Alpine Discovery

Welcome to Vienna! The Austrian capital is an elegant European city that effortlessly blends imperial grandeur with modern vibrancy, captivating visitors at every turn. Vienna's rich cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of royalty and artistry, is reflected in its stunning architecture, which tells a fascinating story at every corner. Often ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world, Vienna's unique atmosphere and cultural charm are sure to leave an impression.

As the home of legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss, their influence still echoes throughout Vienna's world-renowned concert halls and opera houses.

We don't want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don't, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 5:00pm.

This evening, say ‘hallo' to your fellow travellers and Tour Director as we meet for a welcome drink at the hotel, and clink a glass to our adventure ahead.

The best of Vienna is at our fingertips today as we embark on a guided walking tour. We'll make our way through this magnificent city, admiring its Baroque architecture and visit St Stephen's Cathedral. Here, we'll step inside the Romanesque and Gothic cathedral known as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese and learn more about its significant history.

Our walking tour will conclude near the Schwedenplatz or “Sweden Square” where we will have free time for snacks and coffee. Make sure to try the Sachertorte, a dense chocolate sponge cake with a layer of apricot jam – it's a proud symbol of the Austrian capital!

Next, we'll make our way to the Schönbrunn Palace Grounds, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. Here, perfectly manicured gardens stretch as far as the eye can see, fountains shimmer in the sunlight and grand pathways invite a leisurely stroll.

We'll return to the hotel later this afternoon, with time to freshen up before coming together for a welcome dinner.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

After breakfast, we'll set off on a truly scenic drive to the lakeside town of Gmunden, where alpine views and shimmering waters set the tone for the day ahead. Our first stop is the enchanting Schloss Ort Castle, perched on its own tiny island in Lake Traunsee. It's a picture-perfect setting that feels straight out of a fairytale (and one you'll definitely want your camera ready for).

We'll then continue to Strobl, where the scenery only gets better. From here, we'll step aboard for a leisurely cruise across Lake Wolfgangsee, gliding our way to the delightful town of St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut. With its colourful facades, flower-filled balconies and mountain backdrop, it's an easy place to fall for. Take some time to wander, soak up the atmosphere or simply enjoy a moment by the water.

From here, we'll journey to Salzburg, with more postcard-worthy views unfolding along the way.

This evening, we arrive in Salzburg, Austria's fourth largest city. Famous for being the former home of Mozart and the shooting location for ‘The Sound of Music', the city offers a vibrant arts scene and delectable cuisine within a breathtaking setting of fairytale-like buildings, meticulously landscaped parks and quaint side streets.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.

Trace the steps of Hollywood's Julie Andrews the morning as we embark on a Sound of Music tour, discovering the famous sights associated with the iconic movie. We visit the Mirabell Gardens and Pegasus Fountain where Maria and the children sing Do-Re-Mi, Hellbrunn Palace gardens, and St Michael's Church in Mondsee. We will also see the Benedictine Nonnberg Abbey, St. Gilgen, and the Wolfgangsee where the breathtaking opening scenes were shot.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps you'll wander Salzburg's Old Town, exploring its charming laneways, boutique shops and inviting cafés, or visit Mozart's birthplace for a deeper look into the life of the city's most famous son. You might choose to take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views over the city, or simply settle in at a traditional café and enjoy a slice of cake while watching the world go by.

Today involves approximately 4 hours of walking.

This morning, we'll travel to the historic town of Berchtesgaden, where a fascinating underground adventure awaits. At the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines, we'll discover the region's long-standing connection to “white gold,” which once brought great wealth to the area.

Before we settle in and start winding our way through the beautiful alpine scenery, we'll stop to visit the infamous Eagle's Nest, or the Kehlsteinhaus as it is locally known, a building from the Third Reich era. A unique engineering feat, the structure was built as a teahouse for Adolf Hitler and sits high atop a rocky outcrop. Its architecture reflects the monumentalism favoured at the time. To gain access we head into a 100-metre-long tunnel that leads straight into the belly of the mountain. Here an elevator takes us up through to the summit of Kehlstein and into the building itself.

We'll then continue on to Innsbruck, nestled in the heart of the Tyrol region and framed by towering peaks.

This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps take this time to do some exploring of your own or find a cosy restaurant to enjoy a relaxed dinner with mountain views as your backdrop.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

We'll discover the highlights of Innsbruck on a guided city tour this morning. Set against the dramatic alps, this charming Tyrolean city blends imperial history with a relaxed mountain atmosphere. As we wander through the Old Town, we'll admire the famous Golden Roof, the grand Imperial Palace and the colourful facades that line its cobblestone streets.

Next, we'll visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Museum, a dazzling and imaginative space dedicated to the art of crystal. Expect everything from intricate displays to larger-than-life installations.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might like to take a cable car up into the surrounding mountains for sweeping views over Innsbruck, wander the Old Town a little longer, or settle into a cosy café and enjoy a slice of strudel.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

After breakfast this morning, we wave goodbye to Austria and set off for the famous spa town of Merano in northern Italy. Upon arriving we will take a short pause for lunch. Why not indulge in a rich espresso from a local café as you relax amidst the natural alpine scenery? Merano's main hub is also home to a number of boutiques filled with chic fashion and beautiful items of local craftsmanship, which we'll have the opportunity to explore.

Later in the day we cross the border into Switzerland and make our way to the paradise of Engadin Valley for a photo opportunity at Morteratsch Glacier. Situated just on the outskirts of St. Moritz, the glacier is one of the biggest in the Eastern Alps and offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains form the Bernina Range including the Piz Bernina and Piz Palü.

Early this evening we arrive to the world-renowned luxury alpine town of St. Moritz where the Olympic Winter Games were famously held in 1928.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.

This morning, we'll board the legendary Bernina Express, one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Departing from St. Moritz, we'll glide through a breathtaking alpine landscape of snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys and winding mountain passes. Keep your camera close — this UNESCO World Heritage-listed rail journey is known for its ever-changing views, from dramatic viaducts to picture-perfect villages.

Arriving in the Italian town of Tirano, we'll step off the train and into a completely different atmosphere. With its palm trees, piazzas and relaxed pace, it feels a world away from the Swiss Alps. You'll have some free time to explore, so wander the charming streets, browse local shops or simply settle into a sunny café.

And of course, when in Italy… an Aperol Spritz is practically mandatory. We'll enjoy one together as a group to toast the moment. Later, we'll reboard the Bernina Express for our return journey to St. Moritz, soaking in those spectacular views all over again.

The evening will be yours to enjoy as you please. It's the perfect chance to soak up the alpine glamour for yourself. Perhaps enjoy a scenic stroll around Lake St. Moritz, dine on refined Swiss cuisine in one of the town's elegant restaurants, or unwind with a drink at a cosy bar overlooking the mountains.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

After a sumptuous breakfast, we'll farewell glamorous St. Moritz and set off on a spectacular journey through the Swiss Alps. Our drive takes us along some of Switzerland's most scenic mountain passes, including the Julier Pass and the dramatic Furka Pass. Think winding roads, towering peaks and sweeping vistas at every turn.

As we continue through picturesque valleys and storybook villages, we'll make our way via Täsch and on to Zermatt, a charming town set at the foot of one of the world's most recognisable mountains.

Arriving in Zermatt, we're greeted by the unmistakable silhouette of the Matterhorn, rising sharply into the sky and setting the scene for our stay in this iconic destination.

Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.

Today we'll wake up in the idyllic alpine town of Zermatt, set against a stunning backdrop of snowy peaks. From the towering mountains to the twinkling lights of the village nestled in its slopes, every inch of this fairytale-like town will enchant your senses.

Zermatt is car-free, which offers a rare and remote feeling of tranquillity that's hard to find anywhere else. Surrounded by mountains on almost all sides, the most famous of its peaks is undoubtedly Switzerland's mighty Matterhorn. Make sure to pack your camera for today's spectacular agenda as we travel to the mountain's highest peak.

Special Experience: Ride a cable car up to Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe, for breathtaking views over the imposing Matterhorn.

At 3,883 metres above sea level, Glacier Paradise boasts views as far as Italy's Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. The summit features an observation platform, restaurant, shop, and cinema lounge, and we'll have some free time here to explore and bask in the incredible views.

Relax into your seat as we wind our way through dramatic mountain landscapes via the spectacular Grimsel Pass. With its sweeping curves, glacial views and rugged peaks, this is one of Switzerland's most impressive drives.

We'll journey on to Interlaken, a town beautifully nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the towering Jungfrau region as its backdrop.

Special Experience: Discover the art of traditional alphorn-making and enjoy a tasting experience that brings a unique piece of Swiss culture to life. During this hands-on experience, we'll learn about the history and craftsmanship behind the iconic Swiss alphorn, an instrument once used by farmers to communicate across the valleys. We'll gain insight into how these impressive wooden instruments are made, before enjoying a tasting that adds a delicious local touch to the experience.

We'll then check into our hotel, with the evening at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll through Interlaken's lively streets, enjoy dinner with mountain views, or simply relax and take in the peaceful alpine surroundings.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Now in the spectacular Jungfrau region of central Switzerland, our destination today is the famous Jungfraujoch in the Bernese Oberland Alps. We board the train in Grindelwald and enjoy the journey through the spectacular countryside, winding our way through stunning valleys and picture-perfect villages to Jungfraujoch. At 3,466 metres high and nestled between the famed mountains of Mönch and Jungfrau, it's no surprise the Jungfraujoch is often described as the ‘Top of Europe'.

Special Experience: At the top of Jungfraujoch, admire 360-degree views, visit Lindt's Swiss Chocolate Heaven, and see the unique ice palace that was hand-carved into the glacier ice. Travel to the summit of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jungfraujoch for views that will take your breath away from every angle. The adventure continues for your taste buds as we visit the only Lindt Chocolate shop of its kind, built high up in the clouds of the mountain. Explore the decadent range or pick up a souvenir before marvelling at the frosty halls of the Ice Palace where sculptures are carved into the nooks of the glacier.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Leaving Interlaken behind, we'll journey through the heart of Switzerland and cross the border into the charming microstate of Liechtenstein. Our destination is Vaduz, the quiet yet distinguished capital nestled beneath towering mountain peaks. Here, we enjoy a guided city tour, taking in the Städtle, known as the heart of the city, and the iconic Vaduz Castle watching over the town from above.

From Vaduz, we continue our scenic drive into southern Germany, arriving at the beautiful lakeside town of Lindau, set on the shores of Lake Constance. With its historic island setting and sweeping views across the water to the Alps, Lindau offers a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and a true sense of old-world charm.

Here, have the opportunity to take a gentle walking tour of Lindau Island and enjoy a coffee stop at a local café, perfectly positioned to soak up the peaceful lakeside ambience and surrounding alpine views.

Afterwards, we'll visit the fascinating Zeppelin Museum, home to an impressive collection celebrating the pioneering era of airship travel and innovation. It's a captivating insight into a remarkable chapter of aviation history.

We'll then check into our hotel, where the evening is at leisure to unwind and enjoy Lindau at your own pace.

Today involves approximately 4 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

A scenic day lies ahead of us as we make our way into the forested hills of Bavaria to Neuschwanstein Castle. Here, we will be whisked into the pages of a fairy tale as we admire the architectural marvel that was Walt Disney's inspiration for Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. The cliffside castle perches high above the quaint village of Schwangau and was built in the late 19th century as a retreat for King Ludwig II. The eccentric Bavarian King had a particular interest in the romance of the Middle Ages and the operatic works of Richard Wagner, which is evident in the castle's Romanesque architecture.

Listen in to tales of the castle's history on a guided tour before enjoying a scenic descent by horse-drawn carriage as we return to the coach to continue to the picturesque town of Oberammergau. Here in the early 17th century, the villagers began performing a ‘Passion Play' to keep a vow they made after begging to be spared from the ravages of the bubonic plague. The play involves over 2,000 people in its production and is performed every 10 years. Enjoy some free time for lunch and a delightful stroll through the village's elaborately painted buildings.

Afterwards we'll visit Schloss Linderhof, King Ludwig's smallest and said to be his favourite palace of the three he commissioned to build. We'll enjoy a guided tour before continuing on to Munich where we'll spend the evening at leisure.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Welcome to Munich as we touch down in Germany's third largest city and the capital of Bavaria. A city with a big heart, this picturesque destination is famous for its boisterous beer halls, iconic lederhosen and centuries-old buildings.

The city of Munich was founded in the 8th century, evolving impressively from its humble roots as a small monastery. The local monasteries have played an important role in the city's history, not least by starting the beer brewing traditions that has brought Munich international fame.

This morning we'll set out on foot to explore some of Munich's iconic landmarks including the Frauenkirche (the Munich cathedral) and its world-famous main square, Marienplatz. We'll also visit the famous Viktualienmarkt, an original open-air farmers market which has developed into a gourmet and culinary paradise. At the city's heart, we'll spend time wandering the leafy surrounds of Englischer Garten (the English Garden), which rivals even Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London in size.

The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore at your own pace. During your free time, why not tuck into some local dishes? Munich is known for its unbeatable bread, so perhaps try a salty pretzel or a buttery yeast bun bursting with raisins from one of the many bakeries surrounding the city.

Tonight, we'll toast to your new memories like a local, enjoying a lovely traditional Bavarian farewell dinner.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning and marks the completion of our amazing Alpine adventure. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!