The architecture will be nearly as splendid as the mountains as the splendor of it all is accentuated by the riverbanks and lakeshores enjoyed during your 14-day tour. Whether you love the alpine air or find classical music soothing, enjoy hiking or prefer the taste of a flavorful beer on a hot day, your tour of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria will immerse you in natural wonder and a welcoming culture. Listen to the glockenspiel chime at midday and then climb to the top of a medieval church...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Trier – Arrive in Germany’s Oldest City and Enjoy an Introductory Tour
Trier is Germany’s oldest town, with its first inhabitants settling in the region approximately 16,000 years ago. Your flight will descend into Trier-Fohren Airport, and you see the expanse of lush grass and sporadic verdant trees across the landscape. Your private transfer will meet you at baggage claim and escort you into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Roman monuments, thermal baths, and the oldest bishop’s church and Gothic church in the country. The city center is reserved for pedestrians, which allows you to stroll along the Baroque and Gothic buildings at your leisure.
On the outskirts of town, wineries tier the hills and stretch along the flatlands. The Porta Nigra, a 2nd-century fortified Roman city gate, continues to frame the north entrance of Old Town. Time and the elements have blackened the outer layers of the gate, which brought on the name “Black Gate.” The weight of the stone, and sporadic iron clamps have held the structure together for nearly two millennia and the structure extends for 118 feet with a width of 70.5 feet and a height of 90 feet. To see the freestanding sandstone structure is the perfect introduction to your tour and allows the remaining history of the town to tell its own story.
What's Included:
Day 2
Trier – Explore the Historical Streets of Trier and Grounds of Burg Eltz Castle
Day 3
Baden-Baden – Visit the Opulent Casino and Enjoy a Day at Leisure
Day 4
Murren – Tour Farmhouses and Mills in the Black Forest en route to Murren
Day 5
Murren – Discover the Wonders of the Swiss Alps with a Trek around Murren
Day 6
Murren – Delight in the Natural Splendor of the Berner Oberland Region
Day 7
Munich – Relish Mountains, Lakes, and Castles on a Scenic Drive to Bavaria
Day 8
Munich – Full Day Tour of Munich and the Surrounding Sites
Day 9
Salzburg – Visit the Fairytale Castles of King Ludwig at Neuschwanstein
Day 10
Salzburg – Traverse the Streets to Find Culture and History in Salzburg
Day 11
Hallstatt – Revel in a Boat Cruise around the Lakeside Town of Hallstatt
Day 12
Vienna – Tour Mauthausen Concentration Camp en route to Vienna
Day 13
Vienna – Enjoy a Full Day Walking Tour of the Remarkable City of Vienna
Day 14
Vienna – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Stroll along the opulent and grandiose walls of the Neuschwanstein Castle celebrated for its fairytale qualities and prominent position above the forest
- Discover the hidden glacial waterfalls near Murren as you take an elevator into the mountain for a look at the thundering cascades
- Visit one of Munich’s celebrated beer halls for an immersive experience of the Bavarian culture
- Stroll along the cobblestone streets and half-timbered buildings of Germany’s oldest town, Triers, and visit the nearby Burg Eltz Castle
- Indulge in the soothing waters of the natural baths in luxurious Baden-Baden
- Trek the fabulous alpine trails outside Murren for unparalleled panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and Lotschen Valley
- Witness the musical and classical ambiance of the riverside Austrian city of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart
- Discover the painted skeletons of Hallstatt for insight into a cultural artifact of the mountains
- Experience the elegance and grace of Austria’s royalty at the Hofburg Palace, home to Austria’s leaders for nearly 800 years
- Step back into the tumultuous Nazi Era Austria with a tour of Mauthausen Concentration Cap and Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Relish the Roman ruins around various towns for an introduction into the first vast settlements of the region
Detailed Description
Many have found inspiration from the splendor of the Alps, and the wonders of the glassy lakes will be your muse during your luxurious custom tailored tour of the highlights of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Fairytale castles rise out of the trees as the music of Mozart fills the cobblestone plazas. Hot springs continue to bubble in Roman baths located beneath contemporary spas as Baroque fountains accentuate the beautiful historical architecture. Glaciers glint in the passing alpine sunlight and the sites and sounds of your tour will certainly take your breath away.
Your adventure will begin with your arrival in Triers, Germany. Your private transfer will meet you at Trier–Fohren Airport and escort you into the heart of the country’s oldest town to enjoy an introductory walking tour for your first view of the city’s beautiful streets. Wake the next day to traverse the Roman and medieval core of the city before visiting the nearby village of Beilstein, home to Burg Eltz Castle. The following day, you will make your way to the famous spa town of Baden-Baden. Tour the opulent casino and relax with a soothing hour spent in one of the city’s many spas, fed by the natural hot springs. The next day, meander through the Black Forest to visit towns en route to the snow-peaked region of Berner Oberland in Switzerland and then enjoy a fabulous gondola ride to reach the remarkable cliff-top town of Murren.
The next day will bring you along the trails around Murren and allow you to explore the landscape from the towering mountains to the sunken valley at your preferred pace. Walk the trail to the neighboring village or follow the paths around the foothills to see the high-altitude farms that produce alpine cheese. The next day, you can venture into the rugged mountaintops to see Trummelbach, a series of hidden waterfalls fed by glacial melt water. Travel to Bavaria the next day and stop in the town of St. Gallen along the way. Visit the Abbey and its remarkable medieval library before reaching the vibrant city of Munich. Wake the next day, and your guide will lead you on a historical tour of Old Town. Absorb the architecture, culture, and world-class museums, and you can also visit the English Gardens or Olympic Park.
Travel next to Fussen to explore the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein. Continue to the village of Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps before crossing the border into Austria to relax in the Baroque city of Salzburg. Explore the stunning scenery of the city the next day during a guided tour of the cobbled streets and elaborate architecture. See the hilltop fortress of Hohensalzburg and Mozart’s birthplace, and then travel next to the charming village of Hallstatt. Cruise on the glassy lake for an exceptional view of the village, mountains, and water and in the afternoon, you can take in a tour of the Bone House or venture to the world’s oldest salt mine.
The following day, you can visit the Mauthausen Concentration Camp to gain insight into Nazi-occupied Austria and the history of the grounds. Back in Vienna, you will take an introductory tour of the grandeur of Austria’s capital city. The next day, you can continue to explore the elegance of Vienna with a walking tour around the Habsburg Palace, Opera House, and fascinating museums. Your private transfer will meet you at your hotel the next day to escort you to the Vienna airport for your flight home, or you could also extend your time in Europe with a luxurious tour of Central Europe or travel southwest to Italy.
Starting Price
$7,600 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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