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Switzerland and Austria
13 Day Tour to Zurich, Salzburg, Vienna, Innsbruck and Zermatt
One of our most popular Austria and Switzerland trips, this incredible duo also delivers a visit to the little Liechtenstein capital. The Alps take centre stage on this journey, but you’ll also learn about wine-making techniques at a family vineyard with its stunning views over Lake Geneva.
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Trip code
SWAU
Switzerland and Austria
13 Day Tour to Zurich, Salzburg, Vienna, Innsbruck and Zermatt
One of our most popular Austria and Switzerland trips, this incredible duo also delivers a visit to the little Liechtenstein capital. The Alps take centre stage on this journey, but you’ll also learn about wine-making techniques at a family vineyard with its stunning views over Lake Geneva.
Your epic journey to the heart of Europe launches in the sophisticated cultural hotspot of Zürich. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers to explore its ancient heritage and modern verve during your orientation tour, followed by an evening 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 Arlberg route through 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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Austria Trend Europa
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Onwards to Vienna
Waltz through the scenic Austrian countryside, past Lake Mondsee and the rolling hills and fortresses of the Wachau Valley. See Melk Abbey overlooking the beautiful Danube, then continue to Vienna. Perhaps spend your first evening in the 'City of Music' on an Optional Experience Viennese dinner with traditional entertainment.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Azimut
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 4
Discover Artistic 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, 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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 5
Off to Riverside Innsbruck
Leaving the elegant imperial capital behind, we venture west into the Tyrolean Alps. You'll want to keep your camera at hand to capture the epic backdrop that accompanies your scenic drive through the alpine landscapes of Austria. Your home for the next two nights is Innsbruck, with one of Europe's most picture-perfect Old Towns, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Nordkette.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Grauer Bär
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 6
Discover Alpine Innsbruck
Enjoy spectacular Alpine scenery in the capital of the Tyrol. Here you will have an opportunity to admire Emperor Maximilian I's Golden Roof, St. James Cathedral and see the Olympic ski jump. You could choose to marvel at the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Venture to St. Moritz
This morning, we cross the Swiss border and travel through the enchanting landscapes of the Engadine Valley. Arriving in the chic winter sports resort of St. Moritz, we have the afternoon on our own to explore the scenic landscape or perhaps take a mountain pass train ride.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Reine Victoria
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 8
Journey to Lake Maggiore and on to Zermatt
Drive via the Maloja Pass, past Lake Como, to Lake Maggiore. Explore the lakeside town of Stresa, before seeing the Borromean Islands. Then, head towards the Simplon Pass en route to Zermatt, where you will dine at your hotel.
Spend a full free day soaking up Zermatt's crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. Relax in beautiful surrounds or consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 10
On to Lake Geneva and Montreux
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. Next, we connect With Locals over lunch for a Be My Guest experience at a family run winery overlooking Lake Geneva.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Eurotel
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 11
Cross the Brünig Pass to Lucerne
Travel via Bern to Interlaken, set in the heart of Switzerland in the shadow of the mighty Jungfrau. Then, cross the Brünig Pass to lakeside Lucerne, where you’ll view the ancient wooden Chapel Bridge suspended over the Reuss and visit the poignant Lion Monument to pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Grand Europe
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 12
Lucerne Your Way
Snow-capped peaks surround you as you wander through the medieval streets of Lucerne, lined with colourful muralled façades. Spend a full day on your own 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 your epic journey during your Farewell Dinner.
We say a fond farewell to Switzerland and our newfound friends at the end of an unforgettable journey. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
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About this trip
About this trip
What's included
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12 nights
Accommodation
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16 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 12 Breakfasts
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown. VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Savour an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at Chexbres on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore Salzburg and Vienna with a Local Specialist
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Discover Zürich, Innsbruck and Lucerne
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Visit Vaduz, St. Moritz, Stresa and Zermatt
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View the Golden Roof and Hofburg Palace in Innsbruck, the Matterhorn and Jungfrau mountains (weather permitting), Chillon Castle, Bern and the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument in Lucerne
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Switzerland and Austria trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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4.7
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Based on 519 independent reviews
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Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
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Switzerland/Austria trip
Trip Rating
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5
We visited so many places in comparison to other trips we compared to before choosing this one. This trip allows for time to explore on your own in addition to planned activities from Trafalgar.
Everything was planned so well, optional activities added so much to the trip, Tony our guide was so knowledgeable and handled our trip beautifully, and we seemed to add a variety of experiences each day.
We booked our holiday with Pam Byerlee from AAA. She made all the arrangements with Trafalgar. We saw so many interesting and beautiful places. We will never forgot this memorable holiday. We would highly recommend this company and will use them on our next adventure.
Our trip was amazing!! From the moment we stepped off the plane in Zürich the fun began. We never had to worry about anything, The trip was so well organized. All we had to do was enjoy the beautiful scenery. The extra excursion are a must!
Gratuities: You have the option to pre-pay the gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. Please speak with your travel agent.
Important Visa Information: This trip will visit Italy for a short period. Some passport holders may require double entry visas. Please speak with your travel agent at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional) Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.