Duration: 11 Days
The hills are alive with the sound of music, the aroma of strudel, and the taste of schnitzel. In addition to the fables, falsettos, and tastes of two of Europe’s most scenic countries, a symphony of sights awaits your arrival on this scenic tour of Austria and Switzerland. Palaces and castles, peaks, and glaciers, moving scenery, and famous movie scenes are all on the itinerary. As you make the stunning journey from melodious Vienna to metropolitan Zurich, you’ll experience the breathtaking scenery in a variety of ways. Cruise down the dreamy Danube, board the Glacier Express train for the car-free mountain resort of Zermatt, and frolic in the same Austrian locations as Julie Andrews did in the hit movie The Sound of Music. At the end of your eye-opening and ear-pleasing holiday, “So long, farewell” will be the hardest words to utter.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites!
Transportation
Motorcoach, Boat cruise, Glacier Express, Mountain train
Welcome to Vienna!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
City of Dreams
VIENNA Guided sightseeing includes Schonbrunn Palace and Heldenplatz. Free time this afternoon. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Vienna's spectacular Schonbrunn Palace served as the summer home of the Habsburg dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the imperial home and glittering life of Austrian royalty in Vienna and the extravagant gardens surrounding the palace.
The Blue Danube
KREMS Take a delightful Danube River cruise.
MONDSEE Visit the Parish Church.
SALZBURG Guided walking tour includes Mirabell Gardens, the Great Festival Hall, and Residenz Square (B) 193 mi / 310 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Sit back and relax and watch the world go by during a leisurely cruise along one of the most scenic sections of the Danube, Europe's second largest river. Wunderbar!
The Birthplace of Mozart
SALZBURG Enjoy a free day to explore Salzburg. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS 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
INNSBRUCK Walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof. Free time to browse. before driving into the Swiss Engadine en route to St. Moritz. (B,D) 236 mi / 380 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS 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
CHUR Take the [LF] Glacier Express train to Zermatt with lunch served on board. (B,L) 149 mi / 240 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
EPIC RIDE Don't let the name fool you. While its speed won't take your breath away, the Glacier Express train from St. Moritz to Zermatt delivers a slow, breathtaking ride through some of Switzerland's most stunning scenery. travelling 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
ZERMATT Enjoy a free day. (B,D)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE 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
ZERMATT Mountain train ride to Tasch.
CHILLON Take a [LF] guided visit of the castle and enjoy a wine tasting. (B) 155 mi / 250 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
CULTURAL GEMS 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 Berne
BERNE Guided walking tour. includes a stop at Bear Park, panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and the Old Town.
INTERLAKEN Free time for lunch en route to Lucerne. (B) 75 mi / 120 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Explore the "City of Fountains" Berne - 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
LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. [LF] Private boat cruise this evening followed by farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
EPIC RIDE Lucerne looks on top of the stunning lake Vierwaldstattersee, 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.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.
A morning complimentary transfer to Zurich Airport in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zurich. (B) 42mi/ 68km
