Two Weeks in Europe’s Heartland: Germany, Switzerland, and Austria Tour

We are a family of seven, ages 17-63, and Zicasso’s travel company created an incredible 12-day trip for us all to Switzerland and Austria. There were a lot of transportation logistics, tickets, hotel and dining reservations, and intricate details that they seamlessly pulled together for us. Having our own (and the same) driver for the duration of the trip was an incredible perk.

We traveled to Zurich, Grindelwald, Zermatt, Lucerne, Salzburg, and Hallstatt. We had a wonderful time, thanks to their detailed planning, itinerary, and attention to important details, including one traveler with celiac disease/special dietary needs.

Don't miss paragliding and the Via Ferrata in Murren, Switzerland, and the Fräulein Maria bike tour in Salzburg!

This was my first time working with Zicasso’s travel company, which I found through Zicasso for a two-week trip to Switzerland. I spent time upfront with the travel specialist designing a custom itinerary focused on hiking the Alps. We stayed in four authentic mountain villages and alpine towns: St. Moritz, Zermatt, the Lake Interlaken area (with day trips to Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, and Wengen), and Lake Lucerne.

Our trip featured some truly unforgettable, world-class hikes and excursions, including Lake Oeschinensee, the Stoos Ridge trail, the Zermatt 5 Lakes walk, Mount Pilatus, and the Gornergrat Railway, with its breathtaking views overlooking the Matterhorn.

Navigating these high-elevation destinations required complex daily logistics, seamlessly combining trains, buses, funiculars, cogwheels, and chairlifts all in a single day. The travel company’s travel app made it all effortless, outlining every day in meticulous detail and storing all transportation documents in one place (it even works offline without Wi-Fi or 5G).

Furthermore, the travel company was available 24/7 via WhatsApp. I needed their assistance three times during the trip and their follow-up was prompt, usually within minutes. I wholeheartedly recommend the travel company for your European vacation; we had a fantastic experience and I truly could not have managed the trip without their expert knowledge and guidance.

We had an excellent trip to Germany and Switzerland, as planned by Zicasso’s travel company! They sent extremely detailed notes for us to follow each day and our two weeks were seamless!

Zicasso's travel company prepared a self-guided, nine-day tour for us through some of the most scenic mountainous regions of Switzerland. Communication and planning were seamless, and after gathering our preferences, they set up a wonderful trip for us. We are essentially independent travelers and everything suited our needs, from wonderful guides for private tours to the freedom to take things at our own pace. We would certainly recommend this travel company to anyone considering a trip to Switzerland.

We had a wonderful trip to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland! The people from the tour operator were very helpful in the planning phase of our trip. They were able to design a trip that included a variety of experiences that appealed to our different interests in each of the six cities we visited.

The accommodations they booked for us were all very clean and comfortable, and in good locations, within walking distance of sights or transportation to those sights. We mostly traveled by train once we arrived in Europe and they were helpful in booking train tickets for travel in Germany and Austria, and the Swiss rail and bus passes that we used for travel in Switzerland.

A representative kept in contact with us and was available to answer questions as needed. When one of the activities was canceled due to bad weather, they facilitated ticket refunds for us. We were very pleased with the planning and responsiveness of Zicasso's tour operator and would use them to plan a trip again.

My trip through Switzerland in October was nothing short of magical. The combination of crisp mountain air, golden autumn leaves, and snow-capped peaks made every stop along the way feel like stepping into a postcard. Swiss chocolates lived up to expectations.

Zurich was the perfect starting point—modern, clean, and full of energy. I loved strolling along Bahnhofstrasse for shopping and ending the day by the peaceful shores of Lake Zurich. The Old Town’s cobblestone lanes were charming and the café culture was ideal for people-watching. I really enjoyed the chocolate factory tour and the tuk-tuk tour of the city, with traditional fondue. The walking tour was so educational. The trip to Rhine Falls and the quaint town of Stein am Rhein is not to be missed.

From there, I traveled to Lucerne, one of the most picturesque towns I’ve ever seen. The Chapel Bridge and its flower boxes were stunning against the backdrop of Mount Pilatus. A boat cruise on Lake Lucerne was the highlight—the reflections of autumn colors on the water were breathtaking. The Rigi Kulm and Mt. Titlis tours are fascinating. I went by boat, train, bus, and funicular.

Grindelwald and the Interlaken region were the heart of the trip. The scenery was absolutely unforgettable. The Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains dominated the skyline, and even though it was a bit chilly, the air was crisp and refreshing. The cable car rides and mountain hikes offered jaw-dropping views at every turn. Make sure you take the fondue class at the restaurant in Grindelwald and Interlaken. Come hungry!

Bern, the capital, surprised me with its warmth and old-world charm. The medieval architecture, clock tower, and bear park made for a fascinating visit. It felt quieter and more local compared to Zurich and Lucerne—a perfect stop to slow down and enjoy Swiss culture.

A visit to Gruyères added a delicious twist to the journey. The village looked like something out of a fairy tale and touring the Gruyère cheese factory was fun and tasty. Don’t miss the local chocolate factory tour.

Finally, I ended in Geneva, a sophisticated city by the lake. The Jet d’Eau was impressive and I enjoyed exploring the international district and strolling through the old town. The blend of French influence and Swiss precision made Geneva a wonderful final stop.

Overall, Switzerland in October is perfect for travelers who love scenic beauty without the summer crowds. The weather was cool but pleasant, and the autumn colors made the landscapes even more magical. Every train/gondola ride felt like a scenic tour through paradise.

Zicasso’s tour operator was excellent.

Highlights: Lucerne’s lakeside views, Grindelwald’s mountain trails, Gruyères fondue/chocolate, and Bern’s old-town charm.

Tip: Bring layers—mornings and evenings can get chilly, but the afternoons are perfect for exploring. Do not stay at the hotel near the Zurich airport. Stay in Zurich and take a taxi to the airport. In Grindelwald, avoid one of the hotels there.