Exquisite Switzerland, Austria and Central Europe 14 Days
Welcome to two of the most beautiful countries in the world. One known for precision and pristine scenery, the other known as the Catholic Cousin of Germany with the best living standards in the world and with a capital city that frequently tops the "most liveable city in the world" lists. Of course, we are talking about Switzerland, country of mountains, lakes, 4 national languages, cheese, chocolate, premium quality items, a neutral country in both world wars and home to many United Nations institutions. Not only that, Geneva has the world's most famous motor show and is home to some of the world's biggest pharma companies. The second country is Austria.
Austria is renowned for its close relations with its central European neighbours, its skiing, its sense of humour, its famous physicians, enjoyment of life, art, scenery and it shares many cultural similarities with Swizterland. There's one thing for sure - the inhabitants of Switzerland and Austria expect quality in everything they eat, drink, see and experience in life. The insistance on precision, accuracy and yet enjoyment of life is what makes these places very special. What's nice to do is enjoy the contract between the German speaking Zurich, French speaking Geneva and the cantons of Switzerland where Italian is spoken (Lugano) and Romanisch (many Mountainous areas) as well as seeing Austria in many lights.
Much of our travel will be by train as one thing that the Swiss certainly are is master tunnellers and engineers. We'll enjoy some of the best and most scenic train rides in the world through Switzerland, always on time and spotlessly clean.
Vienna is the pinnacle of this trip, it's our favourite city in the world for so many reasons. With classical music, the Danube, romanticisim, delicious beer and schnitzel, the people are friendly, the Wiener cafes are historical institutions and the Royal Palaces are 19th century architecturally stunning buildings.
You're in the city of Freud, of Klimt, of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Third Man film. You feel like you have to pinch yourself so special is the feeling of being in Europe's most cultured city. Join us for the trip of a lifetime and learn more about the Hapsburgs, classical composers, Austro-Hungarians, WW1, Ottoman Empire, Central European Jewish history and much, much more.
Itinerary and Specifics
Highlights:
- See Lake Geneva and experience the best chocolate and cheese in the world.
- See CERN - the high speed electron reactor and one of Europe's most interesting nuclear projects involving the world's best scientists.
- Visit a bespoke Swiss watch maker - the Swiss are clearly renowned as the best horologists in the world. Understand the precision, mechanisms, traditions, technology and testing as well as the creation of new metals. It's a very important industry, especially in Geneva.
- Explore Zurich and St. Gallen
- Enjoy a Half Day in the micro-state of Liechtenstein
- Stop in the gorgeous skiing city of Innsbruck and overnight in Salzburg - Europe's best small city and one of the most beautiful
- Enjoy Austrian castles on the Danube
- Stay in Vienna, Europe's most cultural city for three nights.
- Do a day trip to Bratislava in Slovakia, which along with Vienna are the two closest capitals in Europe.
- Experience a day trip to Brno, very cultured second city of Czechia.
Included:
- 4 Star Accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast Basis
- Meet and Greet at Airport
- Transfers to and from hotel
- Expert driver/guide
- Comfortable touring vehicle
- Local knowledge, recommendations and help with any bookings you want to make
- Porterage - 1 piece per person in and out of hotels
Not included
- Flights - purchase your own flights in and out of destination
- Gratuities - minimum recommended $10 per person per day
- Lunches and Dinners - we like our guests to be able to choose their own dining options
- Any entrances to museums, attractions and concerts - most of what you're looking for will be free entrance anyway.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1
Fly into Geneva, Meet and Greet, direct transfer to your hotel in the centre of Geneva for three nights. Meet the local driver/guide for a panoramic city tour with a walking element to keep you busy this afternoon. Get a feel for the city and learn what the best restaurants and cafes are near to your hotel.
Day 2
This morning we'll head to a watch-maker and understand how important the industry is to the region and where the tradition stems from. What is it that makes "Swiss Made" so special? Finally today, we'll visit the CERN Project, 8km outside the city and learn all the important science behind this nuclear particle accelerator. As the world's top physicists conduct experiments, the secrets of science and energy production may become uncovered at this very location.
Day 3
With your expert guide you'll spend the morning exploring the cultural highlights of the city with some views of the Alps and Jura Mountains which surround and shelter this French speaking part of Switzerland. Your afternoon is free to indulge in your own cultural interests on our last day in Geneva. Fully rested, you should be ready for our trip to Zurich in the morning.
Day 4
Today we take the Intercity Swiss Train to Zurich, the capital of the German-speaking part of the country. We'll pass the northern flanks of Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchatel as well as some upland mountainous areas offering incredible views. Your luggage will be taken care of from outside your room of the hotel in Geneva to the room of your hotel in Zurich, meaning you can relax and travel lighter. Upon arrival in Zurich, meet the local guide who will orchestrate everything for you, including check-in.
Freshen up and meet the guide in the lobby of your central Zurich hotel to explore the city on foot, it's actually quite small and you'll see some of the major highlights.
Day 5
Today we'll take a day excursion to Bodensee and the lovely Swiss cities of Konstanz and St. Gallen.
Day 6
We'll take a train from Zurich to Innsbruck, arriving in Austria. Here we'll stay one night in the Austrian Alps and everyone can try out the interesting cuisine and explore the beautiful streets of the town.
Day 7
This morning we'll meet our driver/guide who will take care of us for the rest of the trip. We'll leave Innsbruck and head for Berchtesgaden in Bavaria, Germany. From this wonderful Alpine German paradise we'll cross back into Austria and shortly arrive at Salzburg for two nights.
Day 8
Meet the local guide who will take you on a walking tour, showing you the Old Town, the River, Hohensalzburg Castle, Mozart's Birthplace and much more besides. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to enjoy your own particular interests in terms of coffee houses, galleries, musuems, gardens or just walking around enjoying the culture and soaking up the history.
Day 9
Today we're heading for Vienna, the former capital of the Hapbsburg as well as the Austro-Hungarian Empires. About 30% of the city was destroyed by Allied bombing during WW2 but what does remain is amongst the most beautiful architecture in the world. We're here for four nights. On the way today follow the Beautiful Blue Danube and visit two hilltop castles suspended above Europe's most famous river.
Day 10
See Vienna Cathedral, Schonbrunn Palace, the Hofburg and much much more in the company of our local guide and driver. You'll do a panoramic of the city and a walking tour with the guide. Stop off for Sacher Torte and see where Freud was a regular.
Tonight we can arrange a classical music performance for you.
Day 11
Today we'll drive to Bratislava for a day trip and we'll show you the highlights of the Slovakian capital - the "UFO Bridge," castle, Old Town charm and more.
Day 12
Today we're into Czechia (Czech Republic) and you'll explore the historic city of Brno in the county known as the Heart of Europe.
Day 13
Enjoy the day free to explore the highlights of Vienna - there's enough culture for every taste here to last a lifetime. Our favourite area is the Museumsquartier - several galleries and museums nestled beside each other with lovely outdoor cafes and plenty of excellent people watching.
Day 14
It's a transfer to Vienna International Airport today and we hope you've enjoyed this cultural trip of a lifetime. With nature, sophistication, quality and interesting visits, this trip is all about the simplicities of pure countryside, all of the ingenuity and creative genius of the Germanic mind.