City Vistas and Mountain Redoubts in Switzerland, Austria and Prague

14 Day Tour of Geneva, Zurich, Lucerne, Salzburg and Prague

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Trip Map
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14 Days 13 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Nature Lovers

Outdoor Activities

Explore Central Europe with detailed travel guidance on this Switzerland, Austria & Prague itinerary. Experience a mix of city life and nature with private guided tours of historic Geneva, Zurich, Salzburg, and Prague, as well as on self-guided guided excursions. You’ll travel by cable car to Mt. Titlis and ride on the cogwheel train to Mt. Pilatus for incredible views of Lake Lucerne. Discover Salzburg’s historic Old Town and Prague’s famous castle complex and take a boat ride beneath Charles Bridge. Wrap up your visit with a hike in the Czech Republic’s own version of Switzerland, a stunning natural area known as “Bohemian Switzerland".

Enjoy mesmerizing views from your boat tour of Lake Geneva, the largest lake in the Alps.
Take a visually stunning journey to Mount Pilatus on the world’s steepest cog-wheel train.
Enjoy an enchanting hike along forested lakeshore to a waterfall at the breathtaking Königssee.
Take a guided tour along the Royal Route to Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in Europe.
Take a captivating evening cruise on the Vltava River and glide past Prague’s enchanting beauty.

Enjoy mesmerizing views from your boat tour of Lake Geneva, the largest lake in the Alps.
Take a visually stunning journey to Mount Pilatus on the world’s steepest cog-wheel train.
Enjoy an enchanting hike along forested lakeshore to a waterfall at the breathtaking Königssee.
Take a guided tour along the Royal Route to Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in Europe.
Take a captivating evening cruise on the Vltava River and glide past Prague’s enchanting beauty.

Lake Geneva

Natural Beauty

Fraumunster

Churches & Monasteries

Lake Zurich

Natural Beauty

Lake Lucerne

Natural Beauty

Old Town

Historic Landmarks

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Castles & Chateaux

Old Town

Architecture

Prague Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Charles Bridge

Historic Landmarks

Must see sights

Lake Geneva

Natural Beauty

Fraumunster

Churches & Monasteries

Lake Zurich

Natural Beauty

Lake Lucerne

Natural Beauty

Old Town

Historic Landmarks

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Castles & Chateaux

Old Town

Architecture

Prague Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Charles Bridge

Historic Landmarks

Starting from

$4300

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Geneva

Day 1

Arrive Geneva

To Be Determined

Pickup from Geneva Airport by Taxi

Geneva taxis are very reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Detailed information on navigating your way around the station and finding a taxi can be found in the Full Itinerary.

Day 1

Arrive Geneva

To Be Determined:

Airport Taxi Pickup, Self Arranged

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Boat cruise

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Old Town

Day 1

Arrive Geneva

Day 1

Arrive Geneva

To Be Determined

Pickup from Geneva Airport by Taxi

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Boat Cruise on Lake Geneva

Experience Lake Geneva up close and personal with a short cruise on the lake. There are many options available including the Geneva Tour or the Mermaid Tour. No visit to Geneva is complete without a cruise on the largest lake in Europe.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Self Guided Tour of Old Town Geneva

Geneva’s Old Town, overlooking Lake Geneva, is a winding maze of narrow streets and small squares that are filled with cozy cafes and quaint restaurants. At the very center of the Old Town, or Vieille Ville, is Bourg-de-Four Square where the ancient Romans used to trade goods in the marketplace. The Maison Tavel, St. Pierre’s Cathedral, and the Old Arsenal are among some of the top places to visit in the city’s historic Old Town area. Be sure to explore the rich history concentrated in this part of the city.

Day 2

Geneva

Day 2

Geneva

Day 2

Geneva

Day 2

Geneva

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Privately Guided Walking Tour of Geneva

Your private guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you for a 2-hour walk through the center of Geneva. On this walk, you will visit Bastions Park where you’ll see the Reformation Wall, built in 1909 to celebrate religious reform in Europe. You'll discover special places related to people like Jean Calvin and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, or even presidents of the United States like Woodrow Wilson or Bill Clinton. You will also visit the peaceful Old Town with its majestic St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Jardin d’Anglais, to admire one of Patek Philippe’s most famous works, and the surprising, delightful Flower Clock. The tour will end at the Nations Park, where you will see the United Nations Organization Headquarters.

Mid-Day to Early Evening

Self Guided Excursion to Annecy

Located in the southeastern part of France is the Alpine town of Annecy. The cobblestone streets, winding canals, and beautifully colored buildings make up the famous Annecy Vieille Ville (old town). Perched above the city is Château d’Annecy, which was once the home of many Counts of Geneva and which is now the city's museum with many artifacts dedicated to the history of the region. After exploring the city, take a walk around Lake Annecy and enjoy the scenic Alpine views.

Early Evening/Evening

Dining Out in Geneva

Geneva naturally offers all the traditional Swiss dishes that you've heard of, like Fondue (melted cheese in which you dip pieces of bread), Raclette (melted cheese with potatoes, from Wallis), Rösti (potatoes), Spätzli and typical Swiss Cervelat (a big sausage served with a "Bürli", piece of bread). But since it also is very multicultural, you can find food from a lot of foreign cultures as well.

Day 3

Geneva to Zurich

Day 3

Geneva to Zurich

Day 3

Geneva to Zurich

Day 3

Geneva to Zurich

8:35 AM

Taxi Transfer to Geneva Main Rail Station

Geneva taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.

09:42 - 12:28

Rail Journey from Geneva to Zurich

A Swiss Travel Pass for this approximately 2h45m rail journey is included in the purchase of the itinerary package. Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easy stress-free are also included in the Full Itinerary.

12:28 PM

Arrival in Zurich and Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival in Zurich, you will exit the rail station and proceed to the taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Taxis in Zurich are generally reliable and honest and are less expensive than using a pre-arranged pick up service for your transfer to the hotel. You can also use the Uber App if you have it installed on your phone. Detailed arrival information and instructions for taking a taxi are provided in the Full Itinerary.

1:15 PM - 3:45 PM

Private Introductory tour of the Zurich Old Town

During this 2.5-hour private walking tour, you will learn how Switzerland became Switzerland, and why Zurich is its most populated and important city. The walk towards the lake will take you to the Lindenhof, where you will enjoy a marvelous view of the Limmat all the way over to the Grossmünster. From there you will head to the Fraumünster, passing by St. Peter's Church, which bears the biggest clock face in Europe. Passing by the side of the city's Grossmünster, you will walk from the Lake to the Niederdorfstrasse, where you will experience the focal point of Zurich's restaurants and bars.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Self Guided Tour of Zurich East Bank

Explore the environs of the left bank of the Limmat River in Zurich, including, for example, Grossmünster church where the Protestant Reformation found a receptive audience, as well as the modern artistic masterpieces housed in the Kunsthaus, before settling down to a traditional hearty cheese fondue somewhere along the pedestrianized Niederdorfstrasse.

Evening

Dining Out in Zurich

Zürich naturally offers all the traditional Swiss dishes that you've heard of, like fondue (melted cheese in which you dip pieces of bread), raclette (melted cheese with potatoes, from Wallis), rösti (potatoes), Spätzli, and typical Swiss cervelat (a big sausage served with "Bürli," a piece of bread). Nevertheless, since it also is very multicultural, you can find food from a lot of foreign cultures as well.

Day 4

Zurich

Day 4

Zurich

Day 4

Zurich

Day 4

Zurich

Morning to Late Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion Up Mount Titlis

Take a cable car from the ski resort of Engelbeg and then the world's first rotating gondola to get to the highest point in Central Switzerland - a 3028m/9934ft station just below the very characteristic crest-of-a-wave summit of Mount Titlis (3239m/10626ft). The views at the top are other-worldly, which you can best appreciate on the 100m-long Cliff Walk suspension bridge - Europe's highest.

Early Evening

Self Guided Visit to Zürich's West Bank

A wander around the West Bank of Zürich's Limmat River will help you experience the city's development over the centuries, from its iconic Fraumünster church, the rise of its famous banking industry around Paradeplatz, its associations with the Irish writer James Joyce, and its impact on modern sporting history at the FIFA World Football Museum.

Day 5

Zurich to Lucerne

Day 5

Zurich to Lucerne

Day 5

Zurich to Lucerne

Day 5

Zurich to Lucerne

11:05 AM

Taxi Transfer to Zurich Main Rail Station

Zurich taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.

12:10 - 12:51

Rail Journey Zurich to Lucerne

A Swiss Travel Pass for this scenic direct journey to Lucerne, that takes about 45m, is included with the purchase of an itinerary. Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easy and stress-free are also included in the Full Itinerary.

12:51 PM

Arrival in Lucerne and Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival in Lucerne, you will exit the rail station and proceed to the taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Taxis in Lucerne are generally reliable and honest and are less expensive than using a pre-arranged pick up service for your transfer to the hotel. Detailed arrival information and instructions for taking a taxi are provided in the Full-Length itinerary with the purchase of an itinerary.

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Private Walking Tour of Lucerne

During this 2 hour guided private tour you will take in all the major highlights of Lucerne including: Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge, the Old Town and the Jesuit Church. Your professional guide will tell you about the fascinating history of the town and why Lucerne is a favorite destination for the Swiss and foreign visitors alike. You will also enjoy stunning views around Lake Lucerne, especially of the city's mountain, Mount Pilatus.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Tour Lucerne's Old Town on the South Bank

Explore Lucerne's Old Town on the south bank of the Reuss River, including its iconic Chapel Bridge and Jesuit Church. Close to the station you'll also find two of Switzerland's many premier league art galleries, or the city's most relaxing lakeside park. An enjoyable short hike further south along the lakefront will lead you to the exquisite villa where the composer Richard Wagner spent his last years.

Day 6

Lucerne

Day 6

Lucerne

Day 6

Lucerne

Day 6

Lucerne

Early Morning to Afternoon

Self Guided Excursion to Mount Pilatus by Cog-Wheel Train

Ride the steepest rack-railway in the world at a gradient of nearly 48 percent from Alpnachstad up the giant mountain of Mt Pilatus that looms over the city of Lucerne, or glide up the other side on a gondola from Kriens. The highest point, Tomlishorn, with superlative views of Lake Lucerne, is only 30min on foot from the hotels and restaurants near the top.

Afternoon to Early Evening

Explore Lucerne's Old Town on the North Bank

Wander the Old Town on the north side of the Reuss River and discover the intricately cobbled squares and exquisitely preserved architecture of the townhouses before walking along part of the fortified Musegg city walls from tower to tower. Further north of the river you'll come across the famously heart-rending sculpture of the Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument), built to commemorate Swiss soldiers who fought and died defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution.

Early Evening/Evening

Dining Out in Lucerne

Lucerne affords some really interesting culinary options with a focus on homegrown, handmade and freshly foraged that help dispell the age-old notion that Swiss cuisine is only about chocolate-box cliches and high cholesterol counts resulting from heavy cheese-based dishes like fondue, rosti, and raclette. Make use of the list of our restaurant and cafe recommendations included in the Full Itinerary to treat yourself to an evening out on the town and discover real Swiss cooking at its best.

Day 7

Lucerne to Salzburg

Day 7

Lucerne to Salzburg

Day 7

Lucerne to Salzburg

Day 7

Lucerne to Salzburg

12:35 PM

Taxi Rail Drop-Off at Lucerne Rail Station

Lucerne taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.

13:35 - 14:25, 14:40 - 20:03

Rail to Salzburg

The first part of this six-and-a-half hour journey will take you to Zurich where you will need to change trains. In most cases, you will then board a RailJet, EuroCity or InterCity train from Zurich to Salzburg, which are modern and comfortable trains with air conditioning and usually a good wifi connection. This train ride will take you past the exquisite Swiss lakes of Zürichsee, Obersee, and Walensee before crossing the border into Austria. The train will then continue through the beautiful landscape of the Austrian states of Vorarlberg and Tyrol, and stop briefly in Innsbruck before finally arriving in Salzburg.

8:03 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Salzburg Main Station (Salzburg Hbf) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and buses pickup directly in front of the station. Taxis are available near the station entrance and are generally honest. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Day 8

Salzburg

Day 8

Salzburg

Day 8

Salzburg

Day 8

Salzburg

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg

Salzburg is simply overwhelming in all the best ways. It is alive with fascinating history, grandiose and sublime architecture fills every street and square, culture and music permeate the atmosphere, and it is surrounded by breath-taking natural scenery. This guided tour with a local will provide the context needed to bring all of this beauty into perspective, and to connect the physical city to its history, culture, and environment.

Mid-Day

Visit to the Hohensalzburg Fortress

The Festung Hohensalzburg dominates Salzburg, appearing simultaneously formidable and enticing. From one side of the fortress you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and from the other a beautiful view of the nearby Alps. In addition to touring the fortress staterooms, you can also visit the Fortress Museum, a Marionette Museum, the Torture Chamber, an observation tower, and more.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Explore the Altstadt

Salzburg's Altstadt, which simply means Old Town, is one of the world's most charming city centers. It possesses an amazing wealth of Baroque buildings, as its 17th and 18th centuries archbishop rulers focused on beautifying their town rather than fighting foreign wars like neighboring states. A series of squares runs through the old town, and most you will find dominated by a beautiful church. Throughout the Altstadt, you will find markets, pleasant shops, and cozy restaurants.

Early Evening/Evening

Concert or Other Cultural Event in Salzburg

Birthplace of Mozart, home to the world's most prestigious music festival (the Salzburger Festspiele), and forever associated with The Sound of Music, Salzburg is practically synonymous with music. The city fully embraces this heritage and today there are abundant opportunities to enjoy performances of classical music in the city. While it possesses several fine concert halls, its palaces, churches, and gardens also host performances and often provide the perfect venue.

Day 9

Salzburg

Day 9

Salzburg

Day 9

Salzburg

Day 9

Salzburg

Early Morning to Mid-Day

Excursion to the Königssee (King's Lake)

The breathtakingly beautiful Königssee (King's Lake) is the deepest lake in the Alps and is surrounded by steep mountains. Taking a cruise on the lake is an unforgettable experience. The boat will take you to the red-onion domed Kloster St. Bartolomä, where you then take a relaxing and enchanting walk along the forested lakeshore. For serious hikers, you can also continue on the boat to the far end of the lake, and then take a hike to a dramatic waterfall.

Afternoon to Early Evening

Excursion to Berchtesgaden

About 20 miles from Salzburg, just across the German border, lies Berchtesgaden. This charming Bavarian town is nestled amidst a dramatic Alpine valley, and is actually located within a national park. Berchtesgaden boasts charming market squares, imposing churches, and even a medieval palace. There are also plenty of traditional Bavarian restaurants and shops selling local crafts and art.

Day 10

Salzburg to Prague

Day 10

Salzburg to Prague

Day 10

Salzburg to Prague

Day 10

Salzburg to Prague

9:10 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Salzburg Main Station (Salzburg Hbf) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

10:12 - 11:28, 11:52 - 15:56

Journey to Prague by Rail

Your scenic journey to Prague will consist of two parts. The first part of the journey is a 70-minute train journey from Salzburg to Linz, where on clear days you can enjoy a view of the Alps in the distance. The second part of the journey is a further four train trip from Linz to Prague through the beautiful countryside of northern Austria and Bohemia.

3:56 PM

Arrival & Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Prague Main Station (Praha hl.n.) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that the easiest way to reach your hotel may be by public transport. Taxis are available but are known for taking advantage of tourists. However if you prefer the convenience of not carrying your bags on public transport, they are an option. Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags. Uber and Bolt Taxis are also available for those with the app.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Exploring the Little Quarter

The Little Quarter is a quaint yet lively quarter of Prague tightly nestled on the slope and riverbank beneath the Prague Castle. It is filled with the homes of medieval and renaissance nobility who wanted to live as closely as possible to the castle. Picturesque side streets, beautiful churches, and impressive Baroque architecture all abound within the Little Quarter.

Day 11

Prague

Day 11

Prague

Day 11

Prague

Day 11

Prague

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Prague Castle & Royal Route Guided Walk

On this charming guided walk, you will explore the Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in all of Europe. To reach the castle you will trace the Royal Coronation Route and cross the Charles Bridge, whose “speaking stones” reveal the amazing and often cruel history that occurred there. Your tour guide will then take you either through the castle courtyards and into the dramatic St. Vitus Cathedral in the center of the castle complex, or through the upper part of the castle district around the oversized palaces of the old Catholic nobility and the top of the Castle Steps for incomparable views over the red rooftops of the Little Quarter.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Prague Castle and the Castle District

Prague Castle is the most visited destination in Prague, and for good reason. The castle's history stretches back over a 1000 years, and it has served as the seat of government for Bohemian kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. The castle sits impressively perched on a hill overlooking the city, providing a breathtaking and romantic view.

Late Afternoon

Stroll through Petřín Park

Petřin Park is Prague's most prominent park, as it is located on the side of a large hill overlooking the city. The park is filled with cherry orchards, beautiful forests, and lawns, and is crisscrossed by numerous paths as well as the medieval Hunger Wall built by Emperor Charles IV. At the top of the park is an Eiffel Tower-like observation tower which provides an unobstructed view of the city.

Early Evening

Vltava River Cruise

Embark on a captivating evening river cruise in Prague on the Vltava River, where the city's historic landmarks come alive under the soft glow of twilight. Glide past Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town while enjoying a glass of bubbly or a gourmet dining experience with fine wines. This enchanting journey offers a unique perspective of Prague's beauty, creating memories against the backdrop of the city's sparkling lights.

Day 12

Prague

Day 12

Prague

Day 12

Prague

Day 12

Prague

Morning to Afternoon

Excursion to Karlštejn Castle

Karlštejn, i.e. Charles' Stone Castle, is the most famous castle in the Czech Republic. The fairy-tale perfect castle was founded by King Charles IV in 1348 to guard his royal treasures. It's massive towers and walls are spread out over a series of rocky peaks above the Berounka River and commands striking views of the surrounding hills.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Visit Prague's Jewish Quarter

Jews have lived in Prague since its beginnings in the 10th century and have endowed it with a rich heritage. The ghetto was created in the 12th century, as Jews were forced to live separately from Christians. Despite persecution, the community prospered, but sadly, only a small minority survived the Nazi occupation. A lasting legacy remains, including synagogues, architecture, and a fascinating cemetery.

Early Evening

Discover the New Town

Despite being 700 years old, the New Town (Nové Město) is the youngest of the original five independent towns that made up Medieval Prague. The heart of New Town is one of the three original markets around which the town was planned, Wenceslas Square. Not fully given over to tourism like the Old Town, the New Town combines a historic atmosphere with the daily commercial and social life of locals, making it a great place to get a taste of the real Prague.

Day 13

Prague

Day 13

Prague

Day 13

Prague

Day 13

Prague

8:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Easy Bohemian Switzerland Trip with Bastei Bridge (Shared)

For those who like to be inspired by nature and look for its soothing powers, and wind in your hair experience than this guided group tour through the Bohemia Switzerland National Park is for you. Explore some of the best views of the National Park on well-maintained paths and from the best lookout points amid the rock formations.

Early Evening/Evening

Concert or Other Cultural Event

A trip to a concert or other performance in the Czech Republic is a treat on many levels. Czech musicians, dancers, and actors are some of the world's best and are the product of a long-lasting national obsession with the arts. In fact, prior to Czech independence, the arts were one of the only outlets available to express Czech national pride and identity, which is one reason why today Prague has more theater and concert seats per resident than any other city in the world. Symphony, ballet, opera, and more are all on offer.

Day 14

Depart Prague

Day 14

Depart Prague

Day 14

Depart Prague

Day 14

Depart Prague

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport by Taxi

Prague has one main airport, Václav Havel Airport Prague, where almost all visitors depart. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber or Bolt is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes.

Click to See Details

City Vistas and Mountain Redoubts in Switzerland, Austria and Prague

14 Day Tour of Geneva, Zurich, Lucerne, Salzburg and Prague

$4300

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Pickup from Geneva Airport by Taxi

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.