Day 1
Welcome to Vienna
Waltz your way through Vienna, the 'City of Music' — a fitting introduction to an unforgettable journey through some of Europe's most enchanting landscapes. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner.
Day 2
Discover Artistic Vienna
Admire the grand boulevards and beautiful Baroque façades on a guided sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist, who will take you to see the State Opera, Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral and Parliament. Immerse yourself in the centuries-old history, before spending free time soaking up the Kaffee culture of the city. This evening, you may wish to embrace the talents of Vienna and attend a Viennese concert in one of the city's magnificent performance venues.
Day 3
Off to Picturesque Salzburg
The enchanting landscapes of the Vienna Woods and Lower Austria provide a picturesque backdrop for your drive to Salzburg. See the impressive Benedictine Melk Abbey and learn about its royal connections. Arriving in Salzburg, embark on an enchanting walking tour of its Old Town with a Local Specialist. Later, travel to the Wastlbauer farm, just outside Salzburg, where you will Connect With Locals. You will be met by Eva Filmoser who are your hosts for an exclusive Be My Guest experience and family dinner.
Day 4
On to Innsbruck
Today, you'll drive into the mountains of Tyrol with a stop at the magical Swarovski Crystal World on your way to Innsbruck. Here you'll have an opportunity to admire Emperor Maximilian I's Golden Roof, St. James Cathedral and see the Olympic ski jump.
Day 5
Innsbruck Your Way
Spend your free time exploring Innsbruck's iconic sites and delving into Tyrol's complex history and culture, or simply relax and admire this dazzling city with its magnificent Alpine backdrop.
Day 6
Venture to St. Moritz
This morning, cross the Swiss border and travel through the enchanting landscapes of the Engadine Valley. Arriving in the chic winter sports resort of St. Moritz, you'll have the afternoon on our own to explore the scenic landscape or perhaps take the Bernina line train.
Day 7
Journey to Lake Maggiore and on to Zermatt
Drive via the Maloja Pass, past Lake Como, to Lake Maggiore. Explore the lakeside town of Stresa, before perhaps joining an Optional Experience to discover the Borromean Islands? Then, head towards the Simplon Pass en-route to Zermatt, where you'll dine at your Stays with Stories hotel.
Day 8
Zermatt Your Way
Spend a full free day soaking up Zermatt's crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. Relax in beautiful surroundings or consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views.
Day 9
On to Lake Geneva and Montreux
Continue your journey through the Rhône Valley, arriving on the tranquil shores of Lake Geneva with a photo stop at Chillon Castle. Then, following the lake shore, continue to Montreux, set against the pristine backdrop of snow-covered peaks and vineyards.
Day 10
Cross the Brünig Pass to Lucerne
Travel via Bern to Interlaken, set in the heart of Switzerland in the shadow of the mighty Jungfrau. Then, cross the Brünig Pass to lakeside Lucerne, where you’ll view the ancient wooden Chapel Bridge suspended over the Reuss and visit the poignant Lion Monument to pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution.
Day 11
Lucerne Your Way
Snow-capped peaks surround you as you wander through the medieval streets of Lucerne, lined with colourful muralled facades. Spend a full day on your own exploring the Old Town, enjoy a leisurely Swiss lunch or consider an Optional Experience ascending a nearby mountain for panoramic views.
Day 12
Discover Cosmopolitan Zürich
You'll continue to Zürich to discover its historic centre including the Munster Bridge, Paradeplatz, Lindenhof Square and other enchanting locations. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for a social-impact guided walking tour of the old town Zurich. This evening, toast to your epic journey over dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 13
Journey Home
Say a fond farewell to Switzerland and your newfound friends at the end of an unforgettable journey.
Dining Summary
5 Dinner (D)
12 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
Salzburg: The Wastlbauer farm is located amidst the beautiful district of the three lakes just outside Salzburg and has been run by the same family since 1786. It is now managed by Eva who runs the farm in line with the principles of permaculture and self-sufficiency. There is almost 2.000m2 vegetable production inside and outdoors - all tended by hand, there are 350 chickens, 5 sheep, 2 donkeys, 2 rabbits, 10 cats and a puppy dog on the farm. The farm produces certified organic eggs and vegetables and has regional cooperation with diary and meat farms. Guests will visit and have dinner with Eva and members of her family.
Iconic Experience
Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Specialist reveals the historic core of the city. Tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
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 and learn about its history with your Travel Director.
Innsbruck: Visit the magical Swarovski Crystal Worlds. This attraction features installations by international artists, designers and architects who have interpreted the crystals in their own ways.
Chillon Castle: View the beautiful fortress of Chillon Castle, set on a rocky islet on Lake Geneva and widely regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe.
Lucerne: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Zürich: Join Diana and her team of socially engaged local guides, for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience. Uncover the old town of Zürich during a fun and educational walking tour with the wonderful organisation who are raising awareness on social issues such as food insecurity and supporting local change makers and the community. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Must-see Highlights
Explore Vienna and Salzburg
Discover Innsbruck, Stresa, Zermatt, Lucerne and Zürich
Visit Swarovski Crystal World
View the Golden Roof and Hofburg Palace in Innsbruck, the Matterhorn and Jungfrau mountains (weather permitting), Chillon Castle, the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument in Lucerne
Stays With Stories
Zermatt: Enjoy panoramic views of the unique mountain landscape of the Alps at the Hotel Ambassador in Zermatt. The view of the majestic Matterhorn peak accompanies you into a world of comfort: luxurious beds, state-of-the-art facilities and personalised service.