Tour 05) AUSTRIAN & SWISS DELIGHTS AT AN EASY PACE – 15 nights / 16 days
Arrival Vienna - Salzburg - Innsbruck - St. Moritz - Zermatt - Lake Geneva - Montreux - Berne - Interlaken - Lucerne - Departure Zurich
Day 1 – Arrival in Vienna
Arrival in Vienna, Austria’s elegant imperial capital. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a first introduction to the historic city center, with highlights such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Imperial Palace, and the grand Ringstrasse. Stroll through the atmospheric old town and discover Vienna’s famous coffee-house culture. Overnight in Vienna.
Day 2 – Vienna
Enjoy a full day to explore Vienna. Visit magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, and admire its beautiful gardens. Continue to the historic center to see the Hofburg, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the elegant streets around Kärntner Strasse. Take time to experience Vienna’s renowned museums, cafés, and imperial architecture. Overnight in Vienna.
Day 3 – Hallstatt & Salzburg
Depart Vienna and travel through Austria’s beautiful lake district to Hallstatt, one of the country’s most picturesque villages. Admire its traditional houses, charming lakeside setting, and spectacular mountain backdrop. Continue to Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Explore the historic center, including Getreidegasse, Salzburg Cathedral, and views of Hohensalzburg Fortress. Overnight in Salzburg.
Day 4 – Salzburg to Innsbruck
Enjoy a final morning in Salzburg before traveling west through the spectacular Austrian Alps to Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol. Discover the city’s historic center, including the famous Golden Roof, Imperial Palace, and Hofkirche. Innsbruck’s unique location, surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, creates an impressive combination of culture and Alpine scenery. Overnight in Innsbruck.
Day 5 – BEST OF INNSBRUCK: Sparkling Installations, Alpine Panorama & Tyrolean Traditions
Discover Innsbruck – THE CAPITAL OF THE ALPS - and its impressive combination of historic architecture and Alpine scenery. Visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a fascinating world of sparkling art, design and crystal installations. Later, take the cable car up to Nordkette with the “Top of Innsbruck” and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Innsbruck and the surrounding Tyrolean Alps. In the evening, experience the traditional Tyrolean Folk Show with the Gundolf Family featuring regional music, dancing and customs combined with a delicious local meal. Overnight in Innsbruck.
Day 6 – Innsbruck to St. Moritz
Travel from Innsbruck through spectacular Alpine landscapes into Switzerland. Continue toward St. Moritz, one of the world’s most famous mountain resorts, beautifully situated beside its sparkling lake. Enjoy the elegant atmosphere of this renowned Engadine resort and take in the surrounding peaks and valleys. The journey itself offers impressive views of the Alps. Overnight in St. Moritz.
Day 7 – St. Moritz
Enjoy a full day in St. Moritz and the surrounding Engadine region. Explore the resort’s sophisticated center, walk along Lake St. Moritz, or enjoy spectacular Alpine views from the surrounding mountains. The area is famous for its lakes, traditional villages, and outdoor activities. Take time to appreciate the unique combination of Swiss mountain scenery and elegant resort atmosphere. Overnight in St. Moritz.
Day 8 – St. Moritz to Stresa
Depart St. Moritz and travel through the magnificent Alpine landscape toward Italy. Continue to Stresa, a charming lakeside resort on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Enjoy views across the lake toward the Borromean Islands and surrounding mountains. Stroll along the attractive lakeside promenade and explore the elegant town center, with its cafés, gardens, and historic villas. Overnight in Stresa.
Day 9 – Stresa to Zermatt
Leave Stresa and travel north through the Alps into Switzerland. Continue to Zermatt, a picturesque, car-free mountain village situated beneath the iconic Matterhorn. Enjoy your first views of this legendary peak and explore Zermatt’s charming streets, traditional wooden chalets, and lively village center. The resort provides an ideal setting for experiencing the spectacular Swiss Alps. Overnight in Zermatt.
Day 10 – Zermatt & Matterhorn
Spend a full day discovering Zermatt and its magnificent mountain surroundings. Enjoy optional mountain excursions for spectacular views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks, or take a leisurely walk through the village and along scenic Alpine paths. Zermatt combines traditional Swiss mountain architecture with world-class Alpine scenery and is one of Switzerland’s most iconic destinations. Overnight in Zermatt.
Day 11 – Lake Geneva & Montreux
Depart Zermatt and continue toward Lake Geneva. Enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the lake before arriving in Montreux, one of Switzerland’s most famous lakeside resorts. Take a walk along the flower-lined lakeside promenade and admire views across Lake Geneva toward the Alps. Visit the impressive Chillon Castle, dramatically situated on the lakeshore, if time permits. Overnight in Montreux.
Day 12 – Montreux
Enjoy a relaxed day in Montreux. Explore the lakeside promenade, historic streets, and local cafés, or take an optional excursion into the surrounding Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Montreux is also famous for its musical heritage and spectacular setting between Lake Geneva and the Alps. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and magnificent lake and mountain views. Overnight in Montreux.
Day 13 – Bern, Interlaken & Lucerne
Travel from Montreux to Bern, Switzerland’s historic capital, and explore its beautifully preserved medieval old town and famous clock tower. Continue to Interlaken, dramatically located between Lakes Thun and Brienz and surrounded by the Bernese Alps. Proceed to Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities, known for its lakefront setting, Chapel Bridge, and historic old town. Overnight in Lucerne.
Day 14 – Lucerne
Enjoy a full day in Lucerne. Explore the charming old town, Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and lakeside promenade. Depending on weather and interest, take an optional excursion into the surrounding mountains, such as Mount Pilatus or Mount Titlis, for spectacular Alpine panoramas. Lucerne offers an ideal combination of historic architecture, lake scenery, and mountain landscapes. Overnight in Lucerne.
Day 15 – Lucerne to Zurich
Depart Lucerne and travel to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and an important international financial and cultural center. Explore the historic old town, Bahnhofstrasse, the Grossmünster, and the picturesque shores of Lake Zurich. Enjoy time for shopping, cafés, museums, or a leisurely walk through the city center. Overnight in Zurich.
Day 16 – Zurich & Departure
Enjoy a final morning in Zurich before your departure flight. Depending on flight time, take a final stroll through the old town, enjoy the atmosphere around Lake Zurich, or browse the elegant shops along Bahnhofstrasse. Continue to Zurich Airport for your return flight, concluding an unforgettable journey through Austria, the Swiss Alps, and the spectacular lakes and mountain landscapes of Switzerland.