Journey through the alpine regions of Europe. Discover the beauty of Lucerne, journey aboard the Glacier Express train and enjoy visits to Zermatt and St Moritz before embarking on a river cruise to Budapest.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Zürich

Arrive in Zürich, where you’ll be met on arrival. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception to begin your journey.

Day 2: Zürich

Enjoy a guided orientation of vibrant Zürich, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and its stunning medieval architecture. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 3: Zürich to Lucerne

Today, travel to Lucerne and set out on a guided walking tour. Framed by the breathtaking Swiss Alps, this charming city is a delight to explore. Stroll along the iconic Chapel Bridge, home to the distinctive octagonal Water Tower.

Day 4: Lucerne

This evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional traditional dinner and entertainment at a Swiss Folklore restaurant.

Insider Experience — Ride the Cogwheel Railway

Ascend to the peak of Mount Pilatus aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, taking in views of flower-filled pastures, rugged mountain ledges, and snow-capped peaks.

Day 5: Lucerne, Zermatt

Embark on a scenic journey via Interlaken to Zermatt, nestled beneath the gaze of the iconic Matterhorn. This picturesque, eco-friendly resort town is entirely car-free, making it a pleasure to explore on foot. Spend a relaxed evening soaking up the alpine air, wandering charming streets or unwinding at your Swiss chalet-style hotel, complete with a tranquil spa and breathtaking mountain views.

Day 6: Zermatt

After breakfast, set out on a guided morning tour of Zermatt. Discover the charming Hinterdorf (Old Village), home to around 30 traditional chalet-style barns and shops dating back to the 16th–18th centuries. This afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure — perhaps opt for a scenic helicopter flight and witness the unforgettable beauty of the Swiss Alps from above.

Enhance Your Journey – Scenic Helicopter Flight

Soar above the Swiss Alps on a breathtaking helicopter flight, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and alpine valleys.

Day 7: Zermatt, Brigg, Glacier Express, St Moritz

Travel to Brigg and board the Glacier Express, a narrow-gauge train renowned for its iconic alpine route to the luxury resort town of St. Moritz. Through panoramic windows, take in breathtaking views of jagged peaks, lush meadows, sprawling vineyards, and forested hillsides. On arrival, check in to your hotel before dinner this evening.

Insider Experience — Glacier Express

Journey aboard the Glacier Express, travelling along one of the world’s most scenic rail routes to the alpine resort town of St. Moritz.

Day 8: St Moritz, Kitzbuhel, Salzburg

This morning, journey into Austria via the charming alpine town of Kitzbühel en route to Salzburg, birthplace of the famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Spend the afternoon at leisure soaking up the city’s atmosphere — perhaps visit the Mirabell Gardens, where scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed in the 1960s.

Day 9: Salzburg

Enjoy a guided tour of Salzburg and its charming Old Town, where melodies drift from bustling coffee houses. This afternoon, you may choose to join an optional excursion through the Bavarian Alps to the historically significant Eagle’s Nest. This evening, indulge in a special dinner with your fellow travellers.

Enhance Your Journey — The Eagle’s Nest

Venture through the Bavarian Alps to the Eagle’s Nest, a mountaintop retreat originally built as a teahouse for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday.

Day 10: Salzburg, Passau, Embark Ship

After breakfast board a coach to travel to your river ship, docked in Passau on the Danube River.  Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers.

Day 11: Passau

In the beautiful city of Passau, enjoy a guided walking tour through the cobbled lanes of the Altstadt, taking in its historic charm and architectural highlights. Then enjoy the Aldersbach Brewery Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Aldersbach Brewery

Travel by coach to nearby Aldersbach brewery founded in 1268, where you’ll be welcomed by local musicians and taken on a tour of the brewery. Afterwards, enter the festival hall to enjoy locally brewed beer with tastings of some local food, all in the spirit of Oktoberfest, with live music and singing.

Day 12: Linz

Today, choose how you’d like to explore. You may wish to join an optional tour to either Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or Salzburg, or simply enjoy time at leisure in Linz.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit

Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the UNESCO-listed town of Český Krumlov, home to more than 300 historic buildings and a beautifully preserved medieval centre.

Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights

Travel through Austria’s scenic countryside to Salzburg. Stop at Mondsee, where you’ll see the famous Wedding Church from The Sound of Music, before continuing to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart’s hometown. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace before returning to the ship.

Day 13: Melk, Dürnstein

Join a local guide to see Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, then continue to Dürnstein, where you have a free afternoon to explore. Perhaps join an optional tour to taste some of the region’s wine.

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting

Visit Dürnstein Abbey, where you’ll savour a glass of the local Grüner Veltliner or riesling produced in the region, as well as delicious brandy.

Day 14: Vienna

Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive along the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city’s most famous buildings. On arrival in the centre, a walking tour will provide an insider’s view of sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace. Afterwards, perhaps visit the Naschmarkt and browse the stalls. This evening, you may choose to attend an optional concert.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna’s palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringstrasse.

Day 15: Bratislava

Today, discover Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, on a walking tour through the Old Town, where you will see St Martin’s Cathedral, the Primatial Palace and the Main Square. You’ll also visit Michael’s Gate, the only surviving entrance of the city’s original fortifications. Tonight, celebrate the end of your river cruise with a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Day 16: Budapest

Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and learn about Budapest’s vibrant history as your local guide takes you to a range of impressive sights, including Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Basilica. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore at leisure, or perhaps join an optional excursion.

Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock

Visit this museum, once a World War II hospital and later a Cold War bunker, located in caves beneath Buda Castle.

Day 17: Budapest, Disembark Ship

After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.