The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine

Itinerary ▼

1. Day 1: WELCOME TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA

   Welcome to Vienna! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.(D)

2. Day 2: VIENNA

   Spend your day your way in Vienna Follow your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour featuring some of Vienna’s celebrated landmarks. Explore more of Vienna with your choice of included Globus choice excursions. Spectacular Schönbrunn Take a guided walking tour and experience the elegance of imperial Vienna at Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most important cultural, historic, and architectural monuments in Austria. Marvel at richly decorated Baroque rooms, stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, and uncover centuries of Habsburg history in Vienna’s breathtaking imperial jewel. Echoes of Art at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Join us for a cultural visit to Vienna’s renowned Kunsthistorisches Museum. Explore highlights from its rich art collections, including masterpieces from ancient civilizations and the European Renaissance. An enriching experience inside one of Vienna’s most remarkable museums. Free time this evening.(B)

3. Day 3: VIENNA–MONDSEE–SALZBURG

   Leave Vienna and drive to the pretty town of Mondsee. Take a stroll in the center and visit the baroque Basilika of St. Michael, location of the wedding scene in the film “The Sound of Music.” Continue to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart, and follow your Local Guide on a walking tour which includes Mirabell Gardens, the Great Festival Hall, and Residenz Square. 186 mi / 300 km TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Mondsee is a delightful town situated on Lake Mondsee, a privately owned lake, and is one of the 76 lakes found in the Salzkammergut region. In 1872 prehistoric pile dwellings were discovered there, but the rising lake water has since hidden them from view. Despite them being UNESCO listed, their fame in Mondsee is probably overshadowed by the medieval abbey used as a Sound of Music film location.(B)

4. Day 4: SALZBURG

   The Birthplace of Mozart Enjoy a free day in Salzburg, absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores, or try local specialties, like the delicious Salzburger Nockerl. Alternatively, join an optional excursion.TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg, will put a song in your heart as you explore its charmingly splendid gardens, and medieval and Baroque architecture along the pedestrian Altstadt (Old Town). Salzburg’s scenic Alpine landscape and architectural treasures has earned this Austrian jewel the reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. (B)

5. Day 5: SALZBURG–INNSBRUCK–ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND

   Heavenly Hills of Switzerland This morning reach Innsbruck for an orientation walk through the Old Town to see the Golden Roof, built over 500 years ago and designed to be a royal box from where the emperor could watch local events. Later, cross the border into Switzerland for a scenic drive through the Swiss Engadine en route to St. Moritz.236 mi / 380 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Pass through the spectacular beauty of Swiss Engadine on your way to St. Moritz. Take in the alpine vistas surrounding this paradise of deep blue lakes and rolling green meadows, forests, snow-capped summits, and endless sky in one of Switzerland’s most stunning valleys. (B,D)

6. Day 6: ST. MORITZ–CHUR–TÄSCH–ZERMATT

   All Aboard in the Alps A leisurely morning before boarding [LF] the world-famous Glacier Express train for an iconic train ride to Zermatt. Enjoy dinner with a view, as it is served on board while you admire the stunning scenery. 174 mi / 280 km LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Don’t let the name fool you. While its speed won’t take your breath away, the Glacier Express train to Zermatt delivers a slow, breathtaking ride through some of Switzerland’s most stunning scenery. Traveling the rails over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, you’ll take in each passing postcard scene while reaching an altitude of 6,670 feet above sea level. (B,D)

7. Day 7: ZERMATT

   Peak Perfection Oozing tradition, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Zermatt offers an unforgettable experience. Marvel at the stunning mountainscapes and discover the picturesque village during a full free day at leisure.ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Spend the day leisurely strolling around car-free Zermatt or join an excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier, an Alpine paradise of sky slopes, panoramic vistas, ice carvings and unique views. An amazing experience you do not want to miss.(B,D)

8. Day 8: ZERMATT–BERN

   Poetry in Motion Take the local mountain train to Tasch before driving to Chillon. Enjoy a guided visit of the castle, built on a rock island on the shores of Lake Geneva, followed by a wine tasting experience. Continue to beautiful Bern, capital city of Switzerland. 143 mi / 230 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Poised on a diminutive island on Lake Geneva and protected by a natural moat is the striking site of Chillon Castle. Discover the Castle’s secrets as you stroll through it on your guided tour. What better way to complete your visit than with a wine tasting for good measure! (B)

9. Day 9: BERN–INTERLAKEN–LUCERNE

   Coming up Roses in Bern This morning, join your Local Guide for a walking tour. Stop at the Rose Garden for a panoramic view of the city. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its ornate fountains and entertaining Zytglogge (clock tower) and stop at the Bear Park to see some of Bern’s most famous inhabitants. En-route to Lucerne enjoy some free time in Interlaken, one of Switzerland’s oldest resorts. 78 mi / 125 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Explore the “City of Fountains” Bern - the capital city of Switzerland, dating back to the 12th century. Take in the medieval architecture in the Altstadt (Old Town) with its 6 kilometres of arcades and animated clock tower, and panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and Bear Park. (B)

10. Day 10: LUCERNE

    Lion Hearts in Lucerne This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the “saddest sculpture in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). Enjoy free time this afternoon to get better acquainted with this alpine gem. This evening, end your tour in style with [LF] a private boat cruise followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Lucerne looks on top of the stunning lake Vierwaldstättersee, the “lake of the four forested Cantons.” This evening a private panoramic cruise on the lake will highlight the sheer beauty of Lucerne and its surroundings. To top off the evening and the tour, enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions.(B,D)

11. Day 11: LUCERNE–BASEL (EMBARKATION)

    Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.The Globus portion of your package ends this morning. Transfer from Lucerne to Basel to start your Avalon river cruise.Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,D)

12. Day 12: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

    German winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.EVENING CRUISE TO KEHL(B,L,D)

13. Day 13: KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE

    A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including the Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today.Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center. EVENING CRUISE TO MAINZ(B,L,D)

14. Day 14: MAINZ, GERMANY–EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

    Castle Walls and the World’s Biggest Wine BarrelACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel,” OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)

15. Day 15: RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

    Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:DISCOVERY Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting. En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.KOBLENZTravel Through 2000 Years of Monumental History Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ(B,L,D)

16. Day 16: COLOGNE

    Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)

17. Day 17: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

    Canals of Colorful AmsterdamACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:CLASSIC Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR: CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)

18. Day 18: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)