Discover breathtaking Alpine vistas as you journey on some of the most dramatic railway lines and roads that pass through Switzerland, Italy and Austria. Experience Swiss train travel in all its glory, renowned for its special engineering and impeccable service, as you travel on four amazing trains. Enjoy the stunning beauty of the magnificent Alps, charming traditional villages and grand castles, and the distinctive cultural treasures found in this pristine corner of Europe.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight to Geneva, Switzerland - Discover breathtaking Alpine vistas as you journey on some of the most dramatic railways and roads that pass through Switzerland, Italy and Austria. Enjoy charming traditional villages and grand castles, and the distinctive cultural treasures found in this pristine corner of Europe. Your journey of a lifetime begins with an overnight flight.
Day #2 Lausanne, Switzerland - Arrive today in the beautiful Lake Geneva region of Switzerland where your tour begins. This evening attend a special welcome reception and dinner.
Day #3 Lausanne - GoldenPass Train - Climb aboard the GoldenPass Panoramic Train for your first Alpine rail journey from Lake Geneva region to Gstaad. Discover astonishing views of the countryside and the delightful ambiance of Gstaad, a world-famous ski resort. Traveling to La Maison du Gruyere, learn about the production of this favorite cheese and sample a variety of the Gruyeres.
Day #4 Lausanne - Chateau de Chillon - Zermatt - This morning travel by motorcoach to visit the legendary medieval Chateau de Chillon, considered the most well-preserved medieval castle in Europe. Next, journey to Zermatt through the lush Rhone Valley. Your hotel is in the center of the Alpine village of Zermatt, featuring beautiful panoramic views of the Alps, including the famous Matterhorn.
Day #5 Zermatt - Gornergrat Railway - Zermatt - Explore this quaint pedestrian-only village and take a ride on the Gornergrat Railway, featuring sweeping views of glaciers and the starkly beautiful Matterhorn.
Day #6 Zermatt - Glacier Express Train - St. Moritz - Traverse bridges and tunnels while aboard the world-renowned narrow-gauge Glacier Express, the most charming express train in the world. Enjoy the natural beauty of this scenic route through the heart of the Swiss Alps, filled with forests, fragrant meadows, gurgling streams and deep valleys. Tonight, you may independently explore the many splendors of St. Moritz.
Day #7 St. Moritz - Bernina Express - St. Moritz - Embark on the Bernina Express Train which travels along one of the most scenic railway lines in the world en route to Tirano, Italy. Enjoy dramatic views of the Italian Alps throughout your journey, including the Morteratsch Glacier.
Day #8 St. Moritz - Innsbruck - Travel to the magical city of Innsbruck, host to two winter Olympics. Your home for the next three nights is located just a short distance from the well-known Golden Roof villa. The Golden Roof was constructed by Maximilian I of the Habsburg dynasty in the 15th century as a wedding present to his wife.
Day #9 Innsbruck - Salzburg - Innsbruck - Travel through the Austrian countryside to the magnificent city of Salzburg. Enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour featuring Mirabell Gardens (seen in the Sound of Music) and the quaint Getreidegasse (the street where Mozart was born). While at Mozart’s Geburtshaus, learn about the early years of one of the greatest composers in the world. The afternoon is at leisure to explore and enjoy Salzburg’s unique blend of sophistication and charm. You may opt to explore independently the Hohensalzburg Fortress or return to the famous pedestrian street, the Getreidegasse. Tonight you will attend a delightful dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, located in the historic city center.
Day #10 Innsbruck - A local guide leads a city tour of Innsbruck highlighting Maria Theresienstrasse, the Hofburg and the “Golden Roof,” all set against the backdrop of the lovely Austrian Alps. In the afternoon, take an excursion to the famous Innsbruck Olympic Ski Jump, used for the 1964 and 1976 winter Olympics. Your evening features a special farewell dinner and a Tyrolean folklore show.
Day #11 Innsbruck - Tour Concludes - Your tour ends today in the city of Innsbruck.