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15-day Germany, Austria, Switzerland Tour

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

See sights made famous by the Sound of Music movie

Filzmoos, austria.

From this mountain village your alpine vistas are unparalleled

Rothenburg, germany.

There's something to enchant everyone in this quaint storybook village

Innsbruck, austria.

The beauty of this imperial city will take your breath away

Munich, germany.

The Marienplatz is the center of activity in the Bavarian capital

Nuremberg, germany.

Half timbered houses and cobblestone streets are common sights of this medieval city

Rhine river, germany.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride down this legendary waterway

Black forest, germany.

Watch skilled artisans craft the iconic cuckoo clock

Heidelberg, germany.

Get a spectacular view from the town's hilltop castle

Lucerne, switzerland.

Some say this is the loveliest of all Swiss cities

Pricing disclaimer.

15-day tour featuring Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Munich, Tyrol, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vaduz in Liechtenstein, Lucerne, Rhine Falls, Black Forest, Heidelberg and Rüdesheim. Travel to the land of fairy-tale villages, medieval castles, pristine lakes, and stunning alpine vistas. Multiple-night stays in six endearing towns allow for in-depth local experiences, including "Sound of Music" sites in and around Salzburg.

Tour Year 2024

Tour itinerary.

DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Europe.

The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in and for your arrival in Europe. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport – Bavaria.

Upon arrival at Frankfurt Airport, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach for a ride through the Main River Valley and the Franconian Wine Region on the way to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. Get acquainted with your fellow tour participants during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)

DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Nuremberg – Rothenburg – Bavaria.

Your bus transfer into the city center introduces you to the history of Nuremberg. Hitler staged his propaganda rallies here, and after his fall, Nuremberg was chosen as the location for the War Trials. For additional insight, visit the Documentation Center at the site of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds (approximately €6 admission fee). If you prefer a lighter subject, enter the Toy Museum (approximately €7 admission fee), celebrating Nuremberg’s tradition as the “City of Toys.” Spend the afternoon in the enchanting medieval village of Rothenburg. When you see the well-preserved walls, cobblestone streets, distinctive inns, and Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Weihnachtsdorf (a whimsical Christmas shop), it feels as if you are walking into a fairy tale. Return to your hotel for an authentic German dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Munich & AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos.

Travel to the Bavarian capital of Munich for a panoramic city tour, including views of the Olympic Village, the Bohemian district of Schwabing and the Königsplatz. Walk through the pedestrian-only Marienplatz (main square) with the Rathaus (Town Hall) and its captivating Glockenspiel (clock tower). In late September, spend the majority of your free time experiencing the festivities of Oktoberfest at the fairgrounds. This afternoon, as you cross into Austria and drive through the province of Salzburg, admire the mountain-fed rivers and flower-laden meadows. Arrive in the village of Filzmoos, and enjoy Austrian hospitality during dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5 - AUSTRIA . . Salzburg - Filzmoos.

The entire day focuses on the province of Salzburg with special attention to the sites made famous by the “Sound of Music.” Visit Mondsee to see the church where they filmed the wedding of Maria and Captain Von Trapp. In the city of Salzburg, stop at the gazebo that was used to film Liesl singing “16 going on 17” and Mirabell Gardens where several “Do Re Mi” scenes were filmed. The walking tour includes Residenz Square where Maria sings “I Have Confidence in Me.” Spend the afternoon shopping in the charming pedestrian-only area of the Old Town, exploring the Salzburg High Fortress, or visiting Mozart’s Birthplace (approximately €12 admission fee). Take a stroll through Saint Peter's Abbey and Cemetery where, in the movie, the Von Trapp family hides from the Nazis. After an independent dinner, return to your hotel in Filzmoos. (Breakfast)

DAY 6 - AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos.

The day is at your leisure. Choose from an abundance of mountain paths for an exhilarating hike or bike ride with awe-inspiring panoramas. Or, simply relax in your Austrian village surrounded by the boundless splendor of the Alps. This afternoon, your tour manager will invite you for an optional Eagle’s Nest excursion (see Optional Excursions), combining history with incredible views. Rejoin your group for a traditional Austrian dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7 - AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck – Tyrolean Village.

Admire the glorious scenery during your drive to Innsbruck, capital of Tyrol. The Golden Roof, the symbol of Innsbruck, is decorated with 2,657 copper shingles. Completed in 1500, Maximillian I commissioned the building of this covered balcony to celebrate his wedding and used it as a royal box to view the entertainment in the square below. You will have time to shop for the famed Swarovski Crystal and to explore the old city center with the Maria Theresien Boulevard, Triumphal Arch and exquisite Imperial Church. Your chalet-style hotel for the next two nights is located in a Tyrolean Village a short distance from Innsbruck. Choose a local restaurant for your independent dinner or join the optional  Tyrolean Show & Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions) for a light-hearted presentation of Austrian folklore, music and dancing. (Breakfast)

DAY 8 - AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village near Innsbruck.

The peaceful villages, tucked in the valleys around Innsbruck, are the perfect location for a relaxing day. Frescoed and flower-adorned chalets create an idyllic atmosphere as you walk through town. Viewed from an outdoor café or along one of the numerous hiking paths, the Tyrolean Alps present breathtaking scenery. If you wish to return to Innsbruck, hotel staff can advise on local transportation, or you can choose the full-day optional Neuschwanstein & Linderhof excursion (see Optional Excursions). At the end of the day, return to your Tyrolean hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 9 - LIECHTENSTEIN . . Vaduz & SWITZERLAND . . Swiss Alps.

Depending on the weather, depart Austria by way of the Arlberg Pass or through the engineering masterpiece of the Arlberg Tunnel. Following a stop in Vaduz, the capital city of Liechtenstein, cross the border into Switzerland. For the next two nights you will stay in a cozy village surrounded by the Swiss Alps. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 10 - SWITZERLAND . . Stans – Lucerne – Swiss Alps.

Stop in the old mountain village of Stans for the optional Swiss Mountain excursion (see Optional Excursions), offering thrilling panoramic views by funicular and cable car. You will have a full afternoon to discover Lucerne’s picturesque covered bridge, famous Lion Monument and other special treasures. The soaring mountain peaks of Rigi and Pilatus standing guard over Lake Lucerne create one of the most imposing sights in Europe. Before returning to your hotel for dinner, consider joining your tour manager for an optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11 - SWITZERLAND . . Schaffhausen Rhine Falls & GERMANY . . Black Forest.

After a Swiss breakfast, travel north to the impressive and powerful Rhine River Falls, near the town of Schaffhausen. An extended visit allows time for an independent lunch and to see the falls by boat (approximately €10) or from viewing platforms accessible on foot by paths and stairways. Return to Germany for a two-night stay in the renowned Black Forest. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 12 - GERMANY . . Black Forest.

Escape modern life and behold the natural beauty of the rustic villages nestled between the thickly wooded mountains. The landscape and history of the Black Forest come to life while visiting some of the region’s treasured highlights such as the waterfall of Triberg, the Schwarzwaldmuseum (Black Forest Museum), and a local artisan’s clock shop. This is your chance to examine authentic hand-carved and hand-detailed Black Forest cuckoo clocks. During an independent dinner, become better acquainted with this lovely area. (Breakfast)

DAY 13 - GERMANY . . Heidelberg – Rüdesheim.

Winding past peaceful villages and farmhouses, depart the Black Forest on the way to historic Heidelberg, situated in the Neckar Valley. This famous university town is immortalized in the operetta “The Student Prince.” Walk through the Old Town or take the funicular (approximately €9) for a close-up look at the ruins of Heidelberg’s red sandstone castle. Continue to your hotel in Rüdesheim. Located among the vineyards of the Rhine wine region, Rüdesheim is known for its festive atmosphere. An independent dinner presents the chance to try Federweisser (feather wine) with Zwiebelkuchen (onion cake) while enjoying Rüdesheim’s tradition of live music and merriment. (Breakfast)

DAY 14 - GERMANY . . Rüdesheim.

A full day in Rüdesheim provides the opportunity to walk along the attractive Rhine River promenade and the enchanting Drosselgasse, the main shopping street. You may wish to join the optional Rhine Cruise & Cable Car excursion (see Optional Excursions), presenting magnificent views of the Rhine River Valley. During tonight’s “Farewell Dinner,” celebrate the highlights of your journey. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 15 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.

Transfer to the Frankfurt Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)

Travel Time

Overnight flight from the U.S.A to Europe.

Arrive at Frankfurt Airport in Germany. Board your motor coach for a scenic ride (1¾ hrs) through the Main River Valley Region. Then continue (1½ hrs) to the festive state of  Bavaria  for a two-night stay. Welcome dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)

Start the day with a panoramic tour (1½ hrs) of Nuremberg followed by independent sightseeing. Transfer (1½ hrs) to the beautifully-preserved, medieval village of Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber , where you will spend the afternoon. Return (1½ hrs) to your Bavaria hotel   for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Motor to your morning stop (1½ hrs) on the way to the elegant Bavarian Capital of Munich for a panoramic city tour (1½ hrs), followed by free time at the pedestrian-only square of the old town (Marienplatz). Make a short stop (1½ hrs) near the German/Austrian border before traveling (1½ hrs) through the scenic Alps. The charming mountain village of Filzmoos will host you for a three-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

The entire day focuses on the province of Salzburg with sights made famous by the “Sound of Music.” Begin with a stop in Mondsee (1¼ hrs) and views of the Van Trapp Home (¼ hr) followed by a tour of Salzburg (1¼ hrs). This afternoon provides additional time to explore this historic city and have an independent dinner before returning to your hotel (1 hr). (Breakfast)

The day is at your leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. In the afternoon join the optional Eagle's Nest excursion (1½ hr transfer each way), to Hitler's mountain hide-away. Return to your hotel for a traditional Austrian dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Admire the scenery as you drive from the region of Salzburg to Tyrol (2½ hrs), stopping for a short morning break. Continue (2 hrs) to the beautifully-situated imperial city of Innsbruck . Spend the afternoon in Innsbruck's Old Town. Toward dinner time, proceed (½ hr) to a Tyrolean village for a two-night stay. Have an independent dinner or join the optional Tyrolean Show & Dinner excursion (½ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast)

Enjoy a free day in your peaceful Tyrolean village or join the full-day optional Neuschwanstein & Linderhof excursion which includes travel to Neuschwanstein Castle (2 hrs), Linderhof Palace (1¼ hrs), and a return to your Tyrolean hotel (1½ hrs). (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning travel through breathtaking scenery (1½ hrs). After a morning stop, continue (1½ hrs) to Vaduz in the tiny principality of Liechtenstein. Cross the border into Switzerland (1½ hrs) for a stop in one of the charming towns. Proceed (½ hr) to your hotel in the beautiful Swiss Alps for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Travel (1 hr) to the mountain resort of Stans , with the opportunity to take an optional Swiss Mountain funicular ride. Continue to Lucerne (½ hr) for sightseeing and the optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion. Return (1 hr) to your hotel in the Swiss Alps. (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, travel north to Zurich (1 ½ hrs). Continue (1 hr) to Schaffhausen for a view of the imposing Rhine River Falls . Next, cross the German border, enter the enchanting Black Forest region and head to your hotel (1½ hrs) for an included group dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

The landscape and history of the Black Forest come to life while visiting some of the region's treasured highlights such as the waterfall of Triberg, the Schwarzwaldmuseum (Black Forest Museum), and a local artisan's clock shop (Travel times between stops varies from ½ hr to 1 hr). Return (½ hr) to your hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 13 - GERMANY. . Heidelberg – Rüdesheim.

Travel (1½ hrs) through the northern part of the Black Forest . Continue (2 hrs) to historic Heidelberg to visit the Old Town. Late afternoon ride (1¾ hrs) to Rüdesheim , located on the Rhine River, for a two-night stay. (Breakfast)

The wine village of Rüdesheim is known for its festive appearance and laid-back lifestyle. For your last day in Europe, relax in Rüdesheim, or consider the optional Rhine Cruise & Cable Car excursion (¾ hr transfer), featuring a 2½-hour boat ride on the romantic Rhine River and a cable car ride for views of the scenic Rhine valley. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Transfer to the Frankfurt Airport (1½ hrs) for your return flight home. (Breakfast )

Favorite Traveler Experiences

•   Walk on the walls surrounding the medieval town of Rothenburg
•   Sip ale from a stein at Munich’s festive Oktoberfest fair grounds
•   Relive the “Sound of Music” as you visit movie sites in Salzburg
•   See the Golden Roof balcony built for royalty in imperial Innsbruck
•   Take a cable car ride in the unsurpassed splendor of the Swiss Alps
•   Witness Europe’s largest waterfall at Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen
•   See where cuckoo clocks are hand-crafted in the Black Forest
•   Get a spectacular view of Heidelberg from its hilltop castle
•   Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class or First Class hotels
•   13 Breakfasts and 9 Dinners in addition to any in-flight meals
•   Tour Manager for the full European duration of the tour
•   Land Transportation in Europe by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach
•   Image Tours Touroclopedia® trip preparation tips
•   Trip Documents with luggage tags, final details and travel guidance

Traveler Reviews

Thomas & janice w..

The Availability, Departure Dates, and Rates are for illustration and planning purposes only. Since final pricing and single availability can only be confirmed with a travel agent, steps 4 & 5 of this on-line booking module is reserved for your travel agent only. (Please Call) indicates that we still have some tour availability; however, you should have your travel agent call our office to confirm air availability.

Select Departure Month

Upcoming departures, sep 19, 2024, oct 03, 2024, $4,240 p.p.d.o., almost sold out, sep 23, 2024, oct 07, 2024, sep 22, 2025, oct 06, 2025, $4,290 p.p.d.o., tour hotels.

Meiser Design Hotel

• Mini-Bar/Fridge
• In-Room Safe
• Lift Accessible
• Fitness Area

Alpenhotel Wurzer

• in-room safe

Hotel Gasthof Purner

Hotel Eierhals Royal

Central Hotel Freiburg

• air conditioning
• safety deposit box at reception

Hotel Felsenkeller

Optional excursions.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DETAILS

Our tours are carefully planned to offer a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment and leisure time. Optional Excursions provide the flexibility to choose between leisure time or additional guided sightseeing activities. Unless otherwise noted, optional excursions must be booked with and paid to your tour manager during the tour. Prices are in U.S. Dollars. MASTERCARD®, VISA®, or DISCOVER® (no other credit cards are accepted) are recommended to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. You must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager. If you bring a DISCOVER® card, also bring a VISA® or MASTERCARD®, as DISCOVER® is not widely accepted in Europe. Cash payments during the tour must be in Euros. Personal checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted. The operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes or cancel excursions at their sole discretion.

EAGLE'S NEST

Visit Hitler’s former hideaway, known as the Eagle’s Nest. Upon arrival in Berchtesgaden, Germany, a mountain bus takes you on a breathtaking drive up a steep, winding road. An elevator built into the mountain brings you to the top, where you will have impressive panoramic views over both Austria and Germany. Operation of this excursion is subject to favorable weather conditions. In the case of halted bus operation, we will substitute a visit to the Obersalzburg Documentation Center.

TYROLEAN SHOW & DINNER

Begin the evening with a typical Austrian dinner, including your choice of beer, wine or soft drink. After dinner, the Gundolf Family welcomes you at their theater in Innsbruck to present Tyrolean Folklore through a series of entertaining performances. The show features customary clothing, traditional songs, unique dances, amusing instruments and expert yodeling.

NEUSCHWANSTEIN & LINDERHOF

Visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, inspiration for the Disney castle. A 30-minute walk up hill and a 45-minute tour scaling several winding staircases with over 300 steps, is rewarded by a fascinating look at the castle's intriguing design. In the late afternoon, tour the extravagant French rococo interior of the Linderhof Palace. (maximum elevation 4,000 feet)

SWISS MOUNTAIN

Reach the summit of Mount Stanserhorn (elevation 6,232 feet) by both cog-wheel train and the world’s only open-top cable car. At the highest stop, enjoy the panoramic views from the terrace, take a walk along the paths, and snap pictures of the magnificent alpine vistas. This excursion is subject to favorable weather and cable car operation, and may be rescheduled or cancelled. In some cases, another mountain may be substituted.

SWISS LAKE BOAT RIDE

Board a steamer for a scenic ride on Lake Lucerne. The lake borders four cantons (states) of Switzerland and, for this reason, is also known as Vierwaldstättersee (

RHINE CRUISE & CABLE CAR

Cruise past medieval fortresses, enchanting villages and hillside vineyards along the Rhine River. Back on land, take a guided tour of the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. End the excursion with a cable car ride up to the Niederwald Monument, affording beautiful views of the Rhine River Valley.

Tour Extensions

Rüdesheim post-tour extension, tour year 2025.

Today begins your Germany, Austria, Switzerland adventure. The Image Tours “Departure Instructions” will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” for directions on where and when to meet your Tour Manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach for a ride through the Main River Valley and the Franconian Wine Region on the way to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. Get acquainted with your fellow tour participants during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)

15-day Germany, Austria, Switzerland Tour Map

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Exploring the Alpine Countries

About this tour.

Discover storybook castles and opulent palaces amidst stunning Alpine vistas as you explore Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Visit Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. Take a cruise along the legendary Danube. Stroll the quaint streets of Salzburg, the "City of Music." Spend two nights in the heart of the Black Forest. Visit Oberammergau, renowned for its 380-year tradition of producing a Passion Play every decade. Witness the beauty of Linderhof Palace and its perfect decorated gardens. From Vienna and the Black Forest to the Swiss Alps and Lucerne, explore the heart of Europe.

Your Tour Includes

• 5 Handpicked Accommodations
• 4 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Schönbrunn Palace
• Classical Concert
• Danube Cruise

Your Tour at a Glance

10 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Best time for travel, customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $85.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Best time for travel exploring the alpine countries austria - germany - switzerland.

While just about any month is great to visit Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, there are a few prime times of the year for the Exploring the Alpine Countries tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Spring: Fairly mild weather and fewer crowds make spring a great time to visit these countries.

Summer: Summer is a beautiful time of year to experience the region’s natural beauty and outdoor activities, even as popular sites and attractions draw crowds. It can get quite hot in the summer, so keep in mind there are very few hotels with air conditioning in the region. If the heat bothers you, you may prefer visiting in the spring or fall.

Fall: Fall is another great time to go on this tour. Although there are still a lot of crowds until mid-October, the weather is wonderful.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

• Come to know Vienna and its incredible Schönbrunn Palace.

Discover the capital of the Bavaria region, Munich.

Spend two nights in the beautiful city of Salzburg.

Cultural Experiences:

Cruise along the legendary Danube River.

Enjoy a performance by opera singers and ballet dancers set to the music of Strauss, Mozart, and more, in Vienna.

Visit a woodcarving studio in the quaint village of Oberammergau.

Culinary Inclusions:

Savor a dinner of local Swiss specialties in Lucerne.

Dine on Black Forest Cake in the region it originated from.

• Choices on Tour
• Oberammergau
• Linderhof Palace
• Black Forest

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

• Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Hotel-Intercontinental Hotel Wien

Hotel-Radisson Blu Hotel Lucerne

A captivating place in history awaits you today as you travel to the Eagle's Nest - Hitler's former private refuge, built as a teahouse for his 50th birthday. Upon reaching the town of Obersalzberg, you will board specially designed coaches for the adventurous and breathtaking ride along the steep rock walls and gorges which lead to the base of the Kehlstein. A large brass elevator will carry you up the final 365 feet into the Eagle's Nest. From here, you are sure to enjoy the spectacular views in every direction.

Enjoy the splendor of pure nature while gliding over a clear landscape in panoramic gondolas and spectacular cable cars. Ascend Pilatus via a unique excursion on the steepest railway of the world with a gradient of 48%. Upon arrival at the top, soak in the magnificent Alpine view from 7,000 feet above sea level. During leisure time at the summit, stroll the walkway for views from a different vantage point, or enjoy Swiss culinary delights on your own in one of the various restaurants (lunch is not included). Return back down the mountain by panoramic gondola for yet another bird’s eye view.

Come to know Vienna and its incredible Schönbrunn Palace.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Intercontinental Hotel Wien From $160 per night

Intercontinental Hotel Wien

Arcotel castellani salzburg, alte post hotel, hofgut sternen, radisson blu hotel, lucerne.

Nights 9-10

Stay Longer

Post Night: Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne From $235 per night

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Germany Austria Switzerland Itinerary: 10 Days on the Road

You’ve decided on your Europe trip and you’re now wondering how to plan it. I can help with that!

I lived in Southern Germany (Stuttgart) for six years and traveled to Switzerland and Austria more times than I can count. Since it was just a few hours away, we went for festivals, ski trips, summer hiking, and exploring beautiful villages and cities.

While I don’t recommend trying to cram as much as possible into one trip, I think it’s very doable to visit these three countries within 10 days. 

I’m sharing what I think is the best 10-day Germany, Austria & Switzerland itinerary that’ll show you how to make the most out of your time.

With this itinerary, you will stay within certain regions of each country so you’re not on the road the entire time. 

You’ll have a mix of scenery, busy days, tours, and downtime. The goal is to divide your time over as many activities and places as possible without rushing through them.

Overall, you’ll be splitting your time nearly evenly in each country.

Keep reading for all the details about this itinerary. Every detail has been thought out for the most memorable trip you can have!

Why Combine Germany, Austria, and Switzerland on the Same Trip?

We all know Europe is full of amazing countries with wonderful spots for traveling, so why does this trip include Germany, Austria, and Switzerland instead of someplace else like Italy, Spain, or France? And why only these 3 countries?

Well, this combination has logical, geographical, and experience-related motives.

They’re Close

First, it simply makes sense to combine Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. These 3 countries are very close to one another – they literally share borders.

If you check a map of central Europe, you’ll see that Germany borders both Switzerland and Austria from the south, whereas Austria is to the east of Switzerland.

They Have the Same Language

Another reason why it’s a good idea to combine Germany, Austria, and Switzerland into one trip is the common language. 

All 3 of these countries speak German. It’s one of the 4 official languages of Switzerland and the sole official one in Austria.

If you don’t speak German, this combination means you can learn some basic phrases in German and use them for all the places you’ll visit.

This isn’t an obligation since you can get by just fine with English, but showing you know a few phrases goes over well with locals. 

They’re Versatile and Have a Lot to Offer

Last but not least, combining Germany, Austria, and Switzerland gives you a rich experience with a wide range of activities to satisfy different interests.

These countries have natural landscapes with lakes, waterfalls, rivers, mountains, and more. They have historical sites, museums, art, architecture, adventures like hiking or paragliding, and cuisine among many other cultural aspects.

This means you’re guaranteed to enjoy your visit no matter what you’re looking to do.

Are 10 Days Enough for Visiting Germany, Austria, and Switzerland?

The answer to this heavily depends on your travel style and what you’re looking to accomplish with the trip.

If you’re a home base type of traveler who likes to deeply explore a single location at a time, 10 days likely won’t be enough for you to thoroughly cover even 1 of the countries.

If you’re a go-go-go traveler who aims to see as much as possible of the places they go, then 10 days are probably enough to see a lot of the 3 countries since they’re quite close to one another. However, this approach isn’t the most comfortable or rewarding in my opinion.

If you prefer a balanced approach, then I believe 10 days will be enough for you to experience and enjoy a bit of each country to a pretty satisfying level. This travel style is what I’ve gone for with this itinerary.

How to Get Around During a Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Trip?

Making your way around Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (or Europe in general) is basically a choice between 2 means of transportation: car or train.

Each option has its pros and cons, so I’ll highlight them in this section to help you choose what works best for you.

Taking a Car

This itinerary was created for a car, but you can just as easily take a train too.

The upside of getting around with a car is that you don’t need to worry about sticking to a departure schedule. You can set off according to your own time and you’ll never miss your ride.

A car can also be the faster method to reach some places since you can take shortcuts and don’t have to make stops along the way. Not to mention, taking a car allows you to go on side trips and make detours.

That said, taking a car in Europe can be more expensive than taking a train. Not only because of the rental cost but also the gas and road tax.

• Vignette : Austria and Switzerland both require a vignette, which is a sticker you purchase at a gas station or store to go on your windshield. In Austria, you’ll spend less than 20EUR, but the Swiss vignette runs about 40-45USD (depending on the exchange rate).
• Gas : Gas in Europe is much more expensive than in the US, about 3-4 times the cost.
• Car Rental : Compared to places like the US, a rental car will be considerably cheaper in Europe. Typically you can find a small to midsize sedan for $30-50/day. I always book through Discover Cars , an aggregate company that helps you find the best prices (often lower than through the company directly). They also have fantastic customer service, which can be hard to find in the rental car industry.

Driving in Europe can sound daunting, but these three countries are fairly easy to navigate. The roads are well-maintained and drivers follow the rules of the road. There are plenty of well-marked signs and it’s likely that your rental will have GPS included. 

Taking a Train

While in Europe, trains are a great way to get around. They’re fast, clean, and efficient (especially in these countries!). And train stations are in the center of towns or cities, so once you disembark you’re not too far from your hotel.

They’re also pretty affordable, so you can save much of your budget for the actual visit. Also, you’ll be relieving yourself from the hassle of driving in a new/foreign country.

The downside to trains, however, is having to plan your time around their schedule. Besides the lack of flexibility, you’re also likely to take a longer time to get to your destination by train vs by car.

Some of these trips require multiple connections, so you’ll need to pay attention as well.

Additionally, some places are tricky to reach by train. You’ll get off at the nearest point but have to figure out how to make it to the specific spot you want to visit.

There are many different ways to book train tickets in Europe which deserves its own post. I priced out this trip in May via RailEurope and it is $324 per person (I’m looking about 9 months out). With the Eurail Pass, it’s $292 (but you still need to pay a few euros to reserve seats).

The Eurail Pass is more flexible (i.e. you can change train times if there are open seats) which can be more appealing. Please note the train from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden cannot be booked via Eurail.

Booking your train tickets early is key to finding low prices. If you wait until the last minute, you could end up spending a lot more on your tickets.

Children under 15 travel free via train.

TRIP OVERVIEW & MAP 10 DAYS SWITZERLAND | AUSTRIA | GERMANY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrive in Zurich & Head to Lucerne DAY 2: Lucerne to Interlaken/Lauterbrunnen DAY 3: Grindelwald & Junfraujoch DAY 4: Travel to Innsbruck & Overnight DAY 5: Travel to Salzburg & Explore DAY 6: Berchtesgaden | Königsee | Eagle’s Nest DAY 7: Salzburg Day Trip DAY 8: Travel to Munich & Explore DAY 9: Neuschwanstein Day Trip DAY 10: Fly Home

Click on map below to see full map in Google Maps.

Germany Austria Switzerland 10-Day Itinerary

Day 1: arrival in zurich & head to lucerne.

• Distance by car: 52.5km (32 miles)
• By Train: 40-60 minutes, no connections
• Country: Switzerland
• Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Your 10-day trip to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland will start with your landing in Zurich, Switzerland’s capital

Assuming you arrive early in the morning, you’ll have 3 full days to explore Switzerland. 

With this itinerary, I didn’t plan a day in Zurich because it’s a massive business city and one of the most expensive in the world. The town of Lucerne is much more quintessential Switzerland and a much cuter town.

If you would like to get a taste of the city, however, I recommend heading to the old town (Altstadt) and exploring for a few hours before heading to Lucerne. It’s only 6 miles from the airport to the city center and easily accessed via train or car. 

Lucerne is only about 45 minutes from Zurich, so you could spend most of your day in Zurich and then make your way to Lucerne for the evening.

If you decide to head straight to Lucerne (which I highly suggest), here’s how to spend your day.

Grab a bite before on your way to Lucerne or have breakfast when you get there. Some of my favorite places to fill up on breakfast or lunch are Richemont Gastronomioe , Mill’Feuille , and Antons Restaurant .

After food, you’ll start exploring the old and new towns. You can walk around on your own or join a walking tour such as the one to Chapel Bridge and Old Town or one with a local via LocalBini. 

While exploring the old town, don’t miss the sight of the iconic Lion Monument. It dates back to the 1820s and pays tribute to the Swiss Guards who were murdered during the French Revolution.

You can also wander along the lake or catch a boat ride over it with a 1-hour cruise .

If you’re into museum visits, here are some great options such as the Richard Wagner Museum, Sammlung Rosengart Museum, Swiss Museum of Transportation, or Chocolate Adventure Pavilion.

Don’t forget to snap some pictures at the Chapel Bridge. It’s a covered wooden footbridge that crosses the river Reuss. It contains various interior paintings dating back to the 1600s and features a unique flower pot decor along its guard rails.

When dinner time rolls in, be sure to try the country’s world-famous dishes such as fondue, raclette, Älplermagronen, and Rösti. Among my top restaurants for Swiss cuisine are Restaurant Balances , Hermitage , and Gasthaus Schlüssel .

Hotel Recommendations

Most hotels are located in the Old Town, so head over to Waldstatterhof Swiss Quality Hotel or Ibis Styles Luzern for the night whenever you’re ready.

Day 2: Exploring Lauterbrunnen & Interlaken

• Distance by car: 67.6km (42 miles)
• By Train: 2.5-3.5hrs (1+ connections)

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel or at one of the restaurants I mentioned above. Then, you’ll leave from Lucerne to Lauterbrunnen. 

Lauterbrunnen looks like something out of a storybook. Here you’ll see mountains jutting out of the ground and 72 waterfalls all over the mountain valley.

These mountains are sheer rock faces overlooking a wide valley. It was formed by glaciers over millions of years. You’ll often spot base jumpers and other extreme sports enthusiasts enjoying nature’s playground. 

Interlaken is a beautiful little town between the green glacial lakes of Thunersee and Brienzersee (‘see’ means lake). It’s about a 20-minute drive from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, and you can stay at either location for beautiful views (although Lauterbrunnen sits right in the valley).

Tip: This area has many cable cars going up mountains, boat rides on the lakes, funiculars, and trains to the tops of mountains. There are a lot of ways to see this area! If you want to dig in and explore, I recommend purchasing the Jungfrau Travel Pass . It covers nearly everything with a few exceptions that you can read about here .

Here are my top recommendations for a day in Lauterbrunnen:

WALK THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL VALLEY FLOOR

Make your way into the valley and park at Lauterbrunnen. From here, walk one of the many trails throughout the valley. You could go on for miles or take a quick stroll. 

If you want to really see all the highlights, though, book this guided tour from Interlaken . You’ll see the best waterfalls in the area and learn about the history of this beautiful valley. This is a great option especially if you don’t have a car.

GO PARAGLIDING IN INTERLAKEN

Paragliding in Interlaken was my absolute favorite activity the last time we visited the area. We went nearly 10 years ago and we still talk about it today. It was a highlight for sure! Because you just drove in today, I recommend doing this early the next morning so you can really explore the valley. I booked with this tour company and loved them. 

VISIT TRÜMMELBACH FALLS

Trümmelbach is the only glacier waterfall in the world that can be accessed underground. These are Europe’s largest subterranean waterfalls and are impressive to see in person.

There are three glaciers feeding meltwater through here to create these falls. And it’s a lot of water! At 20,000 liters per second, you can imagine how powerful and mighty these falls are. 

HIKE ONE OF THE WATERFALL TRAILS

There are tons of hiking opportunities throughout the massive valley. And some lead to villages such as Murren or Wengen.

Some hotels I’d recommend for your stay are Chalet Rosa B&B and Hotel Oberland .

If you don’t wish to stay in Lauterbrunnen, there are so many options in this area. One time we stayed at this small hotel in Le issigen, a small town above Lake Thun (Thunersee). I liked it here because it’s so quiet and you stay at a traditional Swiss mountain home that’s been converted into a hotel.

Day 3: Exploring Grindelwald and Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)

• Distance by car: 20.3km (12 miles) to Grindelwald. Train required after Grindelwald.
• By Train: 43 minutes to Grindelwald. Then train to Jungfraujoch.

Today you’ll head to Grindelwald and then to Jungfraujoch, called the Top of Europe. This trip takes a bit of time so I recommend starting early. To reach Jungfraujoch, you need to take a train from Grindelwald.

Grindelwald is a small Swiss village in the beautiful Swiss Alps. It’s also a great launching point for Jungfraujoch, a massive mountain at 11,000ft and the tallest in Europe! 

GO TO THE TOP OF JUNGFRAUJOCH

From Grindelwald, you can take the Eiger Express train to the top and back (be sure to book these tickets ahead of time). When you book, you can select how long you wish to stay at the top. There’s plenty to do, including seeing the longest glacier in Europe, taking in the sweeping views, and exploring an underground ice palace with ice sculptures.

I recommend going up Jungfraujoch in the morning so you can spend your afternoon at Grindelwald, but it’s really up to you how you want to plan your day. I prefer to not feel like I’m waiting around to board a train, so I prefer to do those activities in the morning and then be free to explore the rest of the day.

EXPLORE GRINDELWALD

Grindelwald itself has tons to do. Since you’re short on time, I recommend walking the town and grabbing a bite to eat.

For something more adventurous, there’s plenty to do! Soar like an eagle on a fast-moving glider , walk on the cliff walk overlooking the mountains below, or drive a mountain cart , among other things. Note that some of these things require a gondola or cable car ride.

If you prefer to keep your feet planted, go on one of the many hikes in the region such as the Kleine Scheidegg .

At the end of the day make your way back to Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen for your last night in Switzerland.

Day 4: Explore Innsbruck

• Distance by car: 380km (236 miles)
• By Train: 6-7 hours with 3+ connections
• Country: Austria
• Currency: Euro

The following morning you’ll travel from Interlaken to Innsbruck, a cute college town in the mountains of Austria.

This town makes for a great stopping point between Switzerland and Salzburg. 

If you went straight through, the drive would take about 7 hours (assuming there’s zero traffic and you don’t stop), and even longer via train. So I recommend a stopover night in this beautiful and historic town to break up your trip.

I also like this drive because you go through some spectacular mountain scenery, and even cross through the small country of Liechtenstein (look out for the black license plates!).

If you prefer something a bit quieter, I recommend looking into the Achensee, a pretty Alpine lake about 55km (34 miles) from Innsbruck.

If you’re driving, don’t forget to get a Vignette sticker before you cross the border to Austria. It‘ll cost you around 10 EUR, and if you don’t buy one you could get a huge fine of over 100EUR. Vignettes are available at all gas stations.

Since the drive will fill a good portion of your day, here is how I recommend spending your afternoon/evening:

• Walk the cute old town (Altstadt) and check out some of the shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• Visit OlympiaWorld and learn about the 1976 Olympics.
• Climb the town tower for beautiful views.

Each time we’ve been to Innsbruck, we’ve stayed at these beautifully maintained apartments just up the hill from the old town. There are hiking trails from the apartment and a lovely farm-to-table restaurant on the mountainside called Gasthaus Planötzenhof Andreas Heis . If you like pretty views with your meal, then I recommend this place!

Day 5: Explore Salzburg

• Distance by car: 166km (103 miles)
• By Train: 2 hours, no connections

Today you will make your way to Salzburg, just a few hours from Innsbruck. As you’re likely tired from all this travel, you’ll get a chance to relax and enjoy a few nights in the Salzburg area.

Expect more scenic views and an easy drive. If you’re driving, there are three routes to get there, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

When you arrive at Salzburg (aka the City of Mozart ), you’ll probably be ready to explore.

Make your way to the Old Town (Altstadt). It’s a small but packed old town filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and cathedrals. 

A must-see spot is Mozart’s birthplace at the intersection of Hagenauerplatz Square and Getreidegasse Street.

There are various walking tours, but you can easily walk yourself. If you want to learn about the history of the area, I recommend this 2.5-hour tour that starts at Palace Mirabell and takes you through the Makartplatz, New & Old Town, Mozart’s Birthplace and ends at the top of Mönchsberg Hill (optional). 

You’ll also see River/Mozartsteg, Toscanini Hof, St. Peter’s Cemetery/Church, Alter Markt, Mirabell Gardens, Kapitelplatz, and many more places.

There are also food tours where you can see the city while experiencing Austrian cuisine. I recommend this one for food tasting or this one for beer tasting in Old Town

It’s hard to miss the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress perched above the Altstadt. To get there, you can either walk the switchback path to it or take the funicular for about 5EUR (ascent and descent, admission included).

Once at the top, get ready to be blown away by the 360 views. Explore the medieval interior of Europe’s largest intact medieval castle. You can see the Salzburg Bull, the Archbishop Chapel, Golden Hall, and Golden Chamber.

Don’t go back down too soon. You can take the Monchsberg road to reach Augustiner bräu – Kloster Mülln, Austria’s largest beer tavern. For a delicious meal, try the Gasthaus Burgschenke .

My top recommendation for dinner is the Mozart Dinner Concert at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium in the old town. It’s the oldest restaurant in Central Europe.

Call it a night at Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt Salzburg or MEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center .

Day 6: Explore Salzburg/Berchtesgaden

• Distance by car: 34.6km (21 miles)
• By Train: 1 hour with 1 connection
• Country: Germany & Austria

Since Berchtesgaden is a short distance from Salzburg, we’ll keep our base in the city and do a day trip from here.

Today you’ll go on a day trip to Berchtesgaden, a national park with the looming Eagle’s Nest. There are a few options for your day, depending on your interests:

TAKE A BOAT RIDE AT KÖNIGSEE

The Koenigsee is a beautiful large lake in the southern German Alps. There’s a popular boat ride that takes you along the lake to St. Bartholomew’s Church. They even have a trumpet player that shows you how well this mountain valley can echo! Once at the church, you have time for lunch and a drink before heading back. It’s a beautiful way to spend the day. 

VISIT THE EAGLE’S NEST

Alternative to Lake Königsee, you can visit Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest at the top of Mount Kehlstein and the Documentation Museum. You can take a guided tour from Salzburg or a bus directly from Salzburg to the documentation center.

You can also drive yourself as well.

Once you’re done exploring, head back and recharge for the next day.

Day 7: Explore Around Salzburg: Hallstatt | Sound of Music Tour 

• Distance by car: Varies
• By Train: Bus only

In and around Salzburg, there are many day trips and activities that you can enjoy early in the morning. Here are some of my recommendations.

• Sound of Music Tour : you’ll visit locations used in the movies, hear songs, take photos, and enjoy the countryside.
• Day Trip to Hallstatt : hike up the Salzberg mountain and enjoy the view of the sunrise from the Skywalk (with a photographer)
• Bike Tour Around Salzburg : about 3.5 hours through the city and countryside.

Hallstatt has become really popular in the past few years, but there are many other lakes in the area. Surrounding Salzburg, there are a total of nine lakes in this region.

Mondsee is a good option for a cute town on a pretty lake (but you won’t have the same striking town as Hallstatt). This lake is also on the Sound of Music tour as well. Attersee is the largest in the region and the most striking with mountains in the background.

Alternative Option: If you’re excited to get to Munich, you could alternatively head there today to have an extra day to explore.

Day 8: Explore Munich

• Distance by car: 147km (91 miles)
• Country: Germany

Today you’ll make your way to Munich, the beautiful capital of Bavaria and home to BMW.

Although it’s a large city, the central area is quite walkable and easy to navigate.

There is also a robust train system. The trains within cities in Germany are called ‘U-Bahn’, so look for those signs when walking around. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosks directly at the stations, or you can use their app to book your tickets.

EXPLORE MARIENPLATZ

Once you arrive and get settled, head to the center of town, Marienplatz. This has been Munich’s center square since 1158. I recommend walking around the area and exploring the shops and one of the many breweries. 

You’ll see the New and Old Rathaus (town hall), St. Peter’s Church, and the Marian Column among many others. Interestingly, this place was rebuilt in the traditional style years after its demolition at the end of WWII, so it may not be physically old, but it looks the part.

CLIMB ST PETER’S TOWER & GLOCKENSPIEL SHOW

From there, make your way to St. Peter’s Tower (best to arrive about 30 minutes before 11 or 12 to make the climb before the show starts). Go up to the observation point for a spectacular bird’s eye view of the Platz and a chance to catch the Glockenspiel show away from the crowds.

The Glockenspiel show is a 15-minute spectacle that reenacts bits of the city’s history. It takes place at 11 and 12 daily, ending with 3 chirps from a golden rooster at the top of the square’s mechanical clock.

TAKE A WALKING TOUR

If you’re into walking tours, there are many free options that start right at Marienplatz.

For something a bit more in-depth, I recommend this 1.5-hour tour of the inner city. It starts at the Marienplatz, showing you the highlights, and then heads to the Frauenkirche church, the Royal Brewery, as well as the cathedral and Theatine Church. The tour ends at the Viktualienmarkt.

When it’s time for lunch, the daily food market (Viktualienmarkt) is a fantastic option. It’s about 4 minutes from the city center. Alternatively, you can go to a beer garden for a meal and a drink.

After eating and depending on how late it is, you can explore Munich’s iconic cathedral; the Frauenkirche, the Nymphenburg Palace, or the English Garden.

WALK THE ENGLISH GARDEN

The English Garden (Englisch Garten) is a massive public park in the center of Munich. It’s even larger than Central Park.

Inside there is a huge network of trails that can keep you busy for days. If you prefer a guide to show you around, there are some great tours like this one (via GetYo urGuide) that take you through Marienplatz and the English Garden.

The English Garden is close to Marienplatz, so you can simply head here once you’re done exploring the Marienplatz area.

Here are my top 3 things to do:

• Watch people surf at the Eisbachwelle . This is located at the very south end of the English Garden next to a road. But stopping here is worth it! I thought it was so fun to watch people surfing in the center of a huge city. If you are heading to the English Garden from Marienplatz, you can stop here first.
• Visit the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) . The Chinese Tower was built as an observation tower. Sadly it was destroyed in WWII, but has been rebuilt in its former style. The second largest beer garden is here, and it’s a great place to grab a beer and have something to eat. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk (less than a mile) from the surfing area.
• Stroll Around and Explore . Aside from the beer garden (biergarten) at the Chinese Tower, there are many other biergartens and restaurants inside the park. There’s also a Japanese Tea House, areas to relax in the grass, ponds, and even a sheep farm.

DINNER AT A BREWERY

Wrap up the day at the Hofbrauhaus restaurant near Marienplatz (a 5-minute walk) for a taste of German cuisine, beer, and atmosphere. The Augustiner restaurant is also a great choice (a 20-minute walk from Marienplatz) with its delicious beer, schnitzel, and maultaschen.

For accommodation, I recommend the Arthotel Munich or Bento Inn Munich Messe .

Day 9: Explore Neuschwanstein Castle

• Distance by car: 109km (67 miles)
• By Train: 3+ hours each way with bus connections (I recommend a tour instead, see below)

Today you’ll be going on a day trip to Füssen, south of Munich.

If you have time, start with a hefty white sausage breakfast – classic Bavaria style. It’s called Weißwurst in Germany, and you can have a tasty one at Schneider Brauhaus, Airbraeu Brauhaus, or Hofbraeukeller.

Füssen is the town that sits at the base of Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany’s most famous castle. It’s the inspiration behind Disney’s castle in Sleeping Beauty.

The fastest way to get to the castle from Munich is by car, and there’s also the option to take the train (which requires many connections).

Or, you can book an inexpensive day tour like this one and have everything done for you. This is my personal recommendation to avoid parking, purchasing tickets, and a lot of waiting.

I recommend booking your tour ahead of time as the line can get really long quickly.

There are actually a few castles in this area. The tour of Neuschwanstein is a bit anti-climactic, so if you don’t want to wait in line for tickets, you can simply walk up to the castle and explore the courtyard.

The Marienbrücke Bridge is where you can get the famous photo (see above) of the castle. It’s free and is a short walk to the right.

Please keep in mind the bridge site is high above a gorge and can get absolutely packed with people. The boards you walk on are not well secured either, so take caution if you decide to walk across it. From here you can continue a bit further up for even better views (note it is steep).

The only way to avoid the crowds is to arrive early.

If you’re into a mesmerizing, adrenaline-packed activity, don’t miss out on paragliding in the Alps (over the castle too!). F ly Royal is a fantastic team to book this activity with; you’ll take off from Tegelberg Mountain and the duration of the flight depends on the package you choose.

Alternatively, you can stay on the ground and explore the lake, take a bus or train ride through the castle’s surroundings, go to vantage points, and discover the tale of King Ludwig, it’s all in this tour .

Once you’re done exploring the castle and area, you’ll head back to Munich. That’s your chance to get your fill of Bavarian beer and cuisine at Steinheil 16, Schiller Brau, and Servus Heidi.

Day 10: Munich/Departure

The last day is all about wrapping up your time in Munich and making your way to the airport to fly back home. If you have time, you can do some last-day shopping at Maximilianstrasse.

If you’re flying from Munich Airport, it’ll take you about 30 minutes by car and around 1 hour by train from the center of Munich. 

If you’re departing from Zurich Airport (only because you booked a two-way ticket), a car drive will take you there in about 3 to 4 hours while a train will do it in 5 to 6 hours. Be sure to factor in construction or train delays so you don’t miss your flight.

Things to Keep In Mind When Traveling to Germany, Austria & Switzerland

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind during your Germany, Austria & Switzerland trip:

• All 3 countries speak German, so you only need to learn common phrases in that one language. That saves you a lot of time and hassle, although English will get you by just fine.
• All 3 countries are included in the Schengen visa agreement.
• Germany and Austria use the Euro, but Switzerland uses the Swiss franc.
• Scheduling your trip during the shoulder season (March through April and September through November) should get you lower rates and fewer crowds.
• While getting around by train is more affordable and less confusing, it typically takes longer and may not reach all locations.
• Getting around by car is more costly and forces you to worry about direction/parking, it offers more flexibility and usually takes less time.

Final Thoughts

That brings us to the end of a full-packed 10-day Germany, Austria & Switzerland itinerary for an unforgettable trip. The only thing left for you to do is actually get the show on the road!

I'm Brea, an Alaskan with a serious case of wanderlust. Join me as I share insider information and firsthand accounts to help with your travels. Find destination guides, itineraries, general travel tips, learn how to take better photos, and more! Follow me on Instagram for all my up-to-date travels @travelingigloo

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Experience the peaks of Central European culture across a trio of destinations.

Switzerland, Germany, and Austria—all mountainous, all momentous. From Lucerne’s riverside promenades to Bavaria’s natural majesty to Vienna’s cultured cafes, this weeklong itinerary showcases the best of three sensational countries. The castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty’s? You’ll find it here, along with landscapes that spurred some of the world’s finest classical compositions. And if you’re interested in architectural paradise, take up the trip’s extension to Prague and lose yourself among its whimsical spires.

Your tour package includes

• 7 nights in handpicked hotels
• 7 breakfasts
• 3 dinners with beer or wine
• 6 sightseeing tours
• Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

• Kapellbrücke
• Neuschwanstein
• Nymphenburg Palace
• Salzburg Cathedral

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to Zurich today.

Welcome to Switzerland—or, as they say in the local dialect, grüezi (“GROO-tsee”)! From the Zurich airport, transfer to your hotel in the Swiss Alps, where you’ll meet your Tour Director and the rest of your group. Unwind, then continue getting to know one another over a welcome dinner, served with beer or wine.

Set out into lakeside Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most populated cities, for a guided sightseeing tour and enjoy a taste of Alpine life—complete with clear views of Pilatus, Rigi, and the rugged ridges of other neighboring mountains.

• View the Lion Monument, a tribute to the Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives in Paris during the French Revolution.
• Pass the hand-painted facades that line the cobbled streets of the Old Town—the traditional core of the city that dates to medieval times.
• Cross the famous Kapellbrücke (say it “ka-PELL-broo-kuh”), the covered wooden “chapel bridge” that spans the Reuss River, and view the adjacent Water Tower. Octagonal in shape and stone in build—with a complicated past as a sentinel’s post, state treasury, and prison—it predates the Kapellbrücke by roughly a century.
• See the Jesuit Church, the first large Baroque building of its kind to be built north of the Alps in Switzerland.

If you’d like, add an afternoon journey to the top of Mount Pilatus and explore Lucerne’s surroundings by ferry, cogwheel railway, and cable car. Alternatively, hang back in town and treat yourself to some rösti. Pronounced “ROO-sty,” this dish centers on grated, fried potatoes—kind of like a Swiss hashbrown. Top it with eggs or sausage to elevate it from a satisfying snack to a hearty meal.

Mount Pilatus

From $135 per person

Cross into Liechtenstein, a tiny Alpine principality that dates to the Holy Roman Empire. (And we mean tiny: With a population of just under 40,000 people, it’s the sixth-smallest nation in the world.) Visit the capital, Vaduz, and pass the royal family’s namesake castle. Perched atop a hill, it has watched over the region since the 12th century and serves as the royal residence to this day.

After getting your passport stamped, continue into the Bavarian Alps, a range of limestone mountains and valleys furrowed by retreating glaciers during the last ice age. Amid this expanse of rocky peaks and alpine forests, you’ll take a slight detour.

• Pause for photos of Neuschwanstein Castle’s unique mix of Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine architecture, and marvel at the fairytale retreat of “Mad” King Ludwig II.
• Revel in the trim fields, mirrored lakes, and soaring peaks of the Alps as you relax and explore during your free time, or grab lunch in Schwangau, the town below Neuschwanstein.

Travel on to Munich and sit down to an included dinner, served with beer or wine.

Today, embark on a guided tour of Munich. Founded in the 12th century and boasting traditional and cosmopolitan appeal, the capital of Bavaria is the third-largest city in all of Germany. It’s also home to the original Oktoberfest—a massive Volksfest that, to this day, remains the largest beer festival in the world.

• Travel past the 18th-century Englischer Garten—a gargantuan urban park that counts a Japanese teahouse and an open-air, Greek-style temple among its many monuments—and the fashionable Schwabing district, formerly home to Munich’s bohemian residents.
• Enter Nymphenburg Palace, the Baroque home to past Bavarian royalty, and walk through its elaborately carved halls on a guided tour.
• Walk from Odeonsplatz—Munich’s large central square, named after an adjacent former concert hall—through the well-manicured grounds of the Hofgarten to view the Residenz, once home to the Wittelsbach dukes of Bavaria.
• Explore Marienplatz, Munich’s medieval heart, and see the famed Glockenspiel clock. Maybe you’ll catch it as it chimes!

If you choose, join your group on a visit to Dachau—the former site of a notorious Nazi concentration camp—and gain sobering perspective on one of humanity’s darkest eras. If you’d prefer to stay behind, spend the remainder of your day at your leisure—perhaps sipping a pint of local ale at a biergarten.

From $55 per person

Depart Munich and head to Salzburg, Austria, a city famed for its churches and musical history. Upon arrival, a guide will lead you on a walking tour of its Old Town. Known locally as the Altstadt, Salzburg’s historic core has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, honoring its legacy as the confluence of Italian and German culture.

• Pass by the University of Salzburg—an institution of higher learning first established in 1622—and St. Peter’s Abbey. Operating in some form or another since 696, it’s the oldest continually operating monastery in German-speaking Europe.
• See a trio of famous squares: the Kapitelplatz, former site of the Cathedral Abbey; Residenzplatz, once home of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg; and Alter Markt, where the city’s weekly market used to set up shop.
• Walk by the dashing yellow facade of the Mozarts Geburtshaus, the birthplace and childhood home of the virtuosic composer himself.
• Enter the richly ornamented Salzburg Cathedral. Although the current Baroque structure was built in the 17th century, the building’s roots go all the way back to 774, when Saint Rupert founded the church atop the remains of an old Roman town.

Want to make plans for the evening? Serenade your senses by opting for tonight’s dinner, served in one of Europe’s oldest restaurants and accompanied by live performances of Mozart’s music. Alternatively, relax in your hotel room and enjoy the sounds of the city.

Mozart Concert & Dinner

From $149 per person

Travel east to the Austrian capital of Vienna, stopping along the way in the little town of Melk for a guided tour of its Benedictine abbey. Built over the centuries following its foundation in 1089, this mammoth monastery typifies the Baroque style and offers immaculate views of the Wachau Valley’s stepped vineyards. Explore its pavilion, library, and chapel, then continue your journey through the Danube River Basin.

Arrive in Vienna and settle into your hotel. To bookend your day with some revelry, relaxation, and a glass or two of wine, take up tonight’s outing to the Prater—a historic amusement park in the heart of the city—before heading to a heuriger (a traditional Austrian tavern). Or, spend your evening strolling Vienna’s beautiful boulevards at your own pace.

Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening

From $119 per person

Coffeehouse culture. The Age of Empires. Symphonies and orchestras. Vienna has influenced world affairs for centuries; today, you’ll enjoy the best of “The City of Dreams” on a guided sightseeing tour.

• Step inside Belvedere Palace, home to the world’s largest collection of paintings by artist Gustav Klimt, and admire acre upon acre of impressive gardens.
• Travel down the tree-canopied paths of the Ringstrasse—Vienna’s gorgeous Ring Road—passing the Austrian Parliament Building, Vienna State Opera, and Kunsthistorisches Museum as you go.
• See the grand Hofburg Palace. Once the seat of the Habsburg dynasty, it now serves as the official residence and office of the president of Austria.

Celebrate a memorable trip with your group at a farewell dinner this evening and toast your adventures with beer or wine.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home—or head to the Czech Republic, home of the pilsner and birthplace of famed author Franz Kafka, for two more days of history and fun in picturesque Prague.

Head for Prague by way of Bohemia, the Czech Republic’s westernmost region. Oaks and spruces in varying shades of green, along with fertile fields populated by free-roaming livestock, typify this pastoral landscape. Drink it all in as you drive to the Czech capital.

Upon arrival, unwind in your hotel before setting off into the city streets. If you choose, you’ll spend an evening atop the Vltava River, enjoying a dinner cruise. Otherwise, take an evening to yourself and meander through the city, snacking on sweet koláče—pillowy discs of yeast dough loaded with fruity fillings—as you go.

Evening in Prague: River Cruise & Dinner

From $99 per person

Today, develop a deeper understanding of Prague’s history on a guided sightseeing tour, led by a local guide.

• Begin with a visit to Prague Castle. Considered the largest ancient castle on the planet, this 1,150-year-old structure utilizes Gothic, Romanesque, and other architectural styles over its grounds. It isn’t just a relic, either: Once the seat of Bohemian kings, it currently serves as the presidential residence.
• Admire the Gothic vaults of St. Vitus Cathedral, the final resting place of Rudolf II, Charles IV, and other Holy Roman emperors.
• Walk down to the red shingles and Baroque buildings of the Malá Strana district. Originally founded by royal decree in 1257, the “Little Quarter” stands opposite the Old Town, just across the Vltava. Pop into a local cafe for a cup of coffee before continuing down to the riverbank.
• Cross Karluv Most—the elegant Charles Bridge. Hewn from Bohemian sandstone and lined by statues of Catholic saints, it has connected Malá Strana to Prague’s Old Town since the 15th century.
• Stroll through the Old Town Square to the Old Town Hall. There, on its southern wall, you’ll find Prague Orloj—the city’s famous Astronomical Clock. First hung in 1410, it’s the oldest timepiece of its kind still in use, marking each passing hour with a mechanized “Walk of the Apostles.”

Tonight, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

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Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

5 out of 5 stars

I went on this trip in May 2024. It was fantastic. Great tours, excellent hotels, great included meals, and an incredible tour director (Jürgen) who kept everything running smoothly and really looked out for each and every person on the tour (33 on this tour). I definitely recommend this trip and EF...

Great tour with amazing points of interest. Ample time to explore and reconnect with the inner child adventurous spirit. Would recommend even more time for free time in the cities we visited. Great people on the tour and a great tour guide, Yurgen, very knowledgeable about the history of the countri...

From the start our your guide, Juergen, made everyone feel welcome. His daily updates for the next day’s itinerary kept us informed and were very helpful. The local tour guides were well informed. It was a great trip!

HI Annette, thank you for sharing your experience!...

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This Belle Époque hotel is located near the lake promenade. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and outdoor terrace. Nearby, you’ll find Lake Lucerne, Cha...

This artsy hotel is located in the Obersendling district. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and sauna. Nearby you’ll find the Hellabrunn Zoo, the Theres...

This contemporary hotel is located in Salzburg city center. Guests enjoy the large garden, fitness center, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find the Sal...

This convenient hotel is located in the city center of Vienna, Austria. Guests enjoy the fitness area, on-site bar and restaurant, and spa. Nearby you...

This modern hotel is located in the Smíchov district of Prague. Guests enjoy a gym and sauna, restaurants with terraces, and a tennis court. Nearby, y...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• This tour visits Switzerland, Germany, and Austria (plus the Czech Republic on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
• Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center .
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code SGA.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Zurich and depart from Vienna (or Prague on the tour extension).
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
• When you arrive in Zurich, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.

Physical Activity Level

This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.

Tour Pacing

This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• One 1-night stay
• Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
• Most transportation by motor coach
• Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy

Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements

• Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day- this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
• Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
• During the visit to Neuschwanstein, travelers can expect to walk 25 minutes uphill on a steep incline to view the castle and further walking to get to the castles entrance, if they wish.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
• Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.

Climate Considerations

• In the summer months from June to September, travelers can expect high temperatures from 70Fs -80Fs and lows from 50Fs-60Fs with occasional extreme heatwaves.

Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions

• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
• If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
• Most transportation on this tour is by private motor coach. Private motor coaches have steps required to board and often do not provide access to ramps or lifts.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels and airports.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
• Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
• Accommodations are typically three and four star hotels.
• All accommodations include a private bathroom.
• Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
• Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
• Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
• Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
• Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
• We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
• Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
• Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
• We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
• Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
• Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov .
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
• The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
• This tour includes 3 dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
• Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
• Swiss food is varied and sophisticated, and some popular dishes include sausages, breaded veal fillets, freshwater fish, and cheese dishes such as fondue and raclette. Be sure to try Swiss chocolate, which is among the world’s finest.
• German food is hearty and substantial. Among the specialties are dumpling stews, sauerkraut, sausages, smoked cheeses, and dark breads. Bavaria produces some of the world’s purest beers, and white German wines are exceptionally good.
• Austria is known for its savory Wiener schnitzel and excellent wild trout, carp, and crayfish. Save room for dessert—especially the strudels of fruit and nuts and elegant chocolate cakes, such as the world-famous Sachertorte.
• On the tour extension, Czech food is hearty, and you’ll find large portions of veal, beef, and potato dishes. Some of the world’s finest beers are produced here, including the original Budweiser and Pils.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
• The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
• You will use the Swiss franc in Switzerland and the euro in Germany and Austria (and the Czech koruna in the Czech Republic on the tour extension).
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
• To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
• Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
• The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
• Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
• This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
• As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
• Switzerland, Germany, and Austria (and the Czech Republic on the extension) are 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
• When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
• Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
• Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
• When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
• EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
• Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.

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Splendors of Austria, Germany & Switzerland Tour

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Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration, customizable itinerary, vienna – arrive in the contemporary and imperial city of vienna, austria.

The corners of Vienna brim with impressive contemporary museums, chic restaurants, and imperial splendor from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Your flight lands at the Vienna airport, and your private transfer awaits your arrival. You will be escorted into the heart of the city to find historical streets that wind around the elaborate architecture of the State Opera House. The city has a deep connection with music, and operatic and ballet performances are staged hundreds of times each year. The current opera house was erected in the 19th-century in the style of Early French Renaissance.

A grand staircase leads to the first floor, known as the Schwind Foyer, named after the opulent paintings that depict scenes from famous operas. Students and artists fill the numerous coffee houses of the city and indulge on crispy, sweet pastries as they espouse their latest theories. The old and new combine for a delightful display of the city’s proud history and its optimistic future. Settle in the luxury of your centrally located hotel and embrace the beauty of Vienna.

What's Included:

Vienna – Full Day Private Tour of Vienna’s Museums and Monuments

In the morning, the Bohemian spirit fills the café known as Mozart’s favorite refuge and one of the last places the maestro performed in public. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingers along the cushioned booths as patrons engage in conversation. After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to whisk you through Vienna’s captivating monuments and rich history. Pass the stunning black façade of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and marvel at the Late Romanesque style of the Heathen Towers gate remains from the 13th-century edifice. The majority of the structure was renovated in the 18th-century, but the nearly 450-foot tall tower was erected in the 1400s.

Your guide will lead you to the Museums Quartier, famous for its collection of exhibits that span 645,834 square feet as Baroque buildings contrast with the more modern architecture. Inside the Leopold Museum, your guide will lead you along the impressive ensemble of Austrian art to the masterpieces of Nouveau expression, including works by Gustav Klimt. The painting, “Avenue in Front of Kammer Castle,” catches your eye as the blue and green branches frame the bright yellow façade of the castle in the distance. The unique brush strokes and texture of the painting provides colorful, surreal image to create a uniquely soothing atmosphere.

Vienna – Half-Day Cultural Tour of Vienna’s Quarters and Restaurants

In the morning, the shops on the Mariahilf, one of Vienna’s busiest walking streets, opens to the public. Locals venture to the produce market to buy fresh fruits and vegetables as the aroma of fresh bread emanates from the bakery stands. Cheesemongers offer free samples to passersby as your private guide leads you on another tour of the city to reveal more of the opulent sites and monuments. On sunny days, locals gather on the Danube canal to sunbath on the sandbank beaches with deck chairs and blankets to turn the canal shores into a resort atmosphere.

Venture to the outside of town and make your way to the Spanish Riding School to view the beautiful Lipizzaner horses as introduced to the royal court in the 16th-century. Visit the school and enjoy the thrills and skills of the equestrian display located on the Hofburg Palace grounds. The school remains the heart of classical dressage and offers performances to the general public; young stallions from the stud farm at Piber romp around the ring to demonstrate their first phase of training. Fully trained stallions follow to move with Olympic grace and highlight the next phase of training. The performance is equitable to the enchanting movements of ballet. In the evening, you can take in a jazz performance in an underground club located down a little city alley that takes you back to the age of American prohibition.

Salzburg – Transfer to Salzburg and Visit the Hallein Salt Mine en route

Locals around the old city venture to a cafe to enjoy a double mocha with a splash of herbaceous liqueur, known as the Mozart. The tarts and croissants add a buttery, sweet aroma to the rich scent of roasted coffee beans. Your private transfer meets you in your hotel lobby and escorts you to the stunning city of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart, with a stop at the Hallein salt mine along the way. The Baroque architecture in the town of Hallein adds a layer of luster beneath the towering figures of the mountaintops. Travel to the entrance of the mine and find a large doorway that leads into the mountain. The alpine air blends with the scent of stone.

Tunnels meander beneath the granite for miles and turn the warm air bathed in sunlight to the cool, damp ambiance of the subterranean tiers. The original Celt settlers of the region mined for salt around 600 BC to carve tunnels more than 900 feet deep to make Hallein the oldest discovered salt mine in the world. Your tour takes you more than half a mile through the tunnels to experience the cavern as a former miner might have. In the depths of the mine, you will find two sets of wooden slides once used to transport heavy materials. Sit at the top of the slide, the pair of which travels nearly 140 feet, and enjoy your fast glide down as your jovial cries echo off the surrounding stone.

Salzburg – Enjoy a Full Day Private Tour of Salzburg’s Charming Streets

The sunlight washes over the quiet district of New Town, located north of the Salzach River. The Mirabell Gardens and Mozart’s former home shine against what was once on the fringe of the historical city. Horses clop along the cobblestone streets of Old Town and pass the Baroque buildings of the 16th and 17th-centuries. Mozart left an impression Salzburg that remains today as it emanates from the music that pours out of charming shops and fills the plaza of Markt Square.  Follow your guide on an in-depth tour of Salzburg’s history and splendor that begins at Residenzplatz, the oldest square on the Salzach River’s left bank.

A 17th-century marble statue adorns the center of the square along with a gilded fountain that stands nearly 50 feet tall. Intricate figures of horses and dolphins add to the impressive display of Atlas and Triton. The outline of Hoensalzburg Castle rises over the city crowning the central hilltop. The 16th-century edifice was built over the original castle base, which was built in the 11th-century. The arched defensive gate continues to shape the entrance passage and the small church of St. George contains a working organ originally placed in 1502.

Munich – Visit Neuschwanstein Castle before Arriving in Munich, Germany

The old merchant homes from the 15th-century that line the pedestrian avenue of the Getreidegasse continue to draw visitors from around the world. Wrought-iron shop signs dangle over doorways and cafes are filled with people in search of a freshly brewed cup of coffee. After breakfast, leave the charming city of Salzburg behind and make your way over the border into the Bavarian region of Germany. Before you reach Munich, stop in the town of Fussen, home to the Neuschwanstein Castle. King Ludwig II of built the structure between 1869 and 1886, but spent only 170 days living on the grounds before his untimely death. The stories of Ludwig’s youth, along with the enticing tales of celebrated operas, inspired the castle’s fairytale design.

Neuschwanstein Castle provided the inspiration to Walt Disney to build Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland. The structure rises above the treetops on a sandstone mound as the mountain peaks roll in the background, and the façade shines blood-orange against the natural white stone of the towers. The interior contains lavish paintings that depict scenes from Richard Wagner’s celebrated operatic pieces and decorate the extent of the Singer’s Hall. A golden chandelier adorned with precious stones hangs from the center of the room as you make your way into the artificial Grotto. The quiet trickles of water echo through the cave, emanating from a lake near the cavern’s end as the winter garden opens up from the cave and offers a view of the Alps.

Munich – Delight in a Full Day Private Tour of the Bavarian Capital City

Men walk through both the contemporary, and the historical, streets of Munich in lederhosen throughout the year and women enjoy the flowing fabric of dirndls. Cafes open to the cobbled streets of Old Town and the 950-foot tall television tower near Olympic Park watches over the entirety of Germany’s third-largest city. Your guide will lead you on an elaborate full day tour of Munich’s captivating old streets and its contemporary neighborhoods.

Continue to make your way to St. Peter’s Church, the oldest parish church in the city, located on a small hill once settled by monks. The 14th-century Gothic edifice contains a Baroque choir from the 17th -century while a lantern dome replaced the original spire of the old tower. The tower contains eight clock faces matched by eight bells and stands at the height of nearly 300 feet. Climb the 299 steps for a panoramic view of the city and the Alps, while inside you will find a beautiful red marble monument, along with 65-foot tall altar adorned with figures of Gregory, Ambrose, Augustine, and Jerome, the Four Fathers of the Church.

Baden-Baden – Venture to the Celebrated Spa Town of Baden-Baden

The bustling outdoor market of Viktualienmarkt opens daily with 140 colorful booths filled with the unique flavors of Bavaria. The scent of fennel and radishes joins the aroma of honey and cured sausages as they dangle from the small rafters. Stroll through the avenues to find a rainbow of hues and sweet, freshly baked strudels. After breakfast, venture to the town of Baden-Baden, located in the famous German Black Forest. A neoclassical pump room was erected in the 19th-century to overlook the manicured grounds of Kurpark. The 295-foot long portico contains 19th-century frescoes that highlight the local legends.

The pump helps procure the curative mineral waters of Friedrichsbad Spring, the mythical source of the region’s elixir of youth that feeds into the essential baths of this famous spa town. The Kurgarten acts as the center of town life, filled with boutique shops, elegant galleries, and luxurious cafes. Make your way to Baden-Baden’s oldest spa resort erected in the 19th-century to visit the colonnaded shops or settle into the refreshing, warm waters of the bathhouse at a luxury spa. A gushing fountain adds a soothing sound to the room’s tranquil ambiance as all of the tension in your body fades away, and you look out into the greenery of the private gardens outside.

Baden-Baden – Relish an Excursion to the French Wine Region of Alsace

The Baroque buildings and fountains of Old Town come to light in the morning, framed by antique shops and lavish galleries. After breakfast, your guide will lead you across the western border in the Alsace region of France for a day among the medieval towns, award winning restaurants, and mouthwatering wines. Travel the well known Route des Vin d’Alsace which begins in the town of Thann. The French, German, and Swiss use the Alsace as an easy weekend getaway to follow along meandering trails that hug the Vosges Mountains foothills and the banks of the Rhine River. The village of Obernai stands at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile surrounded by the Ehn River.

The medieval ambiance emanates from the central 13th-century tower encircling the town gates and the ancient town walls. Outside of town, the Vosges Mountains, rural plain, and vineyards converge in the valley. Enter into a small vineyard that overlooks a church tower as the fragrant earth contains hints of minerals and grape peels. A stone grotto protects the barrels. Your guide leads you along the vines that stretch into a small, rustic tasting room in view of the Vosges Massif.  Sip the Pinot Noir to not the aromas of red fruits, specifically cherry. The full-bodied flavor leaves a taste of anise on your palate that lingers and delights.

Zurich – Travel to Zurich, Switzerland, and Visit the City of Basel en route

Today you will leave the lovely town of Baden-Baden and cross the border into Switzerland to discover the incredible cultural attractions and luxurious ambiance of Basel. With more than 15 square miles of museums, six bridges arch over the Rhine River to connect the cobbled streets of Old Town with the manicured streets of the more contemporary neighborhoods. Basel joined the Swiss Confederation in the 16th-century, and its university became a center for distinguished scholars and teachers.

The Town Hall in Marktplatz marks the city center as a daily market takes place in the mornings and brims with pyramids of fruit and budding flowers. The Town Hall’s bright red walls dominate the square with a 16th-century Gothic style with its adorning clock constructed between 1511 and 1512. The Basel Historical Museum contains a collection of art and weaponry that spans more than two millennia beneath its cavernous vaulted ceilings. Your guide will lead you to a stunning 15th-century mural depiction of the “Dance of Death,” a medieval allegory on the universality of death, which in philosophers’ and artists’ minds, united the world.

Zurich – Explore the Fascinating Sites of Zurich on a Private Half-Day Tour

Zurich springs to life in the morning as locals venture to work along the cobbled streets and electric trollies. The city stands at the heart of Europe, in the center of Switzerland, and emits a cosmopolitan flair while maintaining a deep connection to its alpine heritage. Old Town rises over the left bank of the Limmat River where the Romans first build their settlement, and the old streets of the city follow the grid of the fortified town. The aroma of coffee drifts out of the small cafes and blends with the scent of leather from the bound books inside the antique bookstores.

Your guide will lead you to the Kunsthaus Museum as run by the Zurich Society of Arts, a society of artists founded in the late 18th-century. The museum houses the largest collection of Monet’s work outside of Paris and specializes in exhibitions of quality over quantity. At the center of the Monet exhibit hang two of the artist’s larger water lily canvases, along with the 20th-century haystack series, which inspired Kandinsky’s style of non-figurative forms. The more contemporary neighborhood across the river contains the Bahnhofstrasse, a mile-long street with bank headquarters, exclusive fashion boutiques, and streets cafes where people linger and watch the chic styles of passersby.

Lausanne – Visit the Capital City of Bern before Arriving in Lausanne

The winding roads of the Alps take you from the charm of Zurich, with its mixture of cosmopolitan culture and Swiss heritage, to the shores of Lake Geneva in the city of Lausanne. Before you reach the city, stop in Switzerland’s capital of Bern, home to a picture-perfect Old Town, Albert Einstein’s home, and a unique blend of historical streets set atop a sandstone plateau that overlooks the calm waters of the Aare River. Swiss flags hang along the half-timbered buildings of the old city and brush against the doorframes of hidden, chic bars. Cafes set tables along the cobblestone streets and provide patrons with decadent hot chocolate, delicious coffee, and indulgently sweet pastries.

The gray-green sandstone of the streets wind beneath the covered arcades of the city center and cover nearly four miles that are adorned with 16th-century fountains that depict local folkloric figures. Make your way to Einstein-Haus Bern, the famous physicist’s, and family’s, former residence in the capital city. The small exhibit captures the life of the Einstein as he developed his theories while simultaneously working as a patent clerk. A film traces the development of his most famous equation and helps elucidate some of the finer points of the scientific language. The rooms are preserved to capture the atmosphere of the past with photos, furniture, and wallpaper during Einstein’s lifetime. Pictures of the scientist decorate the walls, accompanied by framed photos of his family and provide insight into the motivations of his life’s work and his deeper connection to his surroundings.

Lausanne – Revel in a Full Day Tour In and Around Lausanne

Wake up in the enchanting city of Lausanne, and it’s view of the glistening waters of Lake Geneva as framed by the rolling mountain peaks on the distant horizon. The blue copper spires of the Cathedral imitate the spiked peaks that surround the city. A timber-canopied staircase with a tiled roof rises alongside antique homes to the terrace and lead to the cathedral’s front door. Medieval streets, Gothic architecture, and diverse artistry mingle with the two renowned universities that bring a vibrant ambiance of the city.

Outside the city, your guide will lead you on a half-day tour to discover the lesser-known Lavaux wine region as it stretches for more than 18 miles along the northern shores of Lake Geneva. Vineyards grow on the slopes of the far-reaching mountains. Evidence suggests that the Romans grew vines for winemaking along the terraces, but the production of the wines began in the 11th-century with the construction of Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries. As you stroll along the trails and through the vineyards, see the glassy surface of the lake as it reflects the snowcapped peaks across the water.

Outside of the villages, you will find tightly packed houses that seem to sprout out of the vineyard. The stone structures provided residence for workers, rather than having to travel to and from town during harvest. At one vineyard, stop in for a sample of their Chasselas, the king of Lavaux wineries and a typical Swiss grape varietal, and your guide will pour a taste of the special “Plant Robert” wine, a Lemanic grape with ancient roots. The aroma emits hints of black cherry and subtle spice as you sip the wine and let the rustic, lingering cherry flavor wash over your palate.

Lausanne – Depart for Home

Locals venture to a nearby cafe in the morning, a charming coffeehouse nestled among the bustling streets of the Grand Pont. Relax on the sofas and read the morning paper as you sip freshly brewed coffee and enjoy the scent of the sweet cakes that fill the room. Spend some extra time in the luxury of your hotel to bask in the view from your window. The contemporary activity of the city contrasts with the medieval ambiance of the architecture. The Place de la Palud emerges from the winding streets of the pedestrian lanes and contains the oldest fountain in the city.  When the time comes, your private transfer will meet you in the hotel lobby and escort you to the airport in Geneva for your international flights home.

Trip Highlights

• Indulge in the unique flavors of the landscape with visits to the cherished wine regions Alsace, on the French border, and Lavaux, near the Swiss Alps
• Venture deep into the heart of the Austrian mountains while touring the world’s oldest salt mine
• Witness the graceful allure of the imperial Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna
• Discover the fairytale edifice and inspiring frescoes of the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany
• Enjoy the electric atmosphere of a traditional German beer hall in Munich, home to liter steins and mesmerizing music
• Sink into the relaxing, healing waters of Baden-Baden with a tranquil spa treatment in the historic baths
• Witness the elaborate artwork of Austrian masters in the Leopold Museum and along Museums Quartier
• View one of the largest collection of French Impressionist artwork in the world to find a stunning array of Monet’s large water lily pieces
• Absorb the culture and heritage of the Swiss Alps in Bern, host to a collection of museums providing insight into the region’s past that informs its present
• Relish the pleasures of private tour guides who specialize in catering each tour to your interests
• Immerse yourself in the comforts of luxurious accommodation located in the heart of cities, villages, and towns across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

Detailed Description

Private tours allow you the flexibility to explore the bustling streets of a city, linger in the charming alleys of a village, and enjoy the vibrant artwork of a museum you stumbled upon along the way. Your 14-day tour of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland allows you to follow your guide on individualized tours created with your personal tastes in mind. From stallion training at the Spanish Riding School to posing with epic operatic murals in the Neuschwanstein Castle, submerging in mineral waters of Baden-Baden to the Gothic cathedral of Lausanne, you will have the splendor of history and the beauty of landscape at your fingertips.

Your tour begins with your arrival in Vienna, Austria, home to the Hapsburg Palace and a renowned opera house. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel in the heart of the city. Spend the next day on a tour of Vienna’s cultural heritage, from museums to churches as you enjoy the delicious cuisine and inviting nightlife. Continue the next morning with a half-day tour of Vienna to discover the opulence of the Hapsburg Palace grounds, along with a performance of the Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School. Make your way to Salzburg by way of the Hallein Salt Mine the following day and dive deep into the caverns to see the extent of the mine and its history.

Continue as your guide will lead you on a full day grand tour of Salzburg, from Mozart’s birthplace to the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Taste a delicious marzipan and enjoy a view of the Salzach River. Travel next to the Bavarian region of Germany to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle. The fairytale ambiance emanates from the elaborate architectural design and décor. Move next to a full day tour of the famous Glockenspiel and outdoor markets of Munich. Venture through the mixture of contemporary and antique streets to enjoy the delightful music and laughter of one of the city’s famous beer halls.

Journey next to the town of Baden-Baden in the Black Forest and stroll through the streets on an introductory tour before you relax in the hot and cold baths of one of the town’s celebrated, historical spas. Cross the border into France for a unique tour of the Alsace wine region and relish the sights of medieval towns and beautiful vineyards. You will then make your way into Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich. The ambiance combines its deep heritage with a contemporary style and architecture outside of the old town. En route to Zurich you visit the museum friendly city of Basel, celebrated for its art, bridges, and culture.

Traverse the streets of Zurich to experience the pleasures of the city at your preferred pace to take in the museums, the half-timbered buildings, and the elegant shopping streets. Stop in the city of Bern en route to Lausanne; the Swiss capital has two distinct districts separated by the Aare River. Once in Lausanne, relax in your luxurious hotel that overlooks Lake Geneva. You will then have time to enjoy the charms of Lausanne before you wander along the treasures of the Lavaux wine region, filled with delicious wineries and stunning vineyards. Conclude as your private transfer meets you at your hotel in Lausanne to escort you to Geneva Airport for your flight home.

Starting Price

$6,057  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

• Accommodations
• In-country transportation
• Some or all activities and tours
• Expert trip planning
• 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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Where to Travel in Germany, Austria & Switzerland in 2 Weeks

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my  disclaimer policy.

Wondering how to see Germany, Austria, and Switzerland on one trip? In this guide we show you 3 perfect starting points and share ideas for what to include in your itinerary.

Planning a trip to Germany? Wonder if it’s possible to include a visit to neighboring Switzerland and Austria?

We’ve combined trips to Germany with visits to both Austria and Switzerland. In this guide we give you itinerary ideas from 3 different starting points in Germany so you can easily include beautiful Austria and Switzerland in your trip.

Get ready to discover charming medieval towns, breathtaking natural landscapes, and historic cities in all three countries!

Join our FREE Germany Trip Planning Facebook Group!

• 1 Where Can I Find The Above Map?
• 2 Can I Go To Switzerland & Austria From Germany?
• 3 Starting Point #1: Southern Germany
• 4 Starting Point#2: Germany’s Black Forest
• 5 Starting Point #3: Lake Constance (Bodensee)
• 6 Germany, Austria & Switzerland in One Trip
• 7 Not Sure Where To Begin With Planning Your Trip?

Where Can I Find The Above Map?

It’s part of our Germany Travel Planner , and it’s your Germany travel planning BFF! Using our custom interactive planning map you’ll be able to quickly see the best sights, castles, hotels, day trips, and more – along with our photos and up-to-date insider tips. Seeing where these things are in relation to each other makes it much easier to plan your overall itinerary, as well as each day of your trip. If you don’t yet have it, click here to get access.

Can I Go To Switzerland & Austria From Germany?

This is a question I’m frequently asked in one-on-one trip planning consults . The quick answer? Yes, it’s totally possible. I’ve helped lots of clients create an unforgettable itinerary that combines Germany with one or both of these beautiful countries.

The most important thing to consider when planning your own route is your starting point in Germany. That’s why we’ve organized the itinerary ideas below around 3 convenient starting points in Germany.

Not only are these starting points popular destinations, they’re also convenient for hopping across the border into Switzerland and Austria. We also suggest where you can go in both Austria and Switzerland so you can plan an unforgettable trip.

Starting Point #1: Southern Germany

Bavaria, a beautiful region in southern Germany, is the easiest starting point for a journey through both Germany and Austria. Here are destinations to consider adding to your itinerary.

Tip: if you have our Germany Travel Planner , be sure to use the Trip Planning Spreadsheet, City Cheatsheets, and Germany Planning Map to help you plan your itinerary.

One of the best places to start your journey is Munich, the largest city in southern Germany. The Bavarian capital is known for many things including Oktoberfest , historic sights, delicious beer and food, and excellent iconic views and scenery.

Because there’s so much to do and see in walkable Munich, we recommend staying for a couple of days — at the very minimum 2 days. This will allow you to get a good taste of Munich by seeing most of the city’s highlights in the center of town and something a bit further out.

When choosing your accommodation, it’s best to stay somewhere in the city center Altstadt (Old Town). This way most of the main tourist sites will be within walking distance or a short ride away via public transportation. Read our full guide with recommendations for the best hotels in Munich , including where we’ve stayed.

If you stay in the Altstadt (Old Town), you can spend a day visiting historic buildings like the Neus Rathaus (New Town Hall) and the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) in Marienplatz. Make sure to stop by the central food market, Viktuellenmarkt, and the Munich Residenz, the biggest city palace in Germany (my favorite part of our palace visit was the Cuvilliés Theatre).

Tip: if you have our Germany Travel Planner you’ll find recommended hotels on our interactive planning map. Seeing where these hotels are in relation to the top sights makes it a lot easier to find the perfect place to stay. If you don’t yet have it, click here to get access.

After stopping by the palace, you can easily make your way to the beautiful Englischer Garten (English Garden) and grab drinks at the famous Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm (Chinese Tower Beer Garden) or simply take a relaxing stroll through this famous park.

The next day, depending on how much time you have, you can visit a sight that is a bit further from the center. One suggestion to head out to Nymphenburg Palace to admire its beautiful gardens and luxurious pavilions. Another half-day activity is taking a guided tour to the memorial site of Dachau Concentration Camp for a moving and educational experience.

Another option? Make Munich your home base and stay for several days. One of the reasons Munich is such a popular destination in Germany is because there are so many amazing day trip options nearby.

The most popular day trip is without a doubt Neuschwanstein Castle . Millions of people each year visit Germany to see this beautiful castle straight out of a fairy tale nestled in the Bavarian Alps. No matter when you visit, the castle and its landscapes are gorgeous year round, and especially magical during the winter season.

For more day trip ideas, read our full guide on the best day trips to take from Munich. Many of the locations below can be done as a day trip from Munich before making your way to Austria.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen comprises two small towns that have grown together and are located about an hour or so away from Munich. Both towns are well known for being a hotspot for winter sports as they regularly host skiing championships (when there’s enough snow). 

This area is beautiful year round and can be visited on a day trip from Munich or you can spend a couple days here before venturing into Austria. There’s a lot to do around Garmisch-Partenkirchen so you’ll easily find enough to fill 2 or more days.

If you like hiking, you’ll love this area because Garmisch is surrounded by amazing mountains, hiking paths and natural areas, most notably Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm), Eibsee lake, and Zugspitze, which is Germany’s highest peak. There you’ll find sweeping views of the Alps and Germany’s highest beer garden.

Partnach Gorge is easy to reach by bus or on foot from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Zugspitze and Eibsee lake are about 40 minutes away by train or bus. You can also drive to each.

You can also have a laidback afternoon, evening or full day in Garmisch and Partenkirchen. Walk around each small town taking in the alpine scenery, ornate churches, traditional painted Bavarian houses, and the feel of the cobblestone streets.

Be sure to stop for a meal, beer or Kaffee und Kuchen. Tip: we had a delicious coffee, tea, and freshly made “house cake” at Wildkaffee Cafe.

Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden is another of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations. It lies within the breathtaking Berchtesgaden Alps and is surrounded on three sides by Austria. Salzburg is only a short drive (around 45 minutes) away from Berchtesgaden, making it the perfect next stop as you make your way from Germany to Austria.

Berchtesgaden has a unique atmosphere thanks to its beautiful location surrounded by the mountains. We recommend staying 2-3 days to make the most of it.

Known for its association with World War II, there are many historical and educational sites to visit like Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus in German) and the Obersalzberg Documentation Center.

Originally built as a mountaintop retreat during the Nazi regime, Eagle’s Nest now serves as a popular tourist destination for the panoramic views of the stunning alpine scenery. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the area, then Obersalzberg Documentation Center is a must-visit (currently closed for renovation). 

For more outdoor activities, make sure to visit the Berchtesgaden National Park. It’s rich with natural landscapes like rugged mountains, narrow gorges, and pristine lakes. We recommend visiting the Königsee, taking the Jennerbahn cable car, and hiking from Ramsau to Hintersee lake. If you have extra free time, the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines are also a fun site to add to your itinerary.

Click here to see our recommendations for where to stay in Berchtesgaden and more information about what to do and see in this beautiful area.

The city of Salzburg is the easiest entry way into Austria as the travel time from Berchtesgaden is only around 45 minutes away by car (you can also take the train or bus). This picturesque city is known around the world as the setting of the musical “ The Sound of Music ” and as the birthplace of Mozart.

Salzburg’s historic center houses many of the city’s important landmarks and it’s small enough so that they are within walking distance of each other. You can easily spend a day (or more) wandering the beautiful squares and streets of the downtown area. You’ll also find Mozart’s former residence, the Salzburg Cathedral, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. During December you can visit their beautiful Christmas market.

Zell am See

Located around an hour away from Salzburg, Zell am See would be the ideal next stop in your trip into Austria. This town lies on one of the nicest alpine lakes, Lake Zell. The lakeside town is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with a wide range of activities throughout the year.

In the summer, visitors can indulge in hiking, biking, and water sports on the lake, while in winter, the town transforms into a winter wonderland for skiing and snowboarding. You can also explore the town square and lively pedestrian zone to do some shopping or try some exquisite Austrian pastries and desserts at a coffee shop.

After a scenic drive of around 2 hours, you’ll make your way to Innsbruck. This city nestled in the heart of the Alps is famous for being a winter sports destination. One of the main reasons to visit are for the world-class ski resorts around the city but there’s also so much more to see and do in Innsbruck.

One of Innsbruck’s highlights is its charming and picturesque cityscape, especially with the backdrop of the Nordkette mountain range and the River Inn. In Old Town, make sure to visit the famous Golden Roof, a building with a shimmering roof adorned with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles, and the majestic Hofburg Palace.

You can also take a cable car into the Nordkette and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views. We once took the cable car to the top, then walked back down to Innsbruck. While it was a long walk and we were quite sore for a few days, it was a lot of fun!

Another option in this itinerary would be to go to Vienna from Salzburg. Even though the train ride is only a about 2.5 hours and 3 hours by car, we recommend spending a couple of days here. A day trip would not be enough time to really enjoy everything there is to do and see in the Austrian capital.

Vienna is a memorable destination that combines history, architecture, and culture. Some must-see landmarks include Schonbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Hofburg. The Vienna State Opera is also a must for opera and classical music lovers. Vienna is also home to world-class museums like the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Belvedere Palace, and Albertina.

If you have a couple weeks to travel, you could see most or even all of these places in Germany and Austria by car or train.

Starting Point#2: Germany’s Black Forest

Located in the southwestern region of Germany, the Black Forest is an ideal starting point for exploring both Germany and Switzerland. We recommend making one place in the Black Forest your home base and exploring the rest through day trips.

Here are some beautiful places to add to your Germany and Switzerland itinerary.

Baden-Baden

Situated in the northern region of the Black Forest, the old resort town of Baden-Baden offers a wide selection of relaxing activities and rejuvenating retreats for all sorts of travelers. Renowned for its soothing natural hot springs, extensive spa and wellness facilities, and therapeutic thermal baths, Baden-Baden invites everyone to unwind and recharge after a long day of traveling.

Aside from its luxurious wellness offerings, the town is also great for sports enthusiasts looking to do something active like hiking, biking or spending a day in the prestigious golf courses and equestrian clubs.

Triberg im Schwarzwald 

Another great place to go in the Black Forest is Triberg, located just over an hour away from Baden-Baden. This smaller town is closely associated with the famous Black Forest cuckoo clocks! You can even find the world’s largest cuckoo clock here. 

Triberg is also home to the Triberg Waterfalls, a series of waterfalls near the Gutach river and considered to be one of Germany’s highest waterfalls. It very pretty and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of the famous red squirrels.

Although this town leans touristy, Triberg is worth adding to your itinerary if you’re looking for a home base that has a good mix between natural landscapes and tourist attractions. You really feel like you’re in the Black Forest in Triberg.

If you’d like to stay in this general area but would prefer a different town, check out Gengenbach. It’s a lovely small town with a delightful market square and cute side streets. From Gengenbach you can easily head into the Black Forest – be sure to stop by the Black Forest Open Air Museum and see what life on a Black Forest farm used to be like. We loved it!

Freiburg im Breisgau

If you’re looking for a pleasant stay in the Black Forest, consider Freiburg. It’s our favorite home base! I lived here for a little while when I was in grad school and am always happy to spend time in Freiburg.

Freiburg is in the heart of the Black Forest and is aptly known as the “capital of the Black Forest.” It’s also the sunniest spot in Germany.

A vibrant university town, Freiburg features a mixture of Gothic and modern architecture, as seen in the Old Town. One of the most popular attractions in Freiburg is the Münster Cathedral. This impressive Gothic structure dates back to 1200 AD and boasts one of Germany’s largest church bells. Another must-see is Schlossberg, a scenic lookout offering sweeping views of the city’s iconic red-tiled rooftops.

One of the reasons we love making Freiburg our Black Forest home base is that not only is there a lot to see and do in Freiburg, it’s easy to visit locations all over the region by train and car. For our recommendations on where to stay and to read more about all there is to do and see in this beautiful town, read our Freiburg guide here.

Basel is conveniently located near the borders of Germany, Switzerland, and France. It’s only about an hour by train or car from Freiburg, so it’s a great day trip if you just want to get a quick taste of Switzerland. You could also make a short stop in Basel before heading further into Switzerland.

Nestled on the banks of the Rhine River, Basel is a quaint riverside city with lots to offer. Some of the city’s most important landmarks include the Basel Minster, the medieval streets of the Old Town, the Zoo Basel, Kunstmuseum Basel, and Marktplatz.

Continuing your journey into Switzerland, only an hour away from Basel is Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. The city is an important global hub for banking and finance, but it’s also rich with history and beautiful architecture.

This is best seen in the picturesque streets of the central Altstadt where you’ll also find famous historic landmarks like Lindenhof, Grossmünster, Kunsthaus Zürich, and Fraumünster. After sightseeing, you can spend the rest of the day strolling along the calm promenade of Lake Zurich, admiring the scenic surroundings, and trying out delicious Swiss chocolate.

Zurich also has a good airport to fly in and out of. We flew from the US to Zurich once when we spent a couple weeks in the Swiss Alps and it was super convenient. If you fly home from Zurich it’s easy to spend a day there before heading home.

Lucerne, Interlaken & Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps are a highlight of any Switzerland trip and we recommend taking 3-5 days to do this leg of the journey. 

From Zurich, first make your way to Lucerne, which is around an hour drive away. Lucerne is worth spending at least a full day in. It’s home to famous landmarks such as the Chapel Bridge (the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe), the colorful Old Town, and the Swiss Museum of Transport.

Lucerne is also surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes like Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus, a mountain peak with a restaurant and sweeping alpine views that’s reached by cable cars or railway. 

After Lucerne, your final destination could be the Interlaken area, arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world. The fastest way to get to Interlaken is by car which is around an hour away. But if you’re looking for a unique experience, then you can opt for a scenic train ride on the Luzern-Interlaken Express. 

Interlaken is an important destination in the Bernese Oberland region of the SwissAlps and is considered to be the main gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of this region. The town is situated between two lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. A great way to explore is by taking a boat cruise. Interlaken is also surrounded by mountains, the most famous peaks being Jungfrau (known as the Top of Europe), Eiger, and Mönch.

You could also choose a small village to base yourself in and then explore the area by car. We did that once and loved the experience of being in a tiny alpine village, as well as driving through the Alps and visiting places like St. Moritz, Davos, Lugano, Grindelwald, Gimmelwald, Wintertur, St. Gallen, and more. We even stopped in a tiny village that we think Aaron’s family is originally from!

Starting Point #3: Lake Constance (Bodensee)

Lake Constance might be more of an unknown hidden gem for tourists coming from outside Germany, but it’s a favorite for locals and also a good starting point to travel to Switzerland from Germany. 

Konstanz is the biggest city on the shores of Lake Constance. It’s a great starting point for this region since there’s many a lot of different things to see and do. You can start by exploring Niederburg, the well-preserved medieval Old Town district and home to the city’s main church, Konstanz Munster. 

Don’t miss a boat trip to Mainau Island, also known as the Island of Flowers, where you can immerse yourself in stunning botanical gardens and explore the Baroque Mainau Castle. For those looking for a relaxing treat, make sure to check out the Bodensee-Therme Konstanz, a thermal spa right on the shore of the lake.

If you happen to be in Konstanz for New Year’s you’re in for a treat. We celebrated here once and had so much fun welcoming the new year with everyone else in the Old Town and on the shores of the lake.

Meersburg is a small town near Konstanz, around 40 minutes away by car and ferry. It’s surrounded by vineyards on the northern banks of Lake Constance, so it’s perfect for vineyard tours and wine tastings. 

It’s also known for its medieval charm. The Old Town is home to two medieval castles: the Meersburg Castle (considered to be one of the oldest inhabited castles in Germany) and Neues Schloss Meersburg, which houses several museums. Meersburg also boasts of an expanse of half-timbered houses, and two medieval town gates, which are remnants of the ancient town fortification.

Lindau is another well-known summer destination in the Lake Constance area. It’s around an hour drive south from Meersburg. It’s also quite near the Swiss cantons of St. Gallen and Thurgau and the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, so you can easily cross to the other two countries from here.

The best time to visit Lindau is in the spring or summer months because the gardens and outdoor spaces are in full bloom. So if you’re visiting during these seasons, we recommend staying for a few days and enjoying the scenery and even participating in outdoor activities like sailing, hiking, swimming, and cycling. 

The Old Town and Lindau Harbor are other two places worth visiting. The harbor has amazing views of the lake and the surrounding Swiss and Austrian Alps. It’s also where you can find interesting sites like the Lindau Lighthouse and Bavarian Lion sculpture.

An hour away south from Lindau is Bregenz. This city is the capital of the Austrian state of Vorarlberg and lies on the east and southeast shores of Lake Constance. It’s surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes like the Pfänder mountain and the Rhine valley leading to the German Alpine foothills.

One of the highlights of the city is the Bregenz Festival (Bregenzer Festspiele). This performing arts festival is held annually in the summer around July to August. It’s a unique festival because of the venue – a floating stage is set up on the lake to showcase spectacular opera and musical performances. Aside from the festival, the Old Town features a lot of Gothic and Baroque architecture. Some important landmarks include the Martinsturm, a medieval tower with great city views, and the Kunsthaus Bregenz.

To make your way to Switzerland, all you have to do is drive a little over 30 minutes to the west to St. Gallen. This Swiss city has a rich history being founded in the 7th century and it has now evolved into a large urban center in Eastern Switzerland.

The main highlight of St. Gallen is the Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage site built sometime in the 8th century. The abbey complex includes a magnificent Baroque-style cathedral, a library with ancient manuscripts and rare books, and a picturesque courtyard. In the city center, you’ll also find Drei Weieren, a collection of ponds that now serves as a natural swimming area with a magnificent view over the historic city. It’s a popular local recreation area for the city inhabitants to swim and picnic in during summer and even ice skate during the colder winter months.

Your last stop in this itinerary would be Zurich. Depending on how much time you have, you can either make this into a day trip or stay for a couple of days. If you have the time, you could also venture further into Lucerne and Interlaken, as discussed in the previous section, or head north to the Black Forest or France.

Germany, Austria & Switzerland in One Trip

The above proposed itineraries combine Germany with either Austria or Switzerland. But what if you do want to see Germany, Austria, and Switzerland all in one trip?

The good news is that it’s possible! That said, it’s important you plan every leg of your trip in advance. You should decide how much time to spend in each city/town, find accommodation as needed, and calculate how much time you’ll be traveling in between each destination. It’ll be rewarding and you’ll be sure to make travel memories you’ll never forget!

To see all 3 countries in one trip we suggest starting in Bavaria (consider flying into Munich) like we discussed in the first section. From Munich, you can add day trips to Neuschwanstein and/or Garmisch. Then, head to Berchtesgaden and then into Austria by going to Salzburg first and then Innsbruck. 

From there you head could go to Zurich, Switzerland. You could also alternatively stop in the Gimmelwald area to explore the Alps or head to Lucerne instead. Depending on how much time you want to spend in Switzerland, we also recommend going down to Lugano to experience Italian-speaking Switzerland or Geneva for the French-speaking area.

The last part of your trip would be to make your way back to Germany. This time you’ll head into the Black Forest region which is near the Swiss border. Choosing which towns or cities to stop by all ultimately depends on your time and personal preference! Make sure to read our complete Black Forest guide to help you choose the best things to do and see in the region.

Not Sure Where To Begin With Planning Your Trip?

We’ve got you covered! The interactive planning map, how to videos, and itinerary guides in our popular Germany Travel Planner will help you plan an a stress-free, personalized, and unforgettable trip. Or book a one-on-one trip planning consult with Cate!

Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now!

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

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GERMANY TRAVEL PLANNER:  Just getting started? Have questions about Germany’s confusing train tickets or how to find the best guided tours? Not sure which parts of Germany should be in your itinerary (and what to leave out)? Our  Germany Travel Planner  answers those questions and more via how-to videos, our interactive Germany Planning Map, City Cheatsheets, and MUCH more. Click here to unlock the best of Germany the easy way!

GERMANY TRAVEL CONSULT:  Feeling overwhelmed? Itinerary just not coming together? Wonder if a few tweaks would take your trip to the next level? Book a Mini or Full consult with Cate! She’ll help you create or tweak your itinerary, recommend train tickets/passes, hotels, things to do, guided tours, show you how to buy train tickets, orient you to specific cities, help you plan out day trips, and answer your Germany travel questions.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

WHAT TO PACK: If you’re bringing your phone, be sure to bring this plug adapter , this power bank , and this wrist strap . They’ve been lifesavers for us! You can see our other packing essentials here and here .

TICKETS & TOURS:  For guided tours, day trips, private tours, and skip-the-line tickets,  Get Your Guide  is our go-to!

TRAINS & BUSES:  To research train schedules and buy tickets or a Germany Rail Pass, we recommend the official  Deutsche Bahn (German Rail System)  website (and download their DB Navigator app). For buses, look at  FlixBus  , which offers tickets for routes within Germany and to other European countries. FlixBus is often cheaper than trains but can take longer.

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Germany, Switzerland, Austria with Prague PreTour

Friendly Bavaria, Germany and Alpine Adventure!

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Region: Europe, Special Events    Type: Custom Groups    Length: Days    Tap Rating: TAP Deluxe

Experience the “Gemütlichkeit” of Munich and pause to remember a moment in history never to be forgotten at Dachau. Listen to the Sound of Music and relive the memories of the “von Trapps” in Salzburg. Tour spectacular places. Dine on “Bratwurst, Spätzle and Schnitzel,” Swiss chocolate and more. Be enthralled with the drama of the Passion Play. Enjoy breathtaking views of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau from the Kleine Scheidegg.  Travel  on the romantic road and walk the ramparts in the medieval walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Finish off this amazing tour with a glass of wine overlooking the Rhine River. This is your chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime tour of some of the most beautiful places in scenic Europe on this alpine tour of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Day 1: Depart

The main group departs today for Munich, Germany.

Day 2: Munich, Germany

We arrive at Munich airport and meet our driver and guide. We travel to Dachau, a town just outside of Munich. Our visit to the Concentration Camp Memorial includes a film in English, an informative historical account of the camp’s history and plenty of time to walk the grounds on our own. Later, we continue to Munich, Bavaria’s friendly capital city. Our leader acquaints us with the pedestrian zone around the Marienplatz, the main square in front of the new town hall. There is time to do some sightseeing and shopping before checking in at our hotel. Dinner tonight is at a local “bräuhaus” a traditional Munich restaurant/beerhall. Maritim München or similar

Day 3: Munich

Today, we discover other Munich sites by taking a locally guided tour that includes many highlights such as the grounds of Nymphenburg Palace, the elegant Maximillian Straße and the 1972 Olympic Grounds. Our tour ends at the Marienplatz where we watch the Glockenspiel play in the tower of the Neues Rathaus. The rest of the day is ours to shop along the mile-long pedestrian zone, get a bite to eat at the nearby Viktualien Market or visit one of a number of fine museums. Dinner is on our own tonight so some may wish to visit Munich’s Hofbräuhaus for dinner, singing and live entertainment. Maritim München or similar

Day 4: Salzburg, Austria

Our first stop today is in Berchtesgaden, where we don miners’ apparel and descend into a salt mine for an unforgettable tour. Afterwards, we continue to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, a chalet built at the top of the Kehlstein mountain. On a clear day, the site affords beautiful views of the Alps. Next, we travel to Salzburg, Austria, which is famous for being Mozart’s birthplace and the backdrop for “The Sound of Music.” We enjoy some free time to explore the narrow winding streets of the old city before dinner. Hotel Astoria or similar

Day 5: Salzburg

Today a local guide joins us for a walking tour of Salzburg. We see the magnificent Cathedral, the Getreidegasse, the city’s quaint shopping area, a photo stop at Mozart’s birth house and a walkthrough at St. Peter’s Cemetery. After time for lunch, we enjoy an excursion to the Salzkammergut. With its beautiful mountains and alpine lakes, it is an immensely popular vacation destination for many Austrians. After exploring some of the lakes and sites, we return to Salzburg for a treat - dinner and a concert in the Stiftskeller St. Peter! It is the perfect setting to enjoy delicious Austrian food and the music of Mozart. Hotel Astoria or similar

Day 6: Oberammergau Area, Germany

Departing Austria, we return to Germany as we drive through the Bavarian countryside to the Wieskirche. This “Church in the Meadow” is a fine example of Rococo architecture. Next, we take a short drive to Füssen to visit Palace Neuschwanstein. One of three palaces built by Bavaria’s King Ludwig II, Walt Disney used it as the model for his Fantasyland Castle. Finally, we pass by Germany’s highest mountain and arrive in GarmischPartenkirchen, an alpine valley surrounded by the foothills of the alps, for a two-night stay. TBD

Day 7: Oberammergau Area

We enjoy a relaxed morning in Oberammergau, admiring the bright frescoes that adorn many of the homes and businesses, perhaps shopping for a souvenir woodcarving for which the village is famous. After included lunch, we attend Part One of the Passion Play, the legacy of a vow made by the Oberammergauers in 1633 to enact the Passion story. Due to the ravages of the Thirty Years War, the plague had taken its toll in lives. But many of the people were spared, and the following year, 1634, the first Passion Play Salzburg Rothenburg ob der Tauber was performed on a stage set up in the cemetery. After dinner we attend Part Two. TBD

Day 8: Sarnen area, Switzerland

Today’s drive is filled with breathtaking mountain scenery as we travel over mountain passes to the Bernese Oberland area of Switzerland. Our first stop is in Vaduz, the capital of the small principality of Liechtenstein. We also spend time in lovely Lucerne to enjoy a late lunch and see the poignant Lion Monument that pays tribute to the Swiss mercenaries who lost their lives defending the kings of France. There is time to explore this beautiful city, including taking a walk across the famous wooden Chapel Bridge, or shopping for Swiss Chocolate, before continuing to our hotel in Sarnen. Grand Hotel Giessbach or similar

Day 9: Sarnen area

This morning we drive to view the Trümmelbachfälle, several waterfalls within a mountain that drain nearby glaciers. The raw power and beauty of the falls have attracted tourists for decades. Afterwards, we take an excursion up into the heart of the Swiss Alps. We start by riding a cogwheel train to the small car-free town of Wengen, where we have some time to explore before taking a gondola up to the ridge of the nearby mountain. From there it’s an easy and leisurely hike to Kleine Scheidegg. Our hike affords breathtaking vistas of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks, as well as views of the tiny villages in the valley. At Kleine Scheidegg, we have time for lunch before taking a train down to Grindelwald where there’s an opportunity to shop or simply relax at one of the many outdoor cafés. This evening’s entertainment features a Swiss folklore show at our hotel. Grand Hotel Giessbach or similar

Day 10: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Departing Switzerland, we travel via Lake Constance and southern Bavaria to the medieval walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Upon our arrival, we visit St. James Church and see the famous altar created by the renowned woodcarver, Tilman Riemenschneider. The rest of the afternoon is ours to explore the cobblestone streets and ramparts and admire the half-timbered buildings that make us feel as if we have stepped back in time. After dinner, we learn more about life in medieval times as we accompany the night watchman on a guided tour of the town. Akzent Schranne or similar

Day 11: Rüdesheim

Our final day in Europe features a cruise on the mighty Rhine River. We leave Rothenburg and travel to Rüdesheim where we board a boat and enjoy time on one of Europe’s most important waterways. Along the way, we hear about the history of the many castle ruins and vineyards that dot the hillside along the river. After our cruise, we transfer to our hotel and have some time for last minute shopping in the Getreidegasse before dinner. Tonight, we celebrate our last evening in Europe with a farewell dinner and a tasting of the region’s fine Rhine wines. Ringhotel Central or similar

Day 12: Return

Sadly, we say “Auf Wiedersehen” to Europe as we transfer to the Frankfurt Airport for our return flight to the United States. We take with us memories of exciting cities, peaceful villages, great entertainment, and beautiful, unforgettable scenery.

Arrival Instructions

Arrive to Munich, Germany by 10:00 am via Munich Int'l Airport (MUC)

Departure Instructions

Depart from Munich, Germany after 11:00 am via Frankfurt am Main International Airport (FRA)

Payment Policy

Deposit: $500.00 per person due at time of booking - final payment due 100 days prior to departure

Cancellation Policy

Tour includes:.

• Land transportation - via private, deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
• Accommodations (double-occupancy) - in moderate first class hotels
• Meals as indicated in itinerary - (10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 9 Dinners)
• Services of a professional tour guide throughout the tour
• Admission - to all activities listed on itinerary
• Luggage handling - (one piece per person at hotels)
• Luggage tags and strap, name badge and trip journal
• All taxes and tips for services provided
• Optional trip cancellation and interruption insurance - (available for an additional cost)
• OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR to PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - Departs Aug 24; ask for details!

Tour Highlights:

• Golden City of Prague Tour (Pre-Tour)
• Prague Jewish Quarter (Pre-Tour)
• Tour of Hradcany Castle (Pre-Tour)
• Free time in Prague for shopping (Pre-Tour)
• Dachau Memorial
• Munich City Tour
• Marienplatz Square and Glockenspiel
• Salt Mine Tour & Eagle's Nest
• Salzburg City Tour
• Neuschwanstein Palace
• Historic Passion Play in Oberammergau
• Lion Monument in Lucerne
• Swiss Alps & Alpine Vistas
• Excursion to Kleine Scheidegg & Grindelwald
• Swiss Folklore Show
• Riemanschneider Altar in Rothenburg
• Rhine River Cruise
• Wine Tasting Farewell Dinner in Rüdesheim

Request Availability

If you would like to make a reservation or need more information, please complete the following information and one of our travel experts will contact you. Even if a departure is listed as sold out, other departures may be available.

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Best Switzerland & Germany Tours and Itineraries, 2024/25

Experience switzerland & germany with our expertly designed and customizable tour packages. explore confidently with detailed travel guidance..

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3-Week Epic All Around Germany Tour

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Get intimately acquainted with Germany in this 3-week itinerary, experiencing its regional cultures, rich history, and varied landscapes. You'll see picturesque towns as you cruise the Rhine, experience the urban pulse of Berlin, venture to a fairytale castle in Bavaria, and so much more. Nine private guided tours and our detailed travel directions will empower you to experience epic day trips, gorgeous hiking trails, and off-the-beaten-path attractions. You'll truly connect to Germany, as you encounter the scars of WWII and the splendor of medieval towns and baroque architecture, as well as the modern wonders of its cities.

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City Vistas and Mountain Redoubts in Switzerland, Austria and Prague

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Alpine Majesty: A 10-Day Rail Journey Through Austria and Switzerland

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10 Day Munich and Prague Tour: Castles, Culture, and Beer Tasting Adventures

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The Ultimate Munich and Prague Itinerary in 8 Days

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Cultural Exploration, History Buffs

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Explore eastern Germany and Prague in an unforgettable 7-day itinerary, and experience private guided tours that reveal the secrets of your destinations. You'll begin in Berlin and end in Prague, while also visiting the stunningly beautiful river-side city of Dresden, known as "Florence on the Elbe". In each city, you'll wander alleyways and relax in town squares whose origins stretch back to the Middle Ages, while also delving into more recent WWII and Communist history. You'll also get comprehensive travel guidance that ensures a journey as stress-free as it is unforgettable.

One-Week Scenic Trip to Stunning Switzerland and Sublime Northern Italy

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Hi European travel experts,

I have dozens of questions, but I’ll start with this…

Through research we have determined we would like to explore multiple beautifully scenic

places in cities throughout Switzerland, southern Germany, and Austria. Our hope is to spend approx 2 1/2 weeks total. I’m wanting to plan our stays to the most favorable town within a cluster of places to visit (taking day trips via train) to minimize relocating. We prefer to stay three nights in any given place with an infrequent two nights and maybe one time a one night or four night stay.

Where do you recommend we lay our heads (and for how many nights) in central locations when wanting to see these places:

Lauterbrunnen

(taking scenic train) to Saint Moritz

Mondsee/Hallstatt

*** Feel free to chime in if I’m missing a nearby noteworthy location (ie: should Bern be added in or perhaps replace another city listed) or any of the above could be removed as not a highlight

We’d like to stay in scenic/quaint towns with dining/pub options that are within easy walking distance and cafes for the morning coffee. Once we get this roadmap nailed down, we have lots of tours and options that we are interested in so I can put some “meat on the bones” 😀

Thank you so very much,

Eagle, ID (near Boise, ID USA)

6 replies to this topic

I had four nights in Vienna with a day trip to Melk Abbey in 2019.

When should this trip be?

Maybe make a temporary itinerary, day-by-day, so we can see what you want to see and to do. Otherwise it is a bit difficult something to suggest, as we don't know you.

If by car : learn about the different rules and laws in every of your mentioned country. For example: in Italy you'll find ZTL (zona traffica limitado) which you cannot drive in in almost every town center. In Austria you'll need a special permit for driving the Autobahn. You have to have an IDP for driving in Austria.

Switzerland is much more expensive than the other two countries.

And the biggest problem: you cannot rent a car in one country and give it back in another. Of course, there are a very few car rental company who offer this, but it is eyewatering expensive. Because the car have to be back in the country it belongs.

You could do a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich.

We need more info from you:

When? Actual dates if available, likely month if not. That can matter hugely.

You mention you want to stay 3 nights ideally and use the days for day trips by train. Does that mean this is not a road trip at all but a train trip? Again, that makes a huge difference, and when we get the answer, we can explain why.

What sort of tours did you mean, and why? Tours aren't necessarily required, depending on where, and even if you don't speak the local language. The average tourist seems to get by perfectly well in anywhere in Europe with English. In fact, in some tourist towns, most jobs in tourism and hospitality are taken by workers from other European countries so their first language is not that of the country they work in. The only way they communicate with their bosses, co workers or anybody else tends to be English.

In the towns and villages located in the parts of central Europe on your list, as long as you book accommodation somewhere central (which of course is always more expensive than outside of the inner or old town area) you will be able to walk to anywhere of interest and certainly to more cafes and restaurants that you will be able to enjoy with just 3 nights.

So, please answer our questions, add a bit more flesh on the bone - what's important to you will really matter to build the best trip. And yes, a skeleton/draft itinerary of how you see the trip working, would be helpful to us, even if in the end we change it completely.

next....Austria.... why do you list mondsee? it is not a very great place to visit. but the wolfgangsee area which in on way from Salzburg to Hallstatt, is the prime location to visit, as is bad ischl.

do you really need a car ? most of your destinations are very well served by public transport, and finding parking in cities can be very difficult. oh, i forgot....for going into german cities, your car will need to have an umwelt (environmental ) sticker and i doubt that a swiss car will have that.

and rather than looking for a place to stay in Salzburg, it would be far better to stay out of the city and the aforementioned wolfgangsee area would be ideal as it is between Salzburg and bad ischl / Hallstatt, with easy access to both (also by public transport)

If you plan on flying into and from the same city, it would be helpful to know that, too.

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12 incredible lakes for a holiday in Europe

May 24, 2024 • 9 min read

Take it easy at Lake Caldonazzo, one of Europe's best lakes for a holiday © Underworld/Shutterstock

Europe's coastlines and astounding beaches may get all the attention as summer comes, but the continent's lakes should not be overlooked. Italy boasts glamorous, mountain-ringed waters, Croatia offers up saltwater sensations and England is home to moody pastoral scenes. Whether you want to swim, SUP, cycle or chill out on the beach, Europe has a lake for every kind of adventure.

We asked our expert writers to share their favorite lakes for a holiday in Europe — here are 12 of the best. 

Lake Levico and Lake Caldonazzo, Italy

Recommended by Daniel James Clarke 

Trentino 's legendary Lake Garda and cloud-defying Dolomites need little introduction. But hidden between these headliners is unsung Valsugana, harboring its pair of pristine rivals. Lake Levico (Lago di Levico), the smaller of the two, is a fjord-like fantasy: narrow, squeaky-clean waters flanked by sloping pines. Motorized water sports are prohibited, meaning the Blue Flag beach – Levico is one of Europe's warmest lakes – and shore-tracking paths are soundtracked solely by birdsong. Embrace the stillness and go SUPing, gliding over mirror-like waters and sunken treasure – chests of sparkling Trentodoc wine mature twenty meters below. Meet the characterful brothers behind these aquatic vinos at Cantina Romanese for a scuba-free vineyard tasting.

Adrenaline needed? Cross to neighboring Lake Caldonazzo (Lago di Caldonazzo), where world champion Tomas Degasperi leads exhilarating waterski lessons. Back on dry land, iron-rich thermal spas, a stargazing observatory and the open-air forested sculpture gallery Arte Sella await. Then there's all the food. Pizza, pasta and gelato are a given – lakeside Gelateria Bellavista is sweet-tooth heaven – but don't overlook the regional Italian-Austrian flavors, such as canederli , cheese-stuffed bread dumplings. The best part? Unlike Italy's upscale, mansion-lined lakes, Valsugana's camping grounds, agriturismos (farm stays) and wellness resorts accommodate all budgets.

Lake Garda, Italy

Recommended by Julia Buckley

It’s big enough to resemble the seaside, and is fringed by picture-perfect villages and dotted with archaeological sites: Lake Garda  (Lago di Garda) is Italy in beautiful miniature. Its mild Mediterranean climate – the only one of Italy’s lakes to have one – means that fragrant lemon groves blossom by the shoreline, while hotels cling to the sunny cliffsides. There’s something for everyone here. Archaeology lovers will want to head to Sirmione , the snake-shaped peninsula jutting into the south of the lake, where there’s a Roman villa and spa on the waterfront; to go even further back in time, at the far north end, you’ll find the remains of 4,000-year-old huts at the tiny Lake Ledro, suspended in the mountains just behind the northwestern corner of Garda. 

Fans of more recent history will be fascinated by the Vittoriale degli Italiani , the outré home of the controversial early 20th-century writer Gabriele d’Annunzio – the sprawling grounds contain a warship in the garden. If you want to visit towns and villages, there’s stately Desenzano del Garda, and pretty Lazise and Limone sul Garda. Leading northwards from Limone is a walkway and cycle path cantilevered over the still water. Want to get closer? Rent a boat to zip around the lake at will.

Lake Constance; Germany, Austria and Switzerland 

Recommended by Luke Waterson

Central Europe’s second-largest freshwater body of water after Lake Geneva, Lake Constance laps at the borders of Austria , Germany and Switzerland . Its shores are encircled by a 260km cycle path that, combined with the use of cross-lake ferries, lets you experience all three countries in as little as a single day, making it one of the world’s most culturally fascinating lakes. 

Vibrant arts hub Bregenz is the toast of the Austrian lakeside, with a cable car climbing to the 1064m peak of Pfänder for the most dramatic lake overview. Around German Lake Constance, ogle Pfahlbaumuseum Unteruhldingen , an open-air museum featuring reconstructed ancient lake dwellings, or the hulking fortress of Burg Meersburg with its drawbridge and dungeons. You can also voyage to Mainau near Konstanz , a garden island that dazzles with its Mediterranean flowers, elaborate topiaries and a Baroque castle. Sojourn to Switzerland’s swathe of the lake, stopping in at picturesque settlements like medieval Stein am Rhein with its winsome half-timbered buildings. Just because it's rich in cultural experiences doesn’t mean the lake lacks in the delightful countryside: get away from it all by strolling vineyards near Meersburg or hiking hilly trails around Pfänder.

Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero, Croatia

Recommended by John Garry 

Can't decide between lakeside or seafront? Consider Mljet – an island so enchanting Odysseus (of mythological fame) stayed for seven years. Homer's Odyssey credits the nymph Calypso for his extended stint, but we'd like to believe the island's two saltwater lakes did the trick – Malo Jezero (Little Lake) and Veliko Jezero (Big Lake). Take a boat trip on Veliko Jezero to Sveta Marija (St. Mary's Island), where a 12th-century Benedictine monastery rises from the blue, or rent a kayak to paddle the perimeter at your own pace.

The real treat, however, is jumping in the water. Mljet's lakes are warmer than the sea – particularly Malo Jezero. Dive deep enough and you can spot sea cucumbers, giant clams and the endemic Aurelia jellyfish – a harmless invertebrate. Both lakes line Mljet National Park – a 5400-hectare preserve thick with Aleppo pine and holm oak. Hiking the park makes a fine day trip from Dubrovnik (two hours away by ferry), but with a setting this seductive, you might wind up pulling an Odysseus. Plan on resting your head at the aptly named Hotel Odisej Mljet , which overlooks the Adriatic.

Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Recommended by Mark Baker 

Lakes tend to be drop-dead gorgeous or loads of fun to splash around in — but rarely both. Slovenia solves this problem nicely with two incredible lakes – Bled and Bohinj – just 25 km (15 miles) apart. With its dramatic alpine backdrop,  Lake Bled  is the looker, while larger Lake Bohinj, lined by kayak and SUP-rental outfits, is the fun one (but truth be told, it’s a beautiful body of water as well). 

Start your exploration with a walk around Lake Bled and a visit to grand Bled Castle . Hire a pletna , a wooden boat that resembles a Venetian gondola, and sail out to tiny, magical Bled Island . Before leaving, treat yourself to a piece of kremšnita , Bled’s legendary cream cake. The restaurant at Bled Castle makes a good one. Over at Lake Bohinj , in addition to swimming and kayaking, you can hike around the lake, rent bikes or even go horseback riding in the surrounding hills. Hotel Bohinj , a restored lodge at the lakeside hamlet of Ribčev Laz, is equal parts sumptuous and wacky, but spares no expense spoiling its guests. The chefs at Restaurant Triglav work wonders with locally sourced Bohinj trout, which diners often mistake for salmon because of the meat’s pinkish color.

Lac d’Annecy, France

Recommended by Kerry Walker 

One minute you’re gazing in wonder at the wild, snow-dusted French Alps, the next it’s as though you’ve been teleported to another time and place on the palm-rimmed, promenade-ribboned shores of Lac d’Annecy (Lake Annecy). A splash south of Geneva , this dazzler of a glacier-carved, spring-fed lake in Haute-Savoie is France’s third biggest and Europe’s purest (honestly, your bath water is no cleaner). 

The town of Annecy at the lake’s northern cusp is the springboard for exploring, and my, is it pretty. The Vieille Ville is bedtime story stuff, with trickling canals and pastel-painted houses harboring enticing bistros, cafes and patisseries. And the cake-topper of a medieval castle, once home to the counts of Geneva, has 360° views over the rooftops to the Massif des Bauges that will make you audibly sigh. Good food? Mais oui…. Annecy has a galaxy of gourmet restaurants including three-Michelin-starred Le Clos des Sens . After a romantic stint in town, head to the lake to walk, mountain bike, swim, row, stand-up paddleboard, paraglide or simply crash on one of the beaches. The under-the-radar mountains of Parc Naturel Régional du Massif des Bauges and 1000-year-old Château de Menthon-St-Bernard make easy, memorable day trips.

Lac de Sainte-Croix, France

Recommended by Chrissie McClatchie 

Look at a map of Provence and you’ll find Lac de Sainte-Croix right at the center. The gateway to the dramatic Gorges du Verdon , aka the "Grand Canyon of Europe," this man-made lake is France’s third largest. Its beauty lies not only in the shock of opaque turquoise water or the activities that can be enjoyed from its sandy shores (swimming, boating, windsurfing, pedalo-ing, canoeing, kayaking and more), but also the magazine cover-pretty villages that surround it that include Moustiers-Saintes-Maries, which clings to a mountain five kilometers away from the water's edge and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. If everything had gone according to plan when they flooded the Salles Valley to create the body of water in the late 1960s, the latter would have become inhabitable. 

During the lavender season (mid-June to mid-July), combine a visit to Lac de Sainte-Croix with a day in the fields of the Plateau de Valensole, which starts a little bit further along the road north from Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.

Buttermere and Crummock Water, England

Recommended by Tom Hall

While neither are, strictly speaking, lakes — just look at their names — Buttermere and Crummock Water are the perfect places to experience the Lake District . Their remote-feeling location in the north of the national park, relative lack of facilities and distance from the park's big-name mountains (Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Great Gable) generally mean this is a quieter area than the busy south Lakes. And so much the better for anyone who does get here: the two bodies of water are fringed by towering mountains with only a few narrow lanes and dry stone-walled fields to suggest any man-made influence. 

Pack your walking boots to get the most out of being here. If you're arriving in Buttermere Valley via the steep twists of Honister Pass, access one of the best views in all of England by taking the short walk to the top of Fleetwith Pike from the Honister Slate Mine car park. Or if you’d prefer to remain at ground level, there’s an easy 4.2 mi / 6.7 km circular stroll around Buttermere. Both lakes are excellent for slightly chilly swims. However you spend a day — or more, if you come camping or stay at Buttermere YHA  — here, a pint at the Fish Inn  is the perfect sundowner. The 77 and 77A bus operate circular services for Buttermere Village from Keswick.

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One of our most popular trips going to Austria and Switzerland, this incredible duo also delivers a visit to the little Liechtenstein capital. The Alps take centre stage on this journey, but you’ll also learn about life as a Carinthian nun when you join them for dinner in a former castle.

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The purpose of this RFP is to enter into a contract with an in-country full-service travel marketing firm to represent Travel Michigan in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland at both the consumer and travel industry level. The agency must possess extensive knowledge of the Michigan leisure travel market, and demonstrate native-country insights, knowledge, and expertise in promoting foreign travel product such as is available in Michigan and must have the appropriate travel industry and consumer contacts to efficiently promote the State of Michigan.

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