Overview
Itinerary
You'll be met on arrival in Munich and transferred to your hotel. Located within view of the Alps, lively Munich is the capital of Bavaria, as well as one of Germany's best-loved cities. Stay Two Nights: Courtyard Munich (or similar)
Become immersed in the illustrious sights of Munich. With a rich culture and heritage, the city has a wonderful collection of museums, galleries and architecture. Enjoy a guided walking tour to introduce you to the highlights of Munich, including sampling local food and beer. Learn about the history of brewing in Bavaria and the influence of the ‘Reinheitsgebot' purity law at the Oktoberfest Museum, before visiting Munich's oldest beer house, the Hofbrauhaus. Later, enjoy time at leisure. (B/D)
Leaving Munich behind this morning, take the train into Austria. Arrive in Salzburg, a city known the world over as the birthplace of Mozart, and the setting for the classic film, ‘The Sound of Music'. On arrival, you will embark on a guided walking tour with a local guide. Discover the Old Town, the World Heritage-listed centre with its pretty collection of medieval and baroque buildings, plus gorgeous views of the mountains. Afterwards, the rest of the day is at leisure. Stay Three Nights: Salzburg, NH Collection Salzburg City (B/D)
Insider Experience- Banquet with Mozart Concert This evening, enjoy dinner with a difference. Travel to the baroque banquet hall at St Peter's and sit down to a candlelit dinner accompanied by the stirring music of Salzburg's most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A chamber ensemble and singers dressed in rococo costumes bring selections of Mozart's famous music to life while you enjoy a gastronomic menu inspired by the composer.
Today is free for you to relax in Salzburg. Perhaps visit the Salzburg Fortress, also known as Hohensalzburg Castle, which is perched high above the city with great views from its peak. Or, try a Mozartkugel, a delicious chocolate named after Mozart. (B)
Today, immerse yourself in the charm of the Austrian Lake District, beginning with a visit to Kaiservilla, the grand summer residence of Habsburg Emperor Franz Josef I. The expansive park surrounding the villa, designed in the English style, was completed in 1860. You'll have plenty of time to wander through the meticulously landscaped grounds before continuing to St. Gilgen, a town brimming with baroque and rococo character. From there, proceed to St. Wolfgang and enjoy a scenic lake cruise. Spend some time at leisure in Wolfgangsee, then make your way to Mondsee for free time. You may wish to visit the town's cloister church, famously featured as the wedding location in The Sound of Music. Return to Salzburg this evening for a shared dinner together. (B/D)
This morning, depart Salzburg and journey by First Class Rail into the heart of the Austrian Alps. As you approach Innsbruck, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with towering mountains rising steeply on either side of the Inn Valley. Upon arrival in Innsbruck, enjoy a guided tour of this charming city, set against the stunning backdrop of the Alps. The city's magnificently preserved Old Town offers a glimpse into its historic and cultural heritage, with an impressive collection of renaissance and baroque buildings. Stay Two Nights: Hotel Innsbruck (B/D)
Today, your travels will take you to the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle. Nestled at the edge of the Alps, it presents a breathtaking sight, steeped in history. Enjoy time at leisure in Hohenschwangau before continuing your journey. The next leg of your trip takes you by cable car, offering stunning views as it glides over the forests to the summit, where you'll have free time to take in the panorama. (B)
Insider Experience - Zugspitze Railway Embark on an exhilarating journey aboard the Zugspitze Railway, which ascends to the summit of Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak.
Today, embark on a scenic rail journey through the Swiss Alps. Travel near the principality of Liechtenstein before making your way into the Swiss town of Sargans. Here, you'll change trains and follow the Rhine River to Chur, before continuing on to the renowned resort town of St. Moritz. Stay Three Nights: St Moritz, Hotel Schweizerhof (B/D)
Travel through breathtaking landscapes aboard a renowned train line, arriving in the charming Italian town of Tirano. Here, you'll have free time to explore at your leisure before embarking on your return journey. (B/D)
Insider Experience - The Bernina Express Embark on the Bernina Express, a journey through awe-inspiring scenery, where you'll pass majestic glaciers, sparkling mountain streams, and vibrant alpine meadows.
Spend today at your leisure, immersing yourself in the elegance and charm of St. Moritz. Whether you choose to stroll through its stylish streets, indulge in world-class shopping, or simply relax by the lake, the day is yours to savour at your own pace. (B)
Embark on a remarkable journey from St. Moritz to Brig aboard the iconic Glacier Express as part of a thrilling Insider Experience. Savour a delicious two-course lunch at your seat as the train climbs steadily and steeply over the Oberalp Pass, before spiralling down through picturesque villages on the way to Brig. Upon arrival, change trains and continue your journey to Interlaken. Stay Three Nights: Hotel Interlaken (B/L/D)
Insider Experience - Glacier Express Panoramic Journey Step aboard the renowned Glacier Express for a scenic journey from St. Moritz to Brig, relishing the breathtaking views through the panoramic windows of your First-Class carriage.
Today's adventure begins as you depart Interlaken and travel through the foothills of the Alps to Lauterbrunnen. From here, board the Wengeralp Railway to reach Kleine Scheidegg, before continuing your journey aboard the Jungfrau Railway. Your final destination is the Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station. Enjoy free time at the summit and perhaps explore the fascinating Ice Palace. (B)
Insider Experience - Jungfrau Railway Embark on the iconic Jungfrau Railway, taking in spectacular views from two observation points carved out of solid rock between the rail tunnel and the majestic north face of the Eiger.
Awake to the stunning mountain vistas of Interlaken - a day to explore this charming town at your own pace. Perhaps take a leisurely stroll around the glacier-fed lakes, before sharing a memorable Farewell Dinner this evening. (B/D)
Your incredible journey reaches an end this morning. After breakfast, take the train to the airport in Zurich for your onward flight. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Banquet with Mozart Concert: This evening, enjoy dinner with a difference. Travel to the baroque banquet hall at St Peter's and sit down to a candlelit dinner accompanied by the stirring music of Salzburg's most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A chamber ensemble and singers dressed in rococo costumes bring selections of Mozart's famous music to life while you enjoy a gastronomic menu inspired by the composer.
- The Bernina Express: Ride the Bernina Express, which passes glaciers, rushing mountain streams and flower-sprinkled alpine meadows.
- Glacier Express: Take the famous Glacier Express narrow-gauge train in Switzerland to Brig, enjoying incredible views through the panoramic windows of your carriage along the way.
- Zugspitze Railway: Join an enthralling journey on the Zugspitze Railway, which ascends to the summit of Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany.
- Jungfrau Railway: Journey on the iconic Jungfrau Railway. See spectacular views at two observation stops, hewn out of solid rock between the rail tunnel and the infamous north face of the Eiger.
- Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
- Please note, transfer on Day 14 is unescorted
- Prices are for land/rail only. Flights are not included unless specified
Trip Reviews (5) Most Recent 'Grand Alpine Explorer' Reviews
Arrived in St Moritz, it was really enjoyable. Loved the Bernina Line train to Tirano. Excellent, great day out. Loved the Glacier Express train, including lunch onboard. Unbelievable trip to Jungfrau, very nice and enjoyable. It was very good to have free time, especially without the expectation of added on excursions or group tours. Don't change this feature.
There was confusion at the end of the tour in Interlaken and with the trip to Zurich. Did not visit Zurich other than the airport. The tour guide was not aware that this Zurich trip was included in our arrangements and he was expected to help set it up. He did help us set things up, but left early with the England contingent leaving us to sort out the issues that arose with taxi bookings. Not good.
Note: Regarding the optional excursions star rating, gets 5 stars because there wasn't any, hence good.
The group size of 31 was too large by about 6. Tour guide was very pleasant and personable - and helpful. He did his read more best but did not need to give us his thought processes about what “might work” and what might not, as it added to confusion especially when he changed meeting times a few times or was a bit vague.
Prices & Dates
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