Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria

Day 1: Bern, Switzerland - Tour Begins

Set out to discover spectacular Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria. Your tour opens in Bern, the capital of Switzerland. This UNESCO World Heritage site rests in the Swiss countryside. The cobbled Old Town section is so well preserved that residents who lived here 500 years ago would still find it familiar today. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine such as traditional cheese fondue. Today dinner will be included.

Day 2: Bern

Explore delightful Bern on a panoramic sightseeing tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens and the gothic cathedral which dominates Old Town’s skyline. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore independently or perhaps take a ride in the red carriages of the Gurtenbahn funicular railway, climbing Gurten Mountain to an altitude of 2,574 feet (858 metres) for impressive views of Bern, the surrounding towns and mountains. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 3: Château de Chillon - Montreux - Train Ride - Gstaad - Bern

Travel along the shores of Lake Geneva to the legendary, medieval Château de Chillon. This princely residence faces the lake and puts forth the image of an imposing fortress from the mountains. Later, enjoy inspiring Alpine views with a ride on the GoldenPass Panoramic Train from Montreux to Gstaad. Discover the delightful ambience of this world-famous Alpine ski resort with its numerous traditional wood chalets. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 4: Bern - Lucerne - Bern

Set out for Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Enjoy a leisurely paced Altstadt (Old Town) walking tour, exploring the hidden treasures of the city. Lucerne has more than 800 years of history. Explore such medieval treasures as the covered Chapel Bridge (1333); the famous Water Tower which has served as a prison, watchtower and treasury; the Renaissance-style Town Hall; the baroque Jesuit Church; and the Lion Monument, carved from natural rock to commemorate the heroic Swiss Guard. Tonight we dine at one of Bern’s great restaurants. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Bern - Innsbruck, Austria

En route to Innsbruck we make our way through Liechtenstein, the smallest and richest German-speaking country in the world and the only country to lie entirely within the Alps. Upon arrival in Innsbruck, it’s your choice! Select one of two leisurely walking tours: join a local guide as you discover the city’s history, culture and popular attractions including Maria Theresien Strasse, the Hofburg and the “Golden Roof" -OR- you may embark on a tour focusing on Innsbruck’s unique architectural structures including its famous ski jump. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 6: Innsbruck - Salzburg - Innsbruck

Travel through the picturesque Austrian countryside to Salzburg. There, enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour featuring Mirabell Gardens (seen in The Sound of Music); the quaint Getreidegasse (birthplace of Mozart); and many other highlights of this beautiful city. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to independently explore and enjoy Salzburg’s fabulous sights. Complete your day with a delightful dinner at the 1,200-year-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, the oldest in Austria and still owned by the monks. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 7: Innsbruck

Savour a free day in this beautiful city. You may stroll through Old Town and shop at many of the city’s outstanding stores or you may just relax and breathe in the mountain air while enjoying a beverage in one of the many cafés that dot this charming city. Later, experience the rich musical tradition of mountainous Austria during a Tyrolean folklore show hosted by a locally well-known musical family. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 8: Innsbruck - Bavaria, Germany - Oberammergau - Innsbruck

Today fairy tales come to life with a picture stop at Bavaria’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Visit Wies Church (UNESCO) before heading to the picturesque village of Oberammergau. Enjoy a brief tour and learn more about this charming place, famous for its Passion Play. Performed every ten years to fulfil a pledge made by the villagers to God for sparing their city from the plague in 1633, the Passion Play has grown into an international event. Tonight you are treated to a farewell dinner in one of Innsbruck’s most famous traditional restaurants. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 9: Innsbruck - Tour Ends

Your tour comes to an end in Innsbruck. Today breakfast will be included.

Regular departure dates available through to November 2019. Please note that pricing will vary depending on departure date. Please contact us for up-to-date availability and pricing on your preferred travel date.

• Solo travellers pay as little as $350 more on selected dates: 1-9 November 2019 tour from $2,749pp twin share / $3,099 single

• Days 1 – 4 - Hotel Bern, Bern or Hotel Baeren, Bern or Hotel Ambassador, Bern
• Days 5 – 8 - Hotel Innsbruck, Innsbruck or Hotel Grauer Bar, Innsbruck