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Alpine Splendor: Switzerland and Austria

From $6,192
total price from Boston, New York, Philadelphia
$5,395 air & land inclusive plus $797 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
14 days
Tour Membership
12-24 guests
Post-Tour Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

The towering peaks of the Alps serve as the stunning backdrop for our Swiss and Austrian exploration.  As our small group discovers mountain villages and European cities, rides the famed Glacier Express, cruises on glassine lakes, and ascends snowcapped summits, borders disappear and the region’s history – and beauty – enchant one and all.

Tour Details

Alpine Splendor: Switzerland and Austria

From $6,192

total price from Boston, New York, Philadelphia
$5,395 air & land inclusive plus $797 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
14 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
14 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

The towering peaks of the Alps serve as the stunning backdrop for our Swiss and Austrian exploration.  As our small group discovers mountain villages and European cities, rides the famed Glacier Express, cruises on glassine lakes, and ascends snowcapped summits, borders disappear and the region’s history – and beauty – enchant one and all.

Small Group Highlights

  • Lovely Lucerne, including Kapellbrücke covered bridge
  • Cogwheel train to Mt. Pilatus
  • Famed Glacier Express Alpine train route
  • Gornergratbahn railway with views of the Matterhorn
  • Private Lake Lugano cruise
  • Visit to Bellinzona’s Castelgrande, a UNESCO site
  • Alfresco grotto lunch
  • Tour and tasting at a Swiss winery
  • Baroque Old Town of Salzburg
  • Eagle’s Nest, a Nazi clifftop retreat
  • Medieval Hohensalzburg, one of Europe’s finest castles
  • Intimate classical music concert

Day-by-Day Itinerary

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart U.S. for Zurich, Switzerland
Depart U.S. for Zurich, Switzerland
2
Arrive Zurich/Lake Lucerne
D
D
Arrive Zurich/Lake Lucerne

We arrive in Zurich and transfer to our hotel on the shores of Lake Lucerne.  After checking in, we meet for a briefing about the journey ahead, followed by dinner at our hotel.

We arrive in Zurich and transfer to our hotel on the shores of Lake Lucerne.  After checking in, we meet for a briefing about the journey ahead, followed by dinner at our hotel.

3
Lucerne/Mt. Pilatus
B
B
Lucerne/Mt. Pilatus

This morning we encounter historic and alluring Lucerne, surrounded by mountains and sitting on its namesake lake.  We visit the medieval Old Town and cross treasured Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest covered bridge in Europe.  Later we ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train to the summit of nearby Mt. Pilatus for stunning views across the surrounding countryside.

This morning we encounter historic and alluring Lucerne, surrounded by mountains and sitting on its namesake lake.  We visit the medieval Old Town and cross treasured Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest covered bridge in Europe.  Later we ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train to the summit of nearby Mt. Pilatus for stunning views across the surrounding countryside.

4
Lake Lucerne/Zermatt
B
D
B
D
Lake Lucerne/Zermatt

Today’s scenic overload begins with a ferry ride on Lake Lucerne, where we pass Rütli meadow, the legendary “birthplace of Switzerland.”  Disembarking at Flüelen, we coach to Andermatt to board the celebrated Glacier Express train, renowned for its panoramic views as it sweeps through striking valleys, past mountain hamlets, and follows the course of the fabled Rhône.  Our adventure on this famed route ends in Zermatt, nestled in the shadow of the Matterhorn.  Tonight we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

Today’s scenic overload begins with a ferry ride on Lake Lucerne, where we pass Rütli meadow, the legendary “birthplace of Switzerland.”  Disembarking at Flüelen, we coach to Andermatt to board the celebrated Glacier Express train, renowned for its panoramic views as it sweeps through striking valleys, past mountain hamlets, and follows the course of the fabled Rhône.  Our adventure on this famed route ends in Zermatt, nestled in the shadow of the Matterhorn.  Tonight we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

5
Zermatt/Gornergrat
B
B
Zermatt/Gornergrat

Sitting in a low-slung notch, Zermatt is surrounded on all sides by towering slopes.  We get a unique view of the spectacular scenery this morning as we ride the Gornergratbahn, to the summit of the Gornergrat.  Atop this rocky ridge, a dramatic tapestry unfolds all around us: 29 Alpine peaks, each over 13,000 feet, including the majestic Matterhorn standing alone at nearly 15,000 feet.  After admiring the jaw-dropping scenery, we begin our descent by train to Zermatt, where the remainder of the day is free to explore this very walkable village as we wish.

Sitting in a low-slung notch, Zermatt is surrounded on all sides by towering slopes.  We get a unique view of the spectacular scenery this morning as we ride the Gornergratbahn, to the summit of the Gornergrat.  Atop this rocky ridge, a dramatic tapestry unfolds all around us: 29 Alpine peaks, each over 13,000 feet, including the majestic Matterhorn standing alone at nearly 15,000 feet.  After admiring the jaw-dropping scenery, we begin our descent by train to Zermatt, where the remainder of the day is free to explore this very walkable village as we wish.

6
Zermatt/Stresa, Italy/Lugano
B
D
B
D
Zermatt/Stresa, Italy/Lugano

We travel by coach today through more superb Swiss scenery and cross into northern Italy via the legendary Simplon Pass through the Alps.  Late this morning we arrive in Stresa, Italy, along the shores of lovely Lake Maggiore, where we have time to explore and enjoy lunch on our own.  Then, a scenic drive through the famed Italian lake district returns us to Switzerland and our hotel in lakeside Lugano.

We travel by coach today through more superb Swiss scenery and cross into northern Italy via the legendary Simplon Pass through the Alps.  Late this morning we arrive in Stresa, Italy, along the shores of lovely Lake Maggiore, where we have time to explore and enjoy lunch on our own.  Then, a scenic drive through the famed Italian lake district returns us to Switzerland and our hotel in lakeside Lugano.

7
Lugano/Ascona/Bellinzona
B
L
B
L
Lugano/Ascona/Bellinzona

Today’s tour of Ticino, Switzerland’s southernmost canton, begins in Ascona on the shores of Lake Maggiore.  We enjoy a walking tour of this charming town known for its pastel lakefront façades and its early 20th-century artists’ colony that attracted such artists and thinkers as Herman Hesse, Carl Jung, and Paul Klee.  Next, we visit a nearby winery in the Ascona Delta, where we stroll through the vineyard, tour the wine cellars, and sample the wines on offer here. Then we enjoy regional fare as we lunch alfresco at a local grotto restaurant built around mountain caves. This afternoon we travel to medieval Bellinzona, with its three feudal castles, all UNESCO sites. Here we visit Castelgrande, the iconic central castle where we explore the ramparts and expansive grounds.

Today’s tour of Ticino, Switzerland’s southernmost canton, begins in Ascona on the shores of Lake Maggiore.  We enjoy a walking tour of this charming town known for its pastel lakefront façades and its early 20th-century artists’ colony that attracted such artists and thinkers as Herman Hesse, Carl Jung, and Paul Klee.  Next, we visit a nearby winery in the Ascona Delta, where we stroll through the vineyard, tour the wine cellars, and sample the wines on offer here. Then we enjoy regional fare as we lunch alfresco at a local grotto restaurant built around mountain caves. This afternoon we travel to medieval Bellinzona, with its three feudal castles, all UNESCO sites. Here we visit Castelgrande, the iconic central castle where we explore the ramparts and expansive grounds.

8
Lake Lugano
B
L
B
L
Lake Lugano

After a free morning to explore Lugano independently, we board a motorboat for a private half-day cruise around Lake Lugano.  We put ashore at Morcote, a town barely a mile square whose cobbled streets, terraced gardens, and Mediterranean charm led Swiss citizens in 2016 to name it the nation’s loveliest village.  After lunch together and time to explore, we continue on our cruise with a stop in Gandria, whose stucco façades seem to cling precariously to the side of Monte Brè.

After a free morning to explore Lugano independently, we board a motorboat for a private half-day cruise around Lake Lugano.  We put ashore at Morcote, a town barely a mile square whose cobbled streets, terraced gardens, and Mediterranean charm led Swiss citizens in 2016 to name it the nation’s loveliest village.  After lunch together and time to explore, we continue on our cruise with a stop in Gandria, whose stucco façades seem to cling precariously to the side of Monte Brè.

9
Lugano/Vaduz, Liechtenstein/Seefeld, Austria
B
D
B
D
Lugano/Vaduz, Liechtenstein/Seefeld, Austria

Leaving the Lake District today, we’re bound for Austria by way of the tiny sovereign nation of Liechtenstein. We travel north to Liechtenstein, reaching the country’s capital of Vaduz, where we have free time to explore and have lunch on our own. We continue on to Austria, reaching our hotel in the mountain village of Seefeld early this evening. We dine together tonight at a local restaurant.

Leaving the Lake District today, we’re bound for Austria by way of the tiny sovereign nation of Liechtenstein. We travel north to Liechtenstein, reaching the country’s capital of Vaduz, where we have free time to explore and have lunch on our own. We continue on to Austria, reaching our hotel in the mountain village of Seefeld early this evening. We dine together tonight at a local restaurant.

10
Seefeld/Innsbruck
B
D
B
D
Seefeld/Innsbruck

This morning we coach to nearby Innsbruck, host of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics.  A walking tour highlights the postcard-worthy sights, including the many pedestrian squares surrounded by pastel-colored façades.  Then we take a cable car to a lookout in the Nordkette, the “mountain at the heart of Innsbruck,” where we enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Alps.  We have time on our own in Innsbruck before returning to Seefeld and our hotel, where we dine tonight.

This morning we coach to nearby Innsbruck, host of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics.  A walking tour highlights the postcard-worthy sights, including the many pedestrian squares surrounded by pastel-colored façades.  Then we take a cable car to a lookout in the Nordkette, the “mountain at the heart of Innsbruck,” where we enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Alps.  We have time on our own in Innsbruck before returning to Seefeld and our hotel, where we dine tonight.

11
Seefeld/Tyrol/Salzburg
B
D
B
D
Seefeld/Tyrol/Salzburg

Today we travel through Tyrol, a crossroads of Western Europe, en route to Salzburg.  We stop to visit the Museum of Tyrolean Farms, an interactive outdoor exhibit featuring dozens of preserved farmhouses dating from the 15th century onwards.  Then we continue on to Salzburg, Austria’s riverside jewel and city of Mozart and The Sound of Music.  Following dinner together, we attend a classical music concert in the Marble Room of famed Mirabell Palace.

Today we travel through Tyrol, a crossroads of Western Europe, en route to Salzburg.  We stop to visit the Museum of Tyrolean Farms, an interactive outdoor exhibit featuring dozens of preserved farmhouses dating from the 15th century onwards.  Then we continue on to Salzburg, Austria’s riverside jewel and city of Mozart and The Sound of Music.  Following dinner together, we attend a classical music concert in the Marble Room of famed Mirabell Palace.

12
Salzburg
B
L
B
L
Salzburg

Our walking tour this morning features the geometrically-styled Mirabell Gardens, dating to the 17th century; the Baroque Old Town, now a UNESCO site; and visits to Salzburg Cathedral and medieval Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved castles.  After lunch together at a local restaurant, the remainder of the day is at leisure for independent exploration and dinner on our own.

Our walking tour this morning features the geometrically-styled Mirabell Gardens, dating to the 17th century; the Baroque Old Town, now a UNESCO site; and visits to Salzburg Cathedral and medieval Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved castles.  After lunch together at a local restaurant, the remainder of the day is at leisure for independent exploration and dinner on our own.

13
Salzburg/Eagle’s Nest/Berchtesgaden
B
D
B
D
Salzburg/Eagle’s Nest/Berchtesgaden

We travel today to the Bavarian resort town of Berchtesgaden, site of the clifftop Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest), the Nazi Party’s alpine retreat.  Arriving by the original 1930s brass elevator, we tour the chalet where Hitler paid multiple visits before it was captured by the Allies in the closing days of WWII.  In the event Eagle’s Nest is closed because of unseasonal weather, we’ll visit the nearby Berchtesgaden Salt Mine, which has operated continuously for more than 500 years.  Then we return to Salzburg, where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure before we celebrate our splendid journey at a farewell dinner.

We travel today to the Bavarian resort town of Berchtesgaden, site of the clifftop Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest), the Nazi Party’s alpine retreat.  Arriving by the original 1930s brass elevator, we tour the chalet where Hitler paid multiple visits before it was captured by the Allies in the closing days of WWII.  In the event Eagle’s Nest is closed because of unseasonal weather, we’ll visit the nearby Berchtesgaden Salt Mine, which has operated continuously for more than 500 years.  Then we return to Salzburg, where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure before we celebrate our splendid journey at a farewell dinner.

14
Depart for U.S.
B
B
Depart for U.S.

We transfer today to the Munich airport for our return flight to the U.S.

We transfer today to the Munich airport for our return flight to the U.S.

Salzburg Festival
Salzburg Festival
Jul 11, 2024
Jul 15, 2024
Jul 22, 2024
Aug 5, 2024
Aug 12, 2024
Jul 14, 2025
Jul 21, 2025
Jul 28, 2025
Aug 4, 2025
Aug 11, 2025

Guests will have the opportunity to be in Salzburg during this classical music and performing arts festival (no formal activities planned).

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
  • 12 nights’ accommodations in Superior First Class and First Class hotels
  • 22 meals: 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
  • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Lucerne 51 72 77 75 67 58
Lugano 68 76 80 79 71 62
Salzburg 68 72 76 76 68 59

Average Temperature (°F )

  May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Lucerne 51 72 77 75 67 58
Lugano 68 76 80 79 71 62
Salzburg 68 72 76 76 68 59

Dates & Prices

Please wait while we retrieve this information.

Post-Tour Extension

Vienna – On Your Own

4 days, 3 nights
From
$795
+ $355 Single Supplement

Vienna – On Your Own

4 days, 3 nights
From
$795
+ $355 Single Supplement

Savor an unstructured stay in this city of arts and culture. Music, opera, and museums abound.

Post-Tour Extension Price Includes

  • Rail transportation Salzburg/Vienna
  • 3 nights’ accommodations at Hotel Kaiserhof (First Class)
  • 3 meals: 3 breakfasts
  • Vienna city orientation tour with local guide
  • Transfer from rail station and to airport

Accommodations

Tour Directors

Gabriel Castillo

“This was our 7th Odysseys tour and we would rate Gabe at the top of our list.”

Allan Bauer
Hackensack, NJ

Eva Matosevic

“Eva was an outstanding tour director with her sense of humor & caring personality.  She made us feel like part of a family.”

Charlotte Taggart
Topeka, KS

Lala Rasulova

"She was the best as she seemed to enjoy the daily trip experiences as much as we did. Gave clear information constantly; answered questions thoroughly; helped us all."

David Clark
Stillwater, NY

Chiara Baroni

“Chiara pays a great deal of attention to little things as well as big. I have been a tour guide in both Europe and the U.S., and she was just about the best I have ever encountered.”

Barney & Susan Milstein
Portland, OR

Angel Ramirez Ortiga

"Angel was a great tour guide. He was always eager to share his knowledge of Switzerland and Austria with an interesting manner, as well as a great sense of humor.”

Bill & Jan Tecklenburg
Broomfield, CO

Sabine Traeder

“Sabine was experienced, knowledgeable, and fun!”

Donna Willson
Brewster MA

Max di Leva

“Thanks to Max our tour was even better. His knowledge and caring personality made the trip. Keep him on your guide list. He’s the best.”

Lee Ann Rippentrop
Minneapolis, MN

Sonia Sgarella

“Sonia did an excellent job as our tour guide.  She went beyond the call of duty many times during the trip.”

Edgar & Linda Schmidt
Howel, NJ

Igor Ribic

“He was the best tour guide we have ever experienced on a trip.”

Lynn & David Hall
Tulsa, OK

Raffaele Marmo

“Raffe was exceptional! He has great knowledge to share with his group. He is compassionate, caring, exceptionally funny, and full of love for his job…Tour director extraordinaire!”

Shirley Sietsema
Merced, CA

Renata Guzera

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Silvia Sarsano

“Her personality was fun-loving and entertaining, all the while being extremely professional and detail oriented…Outstanding tour director.”

Steven & Marie Olson
Normandy Park, WA

Silvija Horsta

“She was warm, welcoming, and did everything she could to make everyone’s experience enjoyable. She also tended to the special needs of some of the tour group.”

Anne & Robert Lloyd
Westbrook, CT

Sara Basile

"We thoroughly enjoyed Sara as our tour guide. She made us laugh and sing and have a wonderful time. She is so full of life and enthusiasm you couldn't help but be in a great mood and have fun."

Paula Lauer
Whitehouse, OH

Tour Directors

Lala Rasulova

"She was the best as she seemed to enjoy the daily trip experiences as much as we did. Gave clear information constantly; answered questions thoroughly; helped us all."

David Clark
Stillwater, NY

Gabriel Castillo

“This was our 7th Odysseys tour and we would rate Gabe at the top of our list.”

Allan Bauer
Hackensack, NJ

Sabine Traeder

“Sabine was experienced, knowledgeable, and fun!”

Donna Willson
Brewster MA

Eva Matosevic

“Eva was an outstanding tour director with her sense of humor & caring personality.  She made us feel like part of a family.”

Charlotte Taggart
Topeka, KS

Angel Ramirez Ortiga

"Angel was a great tour guide. He was always eager to share his knowledge of Switzerland and Austria with an interesting manner, as well as a great sense of humor.”

Bill & Jan Tecklenburg
Broomfield, CO

Igor Ribic

“He was the best tour guide we have ever experienced on a trip.”

Lynn & David Hall
Tulsa, OK

Renata Guzera

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Sara Basile

"We thoroughly enjoyed Sara as our tour guide. She made us laugh and sing and have a wonderful time. She is so full of life and enthusiasm you couldn't help but be in a great mood and have fun."

Paula Lauer
Whitehouse, OH

Raffaele Marmo

“Raffe was exceptional! He has great knowledge to share with his group. He is compassionate, caring, exceptionally funny, and full of love for his job…Tour director extraordinaire!”

Shirley Sietsema
Merced, CA

Silvija Horsta

“She was warm, welcoming, and did everything she could to make everyone’s experience enjoyable. She also tended to the special needs of some of the tour group.”

Anne & Robert Lloyd
Westbrook, CT

Max di Leva

“Thanks to Max our tour was even better. His knowledge and caring personality made the trip. Keep him on your guide list. He’s the best.”

Lee Ann Rippentrop
Minneapolis, MN

Silvia Sarsano

“Her personality was fun-loving and entertaining, all the while being extremely professional and detail oriented…Outstanding tour director.”

Steven & Marie Olson
Normandy Park, WA

Sonia Sgarella

“Sonia did an excellent job as our tour guide.  She went beyond the call of duty many times during the trip.”

Edgar & Linda Schmidt
Howel, NJ

Chiara Baroni

“Chiara pays a great deal of attention to little things as well as big. I have been a tour guide in both Europe and the U.S., and she was just about the best I have ever encountered.”

Barney & Susan Milstein
Portland, OR

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

Exploring...

Guest Photos & Testimonials

The locations themselves were beautiful, and the experiences were also top notch. Pleasant experience having Odysseys take care of details as we traveled.
Steven & Marie Olsen
Normandy Park, WA
[We] always return feeling we have learned a lot, have seen the major attractions, enjoyed excellent hotels in great locations, and are always impressed with the tour directors.
Ira & Joan Jager
Marlboro, NJ
Included sightseeing was well paced, varied and authentic, informative, and very interesting…We were very impressed.
James & Andrea Fiske
Berlin, MA
The locations themselves were beautiful, and the experiences were also top notch. Pleasant experience having Odysseys take care of details as we traveled.
Steven & Marie Olsen
Normandy Park, WA
[We] always return feeling we have learned a lot, have seen the major attractions, enjoyed excellent hotels in great locations, and are always impressed with the tour directors.
Ira & Joan Jager
Marlboro, NJ
Included sightseeing was well paced, varied and authentic, informative, and very interesting…We were very impressed.
James & Andrea Fiske
Berlin, MA
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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