Overview
Itinerary
Your journey begins in Bern, the capital of Switzerland. This UNESCO World Heritage site rests in the Swiss countryside. The cobbled Old Town section is so well preserved that residents who lived here 500 years ago would still find it familiar today.
This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine. (D) Stay: Hotel Bern (4 Nights)
Explore delightful Bern on a panoramic sightseeing tour, led by a local guide, featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens and the gothic cathedral which dominates Old Town's skyline. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore independently. Perhaps you'll take a ride in the red carriages of the Gurtenbahn funicular railway, climbing Gurten Mountain to an altitude of 2,574 feet (858 meters) for impressive views of Bern, the surrounding towns and mountains. (B)
Today, depart Bern and head to the small mountain village outside of Interlaken – Habkern. Boasting classic postcard imagery of Switzerland, enjoy a tour with a local workshop owner learning how the alphorn is made, and even entertain your musical side by playing one. After, explore the world of yodeling through a professional demonstration. Perhaps you're a natural and never knew. Finish your afternoon with a fondue lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Bern. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure. (B/L)
Set out for Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Enjoy a leisurely paced Altstadt (Old Town) walking tour, exploring the hidden treasures of this 800-year-old city such as the covered Chapel Bridge (1333); the famous Water Tower, which has served as a prison, watchtower and treasury; the Renaissance-style Town Hall; the baroque Jesuit Church; and the Lion Monument, carved from natural rock to commemorate the heroic Swiss Guard.
Tonight, dine at one of Bern's great restaurants. (B/D)
En route to Innsbruck, make your way through Liechtenstein, the smallest German-speaking country in the world and the only country to lie entirely within the Alps.
Upon arrival in Innsbruck, it's your choice! Select one of two leisurely walking tours: join a local guide as you discover the city's history, culture and popular attractions including Maria-Theresien-Strasse, the Hofburg and the “Golden Roof" -OR- you may embark on a tour focusing on Innsbruck's unique architectural structures including its famous ski jump. (B) Stay: Hotel Innsbruck (3 Nights)
Travel through the picturesque Austrian countryside to Salzburg. Start your day in Salzburg with a walking tour featuring Mirabell Gardens (seen in The Sound of Music), the quaint Getreidegasse (birthplace of Mozart), and many other highlights of this beautiful city. After, enjoy a delightful lunch at the 1,200-year-old St. Peter's Restaurant, the oldest in Austria and still owned by the monks. Enjoy time in the afternoon at leisure before returning to Innsbruck. (B/L)
Tour Linderhof Palace, the only palace - out of three - that King Ludwig II lived to see completed. Walk the extraordinary halls that were modeled after Versailles with an expert guide and bask in the luxury of past royals. After, make your way to the Ettal Abbey – a Benedictine monastery founded in 1330 by Louis IV. Here, you'll tour the Basilica followed by a brewery tour complete with tastings. Next, return to Innsbruck.
Later, experience the rich musical tradition of mountainous Austria during a Tyrolean folklore show hosted by a well-known local musical family. (B)
Make your way to Munich for Oktoberfest, a traditional folk festival from the 1800s. Today, the festival draws people from all over the world and features lively music, savory cuisine, authentic costumes, amusement rides, and millions of beer liters served. In your reserved tent, toast to a fun-filled day of drinks, games, and friendly locals. (B/L) Stay: NH Collection München Bavaria
Your tour comes to an end in Munich. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Witness the creation of Alpine music during an alphorn and yodeling demonstration.
- Experience a Tyrolean Folklore show in Innsbruck.
- Celebrate with locals and travelers from around the globe in your reserved tent at Munich's Oktoberfest.
- Spend a day exploring Salzburg's historic past and charming old town.
- Enjoy a walking tour of Lucerne's Altstadt (Old Town).
- Tour Linderhof Palace and its beautiful gardens.
- Savor lunch at the 1,200-year-old St. Peter's Restaurant, Austria's oldest.
- Experience a fondue lunch in a picturesque alpine town.
- Dine on Tyrolean cuisine at a local restaurant.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $177.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount.
- Location: Lucerne. Cost: $126.
- Enjoy the splendor of pure nature while gliding over a clear landscape in panoramic gondolas and spectacular cable cars. Ascend Pilatus via a unique excursion on the steepest railway of the world with a gradient of 48%. Upon arrival at the top, soak in the magnificent Alpine view from 7,000 feet above sea level. During leisure time at the summit, stroll the walkway for views from a different vantage point, or enjoy Swiss culinary delights on your own in one of the various restaurants (lunch is not included). Return back down the mountain by panoramic gondola for yet another bird’s eye view. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. In the off-season (November to mid-May) the cogwheel train is unavailable and both the ascent and descent will be by panorama gondolas and aerial cableway. The option may be cancelled due to maintenance work or inclement weather. Highest elevation: 7,000 feet.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
