Exploring the Alpine Countries

Discover storybook castles and opulent palaces amidst stunning Alpine vistas as you explore Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Visit SchOnbrunn Palace in Vienna. Take a cruise along the legendary Danube. Stroll the quaint streets of Salzburg, the "City of Music." Spend two nights in the heart of the Black Forest. Visit Oberammergau, renowned for its 380-year tradition of producing a Passion Play every decade. Witness the beauty of Linderhof Palace and its perfect decorated gardens. From Vienna and the Black Forest to the Swiss Alps and Lucerne, explore the heart of Europe.

Details

Tour Operator
Collette
Offer
Offer valid through 3/31/2025
Duration
12 Days
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1ViennaFrom regal Austrian palaces to handcrafted German clocks and snowcapped Swiss Alps, set out to experience three Alpine cultures set amid postcard-worthy landscapes.
Day 2ViennaWelcome to Vienna, Austria's stately capital city. Built by the Habsburg Empire and amplified by classical composers, Vienna exudes an old-world charm that can be found in its cobblestone streets and elegant architecture. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner in the city.
Day 3ViennaCome to know Vienna this morning during a locally guided tour that showcases its architectural marvels. Visit the 17th-century SchOnbrunn Palace, containing more than 1,440 rooms, and see the impressive St. Stephen's Cathedral. The afternoon is yours. Enjoy free time to explore the avenues of Vienna or perhaps visit one of its many museums. In the evening, enjoy a performance by opera singers and ballet dancers set to the music of Strauss, Mozart, and more.
Day 4ViennaJourney through the countryside before taking a cruise along the Danube,* one of Europe's most renowned waterways. Continue to Salzburg, the "City of Music," and find lush gardens and old-world charm. Dine on Austrian cuisine at a local restaurant.
Day 5SalzburgChoose how you spend your morning because it's your choice! Discover Salzburg on a leisurely paced walking tour of the Old Town -OR- feel like you've joined the Von Trapp family on a city tour featuring iconic film locations from The Sound of Music. No matter how you choose to spend the morning, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the beloved town on your own.
Day 6SalzburgLook out upon the Bavarian Alps en route to the most popular Bavaria city, Munich. Upon arrival, it's your choice! Take a panoramic tour of Munich, highlighting the National Theater of Bavaria and much more -OR- visit the lavish Treasury of the Munich Residence. Both choices end with a viewing of the Rathaus - Glockenspiel chiming at Marienplatz. Continue on to Oberammergau, renowned for its 380-year tradition of producing a Passion Play every 10 years, and your home for the next two nights.
Day 7OberammergauTour Linderhof Palace, the only palace - out of three - that King Ludwig II lived to see completed. Walk the extraordinary halls that were modeled after Versailles with an expert guide and bask in the luxury of past royals. Later, fairytales become reality during a picture stop of Bavaria's most famous castle, King Ludwig's third palace, Neuschwanstein. Regarded as the most photographed castle in Germany it was the inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty.
Day 8OberammergauYou're off to the heart of the Black Forest, a region famous for artisans who create authentic cuckoo clocks and Hummels. End your day trying the region's famous black forest cake with the tree-studded mountains as your backdrop.
Day 9Black ForestThis morning, hop on the train and journey to Freiburg, a vibrant city in southwest Germany's Black Forest region. With a local guide by your side, explore Freiburg, a city with a rich medieval flare including its Gothic cathedral at the center of town and BAchle -- narrow channels with flowing water alongside the roads that once acted as a water supply for the town. Before returning to your hotel, stop at Lake Titisee and enjoy a short boat ride to take in the Black Forest scenery from a different perspective.
Day 10Black ForestEnjoy a scenic drive through the Black Forest region before arriving to Zurich, Switzerland's luxurious cultural hotspot, also known as a global leader in banking and finance. Join a local guide for a tour of the city on foot, and then enjoy some free time to have lunch on your own in Zurich. After, head to Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake." Upon arrival, set out on a scenic walking tour of the city, including a stroll through its romantic Old Town.
Day 11LucerneThe day is yours to relax or independently explore the best of Lucerne. Perhaps you will embark on an optional excursion to Mount Pilatus, ascending the world's steepest railway on a panoramic gondola to the summit. Tonight, come together with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner featuring local specialties and toast the end of a wonderful trip.
Day 12LucerneWish the Alps goodbye as your tour comes to a close today.
Dates/Pricing

Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

DateDescriptionQuote
06/06/2025Land OnlyQuote
06/13/2025Land OnlyQuote
06/27/2025Land OnlyQuote
07/11/2025Land OnlyQuote
07/18/2025Land OnlyQuote
07/25/2025Land OnlyQuote
08/08/2025Land OnlyQuote
08/22/2025Land OnlyQuote
08/29/2025Land OnlyQuote
09/05/2025Land OnlyQuote
09/12/2025Land OnlyQuote
09/19/2025Land OnlyQuote
09/21/2025Land OnlyQuote
10/03/2025Land OnlyQuote
04/03/2026Land OnlyQuote
04/24/2026Land OnlyQuote
05/01/2026Land OnlyQuote
05/08/2026Land OnlyQuote
05/15/2026Land OnlyQuote
05/22/2026Land OnlyQuote
05/29/2026Land OnlyQuote
Lodging
Intercontinental Hotel Wien - Vienna, Austria
NH Collection Salzburg City Hotel - Salzburg, Austria
Hotel Alte Post - Oberammergau, Germany
Hofgut Sternen - Titisee, Germany
Radisson Blu Hotel - Lucerne, Switzerland
Disclaimer
* NOTE: Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies.
Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.

Tours

  • Exploring the Alpine Countries

    Discover storybook castles and opulent palaces amidst stunning Alpine vistas as you explore Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Visit SchOnbrunn Palace in Vienna. Take a cruise along the legendary Danube.