Switzerland and Austria with Oberammergau

Your spiritual pilgrimage to the heart of Europe begins in Zurich, whose historic centre and scenic lakeside setting you will have an opportunity to explore before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an orientation of the city's iconic sights and a Welcome Reception.

Embark on a soul-stirring encounter with the valleys and lofty peaks of Liechtenstein, bound for its tiny capital, Vaduz. Continue along the scenic Alberg route into the Tyrol to your overnight stop in the Baroque city of Salzburg. Here, you will join a Local Specialist for a walking tour that will take you past iconic sights, including the house where Mozart once lived and Domplatz with its imposing Salzburger Dom Cathedral, Residenz Castle and St. Peter's Abbey.

Waltz through the scenic Austrian countryside, past Lake Mondsee and the rolling hills, fortresses and valleys of the picturesque Wachau Valley. See Melk Abbey perched atop its rocky bastion above the beautiful Danube. Our home for the next two nights is the glorious Imperial city of Vienna.

Admire the grand boulevards and beautiful Gothic and Baroque façades on a guided sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist, who will take you to see the State Opera, Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral and Parliament. Immerse yourself in the centuries-old history of 'Am Hof', before spending free time soaking up the Kaffee culture of the city. This evening, you may wish to embrace the talents of the City of Music and attend a Viennese concert in one of the city's magnificent performance venues.

Travel through the striking Austrian countryside and into Bavarian Germany to the picturesque town of Oberammergau for a Trafalgar Highlight and display of unwavering faith - the Oberammergau Passion Play, which will be performed tomorrow as it has every ten years since 1634. Dine at your hotel this evening.

Give thanks to God, as the Oberammergau villagers do in their dramatic depiction of the life and death of Jesus Christ. Take your premium seats for a poignant afternoon spent watching the Passion Play, witnessing first-hand the covenant that the villagers made with God in the 17th century to spare them from the ravages of the plague that had decimated their village and resulted in their promise to honour His grace and mercy. Dine at a local restaurant this evening before watching the captivating second half of this performance as night falls.

Continue to Switzerland this morning and cross the enchanting Engadine Valley. You'll arrive later in the fashionable winter sports resort of St. Moritz, where you are free this afternoon to explore its stylish surrounds.

Traverse Alpine landscapes to Thusis and follow the San Bernadino route to Bellinzona, famous for its three castles. Continue via Locarno to the shores of Lake Maggiore and explore the scenic town of Stresa. See the beautiful Borromean Islands as you head towards the Simplon Pass. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel in Zermatt.

Spend a full day at leisure soaking up Zermatt's crisp mountain air and panoramic alpine vistas. Relax in beautiful surrounds or consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views.

A drive through the Rhône Valley brings you to Lake Geneva, where you'll view Lord Byron's Castle of Chillon. Follow the shores of Lake Geneva round to Montreux, famous for its annual jazz festival. This evening, 'Connect with Locals' over a Be My Guest dinner at a family run winery overlooking Lake Geneva.

Travel via the laidback Swiss capital of Berne to Interlaken, set in the heart of Switzerland in the shadow of the mighty Jungfrau. Cross the Brünig Pass to the lakeside town of Lucerne, where you'll have an opportunity to view the ancient wooden Chapel Bridge and visit the poignant Lion Monument which pays tribute to the brave Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution.

Snow-capped peaks surround you as you wander through the medieval streets of Lucerne lined with colourful muralled façades. Spend a full free day exploring the Old Town, enjoy a leisurely Swiss lunch or consider an Optional Experience ascending a nearby mountain for panoramic views. This evening, toast to journey filled with hope, faith and blessings during your Farewell Dinner.

We say a fond farewell to Switzerland and our fellow travellers at the end of a moving journey. An airport transfer is available to Zurich Airport. Conditions apply.