Switzerland and Austria

14 Day tour of Switzerland & Austria with highlights to include, Zurich, Liechtenstein, Salzburg, Danube Valley, Vienna, Graz, Piber, Innsbruck, St. Moritz, Stresa, Zermatt, Chamonix, Geneva, Berne, Interlaken & Lucerne.

Day 1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to Zurich.

Day 2 - Arrive Zurich
On your arrival at Zurich airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. 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 travellers.

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: 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 the Mondsee Lake 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 (2 nights)

Day 5 - Vienna sightseeing & 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)

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 dinner of Tyrolean specialities in a local restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Hotel: Grauer Baer

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 sports resort 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: Europa

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 we spend the next two relaxing nights. (Buffet Breakfast / 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 – Lausanne
This morning we drive into France and to the skiing resort of Chamonix in the shadow of Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc! After free time it's back into Switzerland and to Geneva where an orientation shows us the Jet d'Eau, Flower Clock, United Nations' Building and includes a walking tour taking us to the Old Town and the Reformation monument. Then we check into our Lausanne hotel. This evening why not enjoy a stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva?(Buffet Breakfast)

Hotel: Alpha Palmiers

Day 12 - Geneva – 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. 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 & 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 travelling companions. (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 14 - Lucerne – Zurich – USA
Time to bid farewell to your Tour Director and new-found friends as we transfer you to Zurich Airport for your return flight to America. Please do not schedule any flights before 10.00am. (Buffet Breakfast).

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

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

Please note: Provisional Itinerary
Prices, itineraries and tour content mentioned in this Preview are based on tours as featured in Europe & Britain 2008 brochure.

The exact final composition of your tour will be published in Europe & Britain 2009 Brochure, due for release in October 2008. By paying your deposit, you are agreeing to accept the finalised version of your tour itinerary, as published in Trafalgar's Euroe and Britain 2009 Brochure, In return, Trafalgar will honour the tour prices listed in this brochure, even should the final tour price listed in Trafalgar's Europe & Britain 2009 Brochure, increase. In the event that your finalised tour price is lower, Trafalgar will refund the difference to you.

This guarantee excludes fuel surcharges and does not apply to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any goverment or its agencies.

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.
    * Lausanne: Orientation.
    * Berne: See the Bear Pit.
    * Interlaken: Views of the Jungfrau (weather permitting).
    * Lucerne: Orientation includes the walled Old Town and the impressive Lion Monument.
    * Scenic drives through the Tyrolean Alps, the Salzkammergut, along the Danube Valley, Dolomite Mountains, the Engadine Valley, the Julier Pass, the San Bernadino Route, the lower Ticino Valley, Italian Lake District, through the Rhône Valley, the Bernese Oberland and Brünig Passes.

Dining Highlights

    * A Welcome drinks with your Tour Director in Zurich
    * 12 Hot Buffet breakfasts
    * 5 three-course dinners
    * 1 local speciality restaurant dinner in Innsbruck
    * Farewell Dinner with wine in Lucerne

19 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

First Class Travel Highlights

    * The services of Trafalgar's top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
    * A qualified local city guide in Salzburg and Vienna.
    * Chauffeur driven on luxury air-conditioned motorcoaches with onboard washroom.
    * You'll stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
    * All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
    * A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.
    * Zurich Airport Transfers will be provided on Days 2 and 14.

Airport Transfers
Group transfers on arrival at Zurich Airport will operate at 09.30, 11.00 and 12.30. Return transfers from the last hotel will arrive at Zurich Airport at 08.30.

    * London Gateways: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the Airport and central London. When you book your tour with us your transfers to and from the airport are included. It's that simple. The Tour Operator has included a Free transfer to and from your airport and Central London.
    * Important – Please Note: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports providing the following conditions are met:
    * You are staying at a London hotel, booked by Tour Operator, on the night of your arrival and the night prior to the date of your departure.
    * Flights are either booked by Tour Operator or detailed information on flights is provided by your Travel Agent not less than 21 days prior to departure.
    * Only one included transfer both inbound and outbound per tour is included by Tour Operator. Transfers are by express train to a Central London Rail Station.
    * Heathrow Airport: Inbound transfers operate between 06.00-21.30. Outbound transfers are timed to connect with scheduled flights departing between 08.00-23.00. Transfers will be by coach. Gatwick Airport: Inbound transfers operate between 06.00-12.30. Outbound transfers are timed to connect with scheduled flights departing between 08.00-23.00. Transfers will be by express train and coach. Transfers outside these times will be at the passengers own expense.
    * In the event of unforeseen events (road or rail works, demonstrations, strikes) Tour Operator will not be held responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
    * No refund is available for passengers not utilising this service.
    * Why not upgrade to a Hotelink transfer from the Airport to-the-door of your London hotel? (please ask your travel agent of the additional upgrade price per person when booking)
    * European Gateways: With Tour Operator all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure you reserve your flight to co-ordinate with the transfer times shown.
    * Tour Operator Bonus - Passengers who book Tour Operators Land+Air package and who arrive or depart outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
    * Passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a transfer but may book and purchase one through Tour Operator providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post tour hotel night(s) from Tour Operator. Please ask for prices of transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
    * Land only passengers arriving or departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but whose flights don't coincide with the listed transfer times below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details must be provided to Tour Operator not less than 21 days before the flight departure.

Optionals

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 (€)

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 into Switzerland.
52 (sf)

CH21 - LAKE GENEVA. Excursion and Fondue Dinner in the Old Town of Lausanne
The second Roman-founded town on Lac Leman invites us for an evening visit. We see famous Ouchy on the lake shore, Switzerland’s largest gothic Cathedral and enjoy a dinner which includes a delicious and typical meat fondue and fine French wines.
93 (sf)

I6 - LAKE MAGGIORE. 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 (€)

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)

CH7 - LUCERNE. Folklore Show with Drinks
Join in the fun of a lively folklore show with typical Swiss entertainment. Drinks are provided as we enjoy, amongst other things, the yodelling, flagthrowing, Alpine horn blowing and fine musicianship of the band.
62 (sf)

CH7a - LUCERNE. Folklore Show with Drinks
Folklore Show with Drinks and Cheese Fondue.
67 (sf)

CH1 - LUCERNE. Lake 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.
37 (sf)

CH17 - LUCERNE. Lake Cruise & Mountain Excursion
On certain departures, for operational reasons CH1 and the mountain trip will be combined.
106 (sf)

CH11 - LUCERNE. Mount Pilatus
A scenic lakeshore drive brings us to our cog-wheel railway, where we board our train to the summit of Lucerne’s most well-known mountain. Here you have time to explore, admire the many sweeping views and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Later a series of cable cars will bring us gradually down through fields and forests to the foot of this majestic mountain. (On certain departures the ascent as well as the descent of the mountain will be by cable car only)
80 (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)

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.
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)

A4b - VIENNA. Hungarian Gypsy Dinner and Schnapps Museum or Prater Wheel
First we visit the cheerful Prater Park to take a gentle ride on the historic Big Wheel and admire the picturesque skyline of Vienna. Alternatively, we will visit the home of the Fischer family to see how the local Schnapps is made and to taste some delicious samples! Then continue to a Hungarian Gypsy Restaurant, where we enjoy echoes of a bygone era and regional food specialities. (Drinks and Music included).
60 (€)

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 either the Imperial Treasures, the Vienna Opera House or the Crypts and Vaults of the Imperial family for a guided tour.
40 (€)

A4a - VIENNA. Prater Wheel and Dinner in a Country Mansion
First we visit the cheerful Prater Park to take a gentle ride on the historic Big Wheel and admire the picturesque skyline of Vienna. Then across the Danube to the historic country retreat of Deutsch-Wagram, scene of the great Napoleonic battle. Here we will enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the elegant dining rooms.
63 (€)

A28 - VIENNA. Vienna Palace Concert
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.
46 (€)

A29 - VIENNA. Vienna Woods and Wine Village Dinner
A scenic drive along the Vienna Woods Panoramic Road (Hohenstrasse) offers beautiful views of the city and the Danube River. Then on to one of the romantic wine villages, where Viennese specialities and 'Schrammelmusik' await us.
56 (€)

CH14 - ZERMATT. Gornergrat Ascent
Travel by mountain railway from Zermatt climbing up Switzerland’s finest glacier the Gornergrat, with spectacular views of the Matterhorn all the way up. The panorama terrace at 10,270 feet embraces some 50 peaks which tower between 9,850 feet and 13,150 feet to form a circle of silvery splendour.
76 (sf)

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.
91 (sf)

Child Prices: Apply to children under the age of 16.