Alpine Discovery and Highlights of the Danube Zurich to Budapest (2025)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Zurich
Duration
17 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a captivating 17-day journey through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant city of Zurich to the enchanting streets of Budapest, with stops at iconic destinations like Lucerne, Zermatt, Munich, and Vienna. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, marvel at the majestic Swiss Alps, and discover the charm of medieval towns. Enjoy scenic train rides, river cruises, and guided tours that reveal the rich history and unique character of each destination. Whether you're wandering through cobblestone streets, dining in local restaurants, or simply soaking in the breathtaking landscapes, this tour offers a truly immersive European experience.

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Included

33 meals - 16 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 11 dinners

Onboard water stations, plus tea and coffee, soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise

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Coach

Ship

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Three nights in Munich, two nights in Lucerne, Zermatt, one night in Zurich & St Moritz

Seven nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship

Enjoy a two-night stay at Zermatt’s Hotel Sonne, with views of the Matterhorn

Crowne Plaza Zurich

Two Nights, Radisson Blu Hotel Lucerne

Two Nights, Zermatt, Hotel Sonne

St Moritz, Europa Hotel or similar

Three Nights, Munich, Courtyard by Marriott City Centre

Seven Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel River Ship

Travelmarvel Capella: Owner's Suite ,Suite ,Stateroom

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Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director, Cruise Director and local guides

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Explore 15 towns, villages and cities

Travel aboard the Glacier Express to St Moritz

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Map

Attractions

Mirbach Palace
Chapel Bridge, Lucerne, Luzern, SwitzerlandChapel Bridge
Rathaus-Glockenspiel
A street in the Old town of Bratislava, Slovakia, leading to Michael's gate towerMichael's Gate
Schaiblingsturm
Homberg tower, Reinach, Bezirk Kulm, Aargau, SwitzerlandHomberg tower
Photo of Lucerne dying lion monument, Switzerland.Lion Monument Lucerne
Wachau, Gemeinde Rossatz-Arnsdorf, Bezirk Krems, Lower Austria, AustriaWachau
The famous Frauenkirche in Munich, GermanyFrauenkirche
Weinvierteldraisine
View on Bratislava city with St. Martin's Cathedral and Danube river, Bratislava, Slovakia.St. Martin's Cathedral, Bratislava
Melk AbbeyMelk Abbey
Photo of aerial view of Schonbrunn Palace is a major tourist attraction in Vienna, Austria.Schönbrunn Palace
photo of Neuschwanstein Castle at sunset in winter landscape in Germany.Neuschwanstein Castle
Photo of the Wiener Riesenrad or Vienna Giant Wheel 65m tall Ferris wheel in Prater park in Austria.Prater
Photo of Beautiful building of the Primate's Palace, Bratislava, Slovakia.Primacial Palace
Photo of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Vienna, Austria.St. Stephen's Cathedral

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Zurich

  • Zurich - Arrival day
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Welcome to Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland! Upon your arrival, we'll greet you and help you settle in. In the evening, join us for a welcome reception where you can meet your fellow travelers and anticipate the exciting journey ahead.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Zurich to Lucerne

  • Zurich
  • Lucerne
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  • Chapel Bridge
  • Homberg tower
  • Lion Monument Lucerne
  • More

Begin your day with a guided tour of Zurich's vibrant city center, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Marvel at the city's stunning medieval architecture before we journey to Lucerne. Here, you'll embark on a walking tour, taking in the breathtaking backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Visit the Lion of Lucerne monument and stroll along the iconic Chapel Bridge.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Leisure Day in Lucerne

  • Lucerne
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Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You might choose to relax and soak in the beauty of Lucerne, or perhaps join us for an optional traditional dinner and entertainment at a Swiss Folklore Restaurant, where you can experience the local culture firsthand.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Lucerne to Zermatt

  • Lucerne
  • Zermatt
  • More

Embark on a scenic journey to Zermatt, a charming eco-friendly resort town nestled at the foot of the world-renowned Matterhorn. As Zermatt is a car-free zone, you'll have the unique opportunity to explore this picturesque town on foot. Spend the evening at leisure, taking in the fresh alpine air and the stunning mountain views.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Zermatt

  • Zermatt
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After breakfast, join us for a guided tour of Zermatt. Discover the charm of Hinterdorf, the Old Village, where you'll find traditional chalet-style barns and shops dating back to the 16th century. The rest of the day is yours to explore this beautiful town at your own pace.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Zermatt to St Moritz

  • Zermatt
  • Andermatt
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Today, we'll travel to Andermatt and board the Glacier Express, a narrow-gauge train that will take us on a scenic journey to St Moritz. Enjoy the stunning views of jagged mountains, lush meadows, and dense forests from the panoramic windows of your carriage. Upon arrival in St Moritz, a luxury alpine resort town, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: St Moritz to Munich via Innsbruck

  • Innsbruck
  • Munich
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This morning, we'll journey into Austria, stopping in Innsbruck before continuing on to Munich, Germany. Enjoy some free time in Innsbruck to soak in the city's atmosphere before we travel to Munich, where you'll spend the night.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Discovering Munich

  • Munich
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  • Rathaus-Glockenspiel
  • Frauenkirche
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Today, enjoy a guided tour of Munich, often considered Germany's most beautiful city. Visit the famous Glockenspiel on the Town Hall and explore the historic city center, home to the iconic Frauenkirche. The afternoon is yours to relax or continue exploring. In the evening, join us for a special dinner.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Leisure Day in Munich

  • Munich
  • More
  • Neuschwanstein Castle
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Enjoy a day at leisure in Munich. You might choose to relax, explore the city further, or join an optional tour to the Bavarian Neuschwanstein Castle. Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, this fairy-tale-like castle, renowned for its stunning architecture, was the inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Munich to Passau

  • Munich
  • Passau
  • More

After breakfast, we'll board a coach and travel to Passau, a charming city located at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Here, you'll board your river ship and settle in. In the evening, join us for a Captain's Welcome Reception with your fellow travelers.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Passau

  • Passau
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  • Schaiblingsturm
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In the beautiful city of Passau, join us for a guided walking tour. Wander through the historic Altstadt, taking in the sights and sounds of this charming city as you stroll along its cobblestone lanes.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Passau to Linz via Cesky Krumlov or Salzburg

  • Linz
  • Passau
  • Český Krumlov
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Today, you have the option to join a tour to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg, known for its iconic sights from 'The Sound of Music'. Alternatively, enjoy the day at leisure in the historical city of Linz. Discover the vibrant charm of this culturally fascinating town on the banks of the Danube.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Linz to Durnstein via Melk Abbey

  • Melk
  • Dürnstein
  • Linz
  • More
  • Wachau
  • Melk Abbey
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Join a local guide to visit Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO world-heritage site known for its stunning landscapes. Arrive in Durnstein, a town steeped in history dating back to Roman times, famous for its medieval castle, cobblestone streets, and quaint village atmosphere. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Durnstein to Vienna

  • Vienna
  • More
  • Weinvierteldraisine
  • Schönbrunn Palace
  • Prater
  • St. Stephen's Cathedral
  • More

Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive around the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city's most famous buildings. On arrival in the center, a walking tour will provide an insider's view of sights such as St Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben, and Hofburg Palace. Afterwards, you might choose to visit the Naschmarkt and browse the stalls. In the evening, consider joining an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to 'The Sound of Music'.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Vienna to Bratislava

  • Bratislava
  • Vienna
  • More
  • Mirbach Palace
  • Michael's Gate
  • St. Martin's Cathedral, Bratislava
  • Primacial Palace
  • More

Today, discover Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, on a walking tour through the Old Town. Visit St Martins Cathedral, Primatial Palace, Main Square, and Michael's Gate, the only surviving example of the original four entrances to the city. Back on board this evening, enjoy a delightful Gala Farewell Dinner while you cruise.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Bratislava to Budapest

  • Budapest
  • Bratislava
  • More

Awake to views of one of the Danube's most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and learn the vibrant history of Budapest as your local guide takes you to a host of impressive sights.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Departure from Budapest

  • Budapest - Departure day
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Your adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, we'll transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. As you leave, you'll carry with you the unforgettable memories of a journey through the heart of Europe.

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