Switzerland and Austria
13 Day Tour to Zurich, Salzburg, Vienna | Operated by Trafalgar
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13 Days
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4 Countries
Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy -
14 Cities
Zürich, Vaduz, Salzburg, Vienna, Graz, Villach, Innsbruck, Saint Moritz, Stresa, Zermatt, Montreux, Bern, Interlaken, Lucerne -
17 Meals
5 Dinners, 12 Breakfasts -
Pace: Comfortable
Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.
Trip Itinerary
Your epic journey to the heart of Europe launches in the sophisticated cultural hotspot of Zürich. This afternoon, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for a social impact guided walking tour of old town Zurich. This experience addresses SDG goals 10 & 12 - Reduced Inequalities & Responsible Consumption and Production. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner in this beautiful lakeside setting.
Embark on a soul-stirring encounter with the valleys and lofty peaks of Liechtenstein, bound for its tiny capital, Vaduz. Continue along the scenic Arlberg route through the Tyrol to your overnight stop in the Baroque city of Salzburg. Here, you will join a Local Specialist for a walking tour that will take you past iconic sights, including the house where Mozart once lived and Domplatz with its imposing Salzburger Dom Cathedral, Residenz Castle and St. Peter's Abbey.
Waltz through the scenic Austrian countryside, past Lake Mondsee and the rolling hills and fortresses of the Wachau Valley, then continue to Vienna. Perhaps spend your first evening in the 'City of Music' on an Optional Experience Viennese dinner with traditional entertainment.
Admire the grand boulevards and beautiful Baroque façades on a guided sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist, who will take you to see the State Opera, Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral and Parliament. Immerse yourself in the centuries-old history, before spending free time soaking up the coffee house culture of the city. This evening, you may wish to embrace the talents of Vienna and attend a Viennese concert in one of the city's magnificent performance venues.
We journey south to Graz, with its striking architecture and fascinating Roman history. Continue to Lipizzaner Stud farm at Piber where we'll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the breeding of these athletic white stallions for the Spanish Riding School. Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience, join the nuns of Kloster Wernberg at a monastery housed in a beautiful old castle. Enjoy their hospitality and a traditional homemade dinner with herbs from their own garden, before heading to Villach, our home for tonight.
Enjoy spectacular Alpine scenery, journeying over the remarkable Felbertauern Road on your way to Innsbruck, capital of the Tyrol. Here you will have an opportunity to admire Emperor Maximilian I's Golden Roof, St. James Cathedral and see the Olympic ski jump. You could choose to marvel at the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store.
This morning, we cross the Swiss border and travel through the enchanting landscapes of the Engadine Valley. Arriving in the chic winter sports resort of St. Moritz, we have the afternoon on our own to explore the scenic landscape or perhaps take the Bernina line train.
Drive via the Maloja Pass, past Lake Como, to Lake Maggiore. Explore the lakeside town of Stresa, before seeing the Borromean Islands. Then, head towards the Simplon Pass en route to Zermatt, where you will dine at your hotel.
Spend a full free day soaking up Zermatt's crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. Relax in beautiful surroundings or consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views.
We continue our journey through the Rhône Valley, arriving on the tranquil shores of Lake Geneva later today, where we will view Chillon Castle. We follow the lakeshore to Montreux, set against the pristine backdrop of snow-covered peaks and vineyards.
Travel via Bern to Interlaken, set in the heart of Switzerland in the shadow of the mighty Jungfrau. Then, cross the Brünig Pass to lakeside Lucerne, where you’ll view the ancient wooden Chapel Bridge suspended over the Reuss and visit the poignant Lion Monument to pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution.
Snow-capped peaks surround you as you wander through the medieval streets of Lucerne, lined with colorful muralled façades. Spend a full day on your own exploring the Old Town, enjoy a leisurely Swiss lunch or consider an Optional Experience ascending a nearby mountain for panoramic views. This evening, toast to your epic journey during your Farewell Dinner.
We say a fond farewell to Switzerland and our newfound friends at the end of an unforgettable journey.
Price Includes
What's Included- - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- - 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.
- - 5 Dinners (D)
- - 12 Breakfasts (B)
- Join Diana and her team of socially engaged local guides, for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience. Uncover the old town of Zürich during a fun and educational walking tour with the wonderful organization who are raising awareness on social issues such as food insecurity and supporting local change makers and the community.
- Explore Vaduz and admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital.
- Join your Local Specialist to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' See the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.
- Take in the beautiful landscapes of Wachau Valley.
- Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Specialist reveals the historic core of the city. Tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
- See the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic city center on your orientation with your Travel Director.
- Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town and learn about its history with your Travel Director.
- Marvel at the Alpine landscape as you drive past breathtakingly beautiful mountains and valleys.
- View the beautiful fortress of Chillon Castle, set on a rocky islet on Lake Geneva and widely regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe.
- During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
- You are taken on a tour of the Monastery of Kloster Wernberg, originally a castle, today home to 60 Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood. You'll enjoy a homemade dinner with herbs from their own garden during this Be My Guest dinner.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Alps at the Hotel Ambassador in Zermatt.
Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Eagle's Nest & The Bavarian Alps (Available on Day 3)In Berchtesgaden National Park, we'll drive with our Local Specialist past farmhouses and picturesque villages, as we ascend the Obersalzberg. We'll then transfer to special buses for the second leg of the journey, on a spectacular road that's been blasted out of the mountain side. Finally, we'll take an elevator to the Eagle's Nest, intended as a mountain retreat for Hitler and his inner circle. Once at the top, we'll learn its fascinating history and take in awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountain peaks, whilst enjoying a local refreshment!
Adult Price: €75 Lake and Mountain Tour (Available on Day 3)Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll marvel at the Alpine beauty of the Salzburg lake district, with its 76 glacier lakes and picturesque towns like Sankt Gilgen. We'll also have the chance to see some of the major backdrops for the film "The Sound of Music".
Adult Price: €49 Viennese Dinner with Musical Entertainment (Available on Day 3)Enjoy dinner in an atmospheric Viennese restaurant, with drinks and traditional musical entertainment included. A unique experience in one of Europe’s most elegant cities.
Adult Price: €73 Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens (Available on Day 4)The Imperial Summer Palace of Schönbrunn offers an amazing journey through the centuries of Habsburg rule. It is perfectly preserved and richly decorated with treasures from around the globe. Each room has a story to tell, so of course, you’ll have a Local Specialist to bring it to life and to make the most of your time.
Adult Price: €59 Dinner And Viennese Concert (Available on Day 4)A wonderful evening of all things Viennese! We'll enjoy a superb dinner with drinks, followed by a concert of Viennese classical music. With your 'A Class' tickets, you will experience works by Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed in a classic, sumptuous setting and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or juice during the concert. Please note: on occasion, a small gift will be offered in place of a glass of sparkling wine.
Adult Price: €123 Tyrolean Evening With Dinner (Available on Day 6)Enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Tyrolean cuisine before a lively folklore show, where singers, dancers and musicians dressed in national costume provide an evening of entertainment and fun. Drinks are included.
Adult Price: €85 Bernina Pass Discovery (Available on Day 7)Board a train across the spectacular Bernina Pass, one of Switzerland's iconic rail routes. Our panoramic journey takes us to a local hostelry where you can indulge in a typical apéro of tasty snacks and vintages, a truly local experience!
Adult Price: ₣93 Discover The Borromean Islands (Available on Day 8)We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here you will meet with your Local Specialist to do a tour of the magnificent palace. You will also explore the Island’s baroque garden with its white peacocks and vista terraces, from where you can enjoy privileged views of the Alps, the Isola Madre and the Isola dei Pescatori.
Adult Price: €54 Klein Matterhorn Excursion (Available on Day 9)A unique electric taxi service will drive us to the foot of Zermatt's highest and most spectacular mountain ride. You’ll enjoy stunning views as we ascend to Furi and Trockener Steg, before boarding Europe's highest cable car to 3883m (12,740ft) to view the magnificent snow-capped top of the world.
Adult Price: ₣130 Zermatt Dinner Experience (Available on Day 9)Discover the beautiful mountainous resort town of Zermatt. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a wonderful dinner in a typical chalet-style restaurant with an opportunity to try the world-famous raclette and fondue.
Adult Price: ₣96 Chaplin's World and Lake Geneva Cruise (Available on Day 10)Enjoy the palm trees on the shores of Lake Geneva from a romantic side-wheel paddle steamer as we cruise along the eastern shore of Lake Geneva. We’ll visit the Charlie Chaplin museum, set on the banks of the lake on his former estate, Manoir de Ban. Chaplin spent the last 23 years of his life here and you’ll discover all the facets of this incredible man's life. We'll see sets and props from his greatest movies and then finish with a peaceful walk in the gardens.
Adult Price: ₣71 Lake Geneva Cruise with Meal (Available on Day 10)Enjoy an unforgettable cruise on the ‘Belle Epoque ‘ steamers of the CGN company on Lake Geneva. The lake is one of Western Europe’s largest and its waters meet the shores of both Switzerland and France. You’ll see picturesque villages and towns in both countries as well as the majestic Alps and, on clear days, Mont Blanc. A three-course meal will be served in their wood-panelled dining room while you admire awe-inspiring Alpine scenery dining on the specialties of the Vaud canton.
Adult Price: ₣105 Swiss Folklore Evening with Dinner (Available on Day 11)Tonight we’ll enjoy a tasty Swiss meal, including the famous Swiss cheese fondue, in a typical restaurant. While enjoying dinner, you can also join in a lively folklore show which includes yodelling, flag-throwing and Alpine horn-blowing. Two drinks are also included.
Adult Price: ₣110 'Swisstainable' Mount Stanserhorn And Lake Cruise (Available on Day 12)Take a scenic cruise with us across Lake Lucerne to Stans, and one of Switzerland's oldest mountain railways. Traveling by funicular and the world's first Cabrio cable car, we'll reach 1900m (6300ft), where you’ll have free time to admire the stunning Alpine scenery.
Adult Price: ₣119 Swiss Countryside & Carriages (Available on Day 12)A chance to get to know the Swiss, you’ll meet local farmers and enjoy a delightful countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages. Soak up the stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a local homestead where you’ll savor local drinks and snacks.
Adult Price: ₣77