Austria, Germany, and Switzerland: Castles, Culture & Captivating Nature

Get to know Mozart in his former apartment, where he spent his happiest years.

Despite his modern-day association with Salzburg, Mozart's time in Vienna was his most productive and happy. Here you can learn about Mozart and what life was like for him and others in the city at the time. You can listen to musical selections and see original scores and other materials.

Step into this heavenly 18th-century church featuring incredibly ornate baroque art & architecture.

This church from the early 1700's is Vienna’s first domed baroque building. Amazing architectural details are crammed into the small interior, and glass crypts contain the human remains of martyred saints. There are daily organ recitals in the church.

Discover Vienna's rich history of Jewish life.

The museum is located in two separate buildings within the Inner City (one ticket covers both). The branch on the Judenplatz showcases medieval Jewish life, including a virtual tour of life in the 14th century. It is fronted by a monumental Holocaust Memorial. The main branch is located on the street Dorotheergasse.

Inner City

When the Viennese say they are going “into the city”, they are talking about the Inner City (Innere Stadt). The Inner City corresponds to Vienna’s original medieval city, which was once surrounded by defensive walls that stood where the Ringstrasse (Ring Street) now runs. A warren of medieval alleyways crowded into the protected space between the walls, creating a dense network of pedestrian streets that remains to this day.

Visit this awe-inspiring cathedral which is one of the most important and renowned Gothic buildings in Central Europe.

The cathedral is Vienna’s most famous landmark and dominates the Inner City. Founded in 1147 A.D. and built over hundreds of years, it has elements of both Romanesque and Gothic architecture. You can also climb the (many) steps of the tower for a view.

Walk the most famous street in Vienna and see stunning monuments and beautiful architecture.

Vienna’s main street since the Middle Ages, this wide pedestrian boulevard abounds in cafes, smart shops, and atmosphere. There are two fountains and a column (built as thanks for the end of the plague), which are beautiful examples of Baroque architecture. Also hidden on the street is the world's most beautiful public restroom.

Guided Walk of the Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Guided Walk of the Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Guided Walk of the Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Guided Walk of the Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Stop to taste the wine in a postcard-pretty town surrounded by vineyards.

Spitz is a favorite stop due to its bucolic atmosphere and abundance of wine taverns and restaurants. It is also home to the Tausendeimerberg or "House of a Thousand Buckets" (so named for the abundance of wine fields) and the castle ruins of Hinterhaus, which make for a nice (if steep) hike from the village.

Explore the twisting narrow lanes of this delightful monastery town.

Named for the castle that overlooks it, Dürnstein is probably the most-visited stop in the Wachau valley. Reached by an ancient tunnel leading from the boat docks,  it is well-known for its wine as well as the beautiful blue church tower of its Augustinian monastery.

Hike to the dramatic ruins of a medieval castle built in 1100's.

The hike leading to the castle is steep, but the amazing view you are rewarded with makes it all worth while. The fascinating ruins are extensive and can be freely explored. The castle was made famous by its most illustrious prisoner, King Richard the Lionhearted of England, who was held there for ransom.

Wachau Valley

A one-and-a-half-hour train ride from Vienna brings you to the town of Melk, where you can tour the vast Melk Abbey. From there you can begin a 22-mile cruise through the Wachau Valley, considered the most beautiful stretch of the entire Danube River. You'll pass medieval castle ruins, hills covered in vineyards, and several charming villages, where you can debark to try some wine or take a hike up to a castle. The valley is also a perfect destination for cyclers and winery tours.

Tour a huge and splendid Baroque monastery.

Founded in 1089 when the Austrian duke gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks, Melk Abbey is now both a place of pilgrimage and a major tourist attraction. Visitors come for the museum of religious artifacts, the jaw-dropping library, and the sublime church. The town square below the abbey is also a great place for a meal or wine.

Stop to taste the wine in a postcard-pretty town surrounded by vineyards.

Spitz is a favorite stop due to its bucolic atmosphere and abundance of wine taverns and restaurants. It is also home to the Tausendeimerberg or "House of a Thousand Buckets" (so named for the abundance of wine fields) and the castle ruins of Hinterhaus, which make for a nice (if steep) hike from the village.

Taxi Transfer to Rail Station

Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you. Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more information on ordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

Taxi Transfer to Rail Station

Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you. Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more information on ordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

Taxi Transfer to Rail Station

Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you. Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more information on ordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

Taxi Transfer to Rail Station

Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you. Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more information on ordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg. In the Mozartplatz you can find a statue of the famous composer.

Visit Salzburg's largest and most impressive church.

The current cathedral was built between 1614-1628 and is a masterpiece of baroque architecture. The cathedral was largely destroyed by an Allied bomb in WWII but was restored by 1959. One of the most significant treasures in the cathedral is the Baptismal Font, which was cast in 1321 and rests on copper lions dating back to the 1100s.

Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg

Salzburg is simply overwhelming in all the best ways. It is alive with fascinating history, grandiose and sublime architecture fills every street and square, culture and music permeate the atmosphere, and it is surrounded by breath-taking natural scenery. This guided tour with a local will provide the context needed to bring all of this beauty into perspective, and to connect the physical city to its history, culture, and environment.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg. In the Mozartplatz you can find a statue of the famous composer.

Take a short hike to this stunning lake nestled within the mountains.

You can take a quick jaunt to the Obersee, or better yet, you can take a 5 miles hike to a waterfall above the lake. The trail is well-maintained and well-traveled, although rocky and steep at times. The hike begins with a fairly flat and easy walk from the boat docks to the Obersee lake. You will then follow a trail along the right shore of the lake. The trail becomes rocky and steep, and you must ascend about 250 feet. At the high points of the trail, you will have a beautiful view of the lake below and surrounding mountains. You will then descend and reach the far end of the lake, where you will enjoy another beautiful view. You will then continue hiking towards the end of the valley, climbing another approximately 350 feet to reach the end of the valley, where you will see the waterfalls. Keep in mind that at the end of summer or in fall the waterfall may not be very impressive.

Hop off the boat for a pleasant and easy walk along the lake shore near this onion-domed church.

To take this easy, flat, but very beautiful hike, from the boat docks, follow the orange signs for the "St. Bartholomä-Rundweg". You will make a circle on a well-maintained trail, first walking along the lakeshore for about half a mile, and then turn left into the forest. Continue following the signs for the Rundweg, taking another left after about 350 yards, and returning to the docks in a little less than half a mile.

Relax on an unforgettable cruise across the lake, hopping on an off when you please.

The cruises are made all the more enjoyable as the electric boats are almost completely quiet. Nothing will distract you for the atmosphere and scenery. Cruises occur all year long unless the lake is iced over. Tickets are sold directly at the docks, although getting there early is highly recommended to avoid long lines.

Königssee Lake

The breathtakingly beautiful Königssee (King's Lake) is the deepest lake in the Alps and is surrounded by steep mountains. Taking a cruise on the lake is an unforgettable experience. The boat will take you to the red-onion domed Kloster St. Bartolomä, where you then take a relaxing and enchanting walk along the forested lakeshore. For serious hikers, you can also continue on the boat to the far end of the lake, and then take a hike to a dramatic waterfall.

Venture a little further to find a perfect view of the lake.

The Malerwinkl (i.e. the Painters Angle) is less than a mile walk from the boat docks and offers a picture-frame view of the lake. You can walk down to the water and soak your feet. After enjoying the view, you can head back, or take a strenuous, approximately hour-long hike to the Jennerbahn cable car station. Just follow the signs for the Malerwinkl-Rundweg and the Jennerbahn-Talstation. This is a trail for experienced hikers with proper footwear, which includes a climb of about 400 feet.

Take an exhilarating ride into the Alpine peaks above the lake.

You will enjoy amazing views of the lake and the surrounding Bavarian Alps. If you are up for it, you can even hike in the mountains as well, or ski in the winter. You can board the Jennerbahn cable car near the same parking area and bus stop which services the lake. It costs approx. 27.50 EUR for an adult roundtrip ticket to the top. You can save money by hiking back down, but this is only recommended for experienced hikers with good footwear.

Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Salzburg Main Station (Salzburg Hbf) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Salzburg Main Station (Salzburg Hbf) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Salzburg Main Station (Salzburg Hbf) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Salzburg Main Station (Salzburg Hbf) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Ascend to the top of this mountain for a perfect view of the Neckar and Rhine Valleys.

The locals are very proud of this peak, easily reached from the top station of the funicular, as its views of Heidelberg and the Neckar River draw crowds.

Easily reach the castle by taking the Bergbahn, which happens to simultaneously be both Germany's oldest and newest funicular.

Following a refurbishment in 2005, Germany's oldest funicular railway became it's most modern. The funicular takes you to Heidelberg Castle where you can visit the ruins and stroll through the castle gardens. You can then continue up to the top of the hill where you will reach the Königstuhl to experience spectacular views of Heidelberg and the Neckar River valley. If you prefer, you can always save some money and take a beautiful but somewhat strenuous hike, capturing perfect pictures of the castle as you make your way up the hill.

Castle & Königstuhl

Heidelberg has the fortune to have some uniquely atmospheric castle ruins and is home to the oldest yet most modern funicular railway in Germany. Use this funicular to take a trip up Heidelberg Castle and stroll through the castle gardens. Continue up to the top of the hill where you will reach the Königstuhl to experience spectacular views of Heidelberg and the Neckar River valley.

Gaze down upon Heidelberg from the battlements of this romantic castle ruin.

These ruins are one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps, and the contrast of the deep green forests and the red sandstone building make for a beautiful sight from the city center, though it's a much altered view since 1688, when French troops damaged the city and again in 1693, when they did much worse.  This led to a contemporary French writer to muse, "Heidelberger deleta" ("Heidelberg is 'deleted'"). Because of its delapidation, the castle regained stature during the 18th and 19th centuries as a powerful muse for many a Romantic poet.  It will inspire you as well.

Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Heidelberg Hbf station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and the local tram network stops directly in front of the station. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is not yet available in Heidelberg.

Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Heidelberg Hbf station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and the local tram network stops directly in front of the station. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is not yet available in Heidelberg.

Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Heidelberg Hbf station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and the local tram network stops directly in front of the station. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is not yet available in Heidelberg.

Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Heidelberg Hbf station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and the local tram network stops directly in front of the station. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is not yet available in Heidelberg.

One of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Switzerland

One of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Switzerland

Walking Tour of Lucerne

During this 2 hour guided private tour you will take in all the major highlights of Lucerne including: Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge, the Old Town and the Jesuit Church. Your professional guide will tell you about the fascinating history of the town and why Lucerne is a favorite destination for the Swiss and foreign visitors alike. You will also enjoy stunning views around Lake Lucerne, especially of the city's mountain, Mount Pilatus.

Excursion to Mount Pilatus

Ride the steepest rack-railway in the world at a gradient of nearly 48 percent from Alpnachstad up the giant mountain of Mt Pilatus that looms over the city of Lucerne, or glide up the other side on a gondola from Kriens. The highest point, Tomlishorn, with superlative views of Lake Lucerne, is only 30min on foot from the hotels and restaurants near the top.

Excursion to Mount Pilatus

Ride the steepest rack-railway in the world at a gradient of nearly 48 percent from Alpnachstad up the giant mountain of Mt Pilatus that looms over the city of Lucerne, or glide up the other side on a gondola from Kriens. The highest point, Tomlishorn, with superlative views of Lake Lucerne, is only 30min on foot from the hotels and restaurants near the top.

Rail or Taxi to Zurich Airport

The most affordable way to reach the airport is via train from the Lucerne rail station. In most cases, your itinerary will include a Swiss Travel Pass, which covers the cost of this scenic journey to Zurich Airport, which takes just over 1 hour. If you prefer, you can also take a taxi or book a pre-arranged transfer. The journey by car takes only about 45 minutes. Directions and instructions for either option are included in the Full Itinerary, so you can enjoy a stress-free trip to the airport.

Rail or Taxi to Zurich Airport

The most affordable way to reach the airport is via train from the Lucerne rail station. In most cases, your itinerary will include a Swiss Travel Pass, which covers the cost of this scenic journey to Zurich Airport, which takes just over 1 hour. If you prefer, you can also take a taxi or book a pre-arranged transfer. The journey by car takes only about 45 minutes. Directions and instructions for either option are included in the Full Itinerary, so you can enjoy a stress-free trip to the airport.

Rail or Taxi to Zurich Airport

The most affordable way to reach the airport is via train from the Lucerne rail station. In most cases, your itinerary will include a Swiss Travel Pass, which covers the cost of this scenic journey to Zurich Airport, which takes just over 1 hour. If you prefer, you can also take a taxi or book a pre-arranged transfer. The journey by car takes only about 45 minutes. Directions and instructions for either option are included in the Full Itinerary, so you can enjoy a stress-free trip to the airport.

Rail or Taxi to Zurich Airport

The most affordable way to reach the airport is via train from the Lucerne rail station. In most cases, your itinerary will include a Swiss Travel Pass, which covers the cost of this scenic journey to Zurich Airport, which takes just over 1 hour. If you prefer, you can also take a taxi or book a pre-arranged transfer. The journey by car takes only about 45 minutes. Directions and instructions for either option are included in the Full Itinerary, so you can enjoy a stress-free trip to the airport.