Exploring the Alpine Countries Austria - Germany - Switzerland

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

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

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

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

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

Look out upon the Bavarian Alps en route to the most popular Bavaria city, Munich. Upon arrival, it’s your choice! Take a panoramic tour of Munich, highlighting the National Theater of Bavaria and much more -OR- visit the lavish Treasury of the Munich Residence. Both choices end with a viewing of the Rathaus – Glockenspiel chiming at Marienplatz. Continue on to Augsburg, renowned for its ancient architecture, and your home for the next two nights.

Step into the pages of beloved fairy tales at Neuschwanstein,** Bavaria’s most famous castle. Tour the fabled halls with an expert guide and feel the legends of past royals come to life. Built by King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein is the most photographed castle in Germany and was the inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. Return to Augsburg for an evening at leisure.

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

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

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

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

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

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