (91 miles)
• Country: Germany

Today you’ll make your way to Munich, the beautiful capital of Bavaria and home to BMW.

Although it’s a large city, the central area is quite walkable and easy to navigate.

There is also a robust train system. The trains within cities in Germany are called ‘U-Bahn’, so look for those signs when walking around. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosks directly at the stations, or you can use their app to book your tickets.

EXPLORE MARIENPLATZ

Once you arrive and get settled, head to the center of town, Marienplatz. This has been Munich’s center square since 1158. I recommend walking around the area and exploring the shops and one of the many breweries. 

You’ll see the New and Old Rathaus (town hall), St. Peter’s Church, and the Marian Column among many others. Interestingly, this place was rebuilt in the traditional style years after its demolition at the end of WWII, so it may not be physically old, but it looks the part.

CLIMB ST PETER’S TOWER & GLOCKENSPIEL SHOW

From there, make your way to St. Peter’s Tower (best to arrive about 30 minutes before 11 or 12 to make the climb before the show starts). Go up to the observation point for a spectacular bird’s eye view of the Platz and a chance to catch the Glockenspiel show away from the crowds.

The Glockenspiel show is a 15-minute spectacle that reenacts bits of the city’s history. It takes place at 11 and 12 daily, ending with 3 chirps from a golden rooster at the top of the square’s mechanical clock.

TAKE A WALKING TOUR

If you’re into walking tours, there are many free options that start right at Marienplatz.

For something a bit more in-depth, I recommend this 1.5-hour tour of the inner city. It starts at the Marienplatz, showing you the highlights, and then heads to the Frauenkirche church, the Royal Brewery, as well as the cathedral and Theatine Church. The tour ends at the Viktualienmarkt.

When it’s time for lunch, the daily food market (Viktualienmarkt) is a fantastic option. It’s about 4 minutes from the city center. Alternatively, you can go to a beer garden for a meal and a drink.

After eating and depending on how late it is, you can explore Munich’s iconic cathedral; the Frauenkirche, the Nymphenburg Palace, or the English Garden.

WALK THE ENGLISH GARDEN

The English Garden (Englisch Garten) is a massive public park in the center of Munich. It’s even larger than Central Park.

Inside there is a huge network of trails that can keep you busy for days. If you prefer a guide to show you around, there are some great tours like this one (via GetYo urGuide) that take you through Marienplatz and the English Garden.

The English Garden is close to Marienplatz, so you can simply head here once you’re done exploring the Marienplatz area.

Here are my top 3 things to do:

• Watch people surf at the Eisbachwelle . This is located at the very south end of the English Garden next to a road. But stopping here is worth it! I thought it was so fun to watch people surfing in the center of a huge city. If you are heading to the English Garden from Marienplatz, you can stop here first.
• Visit the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) . The Chinese Tower was built as an observation tower. Sadly it was destroyed in WWII, but has been rebuilt in its former style. The second largest beer garden is here, and it’s a great place to grab a beer and have something to eat. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk (less than a mile) from the surfing area.
• Stroll Around and Explore . Aside from the beer garden (biergarten) at the Chinese Tower, there are many other biergartens and restaurants inside the park. There’s also a Japanese Tea House, areas to relax in the grass, ponds, and even a sheep farm.

DINNER AT A BREWERY

Wrap up the day at the Hofbrauhaus restaurant near Marienplatz (a 5-minute walk) for a taste of German cuisine, beer, and atmosphere. The Augustiner restaurant is also a great choice (a 20-minute walk from Marienplatz) with its delicious beer, schnitzel, and maultaschen.

For accommodation, I recommend the Arthotel Munich or Bento Inn Munich Messe .

Day 9: Explore Neuschwanstein Castle

• Distance by car: 109km (67 miles)
• By Train: 3+ hours each way with bus connections (I recommend a tour instead, see below)

Today you’ll be going on a day trip to Füssen, south of Munich.

If you have time, start with a hefty white sausage breakfast – classic Bavaria style. It’s called Weißwurst in Germany, and you can have a tasty one at Schneider Brauhaus, Airbraeu Brauhaus, or Hofbraeukeller.

Füssen is the town that sits at the base of Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany’s most famous castle. It’s the inspiration behind Disney’s castle in Sleeping Beauty.

The fastest way to get to the castle from Munich is by car, and there’s also the option to take the train (which requires many connections).

Or, you can book an inexpensive day tour like this one and have everything done for you. This is my personal recommendation to avoid parking, purchasing tickets, and a lot of waiting.

I recommend booking your tour ahead of time as the line can get really long quickly.

There are actually a few castles in this area. The tour of Neuschwanstein is a bit anti-climactic, so if you don’t want to wait in line for tickets, you can simply walk up to the castle and explore the courtyard.

The Marienbrücke Bridge is where you can get the famous photo (see above) of the castle. It’s free and is a short walk to the right.

Please keep in mind the bridge site is high above a gorge and can get absolutely packed with people. The boards you walk on are not well secured either, so take caution if you decide to walk across it. From here you can continue a bit further up for even better views (note it is steep).

The only way to avoid the crowds is to arrive early.

If you’re into a mesmerizing, adrenaline-packed activity, don’t miss out on paragliding in the Alps (over the castle too!). F ly Royal is a fantastic team to book this activity with; you’ll take off from Tegelberg Mountain and the duration of the flight depends on the package you choose.

Alternatively, you can stay on the ground and explore the lake, take a bus or train ride through the castle’s surroundings, go to vantage points, and discover the tale of King Ludwig, it’s all in this tour .

Once you’re done exploring the castle and area, you’ll head back to Munich. That’s your chance to get your fill of Bavarian beer and cuisine at Steinheil 16, Schiller Brau, and Servus Heidi.

Day 10: Munich/Departure

The last day is all about wrapping up your time in Munich and making your way to the airport to fly back home. If you have time, you can do some last-day shopping at Maximilianstrasse.

If you’re flying from Munich Airport, it’ll take you about 30 minutes by car and around 1 hour by train from the center of Munich. 

If you’re departing from Zurich Airport (only because you booked a two-way ticket), a car drive will take you there in about 3 to 4 hours while a train will do it in 5 to 6 hours. Be sure to factor in construction or train delays so you don’t miss your flight.

Things to Keep In Mind When Traveling to Germany, Austria & Switzerland

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind during your Germany, Austria & Switzerland trip:

• All 3 countries speak German, so you only need to learn common phrases in that one language. That saves you a lot of time and hassle, although English will get you by just fine.
• All 3 countries are included in the Schengen visa agreement.
• Germany and Austria use the Euro, but Switzerland uses the Swiss franc.
• Scheduling your trip during the shoulder season (March through April and September through November) should get you lower rates and fewer crowds.
• While getting around by train is more affordable and less confusing, it typically takes longer and may not reach all locations.
• Getting around by car is more costly and forces you to worry about direction/parking, it offers more flexibility and usually takes less time.

Final Thoughts

That brings us to the end of a full-packed 10-day Germany, Austria & Switzerland itinerary for an unforgettable trip. The only thing left for you to do is actually get the show on the road!

I'm Brea, an Alaskan with a serious case of wanderlust. Join me as I share insider information and firsthand accounts to help with your travels. Find destination guides, itineraries, general travel tips, learn how to take better photos, and more! Follow me on Instagram for all my up-to-date travels @travelingigloo

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This was a great planning document. What would you recommend if one member required a mobility device such as a scooter etc. is this a trip that would be friendly to such an individual?

Hi Mike, I think much of it is possible with a scooter, but with limitations. Lucerne’s old town has many stairs to navigate around the old town, but there is a good stretch of it that’s mostly flat. Many of the active activities (hiking, paragliding, etc) will need to be altered, depending on the mobility. Innsbruck and Salzburg have many flat areas but there are likely some stairs in the old town to navigate. Munich’s Old Town should be navigable with a scooter, and you can do the Englisch Garten. If you’re planning a self-guided trip, I would look at tour options to get around (bus, train, tram, etc) to see some of these places. Many cities and towns also have hop-on, hop-off bus tours so you can see the city without walking everywhere. Be sure to book a tour with transport to Neuschwanstein. There will be many more logistics to consider for this type of trip, but it’s absolutely possible. If you can drive, or if there’s someone that can rent a car and drive directly to these locations, that would be better than a train station. Please note that I’m not an expert in this area so you’ll want to do your own research and planning to accommodate any mobility devices.

Thank you for the information. Do you have any suggestions for incorporating a couple days of skiing?

Hi Jules, if you can add a few days, there are many great skiing options. We skied (snowboarded) Sölden and really liked it. It’s a big mountain with lots of options. Kitzbuhel is also a good option and closer to Innsbruck. Grindelwald-Wengen is also a great option. But honestly, there are hundreds to choose from. Our absolute favorite was Saalbach-Hinterglemm. I have an older article about it here: https://www.travelingigloo.com/snowboarding-winter-saalbach-hinterglemm-austria/

I would look at when you plan on going then do a little research on the snow reports and the mountains with the most reliable snow, then make your decision based on that. I was surprised that many mountains didn’t have snow until January or later. Also keep in mind that Switzerland will be considerably more expensive than Austria. I love skiing in the Alps (more than Alaska), it’s so much fun.

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Pre arranged tours for individual travellers

10-Day Germany & Switzerland Rail Circle Tour (10R03)

Germany & Switzerland Rail Circle Tour . This 10-days/9-nights tour takes you from/to Frankfurt International Airport along a marvelous journey into the German, Austrian and the  Alp Mountains of Switzerland.

View of Lucerne ©Swiss Image, Luzern Tourismus AG

With this vacation package, you will see  spectacular landscapes and visit some of the most charming cities of Germany and Switzerland! Enjoy a wonderful Scenic-Panorama “Golden-Pass” train ride from Interlaken to Lucerne , on which you will have a marvelous view over snow-covered mountains . This beautiful vacation package includes second class rail all the way. The package can be upgraded to 1st-class Rail tickets for just US $ 259 per person for the entire tour except for the Express Bus from Munich to Zurich, where there is only one class of service. This includes seat reservations for the long-distance rails (see the tableau this is already included in the price of your tour ) .  Here you also find everything else that is included:  transfers, rail tickets, tours, and admissions.

Price per Person

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Wurzburg Residence © Romantische Strasse Tourismus Arbeitsgemeinschaft GbR, Imperial Castle and Heilig Geist Spital Nurmberg ©Thomas H. Giesick

Day 1 Wurzburg

Take the train from Frankfurt International Airport to Wurzburg Central Station . The city is idyllically located in the midst of  vineyards , with the medieval Fortress Marienberg towering above. Wurzburg is an old bishop’s seat and a lively town, proudly presenting monuments of different eras. Culture, art, history and hospitality are ever-present in this remarkable city! Fortress Marienberg (admission included), Wurzburg´s landmark, has of course changed its appearance a great deal since it was first mentioned, today the oldest part of the fortress is the “ Rundkirche ” (round church) which was built in the year one thousand. The Cathedral , the Marienkapelle, the “ Alte Mainbrucke ” (old bridge across the river Main ), the Juliusspital and the “Kappele” are musts, but make sure that you do not miss out on the “ Furstbischofliche Residenz “, Prince Bishops Residence (admission included). This “Palace above all Palaces” is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy this beautiful town which offers not only cultural but also culinary highlights such as the hearty cuisine and, of course, the world famous Frankenwein (Franconia wine!).

Day 2 Nuremberg

By High-speed Rail (ICE) it takes less than 2,5 hours from Frankfurt/Frankfurt Airport to Nuremberg.  Your hotel is located in walking distance from Nuremberg Central Station (which is located just outside the Old City Wall surrounding Nuremberg Old Town and the Imperial Castle). Nuremberg’s history reaches back to the year 1050, its name “nourenberc” translates into “rocky hill”. Nuremberg’s famous landmark, the “Kaiserburg” ( Imperial Castle ), towers above the Old town, which is protected by the five kilometers long city wall, many towers and gates can still be visited. The medieval Castle is one of the most important imperial palaces dating from the middle ages from the 11th century (admission included). In the Third Reich Adolf Hitlers´Nazi Party had chosen Nuremberg for their  Nazi Rallies and if you are interested in that part of history you may want to visit the Documenation Center Nazi Rally Grounds which are located just south of the Old Town. When exploring the beauty of Nuremberg’s medieval Old Town you may want to start right at the Koenigstor (“Kingsgate”) which is the gate right across from Nuremberg Central Station. From where the timber framed buildings, the Gothic Church of  St.Lawrence and the Church of St.Sebaldus can be easily reached by foot. Right next to the Koenigstor is the Handwerkerhof (craft center), here you will feel like you are back in the medieval times, there are craft workshops like they used to have a long time ago as well as a gingerbread bakery. Make sure to enjoy a  Nuremberg Bratwurst along with a beer or a glass of “Frankenwein” (franconian wine).

Neuschwanstein Castle © Romantische Strasse Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gbr, Linderhof Palace © Softeis via Wikimedia Commons and Munich Town Hall © Thomas H. Giesick

Day 3 Munich

Start your tour with a ride on the commuter train from Munich Int. Airport directly to Munich Central Station. Your hotel is located in short walking distance from the station. The price of your tour already includes admission to many sights in Munich ( Munich Residence and Residence Museum, Treasury, Cuvilliés-Theatre , Hall of Fame and Statue of Bavaria, Nymphenburg Palace and Park, Marstallmuseum, Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain) and with your tour package you will also receive walking suggestions for a self-guided  walking tour through Munich City Center. Along this walking tour you will visit the Marienplatz  with the New Town Hall (with the “ Glockenspiel ”), the Konigsplatz (King´s Square), cultural center in the 19th century and later, during the “Third Reich”, site of Nazi Party mass rallies and location of the Nazi Party headquarters in Germany, the English Garden as well as the the State Opera House .

You will be able to visit famous churches like Munich Frauenkirche , “Dom zu Unserer Lieben Frau (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady), with a height of 325 ft. a Munich landmark, St. Peters Church , built in the 14th century and the Asam Church , which was built as a private chapel and integrated into an apartment building. The tour will pass by the most famous Munich shopping streets (Kaufinger street and Neuhauser street) as well as by the “ Viktualienmarkt ”, a traditional farmers market (open every day except on Sundays). The tour will take you by the famous “Alois Dallmayr ” luxury delicatessen and coffee store as well as to the Hofbrauhaus of course, probably the world’s most popular beer hall. This may be a great place to enjoy a hearty dinner and a fresh Mass of beer (one mug holds 33.8 US fl oz)!

Day 4 Escorted coach tour to the Royal Castles

Another highlight of your Europe Rail tour will be a visit of the world famous Neuschwanstein Castle . You will be on an all-day escorted coach tour which will first take you to Oberammergau for a photo stop (you may want take a look at the Festival Hall where the Passion Play takes place every ten years.) The coach will then take you to Linderhof Palace , the Royal Villa of King Ludwig II. The Palace and Park were inspired by Versailles and the rooms are beautifully decorated and furnished. After a short drive through Austria and back into Germany you will get to Neuschwanstein Castle. The picture of Neuschwanstein is probably present in everybody’s mind and Neuschwanstein really seems to be taken out of a fairy tale. You will join an English-speaking guided tour through the Castle. The tour of the interior, the Throne Hall , the Hall of the Singers , the Grotto and all of the private rooms which were built for King Ludwig II, will make the picture perfect! After the tour of the inside make sure to take some time to explore the castle grounds. The view of Neuschwanstein from the bridge behind the castle is like no other! Your luxury coach will take you back to Munich where you will arrive in time for dinner.

Lake View Zurich © Swiss Image Lucia Degonda and Chappel Bridge Lucerne ©Swiss Image, Luzerne Tourismus AG

Day 5 Zurich

The direct train ride from Munich to Zurich Central Station takes a little over four hours. As a lifestyle capital located on the water, Zürich offers the unique mix of discovery, pleasure, nature and culture. The finest culinary highlights, unlimited shopping pleasure , over 50 museums and more than 100 galleries, Switzerland’s liveliest nightlife, numerous events and countless green oases in the center of the city tempt guests to linger and enjoy. If you want to have a glorious view of the Old Town , Grossmünster Church , City Hall , the Limmat river, the University and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Visit Lindenhof , a haven of peace and tranquility in the heart of the city. At the church “ Fraumünster ” you can find glass windows that has been created by Marc Chagall . If you want to do some shopping a visit of the “ Bahnhofstrasse ” is a must. The street runs from the Main Station right down to the lake. It is said to be among the most beautiful shopping areas in Europe and with its boutiques and stores it is also known to be one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping streets in the world. In Zürich you might want to look for a new Swiss made watch but you definitely have to try a piece of the Swiss Chocolate (Frey or Lindt)

Day 6 Lucerne

Lucerne is the capital of the Canton of Lucerne and an important tourist destination due to its location on the shore of Lake Lucerne – within sight of Mount Pilatus and Rigi. The train ride will be an absolute highlight of your tour, the Swiss Alp Mountain Scenery is just beautiful! Visit the Chapel Bridge : It is a 14th century wooden bridge crossing the Reuss River in the Old Town. The Chapel Bridge with the octagonal water tower is a famous landmark of Lucerne.

You will come across 17th century triangular painted roof panels lining the ceiling of this covered bridge, recounting important events from Swiss history and mythology. it is the most photographed monument in Switzerland. Don´t forget to visit one of the world’s most famous monuments: The Dying Lion of Lucerne. It was carved out of natural rock a renowned Danish/Icelandic sculptor, commemorates the hundreds of Swiss guards who were massacred during the French Revolution in 1792. Mark Twain says about the Lion of Lucerne that it is the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.

View of Interlaken ©Swiss Image Lucia Degonda and Bern ©Swiss Image Bern Tourismus

Day 7 “Golden Pass” Panorama train ride

In the morning take the Scenic-Panorama “Golden-Pass”-train ride from Lucerneto Interlaken.  Interlaken (Latin for “between the lakes”) is nestled between two lakes: Lake Thun and Lake Brienz . It also affords a view of the worlds famous Icy Icons: the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau . The Jungfrau – Top of Europe – can be reached by train. The tour does not include the tickets for the train journey up to the mountain since it will not be worth going up there if you have bad weather. Even in the summer time there can be days with snowfall and fog. However, if the weather is nice we recommend to go – this wonder-world of eternal snow and ice is absolutely stunning. Tickets can be bought right at the Interlaken West Station (where you arrived). Visit the Ice Palace and its sculptures or enjoy the breathtaking views from the Sphinx look-out terrace over the Aletsch Glacier , the longest ice stream in Europe, to the surrounding mountain peaks of the neighboring countries.

In less than one hour the Speed Rail will take you from Interlaken to Bern.  Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote about Bern: “It is the most beautiful that we have ever seen”. Albert Einstein lived here from 1903 until 1905. Don´t miss to visit the Cathedral of Bern. It is Switzerland’s largest ecclesiastical building. Construction started in 1421, the spire was finally completed in 1893. At its portal you can see a depiction of the Last Judgment. Climb up Switzerland´s highest church to have a marvelous view cross the city and into the Bernese Mittelland and the snow-capped mountains of the Bernese Oberland. The Old Town ob Bern is very scenic and it has a unique medieval character. The historic center, almost completely surrounded by the Aare River, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Very unique are the numerous arcades you will find in Bern.

After a long day you may want to have something to eat at the Schwellenmätteli , a famous restaurant in Bern. Located on the banks of the River Aare you’ll feel like you’re on an island vacation.

Day 9 Frankfurt

It takes about four hours from Bern to Frankfurt Central Station.  Your hotel is located within a short walking distance of Frankfurt Central Station . Frankfurt is a very modern metropolis which nevertheless offers many historic sites such as the Romerberg  (hill of the Romans) with its beautifully restored timber-framed houses ,  the Goethe Haus where the world famous poet once lived; the Paulskirche , symbol for democracy and freedom in Germany; “ Alt-Sachsenhausen “, where in Schellgasse number 6 you will find Frankfurt’s oldest timber-framed house, built around 1291, to name only a few of Frankfurt’s historic landmarks.

The Frankfurt Museum Riverbank is one of the most important locations for museums in Germany and Europe. The exhibition buildings are lined up on both sides of the Main riverbank, several famous museums are to be found in the city centre. Visit the “ Stadel “, the German Museum of Architecture as well as the Museum of Applied Art or the “ Schirn Kunsthalle ” to name only a very few. Don’t miss out on Frankfurt’s “ Zeil “, a huge pedestrian zone where shopping is the name of the game. So, if you arrive early enough in Frankfurt, visiting this interesting metropolis is certainly worthwhile.

Romer, Opera House, Skyline of Frankfurt © Thomas H. Giesick

Day 10 Frankfurt International Airport

Today your tour ends after breakfast. Take the train for a very short train ride from Frankfurt Central Station right into the terminal of Frankfurt International Airport. You have a wide variety of trains going during the day and you may take a train at your convenience . The train ride takes about 11 Minutes.

 Would you like to download an overview of the 10 Day Germany & Switzerland Rail Circle Tour (10R03) as a pdf to print it out or to forward it to a friend? Please download it right here:   Download Itinerary

This is already included in the price of your tour

The tour package we provide includes a day by day itinerary as well as all tickets, vouchers and information necessary to enjoy a great independent tour. It also contains general information about the cities you visit which you can downloaded from our website once your tour is confirmed. Book Tour  

This is not included in the price of your tour

• Airfare from/to your origin to/from Munich International Airport
• all meals other than breakfast (which is included)
• gratuities (tips)

You have booked the tour already and would like to download the to- europe tour package  for this tour now? Please download them right here:

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STRASBOURG, BLACK FORREST & INTERLAKEN CUSTOM TOUR Hi Thomas, We had a FABULOUS trip to the Black Forest, France and Switzerland. You do a remarkable job in finding excellent locations, wonderful hotels, and all the directions we need to make our way from place to place. Again, thanks for all that you do! – Jackie T., Oklahoma, USA  

We are fortunate to have travelers from all over the world on our pre-packaged tours and we would love to have your feedback! If you have been traveling along this tour with us please leave us a review below – we greatly appreciate your time! (your Email address will not be displayed)

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We just got back from our 10 day tour of Germany and Switzerland. We were so impressed As we are about land back in the U.S, we were so impressed with the trip you put together for us. Great cities. Nice, clean hotels conveniently located a short walk from the train stations. Train tickets already printed and ready to use so we didn’t have to fool with that, and printouts via your emails that listed the track number, our seat numbers, and departure and arrival times. Passes for use of the public transport system in a few of the cities. A good list of stuff to see and do on your website that we took with us. You guys were also very responsive over the last two years whenever I would email you with a question or concern. Just an all around wonderful experience. Thank you very much.

We just got back from a vacation in Europe and we had an amazing time,Especially memorable was the customized rail tour we arranged with to-europe.com. A dream I had was to one day experience the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria and go up to the "Top of Europe" Jungfraujoch. I was not sure how to combine this idea in one vacation until I read on to-europe.com website that they had options for me to visit both areas, Our train tour was fantastic and I saw so much more that what I bargained for. Extra tours that were not planned for we also did a long the way and this added value to our tour. Every day after every train trip we did something new and each experience (tour) was unique and memorable. The trains are really efficient.. Many had WIFI in them to our amazement, The hotels were excellent and a short trip from the train stations. We met many people along the way.....but what was most memorable to me was that to-europe.com was able to customize my vacation experience in such a way that i got to make my "2 dreams" reality. The team that organised my trip was also very efficient. Every hotel, train and tour was booked accordingly with all documentation there when we got to our first hotel. All vouchers that were emailed to me were correct and even the post made it in a short period of time all the way to South Africa. I would like to thank Michaela, Thomas and Petra for all the organisation behind the scenes that led to a fantastic vacation. I would recommend booking tour through this company any day! Thank you guys!

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Oktoberfest: Germany, Switzerland & Austria

15 days   |   17 days with Budapest extension

4.6 out of 5 stars

Uncover the stunning scenery and cultural traditions of three spellbinding countries.

Get a full view of the idyllic villages and cosmopolitan capital cities of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Discover delightfully distinct style and substance in each destination, from the legendary Oktoberfest celebration in Munich to the Art Nouveau elegance of Vienna. Swiss mountains and the Bavarian forest, German beer and Austrian wine—this tantalizing trio of countries has something for everyone.

Your tour package includes

• 13 nights in handpicked hotels
• 13 breakfasts
• 6 dinners with beer or wine
• 10 sightseeing tours
• Expert Tour Director & local guides
• Private deluxe motor coach

Included highlights

• Oktoberfest in Munich
• Heidelberg Castle
• The Black Forest
• Kapellbrücke
• Nymphenburg Palace
• Belvedere Palace
• Salzburg Cathedral

Overnight Flight 1 night

Day 1: travel day.

Board your overnight flight to Frankfurt today.

Heidelberg Region 2 nights

Day 2: arrival in frankfurt & transfer to the heidelberg region.

Included meal : Dinner

Welcome to Germany! Transfer to the Heidelberg region and settle in to your hotel. Then, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Start planning today

Our travel experts are here to help.

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Leonardo Mannheim City Center

This comfortable hotel is located in the Mannheim city center. Guests enjoy a pool, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Schloss Mannheim, Park Friedrichsplatz, and Marktplatz.

Hotel Bellevue-Terminus

This urban hotel is located in Engelberg. Guests enjoy a restaurant, cafe, and lounge. Nearby, you’ll find Engelberg Abbey, Eugenisee Lake, and views of the Alps.

Hotel Edelmanns

This stylish hotel is located in the Austrian Alps town of Tirol, just outside of Innsbruck. Guests enjoy the sauna, fitness center, and impressive bar. Nearby you'll find the Dorfpark, Innsbruck Botanical Garden, and the...

Holiday Inn Munich City Centre

This centrally-located hotel is located in the heart of Munich. Guests enjoy the fitness center, Finnish style sauna, and an on-site restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Au-Haidhausen district, Marienplatz, and Residenz.

Arcotel Castellani

This contemporary hotel is located in Salzburg city center. Guests enjoy the large garden, fitness center, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find the Salzburg Old Town, Mozart's birthplace, and Fortress Hohensalzburg.

MAXX by Steigenberger Hotel Vienna

This convenient hotel is located in the city center of Vienna, Austria. Guests enjoy the fitness area, on-site bar and restaurant, and spa. Nearby you’ll find the Naschmarkt open-air market, Leopold Museum, and Schönbrunn Palace.

Crowne Plaza Budapest

This elegant hotel is located in the centre of Budapest. Guests enjoy the Cult Restaurant, summer terrace, and on-site coffee house. Nearby you'll find Heroes' Square, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and the City Park.

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

• This tour visits Germany, Switzerland, and Austria (plus Hungary on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
• Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center .
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code WWO.
• You will walk for at least 2 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with few hills or stairs.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
• You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Frankfurt and depart from Vienna (or from Budapest on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov .
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• German food is hearty and substantial. Among the specialties are dumpling stews, sauerkraut, sausages, smoked cheeses, and dark breads. Bavaria produces some of the world’s purest beers, and white German wines are exceptionally good.
• Swiss food is varied and sophisticated, and some popular dishes include sausages, breaded veal fillets, freshwater fish, and cheese dishes such as fondue and raclette. Be sure to try Swiss chocolate, which is among the world’s finest.
• Austria is known for its savory Wiener schnitzel and excellent wild trout, carp, and crayfish. Save room for dessert—especially the strudels of fruit and nuts and elegant chocolate cakes, such as the world-famous Sachertorte.
• On the tour extension, Hungary claims goulash as its national dish, but also is known for excellent salamis, cheeses, nut-flavored pancakes, freshwater fish, and preserved fruits.
• All destinations visited on this tour operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C or F plugs with two small, round pins. You may also use a Type J plug with three small pins in Switzerland.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
• Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• All destinations visited on this tour are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
• You will use the euro in Germany and Austria and the Swiss franc in Switzerland (plus the Hungarian forint in Hungary on the tour extension).
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
• Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
• Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
• Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Select tour date

Overall rating based on 80 traveler reviews

Showing 1 - 6 of 80 traveler reviews

5 out of 5 stars

2nd-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in Sep 2023

This tour far exceeded my expectations I would highly recommend it , there was something for everyone and our guide was extremely informative and a pleasure to listen too best trip I’ve ever been on

1st-time traveler William, traveled in Sep 2023

We had a fabulous trip. Our tour guide Tanya is superb. Her knowledge and history of sites along the way and at our destination was excellent. Two thumbs up for Tanya and our bus driver Bart.

1st-time traveler Glenna, traveled in Sep 2023

My tour was so much more than i expected. I wanted to see the country and did I. A lot of walking but I made it slowly but I did it. We had the best Tour guide Lala and driver Bogie. They were a great team. If I knew they were going to be doing a great tour together I’d sign up... Read more of My 1st EF Tour was a Hit more to follow

3rd-time traveler Jose, traveled in Sep 2023

We visited 6 countries, the transportation, hotels, food were all excellent. Our tour guide Alex was like having a family member with us, he made the tour interesting and enjoyable. Every day we visited very interesting places, also was able to share many meals together with the... Read more of Best Tour Ever

1st-time traveler Nancy, traveled in Sep 2023

I can't say enough about tour director Mica. She was approachable yet professional and very organized. As a former travel agent and frequent traveler I can honestly say she was one of the best (if not the best) I have ever met. The tour itself was balanced and included most... Read more of Great tour and well organized.

1st-time traveler Michele, traveled in Sep 2023

Our first tour with EF. Thank you Flemming for the wonderful journey. Great group of people, had a fun time. Can’t wait for our next adventure.

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Berlin and Imperial Capitals

Eastern whispers, alpine christmas markets (classic, 9 days), pilgrim trail from salzburg to tyrol, prague, vienna & budapest, classical danube (passau - budapest - passau), jewels of europe 2024 - 15 days (15 destinations), trans-european cruise from budapest to strasbourg (port-to-port cruise), jewels of europe 2024 - 15 days (13 destinations), the legendary danube with 2 nights in prague 2024.

“The rest of the tour was very good. Hotels were as expected with breakfast included each morning.” Sidney Licaros, traveled in March 2023

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year
• Visit Berlin's famous churches
• Explore Prague's old buildings
• Cruise along the Danube in Budapest

“Amazing trip. Toilet on bus will be helpful.” Elizabeth Lategan, traveled in October 2022

• Admire the beautiful gardens of the amazing Schönbrunn
• Explore the historic Prague and then enjoy a beer or two
• Visit the Swarovski Museum & learn how they are made

“There was a lot of thought put into the places we visited and what we saw, well planned.” Marg, traveled in November 2022

• Ride on a horse-drawn Fiaker through Tyrol's countryside
• Taste the aromatic Lebkuchen with a glass of Glühwein
• Experience the wonderment of the Christmas Markets

“The days can be long but the views are worth it. Before you start you're given the full itinerary with a navigation system on the app.” Thomas Moxley, traveled in May 2024

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes
• Relax in thermal baths and visit old salt works
• Stroll past gorges and waterfalls to Lofer
• Hike through the Salzburg Way of St. James

“The bus always clean well maintained. All of Tour guides were excellent.” Lance, traveled in May 2023

• Join a guided tour of Prague's historic sites
• See Vienna's State Opera and Imperial Palace
• Tour Budapest's architectural and thermal gems

“The price of the trip was affordable. The staff was very helpful and the communication with them was easy.” Agnes Elises, traveled in October 2023

• River Cruise
• Venture across Budapest's seven bridges, connecting the traditional cosmopolitan enclave of Buda with the lively Pest.
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Why our favourite holiday destinations in Europe are at growing risk of earthquakes

Portuguese residents were terrified when the ground started shaking in the early hours of monday morning last week. environmental scientist deborah r coen explains why they are right to worry about when the big one will hit lisbon and many other of our favourite destinations in southern europe, article bookmarked.

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T here was no warning before the earthquake in Lisbon on Monday morning last week . Worse, the computer system of Portugal’s oceanic and atmospheric agency crashed shortly after the shaking began at 5.11am. No injuries have been reported, but residents, who were mostly fast asleep when it hit, have told of being terrified, jumping out of bed and “not being able to stand up”. 

Patricia Brito, who lives in the centre of the city, says that, once she found her footing, she skidded into her parents thinking “this was the big one” . The shaking lasted less than a minute, but for three hours she couldn’t go to sleep as she and her friends WhatsApped each other from Setubal to Porto as they shared their stories. “One friend woke up and threw up a minute before it started, so she must have been hyper-sensitive to it coming.”

While the earthquake was moderate, with Lisbon 84km from its epicentre, the news dominated Portuguese and European headlines as it was felt in Gibraltar, Spain and Morocco.

The panic among Lisboetas was also understandable as residents of the city are used to living in the shadow of 1755, when a massive earthquake collapsed Lisbon’s churches during mass, launched tsunami waves over the city’s walls, and caused fires that lasted six days. 

Scientists estimate the magnitude of that devastating event was 7.7 compared to the 5.4 that occurred on 26 August. What would an earthquake of that size mean for Lisbon today?

Given that two-thirds of the city’s buildings were built before anti-seismic regulations of the 1980s, the damage could be untold, which is why residents of that city are often exposed to drills whether that is tsunami alarms that are tested near the waterfront of the city, or school children being given instructions of what to do in the event of a catastrophic event.

Even last week, residents were all sent text messages reminding them to be alert to aftershocks, keep shoes close to them and check for cracks, damage and smells of gas.

We might not want to think about it, but Lisbon, like many holiday destinations, is under constant threat. It is just a matter of time before another big one strikes southern Europe. There’s no stopping the African tectonic plate on its path northward, threatening major upheaval.

Research published this May indicates that the climate crisis has magnified the hazard: rising sea levels and stronger storms can trigger earthquakes and related disasters like landslides and tsunamis. Even a little extra pressure from a full lake or reservoir can initiate seismic slip. This means increased risk for coastal areas around the Mediterranean, which are particularly vulnerable.

Not even the UK is safe, where earthquakes might seem exotic from the vantage point of the British Isles. In the 19th century, the popular historian Henry Thomas Buckle insisted that freedom from earthquakes was a precondition for Britain’s economic dynamism, since fear would discourage investment.

He even claimed that earthquake-prone lands were doomed to mental backwardness, for “there grow up among the people those feelings of awe, and of helplessness, on which all superstition is based”.

Nonetheless, the Scottish highlands have a long, well-documented history of small earthquakes. The tiny village of Comrie even became a tourist destination in the 19th century for those curious to feel the earth shake. In 1863, a tremor was palpable across 85,000 square metres of England, and in 1884 a quake centred in Essex caused enough damage to launch a national collection.

For a brief moment following these tremors, fear struck the heart of the British empire. Charles Dickens proclaimed that “we enjoy no immunity from the most sudden, the most irresistible, the most destructive of nature‘s powers. Another such shock as the Lisbon earthquake may happen this or next year.”

The Times warned of “means, utterly beyond our ken and our computation, far below our feet, by which cities may be subverted, populations suddenly cut off, and empires ruined…Who can say what strange trial of shaking, or upheaving, sinking, dividing, or drying up may await us?”

These were passing worries. Earthquakes in the UK were sooner entertainment than hazard. Nineteenth-century Londoners could procure a thrill by visiting the Cyclorama’s recreation of the Great Lisbon Earthquake, including moving scenery and offstage screams.

British earthquakes were long forgotten when the UK began building nuclear reactors in the 1960s, without anti-seismic reinforcement. Seismologists did their best to raise awareness. In 1983, The New Scientist placed an image on its cover of a cup of tea being thrown from its saucer, with the headline “Is Britain Prepared for Earthquakes?” The Times responded with a dismissive editorial, insisting that the British “have other things on their mind”.

In the 2010s, reports of tremors in Lancashire were linked to hydraulic fracking, which can trigger earthquakes much as rising water levels do. The government placed a moratorium on fracking in 2019, but fear of a fuel shortage from the war in Ukraine has driven demands to lift it. Experts are still calculating the risks.

The earthquakes that threaten southern Europe are roughly 100,000 times more powerful than the ones produced by fracking in the UK. Governments in the region rely on short-term forecasting to avert disaster.

Following a deadly earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy in 2009, six seismologists were convicted of manslaughter because they had failed to warn the city of imminent danger. 

Although their convictions were overturned on appeal, the demand for earthquake forecasts has grown. This is a dangerous trend, since seismologists agree that there’s no reliable method for predicting earthquakes.

The only way to reduce risk is to avoid building near active faults and to enforce construction codes. The message is clear: facing up to seismic risk requires long-term planning.

It also requires cooperation. The most destructive earthquake in Europe’s history hit Sicily in 1908. It killed approximately half the residents of Messina and destroyed around 90 per cent of the city’s buildings.

The disaster struck as Europe’s imperial powers seemed headed towards conflict. Just two months earlier, Austria had annexed Bosnia, fanning the flames that would lead to war in 1914.

The humanitarian response to the earthquake was prompt and dramatic. Dozens of Russian, British, French, and American ships brought food, blankets, and construction materials. American workers built roughly 3,000 new homes for the survivors with material provided by the US government and the Red Cross. 

They did so with the explicit aim of promoting “good feeling between the nations”. Two weeks after the disaster, the cover of a German satirical magazine featured a drawing of two demons, one commenting to the other: “Everything was so beautifully prepared for a war. Then that meathead comes and makes an earthquake! The whole human race is fraternising again, and we’ve lost our chance.” 

Although the demon was sadly mistaken about the chance of war, the earthquake did inspire international partnership in the long term.

The International Relief Union was founded in 1927 by a member of the Italian Red Cross who had dedicated several months to recovery work in Messina in 1908. There he learned that responding to disasters would require an unprecedented degree of international coordination.

Earthquake preparedness also calls for cooperation with the public. One of the surest ways to collect information about seismic risk while raising public awareness is to encourage citizens to take science into their own hands. Ironically, Europeans tended to be more seismically savvy in the 19th century than today.

Back then, scientists built their accounts of earthquakes largely from the eyewitness accounts of survivors. “Likely in no other field is the researcher so completely dependent on the help of the non-geologist,” wrote one 19th-century geologist; “and nowhere is the observation of each individual of such high value as with earthquakes… Only through the cooperation of all can a satisfying result be delivered.” 

Even today, the most sophisticated seismographs alone can’t say how much damage a future temblor is likely to cause. That kind of information can only come from people on the ground sharing their observations.

As I discovered by reading dusty letters between scientists and citizen observers for my book on the subject, a lively dialogue emerged in the 19th century about how best to live with seismic risk.

Scientists learned what the readings of their instruments meant in terms of the felt experience of people on the scene, while observers developed a new curiosity about our dynamic planet. Reviving this dialogue could help Europe build a common language for earthquake safety today.

Deborah R Coen is a professor of history and history of science and medicine at Yale. Her book ‘The Earthquake Observers: Disaster Science from Lisbon to Richter’ is available to buy here

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