Best of Germany, Austria & Switzerland in 14 Days

Best of Germany, Austria & Switzerland in 14 Days

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Europe with this meticulously crafted 14-day tour, weaving together the mountain majesty, musical legacies, and culinary traditions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Covering regal cities, fairytale castles, alpine getaways, and vibrant cultural centers, this tour is designed for travelers seeking an immersive experience in some of Europe’s most scenic and storied landscapes.

Tour Highlights

• Koblenz: Orientation stroll along the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers and a visit to the historic Deutsches Eck.
• Mosel Valley: Explore Beilstein and the pristine Burg Eltz castle, a gem untouched by time.
• Baden-Baden: Elegant spa town experience and the Black Forest Open-Air Museum.
• Swiss Alps: Ascend Schilthorn mountain, hike Alpine trails, and witness the thundering Trümmelbach Falls (seasonal).
• Munich: Walking tour through the Bavarian capital, with an option to relive fairytales at Neuschwanstein Castle and enjoy a mountain luge ride (weather permitting).
• Salzburg: Discover Mozart’s city, the baroque cathedral, and charming old town lanes.
• Austria’s Heartland: Pay respects at the Mauthausen concentration camp memorial, marvel at Melk Abbey, and glide along the blue Danube by boat.
• Vienna: Take in the historic center, the Kunsthistorisches Museum’s art treasures, and the Vienna transportation pass for city exploration.

What’s Included

• 20+ group sightseeing events throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland— all included in the price.
• Professional guides leading the way with immersive stories, history, and local expertise.
• All transportation between and within destinations from Koblenz to Vienna.
• 13 nights’ accommodation in distinctive, centrally located hotels for true local flavor.
• Hearty breakfasts daily and seven additional meals featuring regional specialties.
• All group gratuities for guides and drivers—no surprise expenses.
• Tour kit including a detailed guidebook and travel moneybelt.
• Tour price guarantee: Secure your spot and price at time of deposit—no later surcharges.
• Exclusive alum discount: Enjoy $50 off for every past Rick Steves tour completed.
• Flexible transfer/cancellation policy: Travel plans can adapt to life’s uncertainties.

Please note: Drinks and independent sightseeing are not included. Group events are subject to change; review Terms & Conditions for details.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Germany

Arrive in Koblenz, a city standing at the meeting point of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. After checking in, join the group for a stroll through old town and take in your first evening of central European hospitality. This is the perfect starting point for exploring the region’s rich history and culture.

Day 2: Burg Eltz and the Mosel River

Journey to picture-book Beilstein, nestled along the scenic Mosel. Tour the ancient walls of Burg Eltz, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval castles, tucked amid dense forest and still in family hands for centuries. Soak up the valley’s wine-growing traditions and Mosaic cliffs before returning to town for a leisurely evening along the riverbanks.

Day 3: Elegant Baden-Baden

Travel to the resort destination of Baden-Baden, renowned for its thermal baths and 19th-century glamour. Wander tree-lined promenades and sample Black Forest specialties. Dive into centuries-old traditions at the Black Forest Open-Air Museum, where local crafts and histories come to life on grounds dotted with period farmhouses and heritage displays.

Day 4: Black Forest and Beyond

Depart for Switzerland, traversing dense forests and dramatic valleys. Savor quintessential alpine scenery and prepare for the next chapter of your journey amidst the soaring peaks of the Swiss Bernese Oberland.

Day 5: Schilthorn and the Swiss Alps

Ascend the jaw-dropping Schilthorn—a mountain summit made famous by James Bond’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” After marveling at the panoramic vistas, choose to embark on a hiking orientation through the Alps, with options suitable for all levels. Weather and season permitting, explore the glacial chasms of Trümmelbach Falls, tumbling through the heart of the mountains.

Day 6: Alpine Free Time & Cultural Immersion

Spend a day amidst the Swiss Alps at your own pace. Opportunities abound: hike flowery meadows, indulge in local cheese and chocolate, or simply enjoy sweeping views across pristine valleys. Your guide’s recommendations ensure that your experience is both authentic and memorable.

Day 7: Onward to Munich

Head to Munich, the capital of Bavaria, celebrated for its beer gardens, lively squares, and rich royal heritage. Join a guided walking tour of the old town, exploring landmarks like Marienplatz, the famous Glockenspiel, and bustling Viktualienmarkt. Enjoy the city’s lively spirit and perhaps sample a frosty mug beneath a chestnut tree.

Day 8: Neuschwanstein Castle & Summer Adventure

Venture into the Bavarian countryside to tour the world-renowned Neuschwanstein Castle—a fantasy come true with its spires and turrets set atop rocky hills. Weather permitting, feel the thrill of a mountain luge ride before returning to Munich for another festive evening.

Day 9: Winding to Salzburg

Continue east to Salzburg, Austria, famous as the birthplace of Mozart and as the setting for The Sound of Music. Absorb the city’s baroque charm, impressive cathedral, and unique traditions during an engaging city stroll. Evening options include classical concerts or sampling Salzburger Nockerl, a regional dessert masterpiece.

Day 10: Discovering Salzburg

Dive deeper into Salzburg’s artistic and musical heritage. Climb to the fortress, explore busy squares, or step into inviting cafés. From Sound of Music sites to hidden monasteries, your day is filled with choices for cultural enrichment and relaxation.

Day 11: Witnessing History: Mauthausen & Melk Abbey

Pay tribute at the solemn Mauthausen concentration camp memorial, reflecting on Europe’s recent past with respect and empathy. Journey on to the dramatic Melk Abbey, perched above the Danube and recognized as one of Europe’s grandest baroque masterpieces.

Day 12: Cruising the Danube

Board a Danube River cruise and drift among castles, wineries, and villages straight from a storybook. Experience landscapes that have inspired poets and composers for generations while savoring the timeless rhythms of Europe’s most celebrated river.

Day 13: Vienna—Imperial Elegance

Arrive in the Austrian capital, Vienna. Use your Vienna transportation pass to freely explore the city. Highlights include the ornate Ringstrasse, imperial Schönbrunn, and the grand St. Stephen’s Cathedral. An afternoon walking tour introduces sausages, Strauss, and the storied cafés of the inner city.

Day 14: Vienna’s Artistic Treasures & Farewell

Marvel at the glories inside the Kunsthistorisches Museum—home to the Habsburgs’ staggering art collection from Bruegel’s masterpieces to Egyptian antiquities. Round off your tour savoring a slice of Sachertorte, making a final toast to an epic Central European adventure, and collecting memories certain to last a lifetime.

Summary of Inclusions

Why Choose This Tour?

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers the most beloved, impactful, and scenic sites across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
• Small Group Advantage: Intimate group size fosters camaraderie and personalized attention throughout your journey.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable and passionate leaders bring art, history, and daily life vibrantly to life.
• All-inclusive Pricing: No hidden fees—entry, transportation, most meals, and gratuities included.
• Local Immersion: Meaningful connections to the people, culinary traditions, and history at every stop.
• Flexible Policies: Book with confidence and adapt as needed to life’s changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the group size on this tour?

A: Groups are limited to 24–28 travelers, allowing for a friendly, comfortable, and more personalized experience throughout the journey.

Q: Are entrance fees and guided sightseeing included?

A: Yes. Over 20 group sightseeing events, local guides, and entrance fees are all included in the standard tour price—no surprise charges at the door.

Q: What kind of accommodations can I expect?

A: Accommodations are hand-selected for character, comfort, and excellent locations—often in the heart of each town or city, maximizing your immersion and free exploration time.

Q: Which meals are covered?

A: Daily breakfast and seven additional group meals featuring classic regional dishes are included. Travelers are responsible for personal drinks outside group meals and meals during free-time exploration.

Q: Is transportation between countries included?

A: Yes—all group transportation from the starting point in Koblenz to the conclusion in Vienna is organized and included in the tour, ensuring seamless travel logistics and more time to enjoy the experience.

Q: Am I able to explore independently?

A: Certainly. The itinerary balances guided activities and firsthand exploration, providing free time in each location so travelers can pursue personal interests, additional sightseeing, or unique cultural encounters.

Q: Is there an alumni discount available?

A: Yes. Tour alumni receive a $50 discount for every completed Rick Steves tour, rewarding repeat travelers for their loyalty.

Q: What happens if travel plans change?

A: The tour offers flexibility for transfers or cancellations according to posted terms, ensuring travelers can book with confidence even if circumstances shift unexpectedly.

Travel Tips for This Region

• Pack layered clothing—Alpine regions can swing from sunshine to showers in a single day.
• Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobbled streets, castles, and country trails.
• Embrace local cuisine: From Swiss cheese and chocolate to Bavarian pretzels and Austrian pastries, each country offers irresistible specialties.
• Currency: Germany and Austria use the Euro; Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but carry some local cash for small shops and markets.
• Learn a few key phrases in German—locals appreciate the effort even in tourist-friendly areas.

Enchanting Experiences Await

From storybook villages and Alpine panoramas to the cosmopolitan elegance of historic cities, every day of this 14-day journey brings new wonders to savor. With handpicked experiences, expert leadership, and a small group of fellow travelers, this adventure through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland promises memories for a lifetime.