Welcome to Munich as we touch down in Germany’s third largest city and the capital of Bavaria. A city with a big heart, this picturesque destination is famous for its boisterous beer halls, iconic lederhosen and centuries-old buildings. We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 5:00pm. This evening, say guten tag to your fellow travellers and Tour Director as we meet for a welcome drink at the hotel, and clink a glass to our adventure ahead.

The city of Munich was founded in the 8th century, evolving impressively from its humble roots as a small monastery. The local monasteries have played an important role in the city’s history, not least by starting the beer brewing traditions that has brought Munich international fame. This morning we’ll set out on foot to explore some of Munich’s iconic landmarks including the Frauenkirche (the Munich cathedral) and its world-famous main square, Marienplatz. We’ll also visit the famous Viktualienmarkt, an original open-air farmers market which has developed into a gourmet and culinary paradise. At the city’s heart, we’ll spend time wandering the leafy surrounds of Englischer Garten (the English Garden), which rivals even Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London in size. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore at your own pace. During your free time, why not tuck into some local dishes? Munich is known for its unbeatable bread, so perhaps try a salty pretzel or a buttery yeast bun bursting with raisins from one of the many bakeries surrounding the city. Tonight, we’ll toast to new memories like a local, enjoying a traditional Bavarian welcome dinner.

A scenic day lies ahead of us as we take a day trip into the forested hills of Bavaria to Neuschwanstein Castle. Here, we will be whisked into the pages of a fairy tale as we admire the architectural marvel that was Walt Disney’s inspiration for Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. The cliffside castle perches high above the quaint village of Schwangau and was built in the late 19th century as a retreat for King Ludwig II. The eccentric Bavarian King had a particular interest in the romance of the Middle Ages and the operatic works of Richard Wagner, which is evident in the castle’s Romanesque architecture. Listen in to tales of the castle’s history on a guided tour before enjoying a scenic descent by horse-drawn carriage as we return to the coach to continue to the picturesque town of Oberammergau. Here in the early 17th century, the villagers began performing a ‘Passion Play’ to keep a vow they made after begging to be spared from the ravages of the bubonic plague. The play involves over 2,000 people in its production and is performed every 10 years. Enjoy some free time for lunch and a delightful stroll through the village’s elaborately painted buildings. In the afternoon we’ll visit Schloss Linderhof, King Ludwig’s smallest and said to be his favourite palace of the three he commissioned to build. We’ll enjoy a guided tour before returning to Munich to spend the evening at leisure.

Settle into the coach this morning as we wind through beautiful alpine scenery on our way to the infamous Eagle’s Nest, or the Kehlsteinhaus as it is locally known, a building from the Third Reich era. A unique engineering feat, the structure was built as a teahouse for Adolf Hitler and sits high atop a rocky outcrop. Its architecture reflects the monumentalism favoured at the time. To gain access we head into a 100-metre-long tunnel that leads straight into the belly of the mountain. Here an elevator takes us up through to the summit of Kehlstein and into the building itself. In the afternoon, we arrive in Salzburg, Austria’s fourth largest city. Famous for being the former home of Mozart and the shooting location for ‘The Sound of Music’, the city offers a vibrant arts scene and delectable cuisine within a breathtaking setting of fairytale-like buildings, meticulously landscaped parks and quaint side streets. Trace the steps of Hollywood’s Julie Andrews as we embark on a Sound of Music tour, discovering the famous sights associated with the iconic movie. We visit the Mirabell Gardens and Pegasus Fountain where Maria and the children sing Do-Re-Mi, Hellbrunn Palace gardens, and St Michael’s Church in Mondsee. We will also see the Benedictine Nonnberg Abbey, St. Gilgen, and the Wolfgangsee where the breathtaking opening scenes were shot.

After breakfast this morning, we travel to the nearby town of Hallein to visit one of the oldest salt mines in the world. Located in the mountainside in the Dürrnberg Plateau, the Hallein Salt Mine is an underground mine which has been used for centuries, bringing enormous wealth to the surrounding communities. In fact, the salt mined from this region was befittingly referred to as ‘white gold’. Here we travel deep into the mountain where the tunnels and tracks whisper the secrets of the men who worked to extract the salt from bare rock by hand. Following a fascinating tour below ground, we’ll return to Salzburg where the afternoon is free for you to explore more of this delightful city at your own pace. Wander through the city’s walkable streets in search of the 11th-century Hohensalzburg Fortress, or the house where Mozart was born which has been transformed into a museum of the beloved composers’ life. And if your tastebuds are craving some culture, stroll through Salzburg’s vibrant street stands or duck into a local eatery for a flaky apple strudel.

Today we continue to the one of the most photographed spots in northwestern Slovenia, the picturesque town of Bled which is nestled in the heart of the Julian Alps. The region around Bled is breathtaking, set amongst lofty mountain peaks and brimming with forests and greenery, waterfalls and streams. Sink back and relax into the winding curves of the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road. This impressive road that snakes through Austria’s highest peaks will provide us with panoramic views over the surrounding alps. We’ll see vibrant green pastures, colourful meadows and snow-capped mountains. On arrival in Lake Bled, we check into our hotel before making our way to a café. Here we try a local Slovenian dish, known as the Bled Cream Cake or ‘kremna rezina’. Following a traditional recipe dating back to 1953, this delicious cake is made with layers of puff pastry, custard and whipped cream. Once we have indulged in our sweet treat, you’ll have the rest of the evening to explore the town at your leisure. Meander through the lake’s surrounding paths and bridges, and you’ll find yourself upon a variety of lookouts and restaurants with incredible views over the turquoise water.

This morning we'll embark on a sightseeing tour to explore the charming town of Bled, including the scenic lakeshore and inside the magnificent Bled Castle, which is perched atop a cliff overlooking the lake. Bled Castle was first mentioned in 1011 when the German emperor Henrik II gave it to the Bishops of Brixen. The castle is now a museum and exhibition space. Next, we travel to the lake valley of Bohinj, beautifully set amidst dense woods and spectacular mountains. The journey will take us through some very old, typical Slovenian villages with gorgeous landscapes.

Special Experience

Visit the Alpine Dairy Farming Museum, learning about the life of herdsmen in an authentic environment and tasting the locally produced cheeses.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Farewelling the verdant greenery of Bled this morning, we make our way to the heart of the upper Tagliamento river valley, considered one of the last naturally preserved rivers flowing through the Alps. Here we will stop for lunch before setting our sights on the breathtaking Italian Dolomites. The Dolomite mountains developed into the staggering summits they are today thanks to geological activity from over 230 million years ago. The foothills of this famous region are beautifully striking with green pastures, the occasional shepherd’s house, and forests stretching into the distance. The houses in this town resemble adorable Swiss style chalets, low with gentle sloping roofs and window boxes adorned with colourful flowers.

Special Experience

Explore the open-air Museum of the 5 Torri, dedicated to preserving the history and artifacts of WWI battles fought between the Italians and Austro-Hungarians.

This poignant museum is situated on the site of the 5 Torri Mountain peaks, which were heavily fortified during the First World War and saw intense fighting between the two armies. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the old fortifications, including the remains of trenches and bunkers, and view exhibits of weapons, uniforms, and other artifacts that offer a glimpse into the events of the Great War.

Enjoy a slow morning as you rise with the Dolomites in view and a full day to explore at your leisure. Made up of 18 peaks, the Dolomite Mountain range is considered one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes on earth. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in 2009, the slopes offer a range of trails through the surrounding forests and picturesque lakes. Today offers the perfect opportunity to take in the sights and scenery of the region at your pace. Meander through open fields of wildflowers with the limestone peaks in view, learn more about the local history on a pit stop for lunch or savour a peaceful moment by one of the crystal-clear lakes. Why not discover Lake Misurina on a walking tour with your guide and enjoy the healing properties of the mountain air? A popular spot for nature lovers and photographers, Lake Misurina is located at an altitude of 1754 metres above sea level. Set against the backdrop of the Dolomite mountains, the lake’s jade-green waters beautifully reflect the surrounding forests of dense pine trees. Bring your camera – this surreal setting makes for a spectacular photo!

After breakfast this morning, we wave goodbye to the Dolomites and set off for the famous spa town of Merano in northern Italy. Upon arriving we will take a short pause for lunch. Why not indulge in a rich espresso from a local café as you relax amidst the natural alpine scenery? Merano’s main hub is also home to a number of boutiques filled with chic fashion and beautiful items of local craftsmanship, which we’ll have the opportunity to explore. Later in the day we cross the border into Switzerland and make our way to the paradise of Engadin Valley for a photo opportunity at Morteratsch Glacier. Situated just on the outskirts of St Moritz, the glacier is one of the biggest in the Eastern Alps and offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains form the Bernina Range including the Piz Bernina and Piz Palü. Early this evening we arrive to the world-renowned luxury alpine town of St Moritz where the Olympic Winter Games were famously held in 1928.

Nestled high in the Swiss Alps, St Moritz plays host to international jetsetters and is one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world. The stunning town boasts a beautiful lakeside setting and has a long history as a winter sports destination. Our morning is dedicated to discovering some of the town’s unique attractions. Among the highlights is the town’s very own leaning tower, dating back to the 12th century. This 33-metre-high tower has a tilt even greater than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, at 5.5 degrees. Next, we will visit the town’s original spring of thermal water, famous for its mineral-rich waters which according to local legend, are said to contain healing properties. We’ll also visit Heidi’s Hut, used during the filming of the famous Swiss children’s stories, before some free time for lunch. After lunch, we resume our sightseeing by cable car, riding up to Corviglia summit on the eastern slopes of Piz Nair, at an elevation of 2,486 metres. Here at the highest point, we’ll be treated to spectacular sweeping views over St Moritz and the surrounding region. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore or relax in the alpine ambience.

After a sumptuous breakfast, we will depart the sun-drenched resort town to step aboard the ‘window to the alps’ – the Glacier Express – for a spectacular train journey through the Swiss mountainside.

Special Experience

Board the famous Glacier Express to Andermatt, winding its way around mountain landscapes, across deep gorges, through beautiful valleys and tunnels and over hundreds of bridges.

Relax into your seat as we take in unobstructed views of the surrounding landscapes thanks to the train’s panoramic windows. Spiralling up through the Albula Valley, we’ll cross the emblematic Landwasser Viaduct, the Oberalp Pass (at the summit of the trip reaching as high as 2,033 metres) and continue down to disembark the train in Andermatt.

We’ll enjoy some free time for lunch in Andermatt, a charming village that lies in the heart of this rugged region. Our coach will meet us here to travel to our next stop, driving deeper into the Alps to the town of Täsch. Here we’ll board another train to take us to the beautiful town of Zermatt, lying beneath the peak of the famous Matterhorn Mountain.

Today we’ll wake up in the idyllic alpine town of Zermatt, set against a stunning backdrop of snowy peaks. From the towering mountains to the twinkling lights of the village nestled in its slopes, every inch of this fairytale-like town will enchant your senses. Zermatt is car-free, which offers a rare and remote feeling of tranquillity that’s hard to find anywhere else. Surrounded by mountains on almost all sides, the most famous of its peaks is undoubtedly Switzerland’s mighty Matterhorn. Make sure to pack your camera for today’s spectacular agenda as we travel to the mountain’s highest peak.

Special Experience

Ride a cable car up the slopes of the imposing Matterhorn to Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe, for breathtaking views over the Italian, French and Swiss Alps.

At 3,883 metres above sea level, Glacier Paradise boasts views as far as Italy’s Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. The summit features an observation platform, restaurant, shop, and cinema lounge, and we’ll have some free time here to explore and bask in the incredible views.

First up today we’ll travel to Martigny and visit some of the mountain’s most famous inhabitants – the St Bernard dogs. These magnificent canines were bred here by the monks and trained to both carry loads and work as rescue dogs finding the victims of avalanches. We continue through central Switzerland and the Gruyere Pays-d'Enhaut National Park to Maison de l’Etivaz, where we’ll stop to try some classic Alpine cheese. This region is famous for its l’Etivaz cheese, characterised by a smooth, creamy texture and strong taste with hints of fruit and hazelnut. This afternoon we’ll also stop in the traditional Swiss village of Rougemont to admire the traditional timber architecture. We then arrive at our final destination where we will spend the next three evenings. Bönigen, a quaint village on the outskirts of the majestic town of Interlaken, is located on the shores of the Brienz and Thun Lakes. The beauty of this region is astounding – from the imposing mountains and the lush green meadows to the turquoise waters of its dazzling lakes. The evening is free for you to explore Bönigen at your own pace.

Now in the spectacular Jungfrau region of central Switzerland, our destination today is the famous Jungfraujoch in the Bernese Oberland Alps. We board the train in Grindelwald and enjoy the journey through the spectacular countryside, winding our way through stunning valleys and picture-perfect villages to Jungfraujoch. At 3,466 metres high and nestled between the famed mountains of Mönch and Jungfrau, it’s no surprise the Jungfraujoch is often described as the ‘Top of Europe’.

Special Experience

At the top of Jungfraujoch, admire 360-degree views, visit Lindt's Swiss Chocolate Heaven, and see the unique ice palace that was hand-carved into the glacier ice.

Travel to the summit of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jungfraujoch for views that will take your breath away from every angle. The adventure continues for your taste buds as we visit the only Lindt Chocolate shop of its kind, built high up in the clouds of the mountain. Explore the decadent range or pick up a souvenir before marvelling at the frosty halls of the Ice Palace where sculptures are carved into the nooks of the glacier.

Relax into the mountain scenery this morning as we enjoy a scenic cruise along Lake Brienz. Fed by the Aare and Lütschine Rivers, the lake impresses with its brilliant turquoise hue due to tiny glacial particles that flow into its waters. We’ll travel from Bönigen to the quaint village of Brienz on the northeastern shore. Known for its woodcarving, enjoy some free time to discover the village and to admire the 18th century wooden chalets and sculptures before making the return trip. It’s the perfect way to experience the region’s beautiful scenery. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at leisure, or to simply kick back and relax. The choice is yours!

Today we journey to the picturesque town of Lucerne, where we’ll enjoy some free time to wander. Lucerne is famous for two iconic landmarks: the 14th century wooden bridge known as the Chapel Bridge or Kapellbrücke; and the Lion Monument, sculpted in honour of the hundreds of Swiss guards massacred during the French Revolution. Make sure to keep an eye out for the gracious swans gliding along the riverfront – they make for a great photo! We’ll continue to Zürich in the afternoon where we will take a short orientation tour. Recognised as one of the world’s most liveable cities, this vibrant destination is so much more than a business centre. Balanced on the northern tip of Lake Zürich, it’s the financial hub of Switzerland. The Old Town, where the river Limmat flows out of the lake, lures you in with its beautiful old churches, cobblestone streets and museums. The rest of the afternoon is free before our group farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning and marks the completion of our amazing Alpine adventure. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!