Alpine Enchantment: A Family Adventure Through Historic Cities & Scenic Landscapes

14 Day Tour of Zurich, Interlaken, Munich, Salzburg and Vienna

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Trip Map
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14 Days 13 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Families With Children

Nature Lovers

Experience Alpine Europe's breathtaking beauty and rich history with your family on this unforgettable journey through Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Traverse the cobblestone streets of Zurich, Munich, Salzburg, & Vienna, marvel at the architectural splendor of Neuschwanstein Castle, and explore the picturesque Alpine lakes surrounding Interlaken. Enjoy private guided tours, detailed travel guidance through our mobile app, and plenty of opportunities for family-friendly adventures. From the enchanting Englischer Garten to the serene Lake Lucerne and magical Wachau Valley, every moment of this trip promises to create lasting memories.

Ascend to the Jungfraujoch for breathtaking views, an ice palace, and thrilling Alpine experiences.
Discover the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle on an excursion into the Bavarian Alps.
Ascend the Untersberg by a scenic cable car and dodge trick fountains in Hellbrunn Palace’s gardens.
Wander through Munich’s beautiful English Garden, one of Europe’s largest urban parks.
Enjoy a private guided walking tour of Vienna’s historic Inner City and visit its sumptuous palaces.

Ascend to the Jungfraujoch for breathtaking views, an ice palace, and thrilling Alpine experiences.
Discover the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle on an excursion into the Bavarian Alps.
Ascend the Untersberg by a scenic cable car and dodge trick fountains in Hellbrunn Palace’s gardens.
Wander through Munich’s beautiful English Garden, one of Europe’s largest urban parks.
Enjoy a private guided walking tour of Vienna’s historic Inner City and visit its sumptuous palaces.

Fraumunster

Churches & Monasteries

Lake Zurich

Natural Beauty

Unterseen

Small Towns

Interlaken Monastery & Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Hohematte Park

Natural Beauty

Old Town

Architecture

Residence Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Castles & Chateaux

Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo

Parks & Gardens

Must see sights

Fraumunster

Churches & Monasteries

Lake Zurich

Natural Beauty

Unterseen

Small Towns

Interlaken Monastery & Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Hohematte Park

Natural Beauty

Old Town

Architecture

Residence Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Castles & Chateaux

Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo

Parks & Gardens

Starting from

$3775

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Zurich

Day 1

Arrive Zurich

To Be Determined

Private Transfer from the Zurich Airport

We will schedule a pick up for 20 minutes after your flight's arrival time. You will be met in the terminal by an English speaking driver holding a sign with your name on it. The ride is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package.

Day 1

Arrive Zurich

To Be Determined:

Zurich Airport Pickup

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

West Bank, Self-Guided

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

East Bank, Self Guided

Day 1

Arrive Zurich

Day 1

Arrive Zurich

To Be Determined

Private Transfer from the Zurich Airport

Mid-Day/Afternoon

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.

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.

Day 2

Zurich

Day 2

Zurich

Day 2

Zurich

Day 2

Zurich

Early Morning to Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion Up Mt Pilatus

In summer months, you can 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. In winter you can glide up the other side of the mountain on a cable car 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.

2:30 PM - 5:00 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.

Early Evening/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 3

Zurich to Interlaken

Day 3

Zurich to Interlaken

Day 3

Zurich to Interlaken

Day 3

Zurich to Interlaken

9:55 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.

11:02 - 12:58

Rail to Interlaken

A Swiss Travel Pass for this two-hour and fifteen-minute train journey to Interlaken is included with the purchase of an itinerary. You will receive detailed instructions for the trip and a translation and explanation of your tickets. Bern is the capital of Switzerland and the home of Toblerone chocolate.

12:58 PM

Rail Pickup by Taxi

Upon arrival in Interlaken, you will exit the rail station and proceed to the taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Taxis in Interlaken 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 purchase of an itinerary.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion Up Harder Kulm

Travel by funicular from close to the Old Town in Interlaken to the Harder Kulm viewing platform at 1,322 meters above sea level from where you're able to soak up majestic panoramas of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, or admire the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. The castle-like the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant sometimes hosts folk music and dancing. The hike down, should you choose to go that way, will take around one hour.

Day 4

Interlaken

Day 4

Interlaken

Day 4

Interlaken

Day 4

Interlaken

Early Morning to Late Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion up Jungfrau

Journey directly through the famous Eiger Mountain to what the Swiss called "The Top of Europe", the icy, windswept gap in the mountain ridges known as Jungfraujoch at 3,454m/11,332ft just below the summit of Jungfrau. The train ride to the top is not cheap, but it's the highest train station in Europe and definitely an unforgettable experience.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Self-Guided Tour of Interlaken's Historic Center

Although the overwhelming number of visitors to Interlaken come to the city to access the mountains throughout the Bernese Oberland in general and the Jungfrau region in particular, there are nevertheless a number of attractions in the town worth seeing, like the castle, the Unterseen (Old Town) district, and the Museum of Tourism.

Day 5

Interlaken to Munich

Day 5

Interlaken to Munich

Day 5

Interlaken to Munich

Day 5

Interlaken to Munich

8:15 AM

Taxi Dropoff at Rail Station

Interlaken taxis are reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up 45 minutes prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.

09:00 - 10:58, 11:33 - 15:04

Rail to Munich

This 6.5-7.5 hour train journey will take you through Switzerland and Southern Germany. There are several different routes that you make take, each requiring at a minimum one change and more likely two. Chances are good you will travel through the famous Black Forest of Germany, a heavily-forested and mountainous region. But no matter which route you take, you can be assured of a very scenic journey.

3:04 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Müchen 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 - there is a subway and local rail station co-located with the train station. Taxis are available at all rail stations and are generally honest. Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Late Afternoon to Evening

Exploring Munich's Altstadt (i.e. the Old Town)

Munich boasts a large old town (Altstadt) with many beautiful historic buildings. Sometimes called the world's largest village, it is a perfect place to wander. You will discover many Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, as well as several stunning examples of modern architecture. Pleasant cafes, beer halls, cozy restaurants, and great shopping all add to the charming atmosphere.

Day 6

Munich

Day 6

Munich

Day 6

Munich

Day 6

Munich

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walk Tour of Historic Munich

Munich contains many reminders of a long and varied history but also encompasses the modern features of a strong and vibrant city. The insights of a local help make sense of the traditions, trends, and promises of Bavaria's Capital - sometimes referred to as the city of laptops and lederhosen. On this tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Munich and point out the many hidden treasures.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

A Visit to Munich's Residence Palace

The Munich Residenz was the seat of Bavaria's Dukes and Kings from the middle ages until 1918. Originally a medieval castle, it was transformed over the centuries into a beautiful palace. Today it is open to the public and you can explore its magnificent interiors, numerous courtyards, and elegant garden. The living quarters of the royal family have been transformed into a museum which provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Kings and Queens. You can also peruse numerous jewels, gold objects, and other precious items which are held in the Residenz Schatzkammer (treasury).

Day 7

Munich

Day 7

Munich

Day 7

Munich

Day 7

Munich

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit to the Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum (i.e., the German Museum) is the world's largest museum of science and technology. It is located on a small island in the River Isar, which flows through central Munich. The museum's vast and fascinating collection is spread out among 40 different exhibitions. You will encounter examples of technology stretching across humanity's long history, from a reproduction of pre-historic cave paintings to the laboratory where the atom was split.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Stroll through the English Garden

The English Garden is one of Europe's largest parks; in fact, it is larger than New York's Central Park. While it is called the "English Garden" after the style of the park, it was actually designed by an American-Englishman and is now a symbol of the very Bavarian city of Munich. The park is a perfect place to escape the city for a long stroll, where you can enjoy the natural scenery and the people watching.

Evening/Late Evening

Visit to the Augustiner Keller

This vast beer garden under leafy chestnut trees is immensely popular with the locals, so you can study the lederhosen-clad men and dirndl attired women at close quarters while quaffing the Augustiner's own Edelstaff beer from your Maßkrug (one-liter glass beer mug) and wolfing down a plate stacked high with Bavarian sausage and mashed potato.

Day 8

Munich to Salzburg

Day 8

Munich to Salzburg

Day 8

Munich to Salzburg

Day 8

Munich to Salzburg

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit to the BMW Museum and the 1972 Olympic Park

If you have a passion for cars and German engineering precision, then you'll love the shrines to one of Germany's finest automobiles - the ultra-modern BMW Museum and the futuristic-looking BMW World. Adjacent to BMW World are the extensive and beautifully sculpted grounds of 1972's Olympic Park built on top of the mountain of rubble transported there during the post-WWII city clean-up operation.

2:30 PM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport or Walk

Most trains depart from Müchen 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.

15:30 - 16:58

Rail Journey from Munich to Salzburg

Your scenic journey to Salzburg should take about 1.5 to 2 hours. After leaving Munich, you will pass through the beautiful countryside of Bavaria before reaching the Austrian border, which Salzburg lies just beyond. Germany and Austria both speak German and share many cultural similarities. This is especially the case with Bavaria and Austria, so the transition over the border will not seem too dramatic, although if you keep your eyes peeled you will notice some minor differences.

4:58 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.

Early Evening

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.

Day 9

Salzburg

Day 9

Salzburg

Day 9

Salzburg

Day 9

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.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

The Mönchsberg & Augustinian Beer Hall

Although tiny in comparison to the mountains of the nearby Alps, the Mönchsberg (Monk’s Mountain) dominates the Altstadt. While the highest portion of the mountain is occupied by the Fortress Hohensalzburg, the rest of the mountain is covered by idyllic forests and pastures, romantic homes, and castle ruins. A stroll through this enchanting landscape also affords numerous beautiful views of Salzburg's Altstadt below. Perhaps best of all, it can all be enjoyed away from the crowds of the city. The Salzburg Card covers the cost of an elevator built into the side of mountain which will take you to the top!

Day 10

Salzburg to Vienna

Day 10

Salzburg to Vienna

Day 10

Salzburg to Vienna

Day 10

Salzburg to Vienna

Early Morning to Mid-Day

Excursion to the Peak of the Untersberg

The nearly 6,000-foot high Untersberg is Salzburg's nearest Alpine Mountain, and a visit to its peak is the perfect way to experience the Alps without traveling too far. Don't worry, there's no need to bring your climbing gear. You can take a bus from Salzburg to the base of the mountain, and then take an exhilarating cable lift ride all the way to the limestone summit. There you will find a stupendous view of the Alps spread out before you, and if you feel like wandering a bit, a network of rocky trails spreads out from the summit. The Salzburg card covers both the bus ride to the lift (it's the last stop of bus line #25) and the cable car tickets!

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Visit the Hellbrunn Palace and Gardens

Built as a summer palace by Salzburg's Prince-Bishop, the Hellbrunn Palace is a picturesque palace surrounded by even more beautiful gardens. The early baroque palace was built exclusively for the purpose of entertainment, as the Prince-Bishop would actually return to Salzburg in the evening. It can be toured with an audio guide and includes several beautiful frescoed ceilings. There is a great deal to discover in the gardens - hidden grottos, clever statues, reflecting pools, as well as flora and fauna. And the trick fountains are a must for every visit. Both the transportation (bus #25) and the entry are covered by the Salzburg Card.

6:50 PM

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.

19:52 - 22:22

Rail Journey from Salzburg to Vienna

The scenic journey on the comfortable train will take about two and a half hours. The journey is aboard a comfortable, modern train with wi-fi, provided either by the Austrian rail company or a private rail carrier called Westbahn. The verdant rolling countryside of northern Austria makes for a pleasant voyage, and on clear days, you can also enjoy a view on the Alps in the distance from the right side of the train. You also have detailed instructions below for the voyage, as well as a translation and explanation of your tickets in your ticket booklet.

10:22 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Upon arrival in Vienna, you will exit the rail station and proceed to the taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Taxis in Vienna 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 purchase of an itinerary.

Day 11

Vienna

Day 11

Vienna

Day 11

Vienna

Day 11

Vienna

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walk through Vienna's Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Experience the Imperial Vienna

Discover the very heart of the Habsburg Empire that once covered most of central Europe. Within the vast Hofburg Palace complex, which was once home to Austria’s emperors and their administrators, you will find palaces, museums, a famed riding hall, the Austrian national library, and much more. The State Opera House and other major monuments are also nearby. Majestically stunning, the buildings and squares of Imperial Vienna still evoke awe in the observer even if the Empire they were built for is now long gone.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Exploring Vienna's Inner City

When the Viennese say they are going “into the city”, they are talking about the Inner City (Innere Stadt). The Inner City corresponds to Vienna’s original medieval city, which was once surrounded by defensive walls that stood where the Ringstrasse (Ring Street) now runs. A warren of medieval alleyways crowded into the protected space between the walls, creating a dense network of pedestrian streets that remains to this day.

Early Evening to Late Evening

An Evening out in the Wine Village of Grinzing

Nothing better symbolizes the Viennese love of “gemütlichkeit” (roughly translated as coziness) than the wine villages and vineyards which hug the gentle slopes beneath the Vienna woods. They are home to wine taverns known as Heurigen. The most famous of the wine villages is Grinzing, which is easily reached from the city center by tram. Despite its closeness to the city center, a visit to Grinzing seems to transport you to the countryside, as quaint cottages and cozy old farmhouses create a charming village atmosphere.

Day 12

Vienna

Day 12

Vienna

Day 12

Vienna

Day 12

Vienna

Morning/Mid-Day

Tour the Schönbrunn Palace

The magnificent Baroque palace of Schönbrunn is most famously associated with Empress Maria Theresa, who lived here surrounded by 16 little archdukes and duchesses who also happened to be her children. On your tour of the palace, you will see how Maria Theresa and other past imperial residents lived. No visit is complete without a stroll in the vast gardens surrounding the palace.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Stroll from the Hundertwasser Haus to the Prater

The charming and unusual Hundertwasserhaus is one of Austria's architectural highlights. The colorful building represents a harmonic place where human beings and nature can live together with equal rights. Just a short walk away is the Prater, a large and pleasant public park. You can make your through the park to Vienna's oldest fun park, which is home to a towering Ferris wheel called the Wiener Riesenrad.

Early Evening

Hip Vienna; the Naschmarkt and Museum Quarter

The centuries-old market known as the Naschmarkt and its surroundings are a great destination for those who love shopping, art, cafes, and nightlife. With a population of students and young professionals this area is one of Vienna’s youngest, and not coincidentally, it’s most hip and bohemian. Even the nearby Museum Quarter is happening, as it's abuzz with activity even well after its outstanding museums have closed.

Day 13

Vienna

Day 13

Vienna

Day 13

Vienna

Day 13

Vienna

Early Morning to Late Afternoon

Danube Cruise in the Scenic Wachau Valley

A one-and-a-half-hour train ride from Vienna brings you to the town of Melk, where you can tour the vast Melk Abbey. From there you can begin a 22-mile cruise through the Wachau Valley, considered the most beautiful stretch of the entire Danube River. You'll pass medieval castle ruins, hills covered in vineyards, and several charming villages, where you can debark to try some wine or take a hike up to a castle. The valley is also a perfect destination for cyclers and winery tours.

Early Evening/Evening

Dine with locals in the Spittelberg Quarter

One of the most enjoyable places for an evening out in Vienna is the Spittelberg quarter. Its narrow lanes are filled with pleasant traditional restaurants. The Spittelberg Quarter’s history stretches back to the 1600’s when the Austrian rulers imported artisans and servants from Hungary, Croatia, and other subject lands to help serve the Emperor’s court.

Day 14

Depart Vienna

Day 14

Depart Vienna

Day 14

Depart Vienna

Day 14

Depart Vienna

To Be Determined

Transfer to the Vienna Airport by Public Taxi

Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up three hours prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your flight. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so.

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Alpine Enchantment: A Family Adventure Through Historic Cities & Scenic Landscapes

14 Day Tour of Zurich, Interlaken, Munich, Salzburg and Vienna

$3775

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

Private Transfer from the Zurich Airport

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.