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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 & Lotus hotels
10 DaysBalanced Alpine pace
Salzburg to Lake GenevaTwo countries
8–12 GuestsMaximum 16
Deluxe or LotusHand-picked hotels
Tour CaptainHosted throughout
From $10,379Per 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 Lotus 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

Journey at a Glance

Four Alpine Chapters. One seamless story.

Salzburg → Lucerne & Grindelwald → Zermatt → Lausanne

Scroll through chaptersSwipe through chapters

Editorial atlas of the included route from Salzburg through Lucerne and Zermatt to Lausanne, with Grindelwald as an excursion

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

Four destinations. No one-night stops.

Why this Journey feels different.

See the Alps. Stay long enough to feel them.

This 10-day route brings together Austria’s musical heart, Switzerland’s lake cities and its most iconic mountain landscapes, with time deliberately protected for your own discoveries.

  1. 01Multi-night pacing in every destination

    Three nights in Salzburg and two each in Lucerne, Zermatt and Lausanne. No one-night hotel stops.

  2. 02Hosted, never herded

    Normally 8–12 guests, a maximum of 16 and a dedicated Tour Captain create personal movement, dining and discovery without the big-bus rhythm.

  3. 03Shared discovery, with time that is yours

    Guided walks and included dining sit beside open time in Salzburg, Zermatt and Lausanne, so the Journey never feels over-programmed.

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 Lotus 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.

10 Days from Salzburg to Lake Geneva

The Complete Itinerary

See exactly how each day unfolds—from your first evening in Salzburg to Lucerne, the Matterhorn and a Lake Geneva finale.

Hohensalzburg Fortress rising above Salzburg's baroque skyline

Chapter One

Days 1–3

Salzburg

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

Austria’s musical heart.

Three nights give Salzburg room to unfold through its historic center, Mozart landmarks and time protected for discoveries of your own.

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 4–5

Lucerne & the Bernese Alps

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

Lake light and high-Alpine drama.

Lucerne brings an approachable Old Town and landmark lake views before the Journey climbs into the Bernese Alps for a 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 6–7

Zermatt

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

Beneath the Matterhorn.

Two nights in car-free Zermatt balance a hosted arrival with a full day to choose your own mountain experience or simply enjoy the village.

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 8–10

Lausanne & Lake Geneva

French-speaking Switzerland and a lakeside finale.

A softer lakeside finale.

French-speaking Switzerland closes the Journey with Lausanne’s Old Town, Lake Geneva and time to gather for one final celebration.

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.

Lotus Hotels Collection

Preferred upper room categories, junior suites or suites in carefully selected 4- and 5-star hotels, with enhanced space, views and amenities where available.

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.

Explore the upcoming departures and choose the dates that work best for you. Prices are in U.S. dollars, per person, based on two guests sharing a room. 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.