Explore a 13-day tour through Zurich, Salzburg, Vienna, Innsbruck, and Zermatt—an immensely popular itinerary weaving through Austria and Switzerland. Discover the charm of Liechtenstein's capital within this extraordinary duo. While the majestic Alps dominate the scenery, experience a unique dinner with Carinthian nuns in a former castle, offering a fascinating glimpse into their way of life. This journey seamlessly blends cultural exploration with the breathtaking landscapes of the Alps.
Includes
8 Day Trafalgar Guided Holiday
12 Nights in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
12 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Optional Experiences at an additional cost during your free time
Sightseeing Highlights
Visit Vaduz, St. Moritz, Stresa, Graz, Lipizzaner Stud farm in Piber and Zermatt.
Discover Liechtenstein, Zürich, Innsbruck and Lucerne.
See The Wachau Valley.
View the Golden Roof and Hofburg Palace in Innsbruck, the Matterhorn and Jungfrau mountains (weather permitting), and much more!
Excludes
Flights
Arrival/ departure transfers
Visas
Travel Insurance
Spending money and items of a personal nature
Extras
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
Optional Experiences available at an additional cost
Not all departure dates are definite at time of loading, please enquire with one of our agents
Highlights
12 Nights in cherry-picked hotels
17 Meals
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Zürich
Your epic journey to the heart of Europe launches in the sophisticated cultural hotspot of Zürich. This afternoon, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for a social impact guided walking tour of old town Zurich and sustainable chocolate tasting. This experience addresses SDG goals 10 & 12 - Reduced Inequalities & Responsible Consumption and Production. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner in this beautiful lakeside setting.
Arrival Transfer: Depart the airport at 10:30, 14:30
Accommodation: Mövenpick Zurich Airport
Included Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Journey to Liechtenstein and Salzburg
Embark on a soul-stirring encounter with the valleys and lofty peaks of Liechtenstein, bound for its tiny capital, Vaduz. Continue along the scenic Arlberg route through the Tyrol to your overnight stop in the Baroque city of Salzburg. Here, you will join a Local Specialist for a walking tour that will take you past iconic sights, including the house where Mozart once lived and Domplatz with its imposing Salzburger Dom Cathedral, Residenz Castle and St. Peter's Abbey.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Salzburg City
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Onwards to Vienna
Waltz through the scenic Austrian countryside, past Lake Mondsee and the rolling hills and fortresses of the Wachau Valley, then continue to Vienna. Perhaps spend your first evening in the 'City of Music' on an Optional Experience Viennese dinner with traditional entertainment.
Accommodation: Azimut Hotel Vienna
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Discover Artistic Vienna
Admire the grand boulevards and beautiful Baroque façades on a guided sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist, who will take you to see the State Opera, Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral and Parliament. Immerse yourself in the centuries-old history, before spending free time soaking up the Kaffee culture of the city. This evening, you may wish to embrace the talents of Vienna and attend a Viennese concert in one of the city's magnificent performance venues.
Accommodation: Azimut Hotel Vienna
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Off to the Riverside Villach
We journey south to Graz, with its striking architecture and fascinating Roman history. Continue to Lipizzaner Stud farm at Piber where we'll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the breeding of these athletic white stallions for the Spanish Riding School. Then head to Villach, our home for tonight. This evening, we Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience.
Accommodation: Hotel Palais26 Villach
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Ascend to Alpine Innsbruck
Enjoy spectacular Alpine scenery, journeying over the remarkable Felbertauern Road on your way to Innsbruck, capital of the Tyrol. Here you will have an opportunity to admire Emperor Maximilian I's Golden Roof, St. James Cathedral and see the Olympic ski jump. You could choose to marvel at the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store.
Accommodation: Grauer Bär Hotel Innsbruck
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Venture to St. Moritz
This morning, we cross the Swiss border and travel through the enchanting landscapes of the Engadine Valley. Arriving in the chic winter sports resort of St. Moritz, we have the afternoon on our own to explore the scenic landscape or perhaps take the Bernina line train.
Accommodation: Hotel Reine Victoria by Laudinella St. Moritz
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Journey to Lake Maggiore and on to Zermatt
Drive via the Maloja Pass, past Lake Como, to Lake Maggiore. Explore the lakeside town of Stresa, before seeing the Borromean Islands. Then, head towards the Simplon Pass en route to Zermatt, where you will dine at your hotel.
Accommodation: Ambassador Zermatt
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Zermatt Your Way
Spend a full free day soaking up Zermatt's crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. Relax in beautiful surroundings or consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views.
Accommodation: Ambassador Zermatt
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: On to Lake Geneva and Montreux
We continue our journey through the Rhône Valley, arriving on the tranquil shores of Lake Geneva later today, where we will view Chillon Castle. We follow the lakeshore to Montreux, set against the pristine backdrop of snow-covered peaks and vineyards.
Accommodation: Eurotel Montreux
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Cross the Brünig Pass to Lucerne
Travel via Bern to Interlaken, set in the heart of Switzerland in the shadow of the mighty Jungfrau. Then, cross the Brünig Pass to lakeside Lucerne, where you’ll view the ancient wooden Chapel Bridge suspended over the Reuss and visit the poignant Lion Monument to pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Europe Lucerne
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Lucerne Your Way
Snow-capped peaks surround you as you wander through the medieval streets of Lucerne, lined with colourful muralled façades. Spend a full day on your own exploring the Old Town, enjoy a leisurely Swiss lunch or consider an Optional Experience ascending a nearby mountain for panoramic views. This evening, toast to your epic journey during your Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Europe Lucerne
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Journey Home
We say a fond farewell to Switzerland and our newfound friends at the end of an unforgettable journey.
Departure Transfer: Arrive at the airport at 08:00
Included Meals: Breakfast
Terms & conditions
Prices are per person twin share, include discounts, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. Pentravel and Tour Operator terms and conditions apply, and may be found on our website. Subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. High season supplements and block out dates may apply, pricing varies pending departure date. Package excludes flights. You can do optional free-time add-on experiences in your free time and pay for them as you travel (additional costs apply). Tour operator reserves the right to withdraw promotional offers and adjust savings anytime. Full payment due 120 days prior to departure or at time of booking if booked within 120 days of departure; whichever comes first. R3000 per person deposit required at time of booking for Level 1 tours to hold space; some trips require payment in full at time of booking. Savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. At time of loading this may not be a definite departure, please contact a travel consultant for more info. Advertised price is based on 11 August 2024 departure. At time of loading this may not be a definite departure. Other conditions may apply. These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE;.