The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine

Welcome to Vienna!

At 6 pm, meet your Globus Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner.

Spend your day your way in Vienna

Follow your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour featuring some of Vienna's celebrated landmarks. Explore more of Vienna with your choice of included Globus choice excursions.

Spectacular Schönbrunn
Take a guided walking tour and experience the elegance of imperial Vienna at Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most important cultural, historic, and architectural monuments in Austria. Marvel at richly decorated Baroque rooms, stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, and uncover centuries of Habsburg history in Vienna's breathtaking imperial jewel.

Waltzing Through History
Step into the world of "The Waltz King" at the Johann Strauss Museum in Vienna! Discover the life, music, and legacy of the composer behind "The Blue Danube" and "Die Fledermaus." Explore rare exhibits, personal artifacts, and immerse yourself in the elegance of 19th-century Vienna.

Free time this evening.

The Sound of Music

Leave Vienna and drive to the pretty town of Mondsee. Take a stroll in the center and visit the baroque Basilika of St. Michael, location of the wedding scene in the film “The Sound of Music.” Continue to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart, and follow your Local Guide on a walking tour which includes Mirabell Gardens, the Great Festival Hall, and Residenz Square.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Mondsee is a delightful town situated on Lake Mondsee, a privately owned lake, and is one of the 76 lakes found in the Salzkammergut region. In 1872 prehistoric pile dwellings were discovered there, but the rising lake water has since hidden them from view. Despite them being UNESCO listed, their fame in Mondsee is probably overshadowed by the medieval abbey used as a Sound of Music film location.

The Birthplace of Mozart

Enjoy a free day in Salzburg, absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores, or try local specialties, like the delicious Salzburger Nockerl. Alternatively, join an optional excursion.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg, will put a song in your heart as you explore its charmingly splendid gardens, and medieval and Baroque architecture along the pedestrian Altstadt (Old Town). Salzburg's scenic Alpine landscape and architectural treasures has earned this Austrian jewel the reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Heavenly Hills of Switzerland

This morning reach Innsbruck for an orientation walk through the Old Town to see the Golden Roof, built over 500 years ago and designed to be a royal box from where the emperor could watch local events. Later, cross the border into Switzerland for a scenic drive through the Swiss Engadine en route to St. Moritz.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Pass through the spectacular beauty of Swiss Engadine on your way to St. Moritz. Take in the alpine vistas surrounding this paradise of deep blue lakes and rolling green meadows, forests, snow - capped summits, and endless sky in one of Switzerland's most stunning valleys.

All Aboard in the Alps

Enjoy a leisurely morning before boarding the world-famous Glacier Express train for an iconic train ride to Zermatt. Enjoy dinner with a view as you admire the stunning scenery from your seat.

LOCAL FAVORITE - Don't let the name fool you. While its speed won't take your breath away, the Glacier Express train to Zermatt delivers a slow, breathtaking ride through some of Switzerland's most stunning scenery. Traveling the rails over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, you'll take in each passing postcard scene while reaching an altitude of 6,670 feet above sea level.

Peak Perfection

Oozing tradition, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Zermatt offers an unforgettable experience. Marvel at the stunning mountain scenery and discover the picturesque village during a full free day at leisure.

ENHANCED FREE TIME - Spend the day leisurely strolling around car - free Zermatt or join an excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier, an Alpine paradise of sky slopes, panoramic vistas, ice carvings and unique views. An amazing experience you do not want to miss.

Poetry in Motion

Take the local mountain train to Tasch before driving to Chillon castle. Enjoy a guided visit of the castle, built on a rock island on the shores of Lake Geneva, followed by a wine tasting experience. Continue to beautiful Bern, capital city of Switzerland.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Poised on a diminutive island on Lake Geneva and protected by a natural moat is the striking site of Chillon Castle. Discover the Castle's secrets as you stroll through it on your guided tour. What better way to complete your visit than with a wine tasting for good measure!

Coming up Roses in Bern

This morning, join your Local Guide for a walking tour. Stop at the Rose Garden for a panoramic view of the city. Stroll through the UNESCO - listed Old Town with its ornate fountains and entertaining Zytglogge (clock tower) and stop at the Bear Park to see some of Bern's most famous inhabitants. En - route to Lucerne enjoy some free time in Interlaken, one of Switzerland's oldest resorts.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Explore the “City of Fountains” Bern - the capital city of Switzerland, dating back to the 12th century. Take in the medieval architecture in the Altstadt (Old Town) with its 6 kilometres of arcades and animated clock tower, and panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and Bear Park.

Lion Hearts in Lucerne

This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the “saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). Enjoy free time this afternoon to get better acquainted with this alpine gem. This evening, end your tour in style with a private boat cruise followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

LOCAL FAVORITE - Lucerne looks on top of the stunning Lake Vierwaldstättersee, the “lake of the four forested Cantons.” This evening a private panoramic cruise on the lake will highlight the sheer beauty of Lucerne and its surroundings. To top off the evening and the tour, enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions.

Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

The Globus portion of your package ends this morning. Transfer from Lucerne to Basel to start your Avalon river cruise and meet your Avalon Cruise Director.

Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH

German winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

• Active: Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR:
• Classic: Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air - museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
• Classic: Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France.

• Active: Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
• Classic: Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including the Strasbourg's Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace's wine country today.

Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN

Castle Walls and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel.

• Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:
• Classic: Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World's Largest Wine Barrel,” OR:
• Classic: Join a Guided Visit to Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square.

This afternoon through the evening, enjoy leisurely sailing to Rüdesheim.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country.

• Active: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
• Classic: Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
• Discovery: Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden - barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.

En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren's songs lured ill-fated sailors.

KOBLENZ: Travel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History

Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.

This evening enjoy live entertainment onboard.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

• Active: Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
• Classic: Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne's important Jewish heritage sites, OR:
• Classic: Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.

Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam.

• Active: Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
• Classic: Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
• Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's “Golden Age.”

During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside.

Take some free time to explore Amsterdam's colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.