Chapter 1: Salzburg: The Hills are Alive!
DAY 1: Welcome to Salzburg
Welcome to the start of your Austria & Switzerland adventure! This morning, you will arrive the storybook that is Salzburg — our home for the next three days and nights. Get ready to stroll cobbled lanes, hear echoes of Mozart, and soak in the alpine beauty that sets the stage for an unforgettable Journey.
Discovery Walk
This afternoon, meet your Journey Tour Captain and fellow travelers as we set off on a charming Discovery Walk through the heart of Salzburg.
Welcome Dinner
Tonight we entertain your palette with cuisine and wines from Austria. Your Tour Captain officially welcomes you to Salzburg with this amazing dinner.
Where We Stay in Salzburg, 3 Nights with breakfast
Our Deluxe Hotels Collection
Gentle Hide Design Hotel or Similar
Our Deluxe Collection features thoughtfully selected 4- and 5-star hotels, including upgraded rooms at 4-star properties and refined entry-level rooms at 5-star stays. Guests may inquire with their Trip Specialist about larger rooms or higher-category accommodations with specific views, where available.
Lotus Upgrade? Consider upgrading to the amazing Hotel Sacher — inquire for details.
Classic Hotels Collection
Our Classic Collection offers well-located 3-star-plus hotels featuring private bathrooms, air conditioning, continental breakfast, and heart-of-the-city locations.
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DAY 2: EXPLORING SALZBURG
Breakfast included daily
Today's Adventure: Salzburg and Mozart's Birthplace
The "Salt Fortress," as the city's name is literally translated, is Austria's fourth largest but both the old and the new city are perfectly sized for exploration. The "Old Town" features baroque architecture and is one of the best preserved city centers north of the Alps. A World Heritage Site since 1997, Salzburg boasts a number of notable sights and perspectives which we will explore.
Our walking tour includes the world famous gardens of Mirabell, the house where Mozart was raised and the house of his birth along the street Getreidegasse. We enjoy a visit to the Salzburg Dome Cathedral and St. Peter's Monastery.
Our sightseeing includes:
- Gardens of Mirabell
- Mozart's Birthplace House & Residence
- Getreidegass Strausa
- Salzburg Dome Cathedral
- St. Peter's Monastery
We make our way to the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress that sits atop the city, and time for an optional visit to the Rocky Riding School (Felsenreitschule). This is the theater with a retractable roof and was the stage the Von Trapp Family Singers performed on prior to the escaping the Nazis in The Sound of Music.
Later tonight, join the Tour Captain for an optional dinner or enjoy exploring at your leisure.
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DAY 3: SALZBURG AT LEISURE
Enjoy a day at leisure and possibly some of our optional touring ideas.
Optional Sightseeing: Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tour
Available April–October | Duration: ~3.5 Hours: $69/person
Pedal into the storybook world of The Sound of Music with this delightful small-group bicycle tour through Salzburg and the surrounding countryside. This leisurely ride (approx. 8 miles / 13 km) winds past some of the most iconic film locations — including Nonnberg Abbey, Mozartsteg Bridge, Mirabell Gardens, the gazebo at Hellbrunn, and the tranquil Leopoldskron Pond.
Along the way, enjoy behind-the-scenes stories, joyful singalongs, and a scenic stop for a picnic-style break. The pace is easy to moderate, with a brief walk up one gentle hill — no experience necessary, just a sense of fun and adventure!
This highly rated experience offers a unique perspective of Salzburg, reaching charming corners that traditional bus tours can’t access. Whether in sunshine or a soft Salzburg drizzle, travelers consistently rate this tour as a highlight.
Inquire with your Journey Trip Specialist to add this charming optional experience to your adventure.
Optional Sightseeing: Mozart Dinner Concert
Evenings year‑round | Duration: ~3 hours | Candlelit Baroque Hall Experience: $169/person
Step back to 1790 in Salzburg’s historic St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium—one of Europe’s oldest restaurants—where the music of Mozart comes alive in an unforgettable, candlelit setting. Enjoy a three-course dinner inspired by original 18th‑century recipes (served between concert sets), while chamber soloists and opera singers—dressed in period costume—perform classics like The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni, Figaro, and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.
For those who love to shop, a stroll down Getreidegasse, Salzburg's famous shopping street, offers a delightful experience of browsing unique shops and boutiques.
Later tonight, join the Tour Captain for an optional dinner or enjoy exploring at your leisure.
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Chapter 2: Lucerne
DAY 4: WELCOME TO LUCERNE
We make our way to Zurich by rail or air and then by car to Lucerne, our home for the next 2 days.
Today's Adventure: Exploring Lucerne
After arrival and check-in, meet your Tour Captain for exploration through Lucerne’s Old Town. We explore Lucerne on foot — crossing the Chapel Bridge, admiring the Water Tower, strolling frescoed streets, and enjoy the panoramic views of Lake Lucerne framed by alpine peaks.
Welcome Dinner
Tonight we entertain your palette with cuisine and wines from the region with your Tour Captain as your host.
Where We Stay in Lucerne, 2 Nights with breakfast
Our Deluxe Hotels Collection
Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora or Similar
Our Deluxe Collection features thoughtfully selected 4- and 5-Star hotels, including upgraded rooms at 4-star properties and refined entry-level rooms at 5-star stays. Guests may inquire with their Trip Specialist about larger rooms or higher-category accommodations with specific views, where available.
Lotus Upgrade? Consider upgrading to the Hotel National — inquire for details.
Classic Hotels Collection
Our Classic Collection offers well-located 3-Star + hotels featuring private bathrooms, air conditioning, continental breakfast, and heart-of-the-city locations.
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DAY 5: GRINDELWALD
Today's Adventure
We will venture deep into the Alps on a scenic rail journey to Grindelwald. Ride the gondola to First for breathtaking views, cliff walks, and optional Trottibike rides back to the village in warmer months.
Note: High Alpine Terrain: Guests should be physically fit to enjoy this experience. Alternate experiences are available - please inquire.
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Chapter 3: Zermatt
DAY 6: THE MATTERHORN EXPERIENCE
We continue today car and by rail toward the iconic, car-free village of Zermatt, nestled beneath the Matterhorn. The town is a car-free zone and has preserved its original character over the years. The region called Matterhorn glacier paradise is Europe's largest and highest summer skiing region. Numerous national ski teams train here during the summer months. The region is legendary amongst mountaineers: the Haute Route, a challenging international route that takes several days to complete, leads from Mont Blanc to Zermatt. Over 248 miles of hiking trails lead through and out of the Matter Valley, including the mule traders' trails, which date back to the 13th century.
Discovery Walk
Meet your Journey Tour Captain and fellow travelers as we set off on a charming Discovery Walk through the heart of Zermatt on the way to our welcome dinner.
Welcome Dinner
Tonight we entertain your palette with cuisine and wines from the region with your Tour Captain as your host.
Where We Stay in Zermatt, 2 Nights with breakfast
Our Deluxe Hotels Collection
Tradition Julen Hotel or Similar
Our Deluxe Collection features thoughtfully selected 4- and 5-Star hotels, including upgraded rooms at 4-star properties and refined entry-level rooms at 5-star stays. Guests may inquire with their Trip Specialist about larger rooms or higher-category accommodations with specific views, where available.
Classic Hotels Collection
Our Classic Collection offers well-located 3-Star + hotels featuring private bathrooms, air conditioning, continental breakfast, and heart-of-the-city locations.
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DAY 7: AT LEISURE ON THE MOUNTAIN
Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn — one of the most photographed mountains in the world. Enjoy a day at leisure with optional experiences such as the cogwheel train to Gornergrat (10,225 ft) for jaw-dropping Matterhorn views, or simply explore the village at your own pace.
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Chapter 4: Lausanne
DAY 8: TO LAUSANNE
We depart the Bernese Oberland and journey toward Lake Geneva, arriving in the elegant city of Lausanne mid-day. We arrive mid-day, then check in, drop our bags off and enjoy a Discovery Walk.
Discovery Walk
After checking in and freshening up, meet the Journey Tour Captain for a Discovery Walk of Lausanne.
Welcome to Lausanne Dinner
Tonight enjoy a dinner in Lausanne with your Journey Tour Captain.
Where We Stay in Lausanne, 2 Nights with breakfast
Our Deluxe Hotels Collection:
Chateau d'Ouchy or Similar
Lotus Upgrade: Consider upgrading your room category at our property — inquire for details.
Our Deluxe Collection features thoughtfully selected 4- and 5-star hotels, including upgraded rooms at 4-star properties and refined entry-level rooms at 5-star stays. Guests may inquire with their Trip Specialist about larger rooms or higher-category accommodations with specific views, where available.
Classic Hotels Collection
Our Classic Collection offers well-located 3-star-plus hotels featuring private bathrooms, air conditioning, continental breakfast, and heart-of-the-city locations.
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DAY 9: LAUSANNE
Today's Adventure: Lausanne
Enjoy a captivating walking tour of Lausanne with your Tour Captain, as we explore the elegant lakeside promenade, charming Old Town, and the majestic Gothic cathedral—uncovering the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning views over Lake Geneva.
Sightseeing includes:
- Place de la Palud with a visit of thetown hall, Hôtel de Ville
- The cathedral is recognized as one of the most beautiful in Europe
- At the historical museum, it is possible to admire a big model of Lausanne in 1638
- You may enjoy an optional visit to the ancient city, the castle St-Maire and the "escaliers du Marché" (market's staircases), as well as the church St-François which has served 700 years an oasis of serenity. The pedestrian streets and will also help you get to know the atmosphere of Lausanne.
After our experience, the balance of the day is at leisure until our event tonight.
Our Special Journey Finalé
Meet tonight for our special Aperif to celebrate our time together. Our days have been filled with new sights, tastes and discoveries - tonight enjoy reflecting on the incredible journey we've had together. It has been a Journey of Adventure and Discovery, along with making new friends!
Until our next adventure — Adieu!
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DAY 10: DEPARTURE DAY: Goodbye to Switzerland
We say Wiadaluaga (Swiss for Goodbye) today and transfer to the airport or perhaps you extend your stay. May we suggest the Italian Lakes?
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