Best of Austria and Switzerland Tour

Vienna is a vibrant city that embodies the best of Austria’s illustrious past and looks optimistically towards the country’s future. Cozy coffee houses have provided space for philosophers and artists to share their ideas over a strong cup of freshly brewed coffee since the 18th-century. The city offers a home to an elegant ballet as well as the Lipizzaner stallions, angelic tones of premier orchestras and the opulent walls of a historic palace. Postmodernist architectural design edge contemporary styles and fuse the city together with a Baroque past.

Your private transfer will meet you at the Vienna airport upon your arrival and escort you into the heart of the city. The State Opera House stages more than 300 performances a year and has fuelled a dramatic passion for the arts since the 1600s when the first Viennese Court Opera performed. The current structure was built in the 19th-century with embellished French Renaissance style, highlighted by a grand staircase leading to the first floor. The paintings along the foyer depict famous scenes from captivating operas, connoting the allure of music, power, and Austria’s capital.

In the morning, people make their way to the narrow streets of the Innere Stadt district to a cafe that continues to embody a 1930s spirit. Locals order mélange, a specialty of half coffee and half milk, and delight on freshly made pieces of cake. After breakfast, make your way to the captivating Hapsburg Palace, which housed the seat of Hapsburg power for more than 600 years, 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 architecture that reflect the different artistic movements over time. 19 courtyards and 2,600 fill the palace grounds. The Imperial Apartments contain the famous dining room, encompassing rich décor of Flemish artwork depicting the heroic deeds of Hercules. The Imperial Silver Collection includes more than 7,000 items including the tableware used during ceremonial dinners and fine 18th-century East Asian porcelain. Opulence and prestige are on display around every corner of the palace grounds.

In the morning, the sunlight spreads across the black Gothic facade of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a lavish 14th-century edifice built over the original 12th-century Romanesque church. The South Tower rises to a height of nearly 450 feet above the cobbled streets of the historic city. 343 steps take visitors to the watch room for a sensational view over the mixture of contemporary and historic architecture. After breakfast, you will board a luxury cruise along the Danube for a day on the river that connects Austria to Hungary as you make your way to Melk Abbey, located on the riverbanks between Salzburg and Vienna.

Towers soar over the remarkable golden hue of the Baroque edifice. The Melk Abbey was erected in the 18th-century and is famous for its black-robed Benedictine monks that stroll amidst the marble sculptures and beneath the allegorical frescoes on the ceiling. The aroma of leather emanates from the library as shelves encircle the two floors and contain 80,000 volumes of books. The elaborate staircase swirls upward along the painted walls as it resembles more of a palace than an abbey. After exploring the shores of the Danube, continue west to the city of Salzburg.

Horses pull carriages along the cobbled streets of old town Salzburg. Their hooves clop on the stone and echo of off the walls as the bright yellow façade of Mozart’s former home shines against the bright blue sky. The Salzburg Cathedral has twin towers that rise 260 feet above the square with an Italian flair. The edifice was built in the mid 17th-century and faces the west end of Domplatz, with four magnificent marble statues. Massive bronze doors hold allegories to Faith, Love, and Hope. The day is yours to explore and experience Salzburg and its surrounding at your preferred pace.

Follow in the footsteps of the Von Trapp family to learn about their escape from World War II Austria or relax in the cafes and the musical history of the city. For a unique exploration around the landscape, make your way into the Bavarian Alps at Obersalzberg, a World War II era community that favored leaders of the Nazi party. The infamous Eagle’s Nest, Adolf Hitler’s preferred retreat, stands atop the hill at the end of a four-mile road. Traverse the more than 405-foot long tunnel, and the brass-paneled elevator cuts into the rock, to enter into the complex. The structure provides a stunning view of the Bavarian Alps, with sweeping emerald trees, dramatic peaks, and passing clouds.

In the morning, the sunlight filters through the upper windows of St. Peter’s Church, a 12th-century construction refurbished in the 18th century with Rococo style. The elaborate vaulted ceilings glow with color and religious parables. Today you will leave the beauty of Salzburg behind and make your way to St. Moritz, Switzerland, with a stop in the charming city of Innsbruck along the way. The rugged rock spires of the Nordkette Mountains more than 6,500 feet above sea level. The city embodies Austria, from its medieval old town to the grandeur of the Hapsburg palace and remarkable Baroque architecture.

Old merchant houses line the arcade of Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse in the old quarter and guide your eye to the well-known glare of the Golden Roof. The late Gothic oriel window is made of gilded copper and was built in the late 15th century to commemorate the marriage of Maximilian I. The lower balustrade contains the richly decorated coats of arms, and you can find the Emperor’s Tomb inside the Hofkirche church. The 16th-century German Renaissance sculpture glorifies the Holy Roman Empire with a black marble sarcophagus.

Nestled amidst the majestic Swiss Alps, St. Moritz is a captivating alpine resort town known for its stunning natural charm, luxurious atmosphere, and year-round beauty. In winter, you can embrace a winter wonderland, and in summer you can enjoy the lush meadows and hiking trails. With a day at leisure, you can wander through the village, soaking in the fresh Alpine air. Visit the Leaning Tower of St. Moritz, a gorgeous 12th-century landmark known for its slight tilt that adds a touch of whimsy to the picturesque streets. Wander through the opulent halls of the Engadiner Museum, where artifacts and exhibits unveil the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

After exploring the town's narrow lanes and historical monuments, you can indulge in a luxurious caviar tasting. Find the delicate flavors of caviar varieties while gazing at the breathtaking snowcapped mountains. This gourmet experience offers a unique perspective on the town's refined culinary scene, as the dainty pearls burst with a satisfying pop with every bite. 

The turquoise waters of Lake Moritz shimmer in the morning light to reflect the emerald trees and the looming snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains. Wildflowers blossom in the alpine meadows, and the nearby toboggan allows locals and visitors to glide down the summit of Muottas Muragl into the valley station. Make your way to the town of Chur, one of the Switzerland’s oldest cities, set amidst an alluring mountain setting. Twisting cobbled alleys shape the historical buildings as boutique stores stand beside celebrated restaurants that serve indulgent, traditional cuisine. More than 5,000 years of documented settlement, from the Early Stone Age to Roman artifacts, along with an 8th-century Cathedral, adds to the luster of the city.

Board the Glacier Express Train for a scenic ride to the base of Zermatt, a city that provides a perfect view of the famed Matterhorn Mountain. Your first-class train car provides incredible views of the countryside and fills your view with jade evergreens that reach up until the mountains turn into barren limestone walls. The scent of fresh hot chocolate fills the train car as glacial ice glares in the sunlight and encircles the mountain summits. Once in Zermatt, relax amongst the rustic half-timber chalets and enjoy your first view of the Matterhorn.

The Matterhorn Mountain rises above the massif at the height of nearly 14,700 feet above sea level, with a prominence of nearly 3,420 feet above its neighboring mountaintops. In the morning, stroll along the streets of the city to enjoy a rich hot chocolate and linger in view of the incredible peak. The day is yours to discover the marvels of the countryside as you hike along the countless trails that crisscross the meadows and foothills. Thrill-seekers set out into the air to paraglide, or you could head to the to the top 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.

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest aerial cableway in Europe. The station stands at nearly 12,740 feet above sea level as you step aboard the gondola for a scenic view of the countryside, from the undulating summits of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alpine to the blossoming meadows below. People come from all around the world to experience summer skiing on the natural snowy slopes of the high-altitudes. 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. The ice sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairytale.

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

The Domini Room was reserved for the Duke of Savoy as 14th-century murals rich in medieval symbols adorn the walls and liven up the dark stone space. The castle acted as a residence for dukes and counts of Savoy who commanded the road between Burgundy and Italy. More than 20 buildings shape the grounds as the internal walls link the Duke’s Tower to the living quarters and the square tower above the entrance, making it possible for a duke to walk along the walls without showing himself in the courtyards.

The capital of Switzerland includes elements of its historical charm that are separate from the contemporary streets and architecture of the newer districts. The old city contains four miles of arcades, along with the longest sheltered shopping promenade in Europe. Cobblestone streets wind around the distinctive sandstone plateau that leads you to cellar shops and 16th-century fountains that depict folkloric figures. 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.

Pass the storybook structure of the Zytglogge, the famous ornate 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, dotted with trees and terraces, in which the bears roam free. You can visit the old Bear Pit, which remains culturally and historically significant to the city. The 15th-century Munster Gothic cathedral boasts a spire 328 feet tall, with 344 steps along its spiral staircase. The panorama sweeps across the old city and showcases the colors of the river, the rooftops, and the famous arcades.

Today you leave the capital streets behind and travel into the heart of the central Switzerland to view the Jungfrau Massif on the edge of Interlaken. The town contains perfect mountain vistas and grand hotels that glitter with dangling chandeliers. The hamlet of Unterseen resembles village where time stopped as it sits in the shadow of Mount Harder. The 15th-century parish church and Late Gothic tower overlook the wooden chalets and green gardens. A small train with more than 120 years of history ascends the steep gradient of Schynige Platte, to a viewing terrace at more than 6,810 feet above sea level.

The train leaves from Interlaken Ost railway to take you along the cog railway to the Schynige tabletop. The open-top carriage provides splendid views to the surrounding beauty, from the ample emerald trees to the aromatics of the alpine gardens that include more than 600 plant species. From the platform, look out over the bleached limestone walls of the mountains to the speckled with emerald forest, and catch the shining edge of a turquoise Lake Brienz. The horizon carries the staggering figures of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau peaks.

Lucerne shines with the beauty of its history. Wood bridges span across the tranquil waters of the Reuss River. Old Town glows with antique half-timber structures that are painted like candy. Outdoor exhibits express the ample technological advances of transportation at the Swiss Transport Museum. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a complete tour of Lucerne beginning with the medieval town walls. Nine towers in varying styles continue to protect the outer layers of the city. The 14th-century section remains the most complete and preserved portion of the wall.

Four towers provide views across the lake to the surrounding mountains. The 16th- century Zyt clock tower chimes one minute before the hour to toll its bells before the other clocks of the city. Stroll across the Spreuerbrucke Bridge, one of the two covered bridges left in the city and erected in the early 15th-century. Triangular panels beneath the rafters showcase 45 paintings that represent the Dance of Death to create the largest known paneled cycle in existence. An explanation accompanies each frame, along with names of the patrons who donated the panels.

In the morning, you may find the aroma of coffee and pastries drifting along the lakeshores emanating from popular local coffee shops. The day is yours to indulge in the natural beauty and cultural charms of Lucerne at your own pace. 

Visit the Museum of Sammlung Rosengart to find a precious exhibition of Post-Impressionist art to house an extensive collection of the works of Paul Klee and Pablo Picasso. The museum’s founder knew the artists personally which added a unique layer to the collection with pieces painted by Picasso capturing Angela Rosengart’s figure.  You could also choose to spend time on the cog railway and travel to the top of Mount Pilatus. The panoramic view sweeps over the glassy waters of Lake Lucerne reaching the snowcapped peaks in the distance. Enjoy the clear and crisp feel of the air with every breath during your last full day in Switzerland.

Switzerland encompasses breathtaking wonder, from the natural contours of the landscape to the delightful surprises of an art museum in a small lakeside city in view of the famous Swiss Alps. 

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