Switzerland and Austria

Visit these two wonderful countries featuring castles, rivers, mountains and valleys galore. Featuring cities such as Zurich, Liechtenstein, Salzburg, Vienna, Innsbruck, Zermatt, Geneva, Berne and Lucerne. Scenic drives of the Tyrolean Alps, Danube Valley, Dolomites, Julier Pass and much more!

Day 1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to Zurich.

Day 2 - Arrive Zurich
Welcome to Zurich, the financial centre of Switzerland. After check-in, late this afternoon our Tour Director will take us on an orientation tour of Switzerland's financial capital. Early this evening, we will enjoy a Welcome Drink and tour briefing with our Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Hotel: Renaissance

Day 3 - Zurich – Liechtenstein – Salzburg
Today we enjoy a morning drive along Lake Zurich to Liechtenstein. We stop at its capital Vaduz before following the Arlberg route into the Tyrol, then into the pretty skiing area around St. Johann in Tyrol and the Wilder Kaiser Mountains to Salzburg dominated by the fortress of Hohensalzburg. This evening why not enjoy a walk around the old town? (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Austria Trend Europa

Day 4 - Salzburg – Vienna (2 nights)
Our guided walking tour explores the city of Mozart's birth and The Sound of Music fame. We'll see Mozart's family house and the Domplatz. Later, enjoy breathtaking scenery on our drive past Lake Mondsee to the Danube Valley. From the Monastery of Melk, vineyards line the river to Dürnstein en route to Imperial Vienna. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Schönbrunn (2 nights)

Day 5 - Vienna sightseeing and at leisure
Our guided sightseeing tour includes views of the State Opera, the Hofburg and St. Stephen's Cathedral, plus Parliament and the Imperial Boulevards. We also enjoy a walking tour taking us to the oldest part of the city in the area known as ‘Am Hof’. Tonight, why not head for the Prater Amusement Park or visit one of the nearby wine villages for dinner at a lively 'heurige' inn? (Buffet breakfast) Map

Day 6 - Vienna – Piber Stud Farm – Villach
We're off to Graz to admire its galleried courtyards and Renaissance squares. Then we visit the Lippizaner Stud Farm at Piber, breeding place of the athletic white stallions of the Spanish Riding School. Next a scenic drive brings us to our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: City

Day 7 - Villach – Innsbruck
Today we enjoy striking Alpine scenery as we drive into Italy via Carbonin and Lake Misurina to the Tre Croci Pass. From here we descend to Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Olympic skiing resort, in the heart of the Dolomites. Then through spectacular mountain passes into Austria again and the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck, encircled by the spectacular Alps. On our arrival we enjoy an orientation which shows us the Golden Roof, Wilten Basilica and Hofburg Palace and views the Olympic ski-jump. Tonight, we enjoy a Highlight Dinner of Tyrolean specialities in a local restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)

Hotel: Grauer Bär

Day 8 - Innsbruck – St. Moritz
First we travel via Landeck and over the border back into Switzerland and across the Engadine. On through incomparable scenery as we approach the fashionable winter sportsresort of St. Moritz. The rest of the day is free. Perhaps visit some of the nearby glaciers. Tonight dinner is served at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Baeren

Day 9 - St. Moritz – Stresa – Zermatt (2 nights)
We drive across to Thusis and via San Bernadino route to Bellinzona with its three imposing castles. From here our journey takes us via Locarno to scenic Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Here we can see the beautiful Borromean Islands before we ascend towards the Simplon Pass, and travel up to our Zermatt hotel by electric mini-buses and taxis, where tonight we enjoy a Highlight Dinner - a special cheese fondue! (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)

Hotel: Albana Real (2 nights)

Day 10 - Zermatt at leisure
Our Tour Director will show us a Hidden Treasure in this mountain haven, and we have time to relax and admire the wooden chalets bedecked with window boxes in this stunning setting beneath the Matterhorn. Time maybe to take a mountain trip for fantastic views of all the surrounding peaks? (Buffet breakfast)

Day 11 - Zermatt – Chamonix – Geneva – Lake geneva (evian)
This morning we enjoy a beautiful drive to the French skiing resort of Chamonix, which is situated in the shadow of Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc! After free time we drive on to the international city of Geneva where an orientation shows us the Jet d'Eau, the Flower Clock, the United Nations building and includes a walking tour which takes us in to the old town and shows us the Reformation Monument. Then we drive along the south side of Lake Geneva to our hotel in Evian and this evening we can take a stroll along the lakeside. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Hilton Evian

Day 12 - Lake geneva (evian) – Berne – Interlaken – Lucerne (2 nights)
We drive via Berne where we view the famous Bear Pit, then on to Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland, with time to admire the mighty Jungfrau. The name of the town derives from the fact that it is located between Lake Brienz to the east and Lake Thun to the west. It is one of the oldest tourist resorts in Switzerland and remains one of the most popular. Then over the Brünig Pass we will arrive in charming lakeside Lucerne for our two-night stay. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Schiller (2 nights)

Day 13 - Lucerne orientation and at leisure
Today's morning orientation tour takes us past the Musegg Towers and walls of the old town to the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument. Later, perhaps enjoy an excursion up a mountain, join in the fun of a Swiss folklore show and explore the old city. Shopping is plentiful, from Swiss watches to jewellery and delicious chocolates. Tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our Tour Director and traveling companions. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)

Day 14 - Lucerne – Zurich – USA
Time to bid farewell to your Tour Director and new-found friends as our tour comes to an end. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)

Please Note
This tour will visit Germany, France and Italy for a short period.

Free airport transfers:
Transfers on Day 2 at Zurich Airport will operate at 09.30, 11.00 and 12.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Zurich Airport at 08.30.

Highlights:

Zurich
Liechtenstein
Salzburg
Danube Valley
Vienna
Graz
Piber
Innsbruck
St. Moritz
Stresa
Zermatt
Chamonix
Geneva
Berne
Interlaken
Lucerne

Sightseeing Highlights

Zurich: Orientation of Switzerland's financial capital.
Liechtenstein: Visit the capital of this tiny Principality, Vaduz.
Salzburg: Sightseeing explores the Domplatz, Mozart's birthplace and "The Sound of Music" locations.
Danube Valley: See the Monastery of Melk and Dürnstein Castle.
Vienna: Sightseeing includes St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg, Opera and Parliament.
Graz: See the galleried courtyards and Renaissance 'Landhaus'.
Piber: Visit the Lippizaner Stud Farm (when open).
Innsbruck: Orientation including the Golden Roof, the Hofburg Palace and Wilten Basilica.
St. Moritz: Visit the exclusive mountain resort.
Stresa: Visit this lakeside resort.
Zermatt: Ascend by electric mini-bus and taxi to our Zermatt hotel. View the Matterhorn (weather permitting).
Chamonix: Visit this French skiing resort in the shadow of Mont Blanc.
Geneva: Orientation includes the Jet d'Eau and United Nations' Building.
Berne: See the Bear Pit.
Interlaken: Views of the Jungfrau (weather permitting).
Lucerne: Orientation includes the walled Old Town and the impressive Lion Monument.

Dining Highlights

Farewell Dinner with wine in Lucerne.
12 Hot Buffet breakfasts
4 three-course dinners.
Local highlight restaurant dinner with wine in Innsbruck.
Special cheese fondue dinner in Zermatt hotel.
19 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

First Class Travel Highlights

First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard
The services of one top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
A qualified local city guide in Salzburg and Vienna.
A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.
Airport transfers are provided on Day 2 and Day 14 (conditions apply)

Switzerland & Austria 2010 Optional Excursions

CH28 - EVIAN - Gourmet Dinner
A short drive along the shore of Lake Geneva, to our typical French restaurant, where the chef offers us a four course gourmet 'Savoyard' dinner. Fine French wines/soft drinks, accompany our meal for a memorable dining experience.
93 (sf)

A8 - INNSBRUCK. Tyrolean Evening
Enjoy a lively evening of traditional entertainment. Singers, dancers, and musicians dressed in national costume provide a colourful show of folklore and fun. (includes two drinks)
39 (€)

I6 - ITALIAN LAKES. Borromean Islands - Isola Bella Palace Tour
A private launch takes us to the world-renowned islands of Lake Maggiore. We see the Isola Madre, the Isola dei Pescatori, and on the Isola Bella we visit the palace of the Borromean princes.
34 (€)

CH4 - LAKE GENEVA. Cruise & visit to Yvoire
Leaving the elegant guays of Geneva, our steamer cruises past the palatial mansions of the rich and famous, stopping at picturesque villages before arriving at our enchanting French destination - Yvoire. We explore its winding streets, lined with the old stone houses of former fishermen and dominated by the ancient ‘château’ of the Count and Countess. Then our motorcoach takes us through the rich fields of the Savoy back to our hotel
52 (sf)

CH1a - LUCERNE Happy Hour Cruise
Widely considered to be the most lovely of the mountain lakes, much of the shoreline of Lake Lucerne can only be fully appreciated from the water. Admire the spectacular homes of the fortunate few, privileged to live on its scenic shores, as we cruise gently by. Two drinks will be served during the trip.
47 (sf)

CH25 - LUCERNE. Carriages and Countryside
A chance to meet the Swiss, as local farmers take us on a delightful countryside tour in horse drawn carriages. Enjoy stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a working farm where local drinks and snacks will be served at a 17th century barn.
65 (sf)

CH13 - LUCERNE. Mount Stanserhorn Excursion
Drive along the Lake of Lucerne to come to the village of Stans, terminal of one of Switzerland’s oldest mountain railways. We climb to the top by funicular railway and modern cable car to reach 6,300 feet - an excellent vantage from which to view the breathtaking scenery of Alpine Switzerland. Free time to take in the air and perhaps some refreshment before we descend and return to Lucerne.
69 (sf)

A13 - SALZBURG. Berchtesgaden and Hohenringstrasse Excursion
Should optional A14 not be available, A13 will be offered as an alternative. A scenic drive in the Bavarian Alps to Berchtesgaden within sight of Hitler’s Bavarian Redoubt. Then via the Hohenringstrasse, we ascend 5000 ft along one of the most beautiful mountain roads of Europe.
34 (€)

A14 - SALZBURG. Eagle’s Nest Tour & Bavarian Alps
Driving deep into the National Park past bucolic farmhouses and picturesque villages, we arrive at the ruins of Obersalzburg. From here we transfer to special motorcoaches adapted to the scenic mountain climb to Hilter’s notorious ‘Eagle’s Nest’. Through the arches we will have splendid views up to the ‘Hohen Göll’ and across snow-capped peaks. (NB. This optional is weather dependent, and may not be available on all departures)
45 (€)

CH26 - ST. MORITZ. Bernina Express
We drive along the Engadine Valley to the start of the spectacular Bernina Pass. Here we will board our panoramic train for breathtaking vistas of timeless glaciers as this narrow gauge railway winds its way over the Southern Alps. At Journey’s End a local hostelry welcomes us for a delightful taste of various local vintages.
68 (sf)

A28a - VIENNA. Dinner & Vienna Palace Concert
We will enjoy a delicious meal of Viennese specialities, with drinks, followed by a wonderful concert of Viennese classical music including some of the most famous works of Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, performed by some of the most highly acclaimed soloists and dancers in Austria. A glass of champagne is included during the interval.
93 (€)

A1 - VIENNA. Imperial Highlights
We enjoy a guided visit to the Palace of Schönbrunn, with its magnificently preserved state rooms and exquisite gardens. From the summer residence of the Hapsburg monarchs, we continue to the Crypts and Vaults of the Imperial family to hear more about their fascinating story.
40 (€)

CH22 - ZERMATT. Klein Matterhorn Excursion
A unique electric taxi service will drive us to the foot of Zermatt's highest and most spectacular mountain ride. Enjoy stunning views as we ascend to Furi and Trockener steg before boarding Europe's highest cable car to arrive on the snow-capped top of the world at 12,400 feet. A magnificent panorama of the highest peaks in Switzerland, Italy and France will make this an unforgettable experience.
95 (sf)
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Child Prices: Apply to children under the age of 16.