Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria (Classic, 12 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the cultural and historical treasures of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. From the imperial elegance of Vienna to the Alpine charm of Innsbruck, this multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of guided excursions and leisure time. Discover the opulence of Schönbrunn Palace, the musical heritage of Salzburg, and the fairy-tale allure of Neuschwanstein Castle. Traverse the scenic landscapes aboard the iconic Glacier Express, and savor the culinary delights of each region. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this tour promises an enriching and memorable experience for all travelers.
Included
11 night accommodation
5 Dinner (D)
11 Breakfast (B)
1 Dinner with Wine (DW)
Vienna: Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a drink, followed by a pleasant dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Innsbruck: For your dining pleasure, you are offered a selection of Innsbruck's vibrant restaurants. With drinks, a delicious 3-course dinner and Glühwein in abundance, your Dine-Around evening is a culinary experience not to be missed.
Stanserhorn: A spectacular journey by cable car and cogwheel railway takes you to the summit. Enjoy expansive mountain views over Lake Lucerne for your dinner. Fill your glass with wine and toast to newfound friends.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Munich: Visit the Residenz, the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria.
Munich: Embark on a culinary walking tour in the heart of the city.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Salzburg: Visit the house where Mozart was born in 1756. Enjoy a pianoforte demonstration and examine letters, memorabilia, and musical instruments of the great composer, plus a fascinating collection of portraits.
Stans: Taste a refreshing seasonal juice at a renovated Capuchin monastery producing sustainable crops from the alpine region. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
See Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, English Garden, Hofbräuhaus and Marienplatz in Munich • the church featured in ‘The Sound of Music' in Mondsee • Hofburg Imperial Residence and Opera House in Vienna • Old Town, Imperial Palace and Golden Roof in Innsbruck • St. Moritz • Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne.
Melk Abbey: Visit Melk Abbey where the Benedictine monks have been living and working since 1089.
Vienna: A private, guided exploration of Schönbrunn Palace will have all your senses tingling. Stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames where Mozart performed as a child prodigy.
Neuschwanstein Castle: Visit the archetypal fairy-tale castle that allegedly inspired many of Walt Disney's castles. Led by a local historian, walk through the magnificent halls, take in the lavish decoration and enjoy spectacular views.
Oberammergau: Explore the town and see the theatre where the Passion Play has been performed since 1634.
Innsbruck: The host for your visit to the Bergisel Ski Jump is a local Ski Jumper who will show you a trick or two (weather permitting).
Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Local Expert, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.
St Moritz: See the spa quarter and glacial lake of this charming alpine resort.
St Moritz: Travel along the route of the world-famous Glacier Express, through looping tunnels and dizzying viaducts, in the scenic heart of the Swiss Alps, on a regional train fully powered by hydroelectricity.
Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.
Salzburg: Join your Local Expert to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' You will also see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.
Dachau: Experience a powerful and moving visit to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial site with a Local Expert.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Vienna: During your orientation led by your Travel Director, travel along the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Vienna
- Vienna - Arrival day
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Welcome to the enchanting city of Vienna! Spend your afternoon exploring this vibrant city at your own pace. Later, gather with your Travel Director and fellow adventurers for a delightful dinner paired with wine at a charming local restaurant. Settle into your accommodation at the Hilton Vienna (or similar) for a restful night.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discover Vienna's Grandeur
- Vienna
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- Hundertwasserhaus
- Schönbrunn Palace
- St. Charles's Church
- Prater
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Embark on a private tour of the opulent Schönbrunn Palace and its exquisite gardens, guided by a Local Expert. Immerse yourself in Vienna's rich history as you explore the city's iconic landmarks, including St. Charles' Church, the Hofburg Palace, Parliament, and the State Opera House. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Salzburg
- Salzburg
- Vienna
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- Basilika St. Michael
- Melk Abbey
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Travel through the picturesque Austrian countryside to the charming city of Salzburg. Along the way, visit the magnificent Melk Abbey and the iconic Basilica St. Michael in Mondsee, famous for its role in 'The Sound of Music.' Arrive in Salzburg and check into your hotel, the Hotel Sacher Salzburg (or similar).
Day 4 – Day 4: Explore Salzburg's Heritage
- Salzburg
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- Maria Plain
- Mirabell Palace
- Mozartplatz
- Salzburg Cathedral
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Join your Local Expert for a guided tour of Salzburg's highlights, including the beautiful Mirabell Palace Gardens, Residenzplatz, the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the grand Salzburg Cathedral. Visit Mozart's Birthplace for a unique pianoforte demonstration and a glimpse into the composer's life. In the evening, enjoy a Farm-to-Table dining experience.
Day 5 – Day 5: From Salzburg to Munich
- Salzburg
- Munich
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- Witches' Water
- Ahornsee Söll
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Board a boat to explore the scenic sites of Herrenchiemsee, visiting the grand palace and the serene Fraueninsel Convent. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the gardens before continuing by boat to Gstadt. Travel by coach to Munich, the vibrant city known for its Oktoberfest. Experience authentic Bavarian culture with dinner at a local beer hall. Check into your hotel, the Sofitel Munich Bayerpost (or similar).
Day 6 – Day 6: Munich's Cultural Tapestry
- Munich
- Dachau
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- Victuals Market
- Marienplatz
- Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
- Munich Residence
- Toy Museum Munich
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Delve into Munich's rich history with an orientation tour, passing by the University, Victory Arch, and the bustling Marienplatz. Choose between a culinary walking tour or a visit to the Munich Residenz. Later, pay homage at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, reflecting on its poignant history. Return to your hotel for a restful evening.
Day 7 – Day 7: Castles and Culture
- Innsbruck
- Oberammergau
- Munich
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- Ehrwalder Almbahn
- Church to Johannes
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Visit the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, exploring its lavish interiors and stunning surroundings. Continue to Oberammergau, renowned for its Passion Play and vibrant chalets. Journey onward to Innsbruck, nestled amid the majestic Tyrolean Alps. Enjoy a Dine-Around experience, choosing from a variety of local restaurants. Check into your hotel, the Grand Hotel Europa (or similar).
Day 8 – Day 8: Innsbruck's Alpine Charm
- Innsbruck
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- Altstadt Innsbruck
- Golden Roof
- Ambras Castle Innsbruck
- Bergisel Ski Jump
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Awake in the picturesque city of Innsbruck, where a Local Expert will guide you through the Old Town, the Imperial Palace, and the iconic Golden Roof. Visit the nearby Bergisel Ski Jump, set against breathtaking mountain vistas, and witness a thrilling ski jump demonstration. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 9 – Day 9: Scenic Journey to St. Moritz
- Innsbruck
- Sankt Moritz
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Travel through the stunning Engadine Valley into Switzerland, arriving at the chic Alpine resort of St. Moritz. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and explore the town's many attractions, including museums and shops. Consider embarking on one of Europe's most scenic train journeys over the Bernina Pass. Check into your hotel, the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains (or similar).
Day 10 – Day 10: Iconic Glacier Express
- Lucerne
- Andermatt
- Sankt Moritz
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- Landwasser Viaduct
- Lion Monument Lucerne
- Engadiner Museum
- Sustenpass
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Embark on the iconic Glacier Express train journey, marveling at the breathtaking views of ice-capped mountains and charming villages. Traverse the spiral tunnels of the Albula Pass and cross the Landwasser Viaduct. Continue through the Schöllenen Gorge, arriving in Lucerne. Visit the poignant Lion Monument before settling into your hotel, the Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern (or similar).
Day 11 – Day 11: Lucerne's Splendor
- Lucerne
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- Chapel Bridge
- Stanserhorn
- Fraumünster Church
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Spend the morning exploring Lucerne's medieval charm, including the Chapel Bridge and Jesuit Church. Later, travel to Stans for a scenic funicular and cable car ride to the summit of Stanserhorn. Enjoy a spectacular dinner at Drehrestaurant Rondorama, with panoramic views as the restaurant slowly rotates. Return to Lucerne for your final night.
Day 12 – Day 12: Departure from Zurich
- Lucerne
- Zurich - Departure day
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Bid farewell to the majestic Alps as your tour concludes with a transfer to Zurich airport. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and breathtaking landscapes you've encountered on this remarkable journey.
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