Grand Alpine: 15 days Zurich to Vienna

Welcome to Zurich, the heart of Switzerland. Framed by alpine mountains at the confluence of Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, this scenic-rich city is known for the extraordinary quality of life it offers to its citizens. It’s also Switzerland’s largest city and its commercial and cultural centre.

Relax in your luxurious hotel for the evening or head out to explore the city at leisure.

This morning, take a walking tour of Zurich. Wander through the Old Town’s winding streets, the medieval square of Niederdorf, walk across bridges over the peaceful Limmat River, and admire the 9th century Fraumunster Church with its renowned stained-glass windows created by legendary artist Marc Chagall.

Transfer via Coach to the beautiful city of Lucerne where you will have ample time to admire the picturesque natural beauty of the location. Here your Tour Director will take you on an orientation tour of the city where you will see the Jesuit Church, cross the quaint wooden Chapel Bridge and visit the Lion Monument, the detailed sculpture commemorating the Swiss guards who were massacred during the French Revolution. After some free time for lunch under own arrangements guests will transfer to Interlaken on a panoramic train where they will admire beautiful Swiss lakes surrounded by the mountains.

Freechoice:
This morning, choose from 2 Scenic Freechoice excursions as you uncover the tranquilly of Interlaken:

Cruise on Lake Brienz, the spectacular alpine lake that offers breathtaking views of mountain scenery, picturesque villages and graceful castles.

Cogwheel Train: Discover Jungfraujoch, which is one of Switzerland's most popular excursions. Take the famed cogwheel train to the top of Europe, the peak of the Jungfrau. Enjoy fabulous views of the towns and valleys below.

This afternoon, you will enjoy some time at leisure.  

Board the picturesque Golden Pass train through stunning scenery to the romantic Swiss town of Montreaux. Enjoy an orientation tour on arrival in Montreux, before free time to explore this charming resort town.

Enrich
Tonight’s Scenic Enrich

You will be taken to a chalet-style Swiss restaurant in the mountains overlooking Montreux where you will be treated to a delicious meal accompanied by traditional live music. Members of the Alphorn Academy of Switzerland will introduce you to the cultural importance of the Alphorn, a long wooden horn that was traditional used by shepherds to call cows in from the pastures. 

Located on the Shore of Lake Geneva, this pretty lakeside town is a home away of home of many artists.

Freechoice: This morning personalise your journey by your choice Scenic Freechoice excursions before lunch:

Sample local produce: Montreaux is surrounded by rolling vineyards, and this morning you will have the chance to visit one of the regions best known wineries. Visit the cellar door and enjoy a tasting of fine wines in idyllic surrounds.

Chaplin's World Museum: Alternatively, learn about one of the 20th century's most celebrated artists during a visit to the Chaplin's World Museum.

This morning transfer from the lakeside resort of Montreux to the alpine village of Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the world’s most famous mountain, the 4,478-metre Matterhorn.

Overlooked by the imposing and iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is an idyllic carefree, car free village set amongst the most glorious natural beauty. 

Freechoice:
Excursion to Gornergrat: Today perhaps ascend the Swiss Alps by rail to Gornergrat. For 125 years, this cog railway has been taking passengers to 3,100 metres above sea level, with mountains and glaciers as far as the eye can see, and the magnificent Matterhorn present at every moment, a craggy triangular peak standing sentinel in the Alps.

Matterhorn Museum Zermatlantis: Experience a private tour of the Matterhorn Museum, where you'll delve into everyday life in 19th century Zermatt and uncover the stories of the first ascents of the Matterhorn.

Start the morning on a train journey onboard the Glacier Express to the quiet town of Chur. On arrival cross the border with Germany and head to the alpine region of Schwangau, overlooked by the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, that inspired the infamous Disney castle.

Today you will be able to feel part of a fairy tale. After a short drive you’ll arrive at the majestic Neuschwainstein Castle and have the chance to explore the opulent room of this castle before returning to their hotel to relax. 

Today we traverse the alpine valleys and rugged hills of the Salzkammergut region enroute to Salzburg. The hills truly are alive in this region, and you will recognise some of the marvellous landscape from scenes of the famous movie, The Sound of Music as you arrive at one of the most iconic musical cities in the world.

Join your local guide that will escort you through this spectacular city seeing the iconic Mirabell Gardens, Mozarts’ birthplace and residence as well as the Old Market Square.

Today you’ll travel to Vienna, stopping along the way in Steyer. Your Tour director will give you an orientation tour of this historic city before allowing you free time to explore at your leisure.

This afternoon you’ll arrive in Austria’s grand capital, Vienna, a city full of grandeur, where you will spend the next two nights in a luxurious hotel. Known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud also lived and worked here in the late 19th century. The city boasts the world’s most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, a legacy of the Habsburg monarchy.

Today your expert local guide will show you around Vienna, which oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums. 

Embark on a guided tour to see the city’s highlights such as the opulent Opera House, City Hall, the Hellenic-style Parliament Building, the sprawling landscaped gardens of Stadtpark, and Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles). 

Enrich
This evening’s Scenic Enrich: Tonight will be an unforgettable evening of classical music. Visit the Palace Salon Karlsplatz at Künstlerhaus Vienna, where you’ll be treated to an exclusive Strauss and Mozart concert, followed by dinner.

Depart Vienna after breakfast, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the journey may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.