Home > Tours > Europe Tours > Central Europe Tours > Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria

Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria

4.8/5 Based on 4 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic Glacier Express
Sold Out
 Trip Length
12 Days
 Trip Starts
Vienna
 Trip Finishes
Zurich
12 Day Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria Itinerary (Insight Vacations)
Countries Explored: Austria, Germany, Switzerland
Trip Style
Country Roads
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
E727

Overview

Read 4 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Insight Vacations 12 Day Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria. From the famed beer taverns of Munich to the Disney-inspiring turrets of Neuschwanstein Castle among the Alps, this 12-day tour will delight and awe. In Switzerland, a funicular transports you from the scenic shores of Lake Lucerne to a mountaintop Stanserhorn Dinner, at the roof of Europe. Enjoy a delicious meal at 6,000 feet, with stunning views from the Drehrestaurant Rondorama, which slowly rotates to ensure you don’t miss a thing. A journey...read more aboard the Glacier Express offers vistas of ice capped mountains, dramatic valleys and frozen waterfalls.

Itinerary

At Vienna airport, transfers to your hotel will leave at 10:00, 13:00 and 15:30. At 17:30, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a drink, followed by a pleasant Welcome Dinner served with wine at a local restaurant. (DW) Stay: InterContinental Vienna.

Join a private tour of Maria Theresa's magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and its formal gardens. Be transported to a time of opulence and extravagance, as you marvel at the intricacies of gilded Rococo frames, frescoed ceilings and crystal chandeliers. See the city's many highlights, including St. Charles' Church, the Hofburg Palace, Parliament and State Opera House. (B)

A short a drive through wonderful Austrian countryside leads us to Salzburg. En route, visit Melk Abbey and Mondsee's Basilica St. Michael, easily recognizable due to its appearance in 'Sound of Music'. (B) Stay: ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg.

Join your Local Expert, who will show you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, Residenzplatz, the city's imposing fortress, the immense cathedral in the Old Town. Visit Mozart's birthplace. Enjoy a pianoforte demonstration and examine letters, memorabilia, and musical instruments of the great composer. In the evening, relish the authentic experience of Farm-to-Table dining as you dine at a local organic farm. (B/DW)

This morning, board a boat to explore the sites of picturesque Herrenchiemesee. Visit the palace and Fraueninsel convent. Enjoy time at leisure in the gardens over lunch before continuing by boat to Gstadt. Journey by coach to Munich, home to the world-famous Oktoberfest.

This evening, revel in a truly Bavarian experience as you dine at a local beerhall. (B/DW) Stay: Munich Marriott Hotel.

Journey to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site for a moment of commemoration and remembrance. Reflect on the weighty history that marks the site and observe the importance of its preservation. Return to Munich for a city orientation of the university, Victory Arch and the Marienplatz, where crowds gather at the Town Hall to watch the antics of the Glockenspiel.

After, explore with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert for a foodie walking tour in the city centre, visiting the famous Viktualienmarkt and Marienplatz. Alternatively, visit the Munich Residenz, Germany's largest inner-city palace and former seat of Bavarian royalty. (B)

Embark on an exciting visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, bristling with turrets and pinnacles and built as a retreat for the wildly eccentric King Ludwig II. See the extravagantly decorated apartments, including the Throne Room and Lohengrin Grotto.

Continue to Oberammergau, home of the Passion Play since 1634. See the immense theatre and admire the colourful painted chalets before driving on to the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck, set in a valley of snow-capped mountain peaks. This evening, for your Dine-Around experience, choose from a fantastic selection of restaurants. (B/DW) Stay: Hotel Innsbruck.

Awake to the beautiful Alpine city of Innsbruck. A Local Expert guides you through the city to see the 14th-century houses of the Old Town, the impressive Imperial Palace and the delightful Golden Roof. Visit a nearby ski jump, set against staggering mountain vistas. Meet one of the ski jumpers and observe a demonstration jump. (B)

Take in the stunning views of the beautiful Engadine Valley, as you enter Switzerland headed for the chic Alpine resort of St. Moritz. Enjoy the town's marvellous scenery, fresh air and maybe visit its many museums or shop for souvenirs. Perhaps step aboard the Bernina Express to experience one of Europe's most outstanding train journeys? (B/D) Stay: Crystal Hotel, St Moritz / Hotel Steffani, St Moritz.

Embark on an iconic train journey onboard the Glacier Express, taking in vistas of ice-capped mountains, stone-built villages and lush meadows. Ascend through the spiral tunnels of the Albula Pass and cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt.

Continue north, following the staggering Schollenen Gorge through William Tell country, to Stans. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a seasonal juice tasting. Onwards to Lucerne, join your Travel Director to see the sorrowful sculpture of the dying lion, cut out of a limestone cliff to commemorate the Swiss Guards who died at the Battle of the Tuileries. (B) Stay: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.

Enjoy the morning at your leisure to explore the city's 14th century covered wooden bridge, painted gables, old walls and watchtower of the medieval fortifications. Stroll across the Chapel Bridge to the Jesuit Church, or use your free time to shop. Later, head to the town of Stans where you'll embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and cable car, to the summit of the stunning Stanserhorn. On a clear day, there are views as far as Alsace in France and the Black Forest in Germany.

Here amid true Alpine majesty, your journey literally peaks with an unforgettable Celebration Dinner, hosted in Drehrestaurant Rondorama, located atop the mountain. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and admire the stunning panoramic views as the restaurant slowly rotates throughout the evening, ensuring you don't miss a thing. (B/DW)

Your Alpine adventures end this morning, with a transfer to Zürich airport arriving at 08:00. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Vienna: During your orientation led by your Travel Director, travel along the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
  • Neuschwanstein Castle: Visit the archetypal fairy-tale castle that allegedly inspired many of Walt Disney's castles. Led by a local historian, walk through the magnificent halls, take in the lavish decoration and enjoy spectacular views.
  • Oberammergau: Explore the town and see the theatre where the Passion Play has been performed since 1634.
  • St Moritz: During your orientation of this alpine resort see the spa quarter and glacial lake.
  • St Moritz: Travel along the route of the world-famous Glacier Express, through looping tunnels and dizzying viaducts, in the scenic heart of the Swiss Alps, on a regional train fully powered by hydroelectricity.
  • Lucerne: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
  • Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.
  • Salzburg: Join your Local Expert to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' You will also see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.
  • Salzburg: Visit the house where Mozart was born in 1756. Enjoy a pianoforte demonstration and examine letters, memorabilia, and musical instruments of the great composer, plus a fascinating collection of portraits.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

  • Vienna: Listen to the musical masterpiece of Mozart and learn the Viennese Waltz, in an inclusive workshop designed to support the visually impaired community. Unique to Insight Guests, ‘Dancing without Barriers' takes place in the dark, in a specially designed sensory studio, and will be a unique experience for all your senses. This specifically designed workshop focuses on inclusion and education around the topic of visual impairment. Through their foundation the organisation supports children from disadvantaged family and children with a visual impairment. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
  • Vienna: A private, guided exploration of Schönbrunn Palace will have all your senses tingling. Stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames where Mozart performed as a child prodigy.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

  • Munich: Visit Munich Residenz with a Local Expert.
  • Munich: Embark on a foodie walking tour in the heart of Munich and authentic Bavarian cuisine.

  • Stans: Taste a refreshing seasonal juice at a renovated Capuchin monastery producing sustainable crops from the alpine region.

  • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

  • Vienna: Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a drink, followed by a pleasant Welcome Dinner served with wine at a local restaurant.
  • Innsbruck: For your dining pleasure, you are offered a selection of Innsbruck's vibrant restaurants. With drinks, a delicious 3-course dinner and Glühwein in abundance, your Dine-Around Evening is a culinary experience not to be missed.
  • Stanserhorn: A spectacular journey by cable car and cogwheel railway takes you to the summit. Enjoy expansive mountain views over Lake Lucerne for your special Celebration Dinner. Fill your glasses with wine and toast to newfound friends.
  • Munich: Embark on a foodie walking tour in the heart of Munich and authentic Bavarian cuisine.
  • Dining Summary: 5 Dinners with Wine (DW), 11 Breakfasts (B), and 1 Dinner (D)

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
  • We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
4.8
AVG. RATING 4.8 / 5
4 Reviews
5 Star
75%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Incredible journey through the Country Roads of Germany, Austria & Switzerland 0 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2019
I had a wonderful, very well organised trip. Our tour director was a local Austrian full of interesting history, tip bits, and humour. Our coach driver was excellent, punctual and helpful. It was the best way to travel not having to worry about getting from A to B, our bags magically arrived up in our rooms while we were out sightseeing. I liked ...read more the balance on this trip between free time and organised outings. They covered all the major attractions I wanted to see and, unlike other tours, you never felt they were taking you somewhere to get a deal or push you into buying things. They were very very professional at Insight Vacations.
Beautiful scenery 12 day Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland and Austria 0 , NSW, Australia, May 2016
The first of our two tours with Insight on this holiday. Excellent tour with beautiful scenery. Well organised. Booking with Global Journeys was an easy experience, would use both Insight and Global Journeys again.
An excellent tour that I would recommend to anyone. 1 , Australia, May 2013
Great tour. Easy to book through Global Journeys, who are most helpful. Just need to be careful of the optional extras on tour. While some were a great experience there were a couple that were very expensive and not worth it. But overall an excellent tour that I would recommend to anyone.
Very impressed with Insight 0 , Australia, Aug 2011
We had a wonderful trip. Thanks Yvonne at Global Journeys for making the booking and payment process painless and easy to understand. And for your patience and understanding when we rang you to clarify some aspects of the tour as this was our first overseas trip. Happy to recommend Global Journeys to others and will contact you again for our next trip. ...read more The trip itself was fantastic. We were very impressed with Insight Vacations. Sue, our Tour Director was a wealth of knowledge and has a true passion for Europe and travel. Everything happened with a minimum of fuss. The places we visited were wonderful and the hotels we stayed in were also very good. Would definitely travel with Insight again.
Play Youtube Video

Brochure

Worldwide

Insight Vacations Worldwide (2024-25)

Discover the rich layers of the world and see things through a new lens. On tour, the curious mind will be satisfied with learnings through culture, history and experiences, all up close and personal. These carefully curated adventures await in every destination. We bring a world of wonder to reality.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Insight Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Insight Vacations. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Tours

12 Day Best of Germany (Small Group) (Insight Vacations)

12 Days Berlin Munich

Operated By: Insight Vacations

From 7,423
Save 1,438
12 Day Best of Germany (Insight Vacations)

12 Days Berlin Munich

Operated By: Insight Vacations

From 5,550
Save 1,201
13 Day Italian Escapade (Small Group) (Insight Vacations)

13 Days Rome Rome

Operated By: Insight Vacations

From 10,633
Save 232
13 Day Italian Escapade (Insight Vacations)

13 Days Rome Rome

Operated By: Insight Vacations

From 7,707
Save 2,414