Baroque Architecture to Beautiful Alps: Austria and Switzerland Tour

Vienna is a vibrant city that embodies the best of Austria’s illustrious. A private transfer will meet you at the Vienna airport upon your arrival and escort you to your accommodations in the heart of the city. The State Opera House stages more than 300 performances a year and has fuelled a dramatic passion for the art since the 1600s. This evening, you will have the luxury of attending a performance here. The current structure was built in the 19th-century with embellished French Renaissance style.

After breakfast, you can make your way to Hapsburg Palace, which has been the official residence of Austrian rule since the 13th-century. The sprawling architecture encompasses 59 acres with a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo styles. The Imperial Silver Collection includes more than 7,000 items, including the tableware that was used during ceremonial dinners and 18th-century Asian porcelain. Opulence and prestige are on display around every corner of the palace grounds.

After breakfast, you will board a luxury cruise along the Danube for a day on the river that connects Austria to Hungary. You will make your way to Melk Abbey on the riverbanks between Salzburg and Vienna. The Melk Abbey was constructed in the 18th-century and is famous for its black-robed Benedictine monks that stroll among the marble sculptures. The elaborate staircase winds upward along the painted walls and resembles more of a palace than an abbey. After exploring the shores of the Danube, you will continue to the Baroque city of Salzburg.

Today, you will follow in the footsteps of the Von Trapp family to learn about their escape from World War II. You can also relax in the cafes and the musical history of the city if this is not something that you are interested in. For a unique exploration of the landscape, you can make your way into the Bavarian Alps at Obersalzberg, which is a World War II era community that favored leaders of the Nazi party. The structure provides a stunning view of the Bavarian Alps with sweeping views of emerald trees, dramatic peaks, and passing clouds.

Today you will leave the beauty of Salzburg behind and make your way to St. Moritz, Switzerland. During your transfer, you will stop in the charming city of Innsbruck. The city embodies Austria, from its medieval town to the grandeur of the Hapsburg palace. Old merchant houses line the arcade of Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse in the old quarter, and your guide will lead your eye to the well-known glare of the Golden Roof. After your tour concludes, you will continue to St. Moritz.

This morning, you will make your way to the town of Chur, which is one of Switzerland’s oldest cities. Twisting alleys help shape the historical buildings, and boutique stores stand beside celebrated restaurants. More than 5,000 years of documented settlement adds to the luster of the city. You will board the Glacier Express Train for a scenic ride to the base of Zermatt, which is a city that provides a perfect view of the famed Matterhorn mountain. Once in Zermatt, you can relax among the rustic chalets and enjoy your view of the Matterhorn.

In the morning, you will enjoy a rich hot chocolate and linger in view of the incredible Matterhorn. The day will be yours to discover the marvels of the countryside, and you can hike along the countless trails that cross the meadows and foothills. Thrill-seekers can try paragliding or venture to the summit of Gornergrat for a face-to-face view of the Matterhorn or stroll along the walkways of the gorge for a different view of the landscape. In the afternoon, you can make your way into the Glacier Palace and follow the tunnels for 49 feet beneath the rough surface into an edifice that sparkles with ice crystals.

Today you will leave the panorama of the Matterhorn behind and take the Mountain Train to the cherished shores of Lake Geneva. Here, you can visit the 12th-century castle of Chateau Chillon. Lord Byron made the grounds famous in the 19th-century with The Prisoner of Chillon. The poet carved his name on a pillar in the dungeon, which remains visible to this day. The castle stands on a small islet to make the edifice look as though it rises out of the water.

The capital of Switzerland includes elements of its historical charm that are separate from the contemporary streets and architecture of the newer districts. A series of bridges arch over the Aare River and connect the image of the red-roofed antique buildings to the contemporary museums and chic styles of the newer city. You can pass the storybook structure of the Zytglogge, which is the medieval clock tower, to visit Bear Park. Bears have had a home in Berne since the 16th-century and now have a 64,583 square-foot open-air park.

Today you will leave the capital streets behind and travel into the heart of central Switzerland to view the Jungfrau Massif on the edge of Interlaken. The town contains incredible mountain views and elegant hotels. A small train with more than 120 years of history will escort you up the steep gradient of Schynige Platte to a viewing terrace at more than 6,810 feet above sea level. From the platform, you can look out over the bleached walls of the mountains to the emerald forest.

This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a complete tour of Lucerne beginning with the medieval town walls. The 14th-century section remains the most complete and preserved portion of the wall. You can stroll across the Spreuerbrucke Bridge, which is one of the two covered bridges left in the city. Triangular panels beneath the rafters showcase 45 paintings that represent the Dance of Death and create the largest known paneled cycle in existence.

When you’re ready, your private transfer will meet you at your hotel and escort you to the Zurich airport for your flight home. Instead of returning home, you can also extend your stay in Europe and venture to Rome or Paris to experience more of the continent.