Your holiday itinerary (ex Perth, Western Australia)

Day 1. Welcome to Munich – Capital of Bavaria
Your holiday starts on arrival to Munich. Your 4-Star hotel is located just a short distance from the main train station. You can add an air package once available to include flights and transfers.
Overnight: Maritim Hotel, Munich (4-Star hotel)

Day 2 – A guided tour of Munich (BD)
Today we discover the picture-perfect city of Munich with its centuries old buildings and rich culture on a guided sightseeing tour. Walk through historic streets and admire the city's charming main square, Marienplatz, home to the neo-Gothic Town Hall and the famous glockenspiel. Embrace food and drink in typical Munich style, renowned for its world-famous beer festival every autumn, we learn the history of brewing in Bavaria and the influence of the 'Reinheitsgebot' purity law at the Oktoberfest Museum, before visiting Munich's oldest beer house, the Höfbrauhaus. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, you may be interested in taking a stroll round one of the city's many green spaces. The 17th-century Renaissance gardens of the Hofgarten stand behind Munich Residence, whilst the expansive English Garden is larger than New York's Central Park and attracts visitors to its lakes, rivers and peaceful Japanese tea house. Join us for a hotel dinner to recount the afternoon’s activities.
Overnight: Maritim Hotel, Munich (4-Star hotel)

Day 3 - A musical welcome to cultured Salzburg (BD)
Awaken to travel First Class to the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, in Salzburg, Austria. Here we enjoy a tour of this musical city with Trudy, a singing tour guide. Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress, set high on a hill, and stroll through the charming Old Town. The churches, squares and alleyways are incredibly well preserved and dominated by fabulous Baroque spires in an UNESCO World Heritage site. This evening, we enjoy dinner with a difference. At the Baroque banquet hall of St Peter's, indulge with a candlelit dinner accompanied by the stirring music of Salzburg's most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A chamber ensemble and singers dressed in Rococo costumes bring selections of Mozart's famous music to life whilst you enjoy a gastronomic menu inspired by the composer.
Overnight: Hotel NH Salzburg City, Salzburg (4-Star hotel)

Day 4 – Free day to explore delightful Salzburg (B)
After breakfast, the day is yours to explore the grand city of Salzburg. Salzburg is a city of incomparable charm with the splendour of its medieval and baroque buildings huddled either side of the gently winding Salzach river. The birthplace of Mozart is reverred for its musical and cultural heritage. Visit the former residence of the Mozart family at Getreidegasse 9, displaying artifacts from the composer's life. Take a walk along the river or through the Mirabell Garden or experience a cable-car ride up Untersberg Mountain for some spectacular views across the Berchtesgaden Alps. Salzberg is a city of culture, with a museum to appeal to every interest. The Museum der Moderne, is a world acclaimed museum described as one museum under two rooves. One location is in the Old Town and the other is located high above the rooftops of Salzburg's old town on the Mönchsberg, from where there are delightful views across the city. You are free to dine independently tonight, Salzburg's many restaurants accommodate all tastes.
Overnight: Hotel NH Salzburg City, Salzburg (4-Star hotel)

Day 5 – Discovering the tranquil Austrian Lake District (BD)
Today, the gentle alpine hills, dense forests and emerald waters of the Austrian Lake District await you. First, we visit the remarkable Kaiservilla, the stately former summer residence of Habsburg Emperor Franz Josef I, with its beautiful sprawling grounds to explore. We continue to St Gilgen, a charming town of ornately decorated chalets and enticing cafés where you can find lunch at leisure. Next, we cruise across Lake Wolfgang, a serene aquamarine lake to disembark at St Wolfgang where you are free to navigate its cluster of chocolate-box chalets huddling around narrow lanes. We then travel to pretty Mondsee on the shores of Lake Mondsee home to the famous 15th-century Basilica of St Michael church. Bedecked in a yellow Baroque façade, this impressive church featured in the wedding scene in The Sound of Music. Enjoy time paying homage to the cinematic von Trapp family or opt for a lakeside stroll on the bewitching promenade before returning to Salzburg for a three-course dinner.
Overnight: Hotel NH Salzburg City, Salzburg (4-Star hotel)

Day 6 - To Innsbruck and the heart of the Austrian Alps (BD)
After a leisurely breakfast this morning, we leave Salzburg and travel First Class into the heart of the Austrian Alps. On approaching Innsbruck, be awe struck by the dramatic landscape with steep mountains rising either side of the Inn Valley. Arriving around noon, join an informative guided tour of Innsbruck's magnificently preserved Old Town. Boasting wonderful Renaissance, Baroque buildings and traditional Tyrolean architecture we'll see Innsbruck's cathedral and Hofkirche, built by Emperor Maximilian I. On Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse, the shimmering Goldenes Dachl(Golden Roof) reflects the city's Habsburg history, while the ornate Hölbling house and imposing 14th-century watchtower look out over buildings with arched arcaded frontages. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. You could travel on the Nordkette Cable Car, a hybrid funicular and cable car system designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Take in spectacular views across Innsbruck and the Tyrolean Alps, from a height of more than 7,000ft the views across the Tyrolean Alps will take your breath away. In the evening, we regroup at our central hotel overlooking the majestic peak for an indulgent three-course dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Innsbruck, Innsbruck (4-Star hotel)

Day 7 – Fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and Zugspitze Mountain Railway (B)
Returning to Germany by coach this morning, our route crosses the impressive Fern Pass enroute to one of the most beautiful and famous castles in the world - the glorious Neuschwanstein Castle. A magnificent fairytale structure built into the mountains, in brilliant white the castle creates a stunning contrast against the lush, green forest backdrop. King Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned the castle's construction in the late 19th century on a rocky out crop near his childhood home of Hohenschwangau Castle, reportedly having dreamt of building a castle there since he was a child. This symbol of Romanticism has appeared in countless films, from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to The Great Escape and inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Embark on a journey aboard the cheerful Zugspitze Mountain Railway, ascending to the summit of the Zugspitze for fabulous views of elemental rocky peaks. Climbing more than 2,500ft in seven miles, the cogwheel railway passes the crystal-clear Eibsee lake on its way up to the highest mountain in Germany. At the top, take in astonishing views across Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.
Overnight: Hotel Innsbruck, Innsbruck (4-Star hotel)

Day 8 - Remarkable journey through the Alps to stylish St Moritz (BD)
Explore Innsbruck at your leisure, before we embark on a spectacular First-Class train journey through the Alps. The route starts by winding alongside the Inn River, with the jade waters rushing between steep peaks dotted with thick pine forests. Shortly after leaving the Inn at Landeck, the Arlberg Line passes Weisberg Castle at the eastern end of the impressive Trisanna Bridge, widely considered to be one of Austria's finest. As the track climbs higher towards the popular resort of St Anton, traditional chalets pepper the alpine landscape. Looping briefly into the tiny double-landlocked principality of Liechtenstein, we are welcomed to Switzerland. The last leg of our journey takes us on the UNESCO-listed Albula Line, which zigzags and spirals its way round mountains and over bridges, including the curved Landwasser Viaduct. After a panorama of deep ravines, snow-capped peaks and rushing waterfalls, we arrive in chic St Moritz, where a three-course dinner awaits at our central hotel, boasting uninterrupted views of the town's serene lake.
Overnight: Hotel Schweizerhof, St Moritz (4-Star hotel)

Day 9 – Across the Alps to Italy in First Class on the Bernina Express (BD)
An incredible experience awaits today as we climb the Alps on the astonishing Bernina Express. From our panoramic First-Class carriages, the exceptional alpine scenery continuously impresses throughout our journey. A truly memorable experience is to be had when we step off the train at Alp Grüm. Greeted by jaw-dropping views of the Palü Glacier, soak up the magical surroundings with a refreshing drink on the station platform. Continue on our rail journey, twisting down the mountains, spiralling round the remarkable corkscrew viaduct at Brusio before crossing the border into Italy. Explore Tirano at your leisure, walk down cobbled streets and piazzas of the charming Italian valley town, to find a mouthwatering lunch. A regional speciality is pizzoccheri, a hearty buckwheat pasta dish made with potato, cabbage and cheese. We return to St Moritz on a local service in First Class, providing an opportunity to pull down a train window for spectacular photos, before we retire for the evening with a three-course meal.
Overnight: Hotel Schweizerhof, St Moritz (4-Star hotel)

Day 10 – At leisure in glamorous St Moritz (B)
With panoramic views of the mountains and lakes of the Engadine Valley, chic St Moritz provides many options for a fabulous free day. Via Serlas is one of the world's most famous shopping streets, brimming with upmarket fashion boutiques right outside our hotel. The St Moritz resort card provides free travel on the cable cars and funiculars surrounding the town so you can be ferried up to the snow-capped peaks in minutes. Meanwhile, the Swiss Travel Card's discount on trains allows you to explore further afield, including the fashionable resorts of Davos or Klosters. You could visit the church of St Maurice, around which the town was built or enjoy a traditional 1930s Swiss high tea at Badrutt's Palace Hotel. Alternatively, absorb local culture at the Segantini Museum, dedicated to the works of alpine painter Giovanni Segantini. For a relaxing day, St Moritz's serene lake can be enjoyed with a gentle stroll or relax into your hotel's glorious terrace with uninterrupted mountainous views.
Overnight: Hotel Schweizerhof, St Moritz(4-Star hotel)

Day 11 - First Class experience on the iconic Glacier Express (BLD)
Today we embark on one of Europe's most iconic train journeys - the incredible Glacier Express to Brig. The 'slowest express train' delves into the Rhine Gorge, where our panoramic carriages provide spectacular views of the 'Swiss Grand Canyon'. Averaging a steady 24mph, the Glacier Express allows us to enjoy the expansive scenery whilst we delve into a two-course lunch from the comfort of our First Class experience. Snow-dusted peaks pass by as the train climbs over the Oberalp Pass, before entering the nine-mile-long Furka Base Tunnel and spiralling down through picture-perfect Swiss villages on the approach to Brig. We change trains and travel to Interlaken, via the pretty lakeside town of Spiez. Interlaken is a delightful town nestled between two glacier-fed lakes and towering peaks. Our 4-Star hotel is on the main street, providing great views of mountains and the nearby castle grounds. After checking in this evening, join us for a three-course dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Interlaken, Interlaken (4-Star hotel)

Day 12 - An unforgettable trip to the ‘Top of Europe’ on the Jungfrau Express (B)
A jaw-dropping journey to Jungfraujoch - Europe's highest train station is the highlight today. Travel to the mountainside village of Kleine Scheidegg to board the sensational Jungfrau Express, a cogwheel train that climbs the final section of the route. On our trip, the train enters an incredible tunnel which cuts through the Eiger. Even more incredible are the carved-out viewing windows, uncovering scenery from inside the tunnel. On reaching Jungfraujoch station, the vistas from the Sphinx viewing platform are absolutely spellbinding. At the top, we're treated to panoramic views across an eternally snowy wonderland that includes the Aletsch Glacier - an UNESCO World Heritage wonder - that stretches as far as the eye can see. Enjoy free time in this alpine paradise, visit the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven or enter the Alpine Sensation exhibition which pays tribute to the miners who built the railway more than 100 years ago. This First-Class experience continues as we descend via the charming village of Grindelwald before returning to Interlaken for an evening of independent dining.
Overnight: Hotel Interlaken, Interlaken (4-Star hotel)

Day 13 – A day to explore revitalising Interlaken at leisure (BD)
You're free to explore attractive Interlaken today. The town's historic centre is compact, so it's easy to discover the medieval monastery, castle and ancient square on foot. Interlaken is also a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, so whether you're looking for an adventure or a peaceful stroll, there's something for all. Take the funicular for a 10-minute trip to the summit of Harder Kulm to enjoy panoramic views across the mountains and Lake Brienz or opt for a peaceful lake cruise on a vintage paddle steamer or visit the town's museum honouring Arthur Conan Doyle's famous detective. Tonight, we gather at the hotel for our final celebratory dinner together.
Overnight: Hotel Interlaken, Interlaken (4-Star hotel)

Day 14 – Homeward bound (B)
Your incredible alpine holiday concludes after breakfast, as we board the train to Zürich Airport. The train journey takes us through delightful mountain scenery, providing one final spectacle on this fantastic trip.

PLEASE NOTE:
1. Itinerary, inclusions, and pricing are subject to change.
2. Rail itineraries are subject to change due to local authorities.
3. Travel insurance is highly recommended by the Australian Government for any international holiday.
4. Valid Passport and VISA required. It is the responsibility of each traveler to adhere to any visa regulations.
5. This is a land only price. Air package bookable once available. Please ask our friendly villa staff.
6. If you would like to extend your holiday, please reach out to our villa staff to discuss further.
7. One of the excursions on this tour is at high altitude. If you have any medical conditions or concerns that could impact this part of the tour, we recommend you seek medical advice and advise us. We want to make sure that any holiday you book is right for you.
8. Salzburg Card is not included, purchasing on arrival will give you access to museums, attractions & buses for your time in Salzburg.
Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.