- 4.9/5 337 Latest reviews
- Destination: Austria, Germany, Switzerland
- Duration: 16 Days
- Tour Type: Self-Drive
- Tour Style: Luxury
About This Trip
Explore the best of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland on this 16-day journey. Begin in Austria with a traditional Fiaker carriage ride through Vienna’s historic streets, visit the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, and continue to Salzburg, the hometown of the legendary composer Mozart. Next, travel into Germany to experience its rich historical heritage and take in the breathtaking landscapes of the Bavarian Alps. Conclude your adventure in Switzerland, where you’ll be surrounded by iconic Alpine scenery and stroll through beautifully preserved medieval towns.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3
Austria
Vienna: Traditional Fiaker Ride, Imperial Palaces
Krems: Wachau Valley
Melk: Benedictine Abbey of Melk
Salzburg: Historic City Center Walking Tour
4 - 9
Germany
Berchtesgaden: Eagle's Nest
Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Neuschwanstein Castle
Munich: Explore the City Center
Metzingen: Fantastic Day of Shopping
Baden-Baden: Moring City Tour
Black Forest: Baiersbronn, Vogtsbauernhof, Triberg
10 - 16
Switzerland
Interlaken: Excursion to Jungfraujoch
Lucerne: Lake Lucerne, Chapel Bridge
St. Moritz - Zermatt: Glacier Express Train
Montreux: Peak Walk by Tissot, Cheese & Chocolate Tasting
Geneva: Enjoy Some Leisure Time before Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Vienna
Welcome to Vienna, Austria’s vibrant capital. Upon landing, a private transfer will take you to your hotel for a smooth check-in.
After settling in, enjoy a traditional Fiaker carriage ride through Vienna’s historic streets, taking in the city’s stunning Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque architecture. This charming horse-drawn carriage offers a cozy and unique way to explore the city. Be sure to admire the renowned imperial palaces, including the Hofburg and Schönbrunn, which are must-see highlights of Vienna.
- Vienna
- Day 2: Vienna to Salzburg via the Wachau Cultural Landscape
The Wachau Valley, stretching between Krems and Melk, is renowned for its stunning medieval scenery. Recognized as the “Wachau Cultural Landscape,” it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.
This morning, depart Vienna and head to Krems, beginning a scenic drive through the Wachau Valley. Rolling vineyards, quaint riverside villages, cliffside castle ruins, and colorful gardens create a serene and picturesque atmosphere. Stop in Melk to explore the Benedictine Abbey, Austria’s iconic Baroque masterpiece and a highlight of the region.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to Salzburg, where you will spend the night.
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- Salzburg
- Day 3: Salzburg – Historic Center & Lake District Exploration
Salzburg, the gateway to the Alps and birthplace of the legendary composer Mozart, is one of Austria’s and Europe’s most celebrated cities. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases exquisite Baroque architecture, while the surrounding Lake District features serene lakeside towns set against majestic mountain scenery.
Begin your morning with a guided walking tour of Salzburg’s historic center. Wander through charming cobblestone streets, explore beautifully designed squares, and admire the grandeur of its heritage buildings.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Salzburg’s Lake District. Conclude the day with a scenic cable car ride to the summit of Mount Zwölferhorn, where you can enjoy panoramic views over Wolfgangsee Lake.
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- Salzburg
- Day 4: Salzburg – Berchtesgaden – Garmisch-Partenkirchen
After enjoying breakfast, depart Salzburg and journey into Germany, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Bavarian Alps. Stop in Berchtesgaden, where you have the option to visit the famous Eagle’s Nest. Perched atop a rocky peak above Obersalzberg, overlooking the town, it was historically used by Nazi officials for meetings and today operates seasonally as a restaurant.
Continue your journey to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and check in at the elegant Schloss Elmau hotel for an overnight stay.
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- Berchtesgaden
- Day 5: Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Neuschwanstein Castle – Munich
Today’s highlight is a visit to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, often regarded as the quintessential German fairy-tale palace and the inspiration for Disneyland’s castle. Commissioned by Ludwig II, known as the “Fairy Tale King,” it was originally intended as his private retreat. From Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), admire the stunning view of the castle rising majestically above the forest, with rivers, plains, and mountains forming a picturesque backdrop.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to Munich and check in at your hotel for the night.
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- Munich
- Day 6: Munich – City Center Discovery
Begin your day exploring Munich with a walking tour of Marienplatz, the heart of the city. Here, admire the impressive New Town Hall and its famous Glockenspiel, visit the late-Gothic Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady), and take a stroll through the nearby Viktualienmarkt, a bustling daily food market full of local flavors.
Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along Maximilianstrasse, one of Munich’s four royal avenues. Lined with predominantly Neo-Gothic architecture, this street also features art galleries, designer boutiques, and high-end shops, offering a perfect mix of culture and shopping.
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- Munich
- Day 7: Munich – Metzingen & Baden-Baden
Spend the day indulging in a premium shopping experience at Outletcity Metzingen. Enjoy VIP services or guidance from a personal shopping assistant as you explore over 70 high-end and luxury brands, making the most of expert advice to find your perfect purchases.
Later in the day, continue your journey to Baden-Baden and settle in for the evening at your hotel.
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- Baden-Baden
- Day 8: Baden-Baden – Baiersbronn Excursion – Return to Baden-Baden
Begin the day exploring Baden-Baden, one of Europe’s most celebrated spa towns, famed for its thermal baths and iconic casino. Enjoy a leisurely morning wandering the streets and soaking in the town’s sophisticated atmosphere.
In the afternoon, take a trip to Baiersbronn, nestled in the heart of the Black Forest, for a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds before returning to Baden-Baden for the evening.
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- Baden-Baden
- Day 9: Baden-Baden – Interlaken via the Black Forest
Depart Baden-Baden today and journey toward Switzerland, passing through the scenic Black Forest. Stop at Vogtsbauernhof, an engaging open-air museum that highlights the region’s traditional culture and history.
Continue to Triberg, a charming town known for its collection of the world’s largest and smallest cuckoo clocks, as well as home to Germany’s highest waterfall. Before arriving in Interlaken, enjoy a short pause in either Basel or Bern to stretch your legs and take in the local sights.
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- Interlaken
- Day 10: Interlaken – Excursion to Jungfraujoch or Piz Gloria
A highlight of your stay in Interlaken is the unforgettable trip to Jungfraujoch, known as the Top of Europe. Step out at Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454 meters and immerse yourself in a breathtaking world of snow and ice.
Alternatively, you may choose to visit Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant perched at 2,970 meters atop the Schilthorn. From here, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
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- Interlaken
- Day 11: Interlaken – Lucerne & Journey to St. Moritz
After enjoying breakfast, begin your scenic drive along the shores of Lake Lucerne toward the charming city of Lucerne. Renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and spectacular setting by the lake with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop, Lucerne is a must-visit destination in Switzerland.
Spend some time exploring the city’s highlights, including the iconic Chapel Bridge, Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridge. In the afternoon, continue your journey to St. Moritz and check in at your hotel for a comfortable evening.
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- St. Moritz
- Day 12: St. Moritz – Zermatt via Glacier Express
Today, embark on the iconic Glacier Express train journey to Zermatt. This scenic ride promises to be a truly memorable experience. From your window seat, enjoy a sumptuous 5-course meal paired with fine regional wines, all while taking in the breathtaking panoramas of the Swiss Alps.
By late afternoon, arrive in Zermatt and check in at your hotel to relax and unwind after the remarkable journey.
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- Zermatt
- Day 13: Zermatt Exploration
Zermatt, one of Switzerland’s most renowned Alpine villages, is entirely car-free and retains its traditional charm. From here, board the cogwheel train to Gornergrat, reaching an elevation of 3,089 meters. Unlike Jungfraujoch near Interlaken, this destination offers an exceptional view of the iconic Matterhorn, framed by surrounding peaks exceeding 4,000 meters.
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- Zermatt
- Day 14: Zermatt to Montreux – Glacier 3000 & Peak Walk by Tissot
Today, travel from Zermatt to Montreux. On the way, stop at Glacier 3000 to experience the world’s first suspension bridge linking two mountain peaks: the Peak Walk by Tissot. From this vantage point, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps, including iconic peaks such as the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
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- Montreux
- Day 15: Montreux – Cheese & Chocolate Experience
While in Montreux, dedicate a day to a delightful culinary excursion to the nearby towns of Gruyères and Broc. Gruyères is celebrated for its famous cheese, and Broc is home to the renowned chocolate factory, “Maison Cailler.” Prepare to indulge your senses and fully enjoy the delicious world of Swiss cheese and chocolate.
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- Montreux
- Day 16: Montreux – Geneva, Farewell
Today marks the conclusion of your journey. Before catching your departure flight, take some time to stroll through Geneva, where you can browse for luxury watches from brands like Cartier, Patek Philippe, and Rolex, or pick up exquisite jewelry as memorable gifts for family and friends.
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