The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine 2025

Your European adventure begins in the enchanting city of Vienna. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Austrian cuisine. After dinner, take a stroll around the city and marvel at the grandeur of the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial palace in the center of Vienna.

Start your day with a guided tour of Vienna, visiting the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and Heldenplatz. The Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Austrian royalty. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, exploring the city's cultural gems and enjoying its vibrant atmosphere.

Today, you'll leave Vienna and head to the charming town of Krems, where you'll embark on a delightful Danube River cruise. After the cruise, visit the Parish Church in Mondsee before continuing to Salzburg. In Salzburg, a guided walking tour will take you to the Mirabell Gardens, the Great Festival Hall, and Residenz Square. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the city's rich history and culture.

Enjoy a free day to explore Salzburg at your own pace. Known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg is a city of music, history, and stunning architecture. Wander through the charming Altstadt (Old Town), visit the splendid gardens, or simply relax and soak up the city's unique atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to sample the local cuisine and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.

Leave Salzburg behind and head to Innsbruck, where you'll take a walk through the Old Town and see the famous Golden Roof. After some free time to explore, continue your journey to the Swiss Engadine, a region known for its stunning alpine landscapes. Your destination for the day is the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Today, you'll board the Glacier Express train in St. Moritz for a scenic journey to Zermatt. Enjoy lunch on board as you take in the breathtaking Swiss scenery, passing through charming towns, rolling meadows, and snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival in Zermatt, a car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn, you'll have the rest of the day to explore and relax.

Spend the day at your leisure in Zermatt. This charming village offers a range of activities, from hiking and biking to shopping and dining. You might choose to join an optional excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier, where you can enjoy panoramic views, ski slopes, and ice carvings. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at your hotel.

Today, you'll take a mountain train ride from Zermatt to Täsch, enjoying the stunning alpine scenery along the way. From Täsch, continue to Chillon, where you'll visit the iconic Chillon Castle. This historic castle, located on a small island in Lake Geneva, offers fascinating insights into the region's past. After a guided tour of the castle, enjoy a wine tasting before returning to your hotel.

Leave Chillon and head to Berne, the capital city of Switzerland. A guided walking tour will take you to Bear Park, the Rose Garden, and the Old Town, where you can admire the medieval architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the city. After some free time for lunch in Interlaken, continue to Lucerne, a picturesque city known for its preserved medieval architecture.

Spend the day exploring Lucerne, starting with a walking tour that includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. In the evening, embark on a private boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, taking in the stunning views of the city and its surroundings. The day concludes with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you can share memories of your journey with your travel companions.

Today, you'll transfer from Lucerne to Basel, where you'll board your Suite Ship. Settle into your comfortable cabin and explore the ship's amenities before enjoying a delicious dinner on board. As the ship sets sail for Breisach, relax on the deck and take in the beautiful scenery of the Rhine River.

Start your day with a choice of activities. You can enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine, join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest, or explore Freiburg's medieval city center. After a day of adventure, return to the ship and set sail for Strasbourg, enjoying a delicious dinner on board.

Discover the charm of Strasbourg with a guided city sightseeing tour, including the Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral and the magical La Petite France District. Alternatively, explore the city by bike or join an optional excursion to the historic Maginot Line or Alsace's wine country. In the afternoon, cruise to Mainz, enjoying the scenic views of the Rhine River.

Today, choose between a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle, a guided city walk in Mainz, or an inspiring walk in Heidelberg with your Avalon Adventure Host. If you opt for the castle tour, you'll see the ruins of the magnificent Renaissance treasure and its famed Great Vat, the 'World's Largest Wine Barrel'. In Mainz, visit the Gutenberg Museum to learn about the history of printing. Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship in the evening.

Start your day with a guided tour of the Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim, followed by a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee. Then, sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei. Arrive in Koblenz in the evening and enjoy free time to explore this 2000-year-old city.

Today, you'll travel to Cologne, where you can choose between a guided city walk, a bike ride, or a tour of the city's important Jewish heritage sites. Don't miss the chance to visit the city's famous twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Spend some free time enjoying a glass of Kolsch pale lager before cruising to Amsterdam in the afternoon.

Discover the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise, passing stately homes of Amsterdam's 'Golden Age'. You might choose to join an optional excursion to Keukenhof gardens or Zaanse Schans, or take an optional biking tour to discover the countryside. Spend the rest of the day exploring Amsterdam's colorful streets, canal houses, galleries, and shops at your own pace.

Your European adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, bid farewell to your travel companions and start your journey home. We hope you've enjoyed this unforgettable tour and look forward to welcoming you back on your next adventure.