10-Nights The Best Of Austria & Switzerland from $5,539

The Best Of Austria & Switzerland

Day 1: ARRIVE IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA Welcome to Vienna! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner. (D)



Day 2: VIENNA Spend Your Day Your Way in Vienna Follow your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour featuring some of Vienna’s celebrated landmarks. Explore more of Vienna with your choice of an included Globus choice excursion.

Free time this evening. (B)




Day 3: VIENNA–MONDSEE–SALZBURG The Sound of Music Leave Vienna and drive to the pretty town of Mondsee. Take a stroll in the center and visit the baroque Basilika of St. Michael, location of the wedding scene in the film The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart, and follow your Local Guide on a walking tour, which includes Mirabell Gardens and St. Peter’s Churchyard plus sights of the Great Festival Hall, and Residenz Square. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Mondsee is a delightful town situated on Lake Mondsee, a privately owned lake, and is one of the 76 lakes found in the Salzkammergut region. In 1872 prehistoric pile dwellings were discovered there, but the rising lake water has since hidden them from view. Despite being UNESCO listed, their fame in Mondsee is probably overshadowed by the medieval abbey used as a Sound of Music film location.



Day 4: SALZBURG The Birthplace of Mozart Enjoy a free day in Salzburg to absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores, or try local specialties such as the delicious Salzburger Nockerl. Alternatively, join an optional excursion. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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 have earned this Austrian jewel the reputation of being one of the most beautiful cities in the world.



Day 5: SALZBURG–INNSBRUCK–ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND Heavenly Hills of Switzerland This morning reach Innsbruck for an orientation walk through the Old Town to see the Golden Roof, built more than 500 years ago and designed as a royal box from which the emperor could watch local events. Later, cross the border into Switzerland for a scenic drive through the Swiss Engadine en route to St. Moritz. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Pass through the spectacular beauty of the 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.



Day 6: ST. MORITZ–CHUR–TÄSCH–ZERMATT All Aboard in the Alps Enjoy a leisurely morning before boarding [LF] the world-famous Glacier Express for an iconic train ride to Zermatt. Enjoy dinner with a view as you admire the stunning scenery from your seat. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
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. Traveling 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.



Day 7: ZERMATT Peak Perfection Oozing tradition, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Zermatt offers an unforgettable experience. Marvel at the stunning mountain scenery and discover the picturesque village during a full free day at leisure. (B,D)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
Spend the day leisurely strolling around car-free Zermatt or join an excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier, an Alpine paradise of ski slopes, panoramic vistas, ice carvings and unique views. It’s an amazing experience you do not want to miss.



Day 8: ZERMATT–BERN Poetry in Motion Take the local mountain train to Täsch before driving to Chillon Castle. Enjoy a guided visit of the castle, built on a rock island on the shores of Lake Geneva, followed by a wine tasting experience. Continue to beautiful Bern, capital city of Switzerland. (B)
1543 mi / 230 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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!



Day 9: BERN–INTERLAKEN–LUCERNE Coming up Roses in Bern This morning, join your Local Guide for a walking tour. Stop at the Rose Garden for a panoramic view of the city. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old City of Bern with its ornate fountains and entertaining Zytglogge (clock tower) and stop at the BearPark to see some of Bern’s most famous inhabitants. En route to Lucerne enjoy some free time in Interlaken, one of Switzerland’s oldest resorts. (B)


TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Explore the “City of Fountains,” Bern - the capital city of Switzerland, dating back to the 12th century. Take in the medieval architecture in the Altstadt (Old Town) with its 6 kilometers of arcades, an animated clock tower, and panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and Bear Park.



Day 10: LUCERNE Lion Hearts in Lucerne This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the “the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.,” and the 14th-century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (Old Town). Enjoy free time this afternoon to get better acquainted with this alpine gem. This evening, end your tour in style with [LF] a private boat cruise followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
EPIC RIDE Lucerne sits on the shores of the stunning Lake Vierwaldstättersee, 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.



Day 11: LUCERNE–ZÜRICH AIRPORT Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

A morning complimentary transfer to Zurich Airport is available in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zurich. (B)