Austria and Swiss Alps

Day by day itinerary | Inclusions

Travel via the scenic routes from Austria to the highlights of Switzerland

This amazing trip covers popular attractions and landscapes of the most beautiful cities and areas of Austria and the Swiss Alps. Simply a “must do”.

Austria impresses with its magnificent palaces, churches and cathedrals. Its history is shaped by emperors and kings. This still characterises the country. In contrast, Switzerland has impressive mountains and an incomparable landscape.

Day 1 – Arrival in Vienna

To get the vibe of this city rich in culture and history take the underground to the city centre. At Stephansplatz the sight of the cathedral is breath-taking. Stroll through the streets of Graben and Kohlmarkt and get the first glimpse of the Hofburg, the Imperial Palace.

Ready for a visit of the famous Demel and eat a delicious cake and drink a hot chocolate? Empress Sisi already loved to indulge in treats from the K.u.K Hofzuckerbaeckerei Demel – obviously the young empress did not shop at the confectioner on Kohlmarkt herself, but had her beloved candied violets – among others – delivered to the Hofburg by Mr. Demel himself. The less privileged Demel fan will, however, not be disappointed within the historic walls of the Demel-Shop, where they can find a selection of diverse products, which have been carefully poured by hand, filled and formed with love for more than 200 years.

Overnight in Vienna

Day 2 – Day at leisure in Vienna

Vienna is imperial – A walk through Vienna is like a journey back in time to the imperial past. For 650 years, the Habsburgs ruled Austria and this still characterises the city today. The magnificent imperial buildings from the Hofburg to Schoenbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace with its beautiful gardens and Vienna’s Ringstrasse – a unique boulevard – would not have been built without imperial history. The imperial flair runs through the streets and alleys of Vienna’s old town to the Stallburg, where the Lipizzaner horses are still housed today. Stately palaces are on the way there, hardly a glance does not go up to the imposingly decorated house facades. In between, squares with baroque fountains, small traditional cafés and fine restaurants that still promise an imperial ambience. In Vienna, distinguished elegance meets nostalgic charm!

Vienna is well-known for its concerts, operas and musicals. You might treat yourself to one of these performances.

Overnight in Vienna

Day 3 – Vienna-Salzburg

The train brings you in 2 hours to Salzburg, the next exciting destination.

The historic city center of Salzburg: a walk through the centuries
The vibrant flair and special charm of Salzburg can best be experienced by taking a leisurely stroll through the historical downtown district. In fact, Salzburg’s “Old City” lends itself perfectly to exploration on foot. The river Salzach actually divides it into two halves: the right side, including the Linzergasse, Platzl and Steingasse, and the left side. It is this left side, the older section of the city, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, also incorporating the Kaiviertel district as well as Festungsberg and Moenchsberg mountains.

The surrounding hills shape the face of the Old City, adding to its already captivating charm. Enthroned on the Festungsberg, high above Salzburg, is the emblem of this city, Hohensalzburg Fortress, built in the year 1077. You can either make your way up there on foot, or simply take a comfortable ride on the funicular. The left bank of the Salzach is also world famous for the Getreidegasse, where you will discover the house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born. The city owes much of its identity as a metropolis of music and the arts to this musical wunderkind.

Overnight in Salzburg

Day 4 – Day at leisure in Salzburg

You figured it out the day before, there is so much to see. Do not miss to visit the impressive cathedral, the Mozart birth house and the Dom Quartier. The Mirabell Gardens invite for a stroll.

Experience “The Sound of Music” in Salzburg
Fans agree: Salzburg is THE “Sound of Music” city! Not only did the real Trapp family once lived here, this movie classic was also filmed in and around the city. Roam in the footsteps of Julie Andrews as she performed the role of Maria von Trapp!

There is a project for a “Sound of Music” museum in Salzburg. But until this museum opens its doors, there are countless other opportunities to immerse yourself in the movie. The “Sound of Salzburg Dinner Show” promises an entertaining evening: After a dinner accompanied by live music, guests are treated to a selection of the movie’s most famous hits. Do you love the scene where Maria and the children put on a puppet show with dancing marionettes? If so, be sure to visit a “Sound of Music” performance at the Marionette Theater in Salzburg!

Overnight in Salzburg

Day 5 – Salzburg-St. Moritz

The train will bring you from Austria to Switzerland. Enjoy the ride through green valleys and mountain ranges.

St. Moritz hardly needs an introduction. This “capital of light” at an altitude of 1,815 m level hosted two Olympic winter games. It also has the world’s only bobsleigh run with natural ice. In summer, the area with the upper Engadin lakes and surrounding mountains is a paradise for hikers and landscape lovers.

Upon arrival at St. Moritz there is some time to explore the town. You will notice the many boutique shops with beautiful clothing, accessories and watches. We also recommend a stroll to the lake, so you will enjoy the high alpine air.

Overnight in St. Moritz

Day 6 – Day at leisure in St. Moritz

Today you can enjoy the choice of several excursions in all directions. Whether you backtrack towards the Bernina Pass and ride the Diavolezza cable car for a view of the “Festival Hall of the Alps”, or the even higher Piz Corvatsch, these excursions are all included (only in summer). Our recommendation is to safe the ride up to the Muottas Muragl for the evening. Reserve your table in advance and enjoy dinner at sunset!

Winter tourism – the result of a legendary bet
In the autumn of 1864, the story goes, Johannes Badrutt sat by the fire in Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz with four English holiday guests. He enthused about the St. Moritz winter idyll – a snow-blanketed landscape basking in sunshine with mild temperatures during the day, “a paradise on earth.” The Englishmen did not believe him since they knew the dark, cold English winters all too well. This conversation led to the legendary bet: Badrutt suggested that the four should return in December, and if they did not enjoy their stay, he would reimburse the travel expenses. The Englishmen returned – and stayed until Easter. Badrutt won his bet and winter tourism was launched.

Overnight in St. Moritz

Day 7 – St. Moritz-Glacier Express-Zermatt

After the Swiss breakfast buffet (included with all overnights), you will experience the train trip in the world famous Glacier Express to Zermatt.

From St. Moritz via Chur, the panoramic trip leads over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels over the Swiss Alps to Zermatt and the Matterhorn. The Glacier Express winds its way through remote valleys, past sheer rock faces, idyllic mountain villages, over the Landwasser viaduct and through the Rhine gorge, the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. It scales the highest point of its journey at the Oberalp Pass with ease at 2,033 metres. Thanks to the large panoramic windows, a clear view of numerous summits, deep gorges and the UNESCO World Heritage sites “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch” and “Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina landscapes” is guaranteed. The menus are prepared freshly in the on-board kitchen and served to you at your seat.

Zermatt is a car free village. All transport within the village is done by electric cars or sometimes even horse carriages. Zermatt is famous because of the Matterhorn, which was climbed for the first time in 1865. The first climb, however, was overshadowed by the tragedy on the descent when 4 of the 7 climbers died because one of them slipped. The Matterhorn museum shows the broken rope…

Enjoy the evening in the cosy town and a great choice of fine restaurants of all kinds.

Overnight in Zermatt

Day 8 – Excursion Gornergrat

The cogwheel railway takes you to the Gornergrat (3,089 m). This magnificent viewpoint, not only has one of the best views of the Matterhorn, but also shows you the greatest collection of the highest glacier covered peaks of Switzerland.

If the weather is good, a short hike to the Lake Riffel is recommended. The Matterhorn mirrors in this lake and it makes a perfect photo and selfie spot.

Overnight in Zermatt

Day 9 – Zermatt-Interlaken

It is well worth to set your alarm about 30 minutes before sunrise and see the Matterhorn illuminated in all kinds of orange light. The light changes practically every minute!

Now it is time to say farewell to the Matterhorn. Via the 34 km long newly built Loetschberg base tunnel you will reach Interlaken in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. After check-in at your hotel, you can explore Interlaken with its famous “Hoeheweg” (promenade) facing the Jungfrau mountain. Another possibility is a ride with the Harder funicular to the viewpoint above Interlaken. You can get a good overview of Interlaken and see why it is called this way. Interlaken is Latin for „between the lakes“.

Overnight in Interlaken

Day 10 – Excursion Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Today’s full day excursion takes you up to a unique, high alpine glacier world. You will reach Europe’s highest altitude railway station (3,454 m) aboard the legendary Jungfrau Railway. This mountain railway was built back in the late 19th century and opened on August 1, 1912. Originally the engineers planned to reach the summit of the Jungfrau (4,158 m), however in 1912 the financials did not permit to go on with the construction and consequently World War I put an end to the project. Now the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is the highest railway station and the highlight of every tour through Switzerland.

On December 5, 2020 the new Eiger Express opened and permits breathtaking views to the Eiger North Face. This very steep wall is one of the most difficult climbs in the Alps. It was the greatest climbing challenge in the 1930’s. Numerous stories about these climbs and fatal accidents can be told.

At the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe you can see the longest glacier of the Alps, the Aletsch Glacier, 22 km long! For instance, you can hike over the glacier to the nearby Moenchsjoch hut. Don’t miss the view from the Sphinx terrace, which can be reached by one of the fastest elevators in Switzerland. Subsequently, you can pay a visit to the Ice Palace and go inside the glacier and see the sculptures, in order to complete your visit.

Overnight in Interlaken

Day 11 – Interlaken-Lucerne

The Luzern Interlaken Express, the red train which is part of the GoldenPass Line, brings you to your next destination.

Enjoy the trip in the fully air conditioned panoramic train. A restaurant car is located in the middle of the train for hot and cold meals, beverages and snacks. 5 lakes „pass by“ on your train trip to Interlaken. Especially the first one, Lake Brienz, is extremely beautiful.

Upon arrival at Lucerne there is some time to explore the beautiful city. Of course, you can visit the historic district with the famous Chapel Bridge. Also, the narrow streets are worthwhile a stroll and the Lion Monument is close by. Next to the Lion Monument the Glacier Garden can be visited. Lucerne was covered by a glacier 10,000 years ago and the traces are still visible. The city is beautifully located on the Lake Lucerne and therefore a boat cruise in the afternoon is also highly recommended. In summer there are evening cruises so you can enjoy the sunset.

Overnight in Lucerne

Day 12 – Day at leisure in Lucerne

You have many options to spend this day in the Lucerne area. Here are some suggestions:
Mt. Pilatus round trip: A perfect excursion which includes boat, mountain cogwheel railway, cable car, gondola and bus. The highlight is the traverse of Mt. Pilatus. From the summit the panorama of alpine mountains and lakes will impress you. Mt. Titlis or Mt. Stanserhorn: These destinations are easily reached by train. Both have their own special attractions. Mt. Rigi, the queen of the Alps: Like Mt. Pilatus, this is also a round trip that includes different modes of transportation.

So many choices… But they are all well worth a visit.

Overnight in Lucerne

Day 13 – Individual Departure

It is time to say goodbye after you have experienced Austria and the Swiss Alps. You will take home a bucket full of memories.

You can end the tour at any Swiss airport or border station.