Alpine Enchantment: A Family Adventure Through Historic Cities & Scenic Landscapes
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Zurich
Interlaken
Munich
Salzburg
Vienna
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Families With ChildrenNature Lovers
How Long Is Enchanting Family Alps Trip and What Does It Cost?
14 days and 13 nights in Zurich, Interlaken, Munich, Salzburg and Vienna from $3,775 per person (flights not included). Best time to go: Jan-Dec.
Experience Alpine Europe's breathtaking beauty and rich history with your family on this unforgettable journey through Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Traverse the cobblestone streets of Zurich, Munich, Salzburg, & Vienna, marvel at the architectural splendor of Neuschwanstein Castle, and explore the picturesque Alpine lakes surrounding Interlaken. Enjoy private guided tours, detailed travel guidance through our mobile app, and plenty of opportunities for family-friendly adventures. From the enchanting Englischer Garten to the serene Lake Lucerne and magical Wachau Valley, every moment of this trip promises to create lasting memories.
Trip Highlights
Ascend to the Jungfraujoch for breathtaking views, an ice palace, and thrilling Alpine experiences.
Discover the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle on an excursion into the Bavarian Alps.
Ascend the Untersberg by a scenic cable car and dodge trick fountains in Hellbrunn Palace’s gardens.
Wander through Munich’s beautiful English Garden, one of Europe’s largest urban parks.
Enjoy a private guided walking tour of Vienna’s historic Inner City and visit its sumptuous palaces.
Must-See Sights
Built in the 9th-century on the West Bank of the Limmat River, Fraumunster Church is a former Benedictine abbey and one of the two most notable churches in Zurich. The Gothic landmark is characterized by its iconic clock tower topped with a turquoise spire.
Venture inside the church and you’ll be swept away by the Gothic and Romanesque interior. However, it’s Marc Chagall’s five slender stained-glass windows, painted in his signature surrealist style, that will surely steal your attention.
With clean blue waters guarded by verdant hills and snow-capped mountains, Lake Zurich offers an idyllic setting for all types of visitors. Steamboats, sailboats, and ferries make stops along the bank of the glacier lake, so you can wander through the storybook towns, offering gorgeous views, hiking routes, swimming areas, and chic dining options.
From swimming to lakeside picnics, there are many things to do on and around Lake Zurich. Take a boat to Rapperswill, a popular medieval town with lush gardens, or admire the lavish villas on the lower eastern shore, dubbed the ‘Gold Coast’ for its expensive real estate.
Nestled between the eastern shore of Lake Thun and the River Aare, the town of Unterseen was founded in 1279 as a fortress. Aside from a few remaining walls, this charming town, with its mix of Romanesque churches and ornate 19th-century buildings, doesn’t look like a place of war in the slightest.
Unterseen was at the heart of Interlaken’s tourism industry until the 1930s century. The town’s Tourismuseum is a fantastic window into this bygone era, featuring vintage skis and exhibitions on travelers who sought to climb the Bernese Alps. Be sure that you finish off the day with a cup of hot chocolate at the stately Hotel Central Continental, as its cafe terrace providing stunning views of the mountains and lakes.
From Augustinian monastery to hospital, to administrative and government offices, the uses of the Interlaken Castle and Monastery have been nearly as varied as it’s architecture. Built sometime before 1133, the old monastery was originally home to an Augustinian order of monks. In the Late Middle Ages a Gothic-style cloister was added, and in the early 14th century, a church was built, complete with an impressive steeple.
As you walk through the Interlaken Monastery grounds, you are walking through the medieval history of Interlaken. This complex houses some of the most culturally significant buildings in Interlaken. While the castle grounds are open to the public, keep in mind that some of buildings still serve a practical use today, with the region’s administrative offices being located there.
Just a few hundred yards from the old monastery lies Interlaken’s most popular public park: Hohematte. This charming place gives terrific views of Interlaken’s buildings and the natural beauty surrounding them. You will see families enjoying themselves here in the summer months, as the park is a popular place amongst the locals for picnics and sports.
Other than being a great place to play Frisbee or go for a bike ride, Hohenmatte park is filled with wonderful little curiosities. Here you can see the Japanese Garden of Friendship, created by a gardener from Otsu, Japan, to symbolize the warm relations between the two cities. If you lose track of time, head over to the famed clock made of Flowers, and finish off the day with a stroll through the lovely French-style Gardens.
Old Town Munich is the perfect place to familiarize yourself with Munich's history. Walking these streets studded with medieval, renaissance, and baroque buildings, you can easily imagine the old Bavarian way of life. The Old Town was at the heart of the wedding festivities of Ludwig I to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, celebrations which ultimately became the Oktoberfest.
The Old Town is also where you'll find some of Munich's most prestigious beer halls, including the famous Hofbräuhaus, a tavern, and brewery that has been serving beer for nearly 500 years. When the King of Sweden threatened Munich in 1632, he was appeased with 600,000 barrels of Hofbräuhaus beer. Stopping for a stein or two at a beer hall is a great way to drink up some authentic traditions as you tour the Old Town.
A highlight of any trip to Munich, the royal residence was home for the Wittelsbach monarchs for centuries. Originally a medieval castle, over the centuries, the castle was transformed into a beautiful palace, the largest of its kind in Germany. Now open to the public, you can explore the Residence's magnificent interiors, numerous courtyards, and elegant gardens. This is truly the palace to end all palaces.
The Antiquarium Gallery is especially stunning. Designed to impress and intimidate any guest, the gallery's paintings and lunette windows are an opulent display of wealth and power. The living quarters of the royal family, now a museum, provide a glimpse into the intimate lives of Kings and Queens. If this wasn't enough, the palace also exhibits the many precious jewels collected by Bavaria's rulers.
Dating back to 1077, Hohensalzburg Fortress is the main landmark of Salzburg and perched atop a cliff overlooking the city. Initially built by the archbishop to show off the power of the Catholic Church and protect the town from attacks, the fortress only ever served as a storage space and a dungeon. Because the fortress was never conquered or even attacked, it's now one of the largest fully-preserved castle complexes in Europe.
To reach the fortress, you can either hike up the hill or take a ride on the funicular, which opened in 1892 and is considered to be the oldest of its kind. At the top, there are over 8 acres to explore. Check out the terrace for a spectacular view of the Austrian Alps and the Altstadt below. Stroll through the interiors of the fortress, which still boast Gothic decorations like wood carvings and paintings. You'll get to see the Golden Hall, Golden Chamber, the dungeon, and decorated staterooms that used to belong to influential archbishops.
Schönbrunn Palace was built in the 1600s as a summer residence of the Habsburg family and today is known to be one of Europe's most beautiful Baroque palace complexes. As a result, the Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A wealth of history occurred within the walls of this palace: Mozart wrote music, Napoleon held conferences, and Emperor Charles I signed the document that ended the monarchy forever.
Of the 1441 rooms in the palace, 45 of them are open to the public today. Explore the regal interiors of the palace, adorned with rosewood in the Rococo style. During the warmer months, you can tour the zoo and gardens, which were opened to the public in 1779. Nowadays, it's the oldest zoo in the world and home to 700 species, some of which are endangered. The gardens and zoo are truly some sights to behold, so don't miss these while you're in Vienna.
Enchanting Family Alps Trip Itinerary, Day by Day
Arrival
Train: 2h
Train: 4h
Train: 1.5h
Train: 2.5h
Departure
Day 1
Arrive Zurich
To Be Determined
Private Transfer from the Zurich Airport
We will schedule a pick up for 20 minutes after your flight's arrival time. You will be met in the terminal by an English speaking driver holding a sign with your name on it. The ride is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package.
Mid-Day/Afternoon
Self Guided Visit to Zürich's West Bank
A wander around the West Bank of Zürich's Limmat River will help you experience the city's development over the centuries, from its iconic Fraumünster church, the rise of its famous banking industry around Paradeplatz, its associations with the Irish writer James Joyce, and its impact on modern sporting history at the FIFA World Football Museum.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening
Self Guided Tour of Zurich East Bank
Explore the environs of the left bank of the Limmat River in Zurich, including, for example, Grossmünster church where the Protestant Reformation found a receptive audience, as well as the modern artistic masterpieces housed in the Kunsthaus, before settling down to a traditional hearty cheese fondue somewhere along the pedestrianized Niederdorfstrasse.
Day 1 Arrive Zurich
Day 1
Arrive Zurich
Zurich Airport Pickup
Overview
Zurich Airport Pickup
We will schedule a pick up for 20 minutes after your flight's arrival time. You will be met in the terminal by an English speaking driver holding a sign with your name on it. The ride is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package.
West Bank, Self-Guided
A wander around the West Bank of Zürich's Limmat River will help you experience the city's development over the centuries, from its iconic Fraumünster church, the rise of its famous banking industry around Paradeplatz, its associations with the Irish writer James Joyce, and its impact on modern sporting history at the FIFA World Football Museum.
East Bank, Self Guided
Explore the environs of the left bank of the Limmat River in Zurich, including, for example, Grossmünster church where the Protestant Reformation found a receptive audience, as well as the modern artistic masterpieces housed in the Kunsthaus, before settling down to a traditional hearty cheese fondue somewhere along the pedestrianized Niederdorfstrasse.
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To Be Determined: Zurich Airport Pickup
We will schedule a pick up for 20 minutes after your flight's arrival time. You will be met in the terminal by an English speaking driver holding a sign with your name on it. The ride is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package.
Mid-Day/Afternoon: West Bank, Self-Guided
A wander around the West Bank of Zürich's Limmat River will help you experience the city's development over the centuries, from its iconic Fraumünster church, the rise of its famous banking industry around Paradeplatz, its associations with the Irish writer James Joyce, and its impact on modern sporting history at the FIFA World Football Museum.
Schweizerisches Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum)
Museum displaying Swiss history
Housed in a purpose-built mock-Gothic castle, the museum is often visited just to marvel at its architecture, but actually, this massive building has such superbly presented state-of-the-art displays on the history of the Swiss Confederation that you're sure to find something here that's worth at least an hour or two. If there's one thing the Swiss do, it's that they don't skimp on culture, so you can expect excellent value for money here.
James Joyce Foundation
Museum dedicated to the great Irish writer, James Joyce, wrote Ulysses during his wartime exile in Zurich from 1915-19
Museum dedicated to the great Irish writer, James Joyce, wrote Ulysses during his wartime exile in Zurich from 1915-19
FIFA World Football Museum
Modern museum with over 1000 displays on football (soccer)
Covering three floors in total, the museum traces the history of the game, FIFA, and both men's and women's World Cup competitions. Football junkies will delight in the details and memorabilia like old programs, shirts, boots and footballs, and even an unopened bottle of champagne from England's 1966 World Cup celebrations.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: East Bank, Self Guided
Explore the environs of the left bank of the Limmat River in Zurich, including, for example, Grossmünster church where the Protestant Reformation found a receptive audience, as well as the modern artistic masterpieces housed in the Kunsthaus, before settling down to a traditional hearty cheese fondue somewhere along the pedestrianized Niederdorfstrasse.
Wasserkirche
13th century church and crypt
The Gothic church is the site of the alleged martyrdom of Zurich's patron saints, Felix and Regula (they had deserted from their Roman legion in 286 and fled to Zurich before they were caught, tried and executed; after decapitation, they miraculously stood to their feet, picked up their own heads, walked forty paces uphill, and prayed before lying down in death). Behind the church is a statue of a sword-wielding Zwingli.
Kunsthaus Zürich
Art museum with major European collections from the 15th century
An absolute must for art enthusiasts. The collection begins before you even get inside: besides the main door is Rodin's vivid Gate of Hell depicting a scene from Dante's Inferno, while sculptures by Moore, Maillol, and others populate the grounds. Inside, Dutch and Flemish paintings are well represented by Rubens, Rembrandt, Hals, and others, and there's a Venetian room with works by Canaletto and El Greco. The collection of 20th-century art is one of the best in the world, with a selection of pop, concrete, and abstract expressionist art headlined by Warhol, Rothko, Bacon, and Twombly. Cubism, Fauvism, Dada, and Surrealism haven't been forgotten either. There are plenty of examples too of Picasso, Chagall, and Kandinsky, plus two canvasses by Monet, in addition to works by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Cezanne, along with the largest Munch collection outside of Norway.
Day 2
Zurich
Day 2
Zurich
Early Morning to Afternoon
Self-Guided Excursion Up Mt Pilatus
In summer months, you can 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. In winter you can glide up the other side of the mountain on a cable car 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.
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Private Introductory tour of the Zurich Old Town
During this 2.5-hour private walking tour, you will learn how Switzerland became Switzerland, and why Zurich is its most populated and important city. The walk towards the lake will take you to the Lindenhof, where you will enjoy a marvelous view of the Limmat all the way over to the Grossmünster. From there you will head to the Fraumünster, passing by St. Peter's Church, which bears the biggest clock face in Europe. Passing by the side of the city's Grossmünster, you will walk from the Lake to the Niederdorfstrasse, where you will experience the focal point of Zurich's restaurants and bars.
Early Evening/Evening
Dining Out in Zurich
Zürich naturally offers all the traditional Swiss dishes that you've heard of, like fondue (melted cheese in which you dip pieces of bread), raclette (melted cheese with potatoes, from Wallis), rösti (potatoes), Spätzli, and typical Swiss cervelat (a big sausage served with "Bürli," a piece of bread). Nevertheless, since it also is very multicultural, you can find food from a lot of foreign cultures as well.
Day 2 Zurich
Early Morning to Afternoon: Mt Pilatus
In summer months, you can 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. In winter you can glide up the other side of the mountain on a cable car 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.
Kriens-Pilatus Cable Car Station
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Old Town Zurich Tour
During this 2.5-hour private walking tour, you will learn how Switzerland became Switzerland, and why Zurich is its most populated and important city. The walk towards the lake will take you to the Lindenhof, where you will enjoy a marvelous view of the Limmat all the way over to the Grossmünster. From there you will head to the Fraumünster, passing by St. Peter's Church, which bears the biggest clock face in Europe. Passing by the side of the city's Grossmünster, you will walk from the Lake to the Niederdorfstrasse, where you will experience the focal point of Zurich's restaurants and bars.
Early Evening/Evening: Dining Out
Zürich naturally offers all the traditional Swiss dishes that you've heard of, like fondue (melted cheese in which you dip pieces of bread), raclette (melted cheese with potatoes, from Wallis), rösti (potatoes), Spätzli, and typical Swiss cervelat (a big sausage served with "Bürli," a piece of bread). Nevertheless, since it also is very multicultural, you can find food from a lot of foreign cultures as well.
Day 3 Train: 2h
Zurich to Interlaken
Day 3 Train: 2h
Zurich to Interlaken
9:55 AM
Taxi Transfer to Zurich Main Rail Station
Zurich taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.
11:02 - 12:58
Rail to Interlaken
A Swiss Travel Pass for this two-hour and fifteen-minute train journey to Interlaken is included with the purchase of an itinerary. You will receive detailed instructions for the trip and a translation and explanation of your tickets. Bern is the capital of Switzerland and the home of Toblerone chocolate.
12:58 PM
Rail Pickup by Taxi
Upon arrival in Interlaken, you will exit the rail station and proceed to the taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Taxis in Interlaken are generally reliable and honest and are less expensive than using a pre-arranged pick up service for your transfer to the hotel. Detailed arrival information and instructions for taking a taxi are provided in the Full-Length itinerary with purchase of an itinerary.
Afternoon/Late Afternoon
Self-Guided Excursion Up Harder Kulm
Travel by funicular from close to the Old Town in Interlaken to the Harder Kulm viewing platform at 1,322 meters above sea level from where you're able to soak up majestic panoramas of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, or admire the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. The castle-like the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant sometimes hosts folk music and dancing. The hike down, should you choose to go that way, will take around one hour.
Day 3 Train: 2hZurich to Interlaken
9:55 AM: Taxi to Zurich Rail Station
Zurich taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.
11:02 - 12:58: Rail to Interlaken
A Swiss Travel Pass for this two-hour and fifteen-minute train journey to Interlaken is included with the purchase of an itinerary. You will receive detailed instructions for the trip and a translation and explanation of your tickets. Bern is the capital of Switzerland and the home of Toblerone chocolate.
12:58 PM: Rail Pickup, Self-Arranged Taxi
Upon arrival in Interlaken, you will exit the rail station and proceed to the taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Taxis in Interlaken are generally reliable and honest and are less expensive than using a pre-arranged pick up service for your transfer to the hotel. Detailed arrival information and instructions for taking a taxi are provided in the Full-Length itinerary with purchase of an itinerary.
Afternoon/Late Afternoon: Harder Kulm Funicular
Travel by funicular from close to the Old Town in Interlaken to the Harder Kulm viewing platform at 1,322 meters above sea level from where you're able to soak up majestic panoramas of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, or admire the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. The castle-like the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant sometimes hosts folk music and dancing. The hike down, should you choose to go that way, will take around one hour.
Day 4
Interlaken
Day 4
Interlaken
Early Morning to Late Afternoon
Self-Guided Excursion up Jungfrau
Journey directly through the famous Eiger Mountain to what the Swiss called "The Top of Europe", the icy, windswept gap in the mountain ridges known as Jungfraujoch at 3,454m/11,332ft just below the summit of Jungfrau. The train ride to the top is not cheap, but it's the highest train station in Europe and definitely an unforgettable experience.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening
Self-Guided Tour of Interlaken's Historic Center
Although the overwhelming number of visitors to Interlaken come to the city to access the mountains throughout the Bernese Oberland in general and the Jungfrau region in particular, there are nevertheless a number of attractions in the town worth seeing, like the castle, the Unterseen (Old Town) district, and the Museum of Tourism.
Day 4 Interlaken
Early Morning to Late Afternoon: Jungfrau
Journey directly through the famous Eiger Mountain to what the Swiss called "The Top of Europe", the icy, windswept gap in the mountain ridges known as Jungfraujoch at 3,454m/11,332ft just below the summit of Jungfrau. The train ride to the top is not cheap, but it's the highest train station in Europe and definitely an unforgettable experience.
Grindelwald
Village in the Bernese Alps
Village in the Bernese Alps that is considered to be the gateway to the Jungfrau Region. This village is popular among hikers and alpinists
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Interlaken Historic Center
Although the overwhelming number of visitors to Interlaken come to the city to access the mountains throughout the Bernese Oberland in general and the Jungfrau region in particular, there are nevertheless a number of attractions in the town worth seeing, like the castle, the Unterseen (Old Town) district, and the Museum of Tourism.
Museum of Tourism
Museum showcasing the history of tourism in the Jungfrau region
Featuring excellent commentaries on the history of tourism in the Jungfrau Region presented in three floors of exhibits that cover everything from early transport and hotels to travel clothing and skiing. Housed in a lovely restored 17th-century timbered house, the museum includes models of early postal coaches, rack railway locomotives, bicycles and lake steamers, as well as actual historical carriages and vehicles.
Schloss Interlaken
Former Augustinian monastery turned castle with a chapel and Gothic cloister
A picturesque gem located close to the center of the city. The castle dates back to the 12th century. You can see the 14th-century bell tower along with a Gothic cloister and remains of a chapel dating from 1452.
Day 5 Train: 4h
Interlaken to Munich
Day 5 Train: 4h
Interlaken to Munich
8:15 AM
Taxi Dropoff at Rail Station
Interlaken taxis are reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up 45 minutes prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.
09:00 - 10:58, 11:33 - 15:04
Rail to Munich
This 6.5-7.5 hour train journey will take you through Switzerland and Southern Germany. There are several different routes that you make take, each requiring at a minimum one change and more likely two. Chances are good you will travel through the famous Black Forest of Germany, a heavily-forested and mountainous region. But no matter which route you take, you can be assured of a very scenic journey.
3:04 PM
Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport
Most trains arrive in Müchen 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 - there is a subway and local rail station co-located with the train station. Taxis are available at all rail stations and are generally honest. Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.
Late Afternoon to Evening
Exploring Munich's Altstadt (i.e. the Old Town)
Munich boasts a large old town (Altstadt) with many beautiful historic buildings. Sometimes called the world's largest village, it is a perfect place to wander. You will discover many Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, as well as several stunning examples of modern architecture. Pleasant cafes, beer halls, cozy restaurants, and great shopping all add to the charming atmosphere.
Day 5 Train: 4hInterlaken to Munich
8:15 AM: Rail Dropoff, Self-Arrranged
Interlaken taxis are reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up 45 minutes prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.
09:00 - 10:58, 11:33 - 15:04: Rail to Munich
This 6.5-7.5 hour train journey will take you through Switzerland and Southern Germany. There are several different routes that you make take, each requiring at a minimum one change and more likely two. Chances are good you will travel through the famous Black Forest of Germany, a heavily-forested and mountainous region. But no matter which route you take, you can be assured of a very scenic journey.
3:04 PM: Transfer from Rail Station
Most trains arrive in Müchen 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 - there is a subway and local rail station co-located with the train station. Taxis are available at all rail stations and are generally honest. Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.
Late Afternoon to Evening: Altstadt
Munich boasts a large old town (Altstadt) with many beautiful historic buildings. Sometimes called the world's largest village, it is a perfect place to wander. You will discover many Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, as well as several stunning examples of modern architecture. Pleasant cafes, beer halls, cozy restaurants, and great shopping all add to the charming atmosphere.
Hofbräuhaus
Enjoy some fine Bavarian brews in a beer hall that dates back to 1589.
Originally built in 1598 by Maximilian I, Duke of Bavaria, as an extension to the state brewery, this beer hall was opened to the public in 1828, remodeled in 1897, almost completely destroyed during World War II, and reopened following its restoration in 1958. It is now situated across three floors, with a restaurant, ballroom, and beer garden, and is one of the largest tourist attractions in the city as well as a favorite of locals. This is where the ingurgitation of vast quantities of beer and pretzels has been taking place since 1644. Even if you're a teetotaller, you'll want to at least take a look at the interior of the three-storied temple to the consumption of fermented hops and watch the odd local quaff his or her ale amid the sea of tourists. There's also an attractive courtyard where you can escape the din on a summer's day or evening.
New Town Hall & Glockenspiel
Enjoy the mechanical show as the figures on the Glockenspiel on the New City Hall come to life and re-enact stories from the 16th century.
The Marienplatz is the main square of the Altstadt, and its centerpiece is the domineering facade of the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). It is decorated with gargoyles and statues, including a dragon scaling the turrets. For a great view of the city, ascend the 279ft (85m) tower (elevator available to the left just inside the main entrance to the town hall). The highlight of the building is the Glockenspiel, which attracts large numbers of tourists at 11 am and noon (and 5pm in the summer) who come to watch the contraption in operation. There's dancing, a joust, and more, all set to musical chimes. Unusually, the New Town Hall mostly survived WWII intact, probably because it was used by Allied bombers as a direction finder for obliterating the rest of the city.
Peterskirche
Climb to the top of Munich's oldest church tower for what is still today its best view.
The best views of central Munich can be viewed from the 302ft (92m) tower of St Peterskirche, inner Munich's oldest church and possibly the city's origin point. The presence of a church on its site goes back to before the city's founding, and it has existed in a number of iterations since. Its nearly 3000ft-tall tower is affectionately called "Alter Pete" or "Old Pete" as a recognition of its significance to Munich's social and cultural history.
Viktualienmarkt
Assemble a gourmet picnic lunch in one of Europe's best known markets.
The Viktualienmarkt is one of Central Europe's finest gourmet markets where many of the stalls have been run by generations of the same family. Prices are high, but you can gather all the ingredients for an haute cuisine picnic and then seat yourself in the market's own beer garden to enjoy an al fresco lunch. The very existence of such a market in an old town quarter is the result of Munich's dedication to preserving its past. Fearing that fast food chains will replace the old-fashioned market stalls and quaint eateries that make the Viktulienmarkt one of Europe’s most charming squares, the city subsidizes the rent so they can survive on the some of Germany’s most expensive real estate.
Jewish Museum
Learn about Munich's rich Jewish heritage and see it's most striking synagogue.
The museum focuses on Munich's Jewish heritage, as well as Jewish history and culture in general, with a contemporary flair and modern means of display. Adjacent to the museum is the Ohel Jakob synagogue, which ranks among the most striking structures built in the city in recent years. It is the first synagogue to serve as the main synagogue of the city since the Nazi Kristallnacht (i.e. the Night of Broken Glass). Tours are offered but must be arranged 10 days in advance.
Frauenkirche
Restored Gothic church.
The Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, dominates the Altstadt. This is because the twin onion-domed towers inspired the city council to prohibit any other building in the Altstadt from exceeding their height of 325ft (99m). Much of the interior was destroyed during WWII, but it has been rebuilt. An attraction that survived the bombing in original form is the Teufelstritt, or Devil's Footstep, at the entrance. This is a black mark resembling a footprint, which according to legend is the result of a deal the devil made with the builder to finance construction of the church on the condition that it contains no windows. The clever builder, however, tricked the devil by positioning columns so that the windows were not visible from the spot where the devil stood in the foyer. By the time the devil discovered that he had been tricked, he could not enter the already consecrated church. The devil could only stand in the foyer and stomp his foot furiously, which left the dark footprint that remains visible in the church's entrance today.
Day 6
Munich
Day 6
Munich
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Guided Walk Tour of Historic Munich
Munich contains many reminders of a long and varied history but also encompasses the modern features of a strong and vibrant city. The insights of a local help make sense of the traditions, trends, and promises of Bavaria's Capital - sometimes referred to as the city of laptops and lederhosen. On this tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Munich and point out the many hidden treasures.
Mid-Day/Afternoon
A Visit to Munich's Residence Palace
The Munich Residenz was the seat of Bavaria's Dukes and Kings from the middle ages until 1918. Originally a medieval castle, it was transformed over the centuries into a beautiful palace. Today it is open to the public and you can explore its magnificent interiors, numerous courtyards, and elegant garden. The living quarters of the royal family have been transformed into a museum which provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Kings and Queens. You can also peruse numerous jewels, gold objects, and other precious items which are held in the Residenz Schatzkammer (treasury).
Day 6 Munich
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Guided Walk Tour of Historic Munich
Munich contains many reminders of a long and varied history but also encompasses the modern features of a strong and vibrant city. The insights of a local help make sense of the traditions, trends, and promises of Bavaria's Capital - sometimes referred to as the city of laptops and lederhosen. On this tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Munich and point out the many hidden treasures.
Mid-Day/Afternoon: Residence Palace
The Munich Residenz was the seat of Bavaria's Dukes and Kings from the middle ages until 1918. Originally a medieval castle, it was transformed over the centuries into a beautiful palace. Today it is open to the public and you can explore its magnificent interiors, numerous courtyards, and elegant garden. The living quarters of the royal family have been transformed into a museum which provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Kings and Queens. You can also peruse numerous jewels, gold objects, and other precious items which are held in the Residenz Schatzkammer (treasury).
Residenz Palace Museum
Wander where you will, audio guide in hand, through the spectactular royal residence.
You'll experience jaw-dropping architecture and beautiful artwork as you explore the museum and the adjacent Royal Treasury. Among the many highlights, unmissable is the Antiquarium, the largest and most lavish Renaissance hall north of the Alps. The window reveals are decorated with 102 views of towns, markets, and palaces in what was then the Duchy of Bavaria, providing an unique insight into how the country once looked. The Rich Chapel (Reiche Kapelle) was the private place of worship of Duke Maximilian I and his wife, and it was decorated with particular magnificence using colored marble and gilt reliefs. The Ornate Rooms (Reiche Zimmer) meanwhile represent a high point of the court Rococo style, and are works of art in their own right.
Cuvilliés-Theatre
Visit what is perhaps the most ostentatious and sensually overwhelming building in Munich.
The exceptionally extravagant court theatre was built by Elector Max III Joseph's court architect François Cuvilliés between 1751 and 1755, and was intended to showcase Munich as a home to the arts and the enlightenment. It only survived the destruction of WWII because the elaborately carved tiers of boxes were removed from their original location in the Alte Residenztheater building for safekeeping. It's still used as a theatre today.FYI - to visit the Cuvilliés-Theatre you need to exit the museum and walk around the palace to get onto Residenzstraße and then re-enter the palace and cross through either the Chapel Courtyard or the Imperial Courtyard.
Odeonsplatz
See the square where Hitler's Beer Hall Putsch came to a bloody end.
The square directly adjacent to the Residence is the Odeonsplatz, which is guarded by the Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshalls' Hall) in honor of the Bavarian army. It was here that Hitler's Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 came to a bloody end in a gun battle with the police. During the Nazi regime, anyone passing the Feldherrnhalle was obliged to give the Nazi salute, which prompted some locals to instead take a side street. The Nazis derogatorily nicknamed it the Shirkers' Alley, but the 'shirkers' are memorialized in a trail of brass cobblestones. Also on the square is the bright yellow Theatinerkirche with its two massive twin towers. It was the personal church of Bavaria's rulers and many of them are interred there.
Day 7
Munich
Day 7
Munich
Morning/Mid-Day
Visit to the Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum (i.e., the German Museum) is the world's largest museum of science and technology. It is located on a small island in the River Isar, which flows through central Munich. The museum's vast and fascinating collection is spread out among 40 different exhibitions. You will encounter examples of technology stretching across humanity's long history, from a reproduction of pre-historic cave paintings to the laboratory where the atom was split.
Mid-Day/Afternoon
Stroll through the English Garden
The English Garden is one of Europe's largest parks; in fact, it is larger than New York's Central Park. While it is called the "English Garden" after the style of the park, it was actually designed by an American-Englishman and is now a symbol of the very Bavarian city of Munich. The park is a perfect place to escape the city for a long stroll, where you can enjoy the natural scenery and the people watching.
Evening/Late Evening
Visit to the Augustiner Keller
This vast beer garden under leafy chestnut trees is immensely popular with the locals, so you can study the lederhosen-clad men and dirndl attired women at close quarters while quaffing the Augustiner's own Edelstaff beer from your Maßkrug (one-liter glass beer mug) and wolfing down a plate stacked high with Bavarian sausage and mashed potato.
Day 7 Munich
Morning/Mid-Day: Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum (i.e., the German Museum) is the world's largest museum of science and technology. It is located on a small island in the River Isar, which flows through central Munich. The museum's vast and fascinating collection is spread out among 40 different exhibitions. You will encounter examples of technology stretching across humanity's long history, from a reproduction of pre-historic cave paintings to the laboratory where the atom was split.
Mid-Day/Afternoon: English Gardens
The English Garden is one of Europe's largest parks; in fact, it is larger than New York's Central Park. While it is called the "English Garden" after the style of the park, it was actually designed by an American-Englishman and is now a symbol of the very Bavarian city of Munich. The park is a perfect place to escape the city for a long stroll, where you can enjoy the natural scenery and the people watching.
Chinese Tower
Enjoy some Bavarian brews with the locals in Munich's second largest beer garden.
Located in the middle of the English Gardens, this beer garden (7,000 seats) is located beneath the wooden Chinese Tower. The 25 meter high (75 feet) pagoda was built in 1789 during a pan-European craze for all things East Asian. The food stalls around the pagoda offer traditional beer garden food such as Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Hendl (roasted chicken) and Schweinshaxn (roasted pork knuckle). The beer served is Hofbräu and a Maß Hell (lager).
Eisbachwelle
Watch surfers catch some waves in the middle of the city.
At the extreme southern end of the park you can find one of the more unusual and entertaining pastimes enjoyed by the locals - surfing on the man-made Eisbach river. There is a standing wave produced by the water pumping mechanism and surfers line up along the bank taking turns entering the water with their boards. After a minute or so, successful surfers will voluntarily drop out, returning to the end of the line allowing the next person in line an opportunity. The water is cold and shallow (sometimes only 40 cm deep), making it suitable only for experienced surfers.
Evening/Late Evening: Augustiner Keller
This vast beer garden under leafy chestnut trees is immensely popular with the locals, so you can study the lederhosen-clad men and dirndl attired women at close quarters while quaffing the Augustiner's own Edelstaff beer from your Maßkrug (one-liter glass beer mug) and wolfing down a plate stacked high with Bavarian sausage and mashed potato.
Day 8 Train: 1.5h
Munich to Salzburg
Day 8 Train: 1.5h
Munich to Salzburg
Morning/Mid-Day
Visit to the BMW Museum and the 1972 Olympic Park
If you have a passion for cars and German engineering precision, then you'll love the shrines to one of Germany's finest automobiles - the ultra-modern BMW Museum and the futuristic-looking BMW World. Adjacent to BMW World are the extensive and beautifully sculpted grounds of 1972's Olympic Park built on top of the mountain of rubble transported there during the post-WWII city clean-up operation.
2:30 PM
Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport or Walk
Most trains depart from Müchen 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.
15:30 - 16:58
Rail Journey from Munich to Salzburg
Your scenic journey to Salzburg should take about 1.5 to 2 hours. After leaving Munich, you will pass through the beautiful countryside of Bavaria before reaching the Austrian border, which Salzburg lies just beyond. Germany and Austria both speak German and share many cultural similarities. This is especially the case with Bavaria and Austria, so the transition over the border will not seem too dramatic, although if you keep your eyes peeled you will notice some minor differences.
4:58 PM
Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport
Most trains arrive in 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, and buses pickup directly in front of the station. Taxis are available near the station entrance and are generally honest. Uber is also available for those with the app.
Early Evening
Explore the Altstadt
Salzburg's Altstadt, which simply means Old Town, is one of the world's most charming city centers. It possesses an amazing wealth of Baroque buildings, as its 17th and 18th centuries archbishop rulers focused on beautifying their town rather than fighting foreign wars like neighboring states. A series of squares runs through the old town, and most you will find dominated by a beautiful church. Throughout the Altstadt, you will find markets, pleasant shops, and cozy restaurants.
Day 8 Train: 1.5hMunich to Salzburg
Morning/Mid-Day: BMW Museum & Olympiapark
If you have a passion for cars and German engineering precision, then you'll love the shrines to one of Germany's finest automobiles - the ultra-modern BMW Museum and the futuristic-looking BMW World. Adjacent to BMW World are the extensive and beautifully sculpted grounds of 1972's Olympic Park built on top of the mountain of rubble transported there during the post-WWII city clean-up operation.
2:30 PM: Transfer to Rail Station
Most trains depart from Müchen 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.
15:30 - 16:58: Rail to Salzburg
Your scenic journey to Salzburg should take about 1.5 to 2 hours. After leaving Munich, you will pass through the beautiful countryside of Bavaria before reaching the Austrian border, which Salzburg lies just beyond. Germany and Austria both speak German and share many cultural similarities. This is especially the case with Bavaria and Austria, so the transition over the border will not seem too dramatic, although if you keep your eyes peeled you will notice some minor differences.
4:58 PM: Rail Station Transfer
Most trains arrive in 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, and buses pickup directly in front of the station. Taxis are available near the station entrance and are generally honest. Uber is also available for those with the app.
Early Evening: Old Town (Altstadt)
Salzburg's Altstadt, which simply means Old Town, is one of the world's most charming city centers. It possesses an amazing wealth of Baroque buildings, as its 17th and 18th centuries archbishop rulers focused on beautifying their town rather than fighting foreign wars like neighboring states. A series of squares runs through the old town, and most you will find dominated by a beautiful church. Throughout the Altstadt, you will find markets, pleasant shops, and cozy restaurants.
Salzburg Cathedral
Step beneath Salzburg Cathedral’s immense dome to experience the monumental Baroque church at the heart of the city.
The first cathedral at this location was founded in 774 A.D. 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.
Entry should be 7 € for adults and the cathedral closes between 5 - 7 PM depending on the season.
Mozart Birthhouse
Understand Mozart and his music better by discovering the remarkable childhood behind the composer, from his earliest lessons with his father to the concert tours that made him famous across Europe before he was even a teenager.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here at Getreidegasse 9 on January 27, 1756, and grew up with his parents, Leopold and Anna Maria, and his musically gifted older sister Nannerl. Leopold, himself a composer, violinist, and respected music teacher, recognized his son’s extraordinary abilities early; by five or six, Wolfgang was performing and composing, and soon he and Nannerl were appearing before aristocratic audiences across Europe on ambitious tours organized by their father.
Today the birthplace is a museum focused on Mozart as both a person and musician, displaying family possessions and original instruments including his childhood violin; adult admission is currently €18, while entry is included with the Salzburg Card.
Felsenreitschule Concert Hall
Sing Eidelweis in the concert venue made famous by The Sound of Music.
You can visit the concert halls of the world's most prestigious international music festival, the Salzburger Festspiele. The Salzburg Festival Halls grew from the former stables and riding schools of Salzburg’s prince-archbishops, first established here under Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau and gradually converted into performance spaces after the Salzburg Festival began in 1920. The most dramatic example is the Felsenreitschule, where 96 arcades were carved into a former stone quarry in 1693 for spectators at equestrian displays, while construction of the Großes Festspielhaus required blasting away some 55,000 cubic meters of the mountain to fit the enormous modern theater behind the historic façade.
The 50-minute tour (provided in English and German simultaneously) includes all the major venues and many backstages as well.
Day 9
Salzburg
Day 9
Salzburg
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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.
Mid-Day
Visit to the Hohensalzburg Fortress
The Festung Hohensalzburg dominates Salzburg, appearing simultaneously formidable and enticing. From one side of the fortress you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and from the other a beautiful view of the nearby Alps. In addition to touring the fortress staterooms, you can also visit the Fortress Museum, a Marionette Museum, the Torture Chamber, an observation tower, and more.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening
The Mönchsberg & Augustinian Beer Hall
Although tiny in comparison to the mountains of the nearby Alps, the Mönchsberg (Monk’s Mountain) dominates the Altstadt. While the highest portion of the mountain is occupied by the Fortress Hohensalzburg, the rest of the mountain is covered by idyllic forests and pastures, romantic homes, and castle ruins. A stroll through this enchanting landscape also affords numerous beautiful views of Salzburg's Altstadt below. Perhaps best of all, it can all be enjoyed away from the crowds of the city. The Salzburg Card covers the cost of an elevator built into the side of mountain which will take you to the top!
Day 9 Salzburg
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM: 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.
Mozartplatz
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.
Salzburg Cathedral
Step beneath Salzburg Cathedral’s immense dome to experience the monumental Baroque church at the heart of the city.
The first cathedral at this location was founded in 774 A.D. 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.
Entry should be 7 € for adults and the cathedral closes between 5 - 7 PM depending on the season.
Mid-Day: Hohensalzburg Fortress
The Festung Hohensalzburg dominates Salzburg, appearing simultaneously formidable and enticing. From one side of the fortress you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and from the other a beautiful view of the nearby Alps. In addition to touring the fortress staterooms, you can also visit the Fortress Museum, a Marionette Museum, the Torture Chamber, an observation tower, and more.
Fortress Funicular
Ascend the steep mountain to the fortress in seconds on the fortress funicular railway.
Hohensalzburg Fortress was never taken by force, although many attempts were made over the centuries. Fortunately, reaching it today is much easier: a steep funicular carries visitors directly up to the fortress. A round-trip Fortress Card costs €19 and includes admission to the fortress attractions, with the exception of the State Apartments and Theatre, which require an additional €3.40 ticket.
Fortress Museums and Interior
Experience the impressive splendor and craftmanship of the castle interior.
The State Apartments/Regency Chambers (Fürstenzimmer) are the top attraction within the fortress. These rooms were built as a showcase for state functions and to receive foreign visitors and dignitaries. You can also visit the Fortress Museum, a Marionette Museum, and the WWI-focused Rainer Museum.
Nonnberg Abbey
Apart from featuring in The Sound of Music , Nonnberg Abbey is also one of the world’s oldest continuously operating convents, where medieval architecture, views across the city, and the real story behind the Sound of Music come together.
Founded around 712–715 by St. Rupert, Nonnberg has remained a Benedictine convent for more than 1,300 years, with St. Erentrudis serving as its first abbess. The abbey later became famous through Maria Kutschera, who was a novice here before the abbess sent her to care for the widowed Georg von Trapp’s children—beginning the real-life story that inspired The Sound of Music.
Visitors cannot enter the working convent itself, but the abbey church and cemetery are freely accessible (and almost empty of tourists); inside the church, look for Romanesque frescoes, a Late Gothic winged altar, and the crypt containing the tomb of St. Erentrudis. Since it is usually empty, you must pay to light up the Romanesque frescoes and a Gothic altar, but this is half of a Euro well spent (especially in the case of the altar). Although you are unlikely to see large groups of nuns in black habits singing in unison as they wonder what to do with a problem like Maria, you may hear them from their enclosed choir during morning prayer or at evening Vespers.
Fortress Terrace
Take in a breathtaking view of the nearby Alps.
The terrace of the fortress offers an absolutely stunning view of the Alps. You can see the Untersberg especially well. It was the mountain which the Von Trapp family climbed at the end of The Sound of Music to escape Austria. Ironically, it's on the Bavarian border, so they were actually climbing into Germany. In reality they took a train to Italy.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Mönchsberg
Although tiny in comparison to the mountains of the nearby Alps, the Mönchsberg (Monk’s Mountain) dominates the Altstadt. While the highest portion of the mountain is occupied by the Fortress Hohensalzburg, the rest of the mountain is covered by idyllic forests and pastures, romantic homes, and castle ruins. A stroll through this enchanting landscape also affords numerous beautiful views of Salzburg's Altstadt below. Perhaps best of all, it can all be enjoyed away from the crowds of the city. The Salzburg Card covers the cost of an elevator built into the side of mountain which will take you to the top!
Augustinian Beer Hall
Quaff a beer in Salzburg's favorite and most historic brewery.
At the foot of the Mönchsberg, in the village-like neighborhood of Mülln, lies Austria's largest beer hall. Since 1621 it has served the famously delicious brew of the Augustinian monks. Although it attracts many visitors, it remains a favorite among locals, especially in the warmer months when the beer garden is open. Even if you don't drink beer, it is still a great way to try some traditional Austrian cuisine and mingle with Salzburgers in a wonderfully authentic atmosphere.
Richterhöhe
Discover these castle ruins which most visitors never find and enjoy unique views of the fortress and the Alps.
The Richterhöhe castle ruins date back to the year 1367. After the castle became obsolete, it's courtyard actually provided an ideal locale for grape growing. Vineyards therefore soon took over the bailey and can still be seen today. The most outstanding feature of the Richterhöhe is the amazing panoramic view it offers. It is one of the best views in all of Salzburg, and you will likely have it all to yourself.
Day 10 Train: 2.5h
Salzburg to Vienna
Day 10 Train: 2.5h
Salzburg to Vienna
Early Morning to Mid-Day
Excursion to the Peak of the Untersberg
The nearly 6,000-foot high Untersberg is Salzburg's nearest Alpine Mountain, and a visit to its peak is the perfect way to experience the Alps without traveling too far. Don't worry, there's no need to bring your climbing gear. You can take a bus from Salzburg to the base of the mountain, and then take an exhilarating cable lift ride all the way to the limestone summit. There you will find a stupendous view of the Alps spread out before you, and if you feel like wandering a bit, a network of rocky trails spreads out from the summit. The Salzburg card covers both the bus ride to the lift (it's the last stop of bus line #25) and the cable car tickets!
Mid-Day to Late Afternoon
Visit the Hellbrunn Palace and Gardens
Built as a summer palace by Salzburg's Prince-Bishop, the Hellbrunn Palace is a picturesque palace surrounded by even more beautiful gardens. The early baroque palace was built exclusively for the purpose of entertainment, as the Prince-Bishop would actually return to Salzburg in the evening. It can be toured with an audio guide and includes several beautiful frescoed ceilings. There is a great deal to discover in the gardens - hidden grottos, clever statues, reflecting pools, as well as flora and fauna. And the trick fountains are a must for every visit. Both the transportation (bus #25) and the entry are covered by the Salzburg Card.
6:50 PM
Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport
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.
19:52 - 22:22
Rail Journey from Salzburg to Vienna
The scenic journey on the comfortable train will take about two and a half hours. The journey is aboard a comfortable, modern train with wi-fi, provided either by the Austrian rail company or a private rail carrier called Westbahn. The verdant rolling countryside of northern Austria makes for a pleasant voyage, and on clear days, you can also enjoy a view on the Alps in the distance from the right side of the train. You also have detailed instructions below for the voyage, as well as a translation and explanation of your tickets in your ticket booklet.
10:22 PM
Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport
Upon arrival in Vienna, you will exit the rail station and proceed to the taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Taxis in Vienna are generally reliable and honest and are less expensive than using a pre-arranged pick up service for your transfer to the Hotel. Detailed arrival information and instructions for taking a taxi are provided in the Full-Length itinerary with purchase of an itinerary.
Day 10 Train: 2.5hSalzburg to Vienna
Early Morning to Mid-Day: Untersberg Peak
The nearly 6,000-foot high Untersberg is Salzburg's nearest Alpine Mountain, and a visit to its peak is the perfect way to experience the Alps without traveling too far. Don't worry, there's no need to bring your climbing gear. You can take a bus from Salzburg to the base of the mountain, and then take an exhilarating cable lift ride all the way to the limestone summit. There you will find a stupendous view of the Alps spread out before you, and if you feel like wandering a bit, a network of rocky trails spreads out from the summit. The Salzburg card covers both the bus ride to the lift (it's the last stop of bus line #25) and the cable car tickets!
Mid-Day to Late Afternoon: Hellbrunn Palace
Built as a summer palace by Salzburg's Prince-Bishop, the Hellbrunn Palace is a picturesque palace surrounded by even more beautiful gardens. The early baroque palace was built exclusively for the purpose of entertainment, as the Prince-Bishop would actually return to Salzburg in the evening. It can be toured with an audio guide and includes several beautiful frescoed ceilings. There is a great deal to discover in the gardens - hidden grottos, clever statues, reflecting pools, as well as flora and fauna. And the trick fountains are a must for every visit. Both the transportation (bus #25) and the entry are covered by the Salzburg Card.
Trick Water Fountains
Get a little wet in this delightful garden of tricks.
Created in the early 17th century to entertain—and occasionally soak—the prince-archbishop’s guests, the Trick Fountains combine concealed water jets with grottoes, fountains, and elaborate mechanical displays, including a miniature theater with around 200 moving figures. Remarkably, the entire system operates without electric pumps, relying on the natural pressure of spring water flowing downhill from nearby sources to power both the fountains and many of the moving mechanisms.
6:50 PM: 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.
19:52 - 22:22: Train from Salzburg to Vienna
The scenic journey on the comfortable train will take about two and a half hours. The journey is aboard a comfortable, modern train with wi-fi, provided either by the Austrian rail company or a private rail carrier called Westbahn. The verdant rolling countryside of northern Austria makes for a pleasant voyage, and on clear days, you can also enjoy a view on the Alps in the distance from the right side of the train. You also have detailed instructions below for the voyage, as well as a translation and explanation of your tickets in your ticket booklet.
10:22 PM: Transfer from Rail Station
Upon arrival in Vienna, you will exit the rail station and proceed to the taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Taxis in Vienna are generally reliable and honest and are less expensive than using a pre-arranged pick up service for your transfer to the Hotel. Detailed arrival information and instructions for taking a taxi are provided in the Full-Length itinerary with purchase of an itinerary.
Day 11
Vienna
Day 11
Vienna
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Guided Walk through Vienna's 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.
Mid-Day/Afternoon
Experience the Imperial Vienna
Discover the very heart of the Habsburg Empire that once covered most of central Europe. Within the vast Hofburg Palace complex, which was once home to Austria’s emperors and their administrators, you will find palaces, museums, a famed riding hall, the Austrian national library, and much more. The State Opera House and other major monuments are also nearby. Majestically stunning, the buildings and squares of Imperial Vienna still evoke awe in the observer even if the Empire they were built for is now long gone.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening
Exploring Vienna's 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.
Early Evening to Late Evening
An Evening out in the Wine Village of Grinzing
Nothing better symbolizes the Viennese love of “gemütlichkeit” (roughly translated as coziness) than the wine villages and vineyards which hug the gentle slopes beneath the Vienna woods. They are home to wine taverns known as Heurigen. The most famous of the wine villages is Grinzing, which is easily reached from the city center by tram. Despite its closeness to the city center, a visit to Grinzing seems to transport you to the countryside, as quaint cottages and cozy old farmhouses create a charming village atmosphere.
Day 11 Vienna
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM: 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.
Mid-Day/Afternoon: Imperial Vienna
Discover the very heart of the Habsburg Empire that once covered most of central Europe. Within the vast Hofburg Palace complex, which was once home to Austria’s emperors and their administrators, you will find palaces, museums, a famed riding hall, the Austrian national library, and much more. The State Opera House and other major monuments are also nearby. Majestically stunning, the buildings and squares of Imperial Vienna still evoke awe in the observer even if the Empire they were built for is now long gone.
State Opera House
Visit the famous opera house on a guided tour, or better yet, enjoy a world-class performance.
Once the most pre-eminent music hall in the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire, it still dwarfs its surroundings. It was mostly destroyed in bombing during WWII, but the lavish and stunning foyer was encased in a protective structure and saved, and the rest was rebuilt. Just across from the State Opera house is the famous Hotel Sacher, home of the Sachertorte.
Imperial Treasury
See firsthand the treasures collected by Austrian emperors over the last 1,000 years.
The Imperial Treasury is today a museum collection of the secular and religious treasures amassed by the Austrian emporers. You'll see crowns, coronation robes, scepters, bejeweled swords, precious gems, religious relics, and much more. Be sure to get an audio guide.
Spanish Riding School
See an equestrian performance from a world-famous riding school dating back to 1572.
Originally founded in order to train horses for the complicated maneuvers necessary in battle, the riding school today is dedicated to the preservation of classical dressage and the training of the renowned white Lipizzaner stallions. It offers regular demonstrations & shows and is located in the interior of a palace.
Café Central
Dine in an elegant 19th century cafe.
The soaring gothic ceilings and fine cuisine of the Café Central made it the frequent haunt of historic figures such as Freud and Trotsky. Reservations are highly recommended.
Hofburg Palace
Tour the palaces and courtyards of the massive Hofburg Palace complex.
The complex consists of numerous palaces which once housed the imperial family during the winter months, and also held the offices which were used to administer the state. They now hold museums and collections from the imperial past. There are also grand plazas and pleasant gardens, such as the enchanting Burggarten.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: 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.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
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.
The Graben
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.
Mozarthaus
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.
Peterskirche (Church of St. Peter)
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.
Jewish Museum
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.
Early Evening to Late Evening: Wine Village
Nothing better symbolizes the Viennese love of “gemütlichkeit” (roughly translated as coziness) than the wine villages and vineyards which hug the gentle slopes beneath the Vienna woods. They are home to wine taverns known as Heurigen. The most famous of the wine villages is Grinzing, which is easily reached from the city center by tram. Despite its closeness to the city center, a visit to Grinzing seems to transport you to the countryside, as quaint cottages and cozy old farmhouses create a charming village atmosphere.
Day 12
Vienna
Day 12
Vienna
Morning/Mid-Day
Tour the Schönbrunn Palace
The magnificent Baroque palace of Schönbrunn is most famously associated with Empress Maria Theresa, who lived here surrounded by 16 little archdukes and duchesses who also happened to be her children. On your tour of the palace, you will see how Maria Theresa and other past imperial residents lived. No visit is complete without a stroll in the vast gardens surrounding the palace.
Afternoon/Late Afternoon
Stroll from the Hundertwasser Haus to the Prater
The charming and unusual Hundertwasserhaus is one of Austria's architectural highlights. The colorful building represents a harmonic place where human beings and nature can live together with equal rights. Just a short walk away is the Prater, a large and pleasant public park. You can make your through the park to Vienna's oldest fun park, which is home to a towering Ferris wheel called the Wiener Riesenrad.
Early Evening
Hip Vienna; the Naschmarkt and Museum Quarter
The centuries-old market known as the Naschmarkt and its surroundings are a great destination for those who love shopping, art, cafes, and nightlife. With a population of students and young professionals this area is one of Vienna’s youngest, and not coincidentally, it’s most hip and bohemian. Even the nearby Museum Quarter is happening, as it's abuzz with activity even well after its outstanding museums have closed.
Day 12 Vienna
Morning/Mid-Day: Schönbrunn Palace
The magnificent Baroque palace of Schönbrunn is most famously associated with Empress Maria Theresa, who lived here surrounded by 16 little archdukes and duchesses who also happened to be her children. On your tour of the palace, you will see how Maria Theresa and other past imperial residents lived. No visit is complete without a stroll in the vast gardens surrounding the palace.
Schönbrunn Zoo
Join local families enjoying one of Europe's best zoos.
With an entrance directly connected to the Schönbrunn palace gardens, visiting the zoo can be a great addition to any trip to the palace. Founded as an imperial menagerie in 1752, it is the oldest continually operated zoo in the world, and today is home to many rare species such as giant pandas.
Schönbrunn Gardens
Get lost in the huge imperial gardens.
The beautiful park is a mix of formal gardens and woodlands, and is dotted with enchanting statues & fountains, including a massive fountain of Neptune. The Gloriette pavilion sits on a rise opposite the palace and commands a wonderful view. Kids will love the labyrinth, racing to find the tower at the center of the maze.
Afternoon/Late Afternoon: Hundertwasser Haus
The charming and unusual Hundertwasserhaus is one of Austria's architectural highlights. The colorful building represents a harmonic place where human beings and nature can live together with equal rights. Just a short walk away is the Prater, a large and pleasant public park. You can make your through the park to Vienna's oldest fun park, which is home to a towering Ferris wheel called the Wiener Riesenrad.
Riesenrad
Take a fifteen-minute trip back in time on a 212-foot ferris wheel, enjoying breathtaking views over the roofs of the city.
The 'Wiener Riesenrad' was constructed in 1897 and is now a symbol of Vienna. It held the record of the world's tallest Ferris wheel from 1920 until 1985. It's surrounded by a famous amusement park, where you'll find carousels, swings, roller coasters, and haunted houses, as well as coffee houses and beer gardens.
Hundertwasserhaus
See an entirely different idea for what makes a good apartment building.
This extraordinary apartment building with a colorful facade was completed in 1985. It features a grass-covered roof and trees growing out of rooms. It was created by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. As the building is inhabited, it can be viewed only from the outside but in the art café on the ground floor you can watch a free video film, where the artist guides you through his masterpiece.
Early Evening: Hip Vienna
The centuries-old market known as the Naschmarkt and its surroundings are a great destination for those who love shopping, art, cafes, and nightlife. With a population of students and young professionals this area is one of Vienna’s youngest, and not coincidentally, it’s most hip and bohemian. Even the nearby Museum Quarter is happening, as it's abuzz with activity even well after its outstanding museums have closed.
Leopold Museum
Get acquainted with modern art at one of Vienna's most celebrated artistic collections.
The Leopold hosts the most extensive collection of Egon Schiele works in existence, as well as masterpieces from the Secessionist, Modernist, and Expressionist Movements. Museum visitors can also take a break in a chique roof top café.
MuseumsQuartier
Peruse outstanding art and hang out with the smart crowd.
Once home to the Imperial Stables, the Museumsquartier now hosts several outstanding museums, such as the interactive Zoom Children's Museum. Cafes, bars, and bookstores make this one of Vienna's hippest social scenes. Funky couches and other fun seating arrangements have transformed it into an open-air entertainment district, and on long summer evenings, the sounds of laughter and conversation echo late into the night.
Day 13
Vienna
Day 13
Vienna
Early Morning to Late Afternoon
Danube Cruise in the Scenic 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.
Early Evening/Evening
Dine with locals in the Spittelberg Quarter
One of the most enjoyable places for an evening out in Vienna is the Spittelberg quarter. Its narrow lanes are filled with pleasant traditional restaurants. The Spittelberg Quarter’s history stretches back to the 1600’s when the Austrian rulers imported artisans and servants from Hungary, Croatia, and other subject lands to help serve the Emperor’s court.
Day 13 Vienna
Early Morning to Late Afternoon: 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.
Melk Abbey
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.
Spitz
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.
Dürnstein
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.
Dürnstein Castle Ruins
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.
Early Evening/Evening: Spittelberg Quarter
One of the most enjoyable places for an evening out in Vienna is the Spittelberg quarter. Its narrow lanes are filled with pleasant traditional restaurants. The Spittelberg Quarter’s history stretches back to the 1600’s when the Austrian rulers imported artisans and servants from Hungary, Croatia, and other subject lands to help serve the Emperor’s court.
Day 14
Depart Vienna
Day 14
Depart Vienna
To Be Determined
Transfer to the Vienna Airport by Public Taxi
Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up three hours prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your flight. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so.
Day 14 Depart Vienna
To Be Determined: Taxi Transfer to Vienna Airport
Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up three hours prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your flight. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so.
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What's Included in Enchanting Family Alps Trip
Pre-Paid Tours and Activities
Private Introductory tour of the Zurich Old Town
Guided Walk Tour of Historic Munich
Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg
Guided Walk through Vienna's Inner City
City Card for Munich, including discounts to many popular attractions
Pre-Paid Transportation
2nd Class Train Tickets from Interlaken to Zurich
2nd Class Train Tickets from Zurich to Munich
2nd Class Train Tickets from Munich to Salzburg
2nd Class Train Tickets from Salzburg to Vienna
Public Transport Tickets for Munich and Vienna
Swiss Travel Pass
Private Transfer from the Zurich Airport
Accommodation
2 nights at a hotel of your choice in Zurich
2 nights at a hotel of your choice in Interlaken
3 nights at a hotel of your choice in Munich
2 nights at a hotel of your choice in Salzburg
4 nights at a hotel of your choice in Vienna
Go Real Travel Mobile App
Itinerary Plan & Reservations Info
Points of Interest
Detailed Travel Information
Maps & Directions
City guides
Explore Cities in More Detail
Get a feel for each stop before you build your route.
Zurich is Switzerland’s biggest city, located in the center of the country’s German-speaking region. It’s this location, superbly connected to almost everywhere else by train and close to an international airport, that makes Zurich an obvious destination for tourists. Well, that’s one of the reasons. There’s also the city’s bevy of bars and restaurants, the lakeside views, and stunning architecture around every corner.Take a stroll down the Bahnhofstrasse, a street known around the world for its unrivaled shopping. Weave through crowds of shoppers as you pass rows of world-famous and exclusive brands. Zurich is a small city, but that just makes it easier to get around. Lindenhof Hill, a slight rise of land in the center, offers views across all of the town. Among the city’s most striking features are the Grossmünster towers, which can also be climbed. This is a proud, sophisticated, and elegant city.
Located between two bodies of water — Lake Brienz and Lake Thun — Interlaken is the perfect place to explore the serene natural beauty at Switzerland’s heart. Interlaken is a place for those who seek adventure amid spectacular natural surrounds. Rock climbing, canyoning, bungee jumping, and paragliding are just some of the ways to fill a day here, and countless backpackers descend on the town every summer to do all of these and more.
Less intense, but no less rewarding, are the many opportunities for hiking, sailing, and swimming. Or, take to the rails. At the nearby Kleine Scheidegg pass, a train runs through the snowy Swiss Alps to the highest train station on the continent.
The fun here doesn’t stop at night. After a hard day of adventure, backpackers flock to the town’s many pubs and bars to soothe their aches and pains with steins of beer. Interlaken is a place where fun and excitement reign supreme and somewhere to experience Switzerland’s striking nature in the most thrilling way.
Arriving in Munich, you would be forgiven for thinking you were on the set of a movie about old Bavaria. At the Old Town beer halls, barmaids laced in dirndl dresses serve up frosty Helles lager, as oom-pah music drifts across the Marienplatz square. Men in lederhosen and checked shirts merrily give toasts as they knock glasses, or steins, as they’re known here. They sit at tables laden with wurst sausage and giant pretzels oozing with herby butter. This is Germany’s Germany, a place where folk traditions never stopped, and the revelry doesn’t either.
Even when it isn’t Oktoberfest, the town’s notorious beer-drinking celebration, Munich is always happy to show you a good time. Simply cast your eyes around the lavish, gilded banquet hall at the Munich Residenz, the 13th-century Wittelsbach palace. You’ll see Munich has been impressing guests for centuries. Or, swing by the BMW Museum and check out the classic German cars. They even let you sit inside to test out the new models. At the city’s English Gardens, surfers ride waves on one of the park’s rivers. Munich is filled to the brim with this kind of pure-hearted German fun.
You've probably heard this before— the city of Salzburg is straight out of a fairytale. Nestled in the mountains, this romantic city's Baroque architecture with colorful domes and spires is especially striking against the ancient fortress and Austrian Alpine backdrop. If you're looking for an amazing view, climb up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, Central Europe's largest intact fortress, for a jaw-dropping panorama of the city backed by misty mountains.
Perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of the renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the filming location for the classic The Sound of Music, this city has much to offer. Salzburg has become an important artistic and cultural center, featuring magnificent concert halls that uphold the city's tradition of classical music every day of the year, as well as acclaimed art exhibitions and museums. If you do it right, your visit to Salzburg will immerse you in the city's unforgettable atmosphere and keep you coming back for more.
Artistic and musical, historical and elegant, Vienna is the definition of class. The seat of the Habsburg monarchy for over six centuries, it's no wonder this city is still fit for royalty. Baroque buildings and imperial palaces dominate the cityscape, while locals stride gracefully through the streets, likely on their way to a classical music concert or art exhibition. Visitors from all over the world flock to Schonbrunn Palace, historical museums, and local eateries for authentic Viennese schnitzel.
Vienna is also home to world-class wining and dining. Famous dishes include Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz (prime boiled beef), and apfelstrudel (apple strudel), all of which pair well with a glass of fine Austrian wine. No matter how long you spend in Vienna, you'll leave with a new appreciation for the finer things in life.
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absolutely excellent! Trip of a lifetime. Thank you so much Jarod for planning out every single detail for us. The guides were fabulous, the hotels were beautiful and very close to everything we wanted to see. I would highly recommend this company to anyone. The Only way to travel !!!!
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Go Real Travel planned a great 2-week itinerary for us that included Munich, Salzburg, Vienna and Prague. They made great hotel arrangements for us as well as train and local transportation, a few local guides links. Great trip, top notch sights and very detailed instructions. With the itinerary in hand, we still had the freedoms to pick and choose what to do and where to be - it combined the best elements of a tour with I depended travel. Highly recommended!!!
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Enchanting Family Alps Trip FAQs
Is 14 days enough to see Zurich, Interlaken, Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna?
Yes, 14 days is a really good amount of time. You’ll spend two nights in Zurich, two in Interlaken, three in Munich, two in Salzburg, and four in Vienna. That’s long enough to enjoy the highlights of each place without feeling like you are rushing every day. Because hotels, train tickets, transfers, and guides are already arranged, you spend your time exploring instead of figuring out logistics.
Do I need to speak German to visit Switzerland, Germany, and Austria?
No. English is widely spoken in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. The app provides all your instructions in English, so you’ll get by easily. A few local words like “danke” or “grüezi” are nice to know but not required.
What’s the best season for this trip?
For cities, the best weather is in May, June, September, and early October, though these are also the busiest months. July and August are hotter but often a bit quieter in the cities as locals leave for vacation. For Interlaken, higher mountain trails can still be snow-covered in April and early May, so late May through September is the best time for hiking. December is all about Christmas markets in Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna, combined with snowy Alpine scenery.
Do I get private guides, or is everything self-guided?
You get a balance of both. In Zurich, Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna, private guides lead the main walking tours, so you can set the pace and ask questions. In Interlaken and for certain excursions you’ll explore independently, but you’re not on your own — the Go Real Travel mobile app gives detailed step-by-step directions, maps, and insider tips so self-guided days feel stress-free.
How does train travel work on this trip?
Travel between cities is by train, and it’s smooth and scenic. Zurich to Interlaken is about two hours through the Swiss countryside, Munich to Salzburg is ninety minutes, and Salzburg to Vienna is a fast Railjet taking just over two hours. Your tickets are prepaid and stored in the app with train numbers and departure times. Platforms are only announced shortly before departure, but the app explains how to read the station boards so you can quickly find the right track.
Are public transport passes included?
Yes, and they make the trip much easier. In Switzerland you have the Swiss Travel Pass, which covers trains, buses, boats, and many mountain lifts. It allows you to move easily around Zurich and Interlaken and gives major discounts on famous mountain trips such as Mount Pilatus and the Jungfraujoch. In Munich, you have a city ticket that lets you use the U-Bahn, trams, and buses during your stay. In Vienna you also have a public transport ticket, so you can hop on trams and the U-Bahn whenever you like. Salzburg is compact and walkable, though if you want to use buses the app explains exactly how.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass really worth it?
Yes, and it is one of the most valuable inclusions in the trip. Buying all the Swiss trains, mountain lifts, and boats separately would cost hundreds of francs. With the pass, your intercity travel such as Zurich to Interlaken is included, city transport in Zurich is covered, and scenic boat rides are free. Mountain trips that are normally expensive, like the Jungfraujoch, come at a discount, while Mount Pilatus is heavily reduced as well. The pass saves serious money and gives freedom to be spontaneous in Switzerland because you can hop on trains or boats without worrying about extra tickets.
Is renting a car easier?
Not for this route. Trains connect city centers directly, with no parking stress or traffic. Zurich to Interlaken is more scenic by train than by car, Munich and Vienna are not car-friendly, and Salzburg’s old town is pedestrianized. With all tickets and passes provided, trains are far more convenient.
Is it stressful moving between so many cities?
Not at all. Every ticket and transfer is pre-arranged, and the app explains how to handle stations and connections. Even large stations like Zurich HB or Munich Hbf are easy to manage when you know how to read the departure boards, which the app shows you step by step. Hotels are always central, so you’re not stuck commuting across town with luggage.
What will I do in Zurich?
In Zurich you’ll explore the old town and lakeside with time for museums and walks, and then take a full-day guided trip to Lucerne and Mount Pilatus. With the Swiss Travel Pass, much of the journey is covered, and your guide makes sure the connections are seamless. You’ll ride a cogwheel train up Mount Pilatus and descend by cable car, which is a classic Swiss experience.
What will I do in Interlaken?
Interlaken is your base for a full Alpine experience. The itinerary includes a self-guided excursion to the Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe.” With your Swiss Travel Pass, you get discounted fares, and the app gives step-by-step instructions for each train and connection. Beyond that, you can use the pass for scenic boat rides on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, or short train trips to villages like Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, all explained in your guidance.
What will I do in Munich?
In Munich you’ll have a private guided walking tour that covers Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel, Frauenkirche, Odeonsplatz, and Viktualienmarkt, along with entry to the Residence Palace. You’ll also have a city transport ticket to make it easy to explore further if you wish. Optional suggestions such as visiting Nymphenburg Palace or the English Garden are explained in the app.
What will I do in Salzburg?
In Salzburg you’ll have a private guided city tour that covers Mozart’s birthplace, the historic squares, and Salzburg Cathedral. The rest of your time is flexible, with the mobile app giving suggestions and directions for optional excursions like Hellbrunn Palace or a cable car up the Untersberg. Salzburg is compact and walkable, making it easy to enjoy at your own pace.
What will I do in Vienna?
In Vienna you’ll have a private guided city tour that introduces you to the Ringstrasse, Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and other highlights. You also have a public transport pass, which makes getting around easy. The mobile app provides instructions for booking optional timed-entry visits to Schönbrunn Palace and the Austrian Parliament.
How much walking should I expect?
It's up to you, since you are traveling independently and not in a group. But if you try to fit in most of the recommendations in the itinerary, it can be quite a lot, usually more than 10,000 steps a day. Zurich’s old town is hilly, Munich and Salzburg are very walkable, and Vienna’s historic center is best explored on foot. For guided tours you can adjust the pace as they are a private tours, and you can always take a break or skip some attractions if you feel like cutting down on the walking. We also provide public transit directions so you can avoid walking when you like, but good shoes are still essential. In Switzerland, excursions like Jungfraujoch involve walking between trains and mountain stations, but the routes are straightforward.
How do I get from Zurich Airport to the hotel?
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. A private transfer is included on arrival, so you’re met in the arrivals hall and taken directly to your hotel. It’s a smooth start to the trip with no stress about train timetables or taxis after a long flight. However, if you would like to save on this cost, we can remove the private transfer and you can take a convenient direct rail connection from the airport to the city center.
How flexible is the trip? Can I swap out cities, for instance changing Salzburg for Budapest?
Yes, the trip is customizable. You can swap destinations, add extra nights, and add extra cities to the trip.
Do I need to pre-book Schönbrunn Palace?
Yes, Schönbrunn Palace uses timed-entry tickets that are not included automatically. The app has links and instructions for booking, so it is simple to do once you know your travel dates. Schönbrunn sometimes gets very crowded in busy months, so pre-booking is recommended.
What happens if I want to do more in Switzerland?
The Swiss Travel Pass makes this easy. Beyond the planned trips to Mount Pilatus and Jungfraujoch, you can hop on boats across Lake Lucerne or Lake Thun, take trains to mountain villages, or ride funiculars up to viewpoints, all without extra hassle. The mobile app has curated suggestions that fit neatly into your schedule.
What support do I have during the trip?
The mobile app is your day-to-day guide, storing your tickets, maps, and instructions. If you ever run into problems — like a missed train — you also have access to real support from Go Real Travel staff. You’re never left on your own.
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