Now Journey Small Group Adventure

Austria & Switzerland

A beautifully paced Alpine Journey from Salzburg to Lake Geneva.

  • 10 days
  • 9 nights
  • 8–12 guests
  • Maximum 16
  • Tour Captain hosted
  • Deluxe & Classic hotels
10 DaysBalanced Alpine pace
Salzburg to Lake GenevaTwo countries
8–12 GuestsMaximum 16
Deluxe or ClassicHand-picked hotels
Tour CaptainHosted throughout
From $8,879Per person, double occupancy

The Alps were never meant to be rushed

Where music, mountains and lakes become one seamless Journey.

“Every day, every place, every meal, every experience was amazing.”

Edward K., Now Journey guest

See the Alps without the big-bus rhythm.

Begin among Salzburg’s baroque streets and musical heritage, then move through Switzerland’s lake cities and mountain villages. Lucerne, Grindelwald, Zermatt and Lake Geneva unfold with a balance of shared discovery and time to follow your own curiosity.

This is true small-group travel: normally 8–12 guests, never more than 16, with a dedicated Now Journey Tour Captain and thoughtfully selected Deluxe or Classic hotels.

Your Journey Ahead

Four Alpine Chapters. One seamless Journey.

Hohensalzburg Fortress above Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg
01 · 3 nights · Journey begins

Salzburg

Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s streets and a fortress above the baroque skyline.

Chapel Bridge and Water Tower across the Reuss River in Lucerne
02 · 2 nights

Lucerne & Bernese Alps

Chapel Bridge, lake light and a mountain day among Grindelwald’s peaks.

Zermatt village beneath the Matterhorn
03 · 2 nights

Zermatt

Timber chalets, quiet lanes and the Matterhorn rising above a car-free village.

Lausanne rooftops overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps
04 · 2 nights · Journey finale

Lausanne & Lake Geneva

Old Town rooftops, vineyard country and Lake Geneva beneath the distant Alps.

10 Days · 9 Nights · 4 Overnight Destinations · 8–12 Guests

Included route from Salzburg to Lucerne, Zermatt and Lausanne, with Grindelwald shown as an excursion from Lucerne
The included Journey begins in Salzburg and continues to Lucerne, Zermatt and Lausanne. Grindelwald is an excursion from Lucerne; optional pre-Journey stays in Vienna or Munich are arranged separately.

Why travelers choose Now Journey

Hosted, not herded.

Mainstream large-group touring

  • Large groups moving as one
  • Large coaches and slower logistics
  • Rigid schedules
  • Generic or peripheral hotels
  • Frequent optional add-ons
  • Limited personal attention

Now Journey true small groups

  • Normally 8–12 guests, maximum 16
  • Dedicated Tour Captain
  • Hand-selected, well-located hotel collections
  • Thoughtful pacing and leisure
  • More personal movement and dining
  • No big-bus atmosphere

What’s Included

The details are handled. The discoveries still feel yours.

Tour Captain hosting

A dedicated Now Journey Tour Captain from beginning to end.

Hand-picked accommodations

Nine nights in your selected Deluxe or Classic Hotel Collection.

Daily breakfast

Breakfast each morning, with select hosted dining moments woven into the Journey.

Guided discovery

Tour Captain-led Discovery Walks and the sightseeing described in the day-by-day Journey.

Thoughtful movement

Carefully planned transitions connect each Alpine chapter.

Journey support

Luggage portage, tourism taxes and customary gratuities, excluding the Tour Captain.

International airfare, travel insurance, optional experiences, personal expenses and Tour Captain gratuity are not included.

The Complete Journey

Ten days, thoughtfully unfolded.

Optional pre-journey stays in Vienna or Munich can be arranged separately. Inquire for current availability, details and pricing.

Download the printer-friendly 10-Day Austria & Switzerland itinerary for easy sharing, planning notes or offline review.

Download the Detailed Itinerary PDF
Hohensalzburg Fortress rising above Salzburg's baroque skyline
Chapter One · Days 1–3Salzburg
01

Chapter One · Days 1–3

Salzburg

Mozart, baroque streets and the hills that made a musical legend.

Day 1

Welcome to Salzburg

Arrive in storybook Salzburg, your home for three nights. This afternoon, meet your Tour Captain and fellow travelers for a Discovery Walk through the historic center.

Included Today
  • Discovery Walk
  • Welcome dinner with Austrian cuisine and wine
  • First of three Salzburg hotel nights
Day 2

Salzburg: Mozart and the Old Town

Explore Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s Birthplace and Residence, Getreidegasse, Salzburg Cathedral and St. Peter’s Abbey. Continue toward Hohensalzburg Fortress, with time for an optional visit to the Felsenreitschule.

Included Today
  • Breakfast
  • Salzburg walking sightseeing and listed admissions
Day 3

Salzburg at your pace

Enjoy a day at leisure. Optional possibilities include Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tour, offered seasonally, or a Mozart dinner concert in St. Peter’s historic setting. Inquire for current availability and pricing.

Browse Getreidegasse or join your Tour Captain for an optional dinner this evening.

Included Today
  • Breakfast
  • Leisure time
Chapel Bridge and Water Tower on the Lucerne waterfront
Chapter Two · Days 4–5Lucerne & the Bernese Alps
02

Chapter Two · Days 4–5

Lucerne & the Bernese Alps

Lake views, frescoed streets and a full Alpine day in Grindelwald.

Day 4

Welcome to Lucerne

Continue from Salzburg to Lucerne. After arrival, explore the Old Town on foot, crossing Chapel Bridge, seeing the Water Tower and taking in Lake Lucerne framed by Alpine peaks.

Included Today
  • Lucerne Discovery Walk
  • Regional welcome dinner
  • First of two Lucerne hotel nights
Day 5

Grindelwald and the high Alps

Venture into the Alps for a day in Grindelwald, with mountain views and cliff walks. Seasonal Trottibike rides may be available as an optional experience.

Activity note: This day involves high-Alpine terrain and requires suitable fitness. Alternate experiences are available; please inquire.

Included Today
  • Breakfast
  • Grindelwald experience
Zermatt village beneath the Matterhorn
Chapter Three · Days 6–7Zermatt
03

Chapter Three · Days 6–7

Zermatt

A car-free village beneath one of the world’s most recognizable mountains.

Day 6

Into the Matterhorn village

Continue toward car-free Zermatt. Settle in beneath the Matterhorn, then join your Tour Captain for a Discovery Walk through the village on the way to dinner.

Included Today
  • Zermatt Discovery Walk
  • Regional welcome dinner
  • First of two Zermatt hotel nights
Day 7

The mountain at your pace

Enjoy a leisure day in Zermatt. An optional cogwheel train to Gornergrat, at 10,225 feet, offers elevated Matterhorn views, or you may explore the village at your own pace. Inquire for current availability and pricing.

Included Today
  • Breakfast
  • Leisure time
Lausanne rooftops overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps
Chapter Four · Days 8–10Lausanne & Lake Geneva
04

Chapter Four · Days 8–10

Lausanne & Lake Geneva

French-speaking Switzerland and a lakeside finale.

Day 8

Onward to Lausanne

Journey toward Lake Geneva and arrive in Lausanne around midday. After checking in, discover the city on foot with your Tour Captain, followed by dinner together.

Included Today
  • Lausanne Discovery Walk
  • Welcome dinner
  • First of two Lausanne hotel nights
Day 9

Lausanne and the Journey finale

Explore the lakeside promenade and Old Town, including Place de la Palud, Hôtel de Ville and Lausanne Cathedral. The balance of the day is at leisure before a special apéritif celebrating the Journey.

Included Today
  • Breakfast
  • Lausanne walking sightseeing
  • Journey finale apéritif
Day 10

Departure day

Say goodbye to Switzerland today or continue with an individually arranged extension. Your Trip Specialist will provide departure planning guidance before you book flights.

Included Today
  • Breakfast

Hotel Collections

Stay where the Journey lives.

Deluxe Hotels Collection

Thoughtfully selected 4- and 5-star hotels, including upgraded rooms at 4-star properties and refined entry-level rooms at 5-star properties. Higher room categories may be available on request.

Classic Hotels Collection

Well-located 3-star-plus hotels with private bathrooms, air conditioning and continental breakfast. Amenities are simpler, while destination access remains central to the experience.

Salzburg · 3 nights

Deluxe example: Gentle Hide Design Hotel or similar.

Lucerne · 2 nights

Deluxe example: Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora or similar.

Zermatt · 2 nights

Deluxe example: Tradition Julen Hotel or similar.

Lausanne · 2 nights

Deluxe example: Château d’Ouchy or similar.

Hotel assignments depend on availability, and comparable properties may be substituted. Your Trip Specialist will share the hotel collection planned for your departure.

Dates & Prices

Choose your Alpine season.

Prices are per person in USD, based on double occupancy. International airfare is not included.

Solo accommodations are available for an additional supplement. A deposit is required to reserve space, and Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance is strongly recommended. Request current availability or another date.

Plan & Prepare

What to expect in the Alps.

Walking & historic centers

Expect cobblestones, stairs, inclines and walking tours that typically run about 45–90 minutes.

Elevation & terrain

Grindelwald and Zermatt include high-Alpine terrain. Alternate experiences may be available for demanding activities.

Mountain weather

Conditions can change quickly. Bring adaptable layers and practical walking shoes.

Journey transitions

Carefully planned transitions connect each destination. Your Trip Specialist will share the confirmed arrangements for your departure.

Luggage

Portage is included where stated, but lighter luggage makes rail and mountain transitions easier.

Arrivals & departures

Confirm flights, identification requirements, arrival assistance and airport arrangements with your Trip Specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

A few things travelers ask first.

Your Journey Begins Here

Can you picture yourself in the Alps?

If this feels like the Austria and Switzerland journey you have been hoping for, we would be honored to help you begin.

No obligation. No pressure. Just a thoughtful conversation about your Journey.