< Designed Trips

The Trip

Discover some of the Central Alps’ most beautiful cities, towns and natural landscapes on this 11-day Designed Trip. Ideal for the height of summer or during the cozy festive season, you’ll make your way through the stunning mountains of Switzerland, Austria and Germany along majestic train routes. Begin on the shores of Lake Lucerne where you’ll board a gondola to the towering peak of Mt Pilatus and stroll the quaint center of Lucerne before moving on to the capital city of Zurich to dive into the staples of Swiss cuisine. Next stop, Austria for a visit to Mozart’s hometown, the elegant and historic Salzburg for a classical concert, some castle exploration, and a traditional apple strudel cooking workshop. Your final stop is the Bavarian capital of Munich, the jumping off point for a day of exploring the incredible Neuschwanstein (said to have inspired Cinderella’s Castle), and home to cozy beer halls, and lively beer gardens, as well as cool food markets, and great restaurants. With turquoise lakes, stunning castles, baroque architecture, musical history, and delicious food, wine and beer, this cultural trip has all the ingredients for an incredible 11 days in the majestic Alps.

The Details

Price: 
  • From $2,945 per person
Duration:
  • 10 nights, 11 days
Inclusions:
  • Highly-rated boutique hotels
  • Transportation within Germany, Austria and Switzerland
  • Small-group experiences
  • Curated destination mini-guide
  • Trip preparation & support

The Itinerary

Lucerne, Switzerland
  • Day 1: Welcome to Switzerland! After collecting your luggage, hop on a short train or take a private transfer to the beautiful city of Lucerne and your cozy boutique hotel. In the afternoon, meet up with a local guide who will introduce you to the city and its historical landmarks from a local perspective, including the Musegg Wall and Chapel Bridge.
  • Day 2: Wake up to a hearty breakfast and views of the majestic Alps. Today you’re off on a self-guided circuit up Mt. Pilatus, taking the high speed gondola to the summit, 7,000 feet above sea level. In summer months, choose to stop at Fräkmüntegg, to whizz down the 4,429 foot alpine slide - Switzerland’s longest toboggan run. You’ll then circle down the mountain on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, with a gradient of 48%, before indulging in a cozy Swiss dinner.

Zurich, Switzerland
  • Day 3: After checking out of your hotel, hop on the quick 40-minute train from Lucerne to Zurich. Settled into your boutique hotel, this afternoon is about experiencing one of Switzerland’s many famed products - chocolate. During a short guided tour of the Lindt Chocolate Factory you’ll learn about the long journey from bean to bar, followed by a tasting of some of the creamiest chocolate in the world. 
  • Day 4: Today is free to do what feels right. Maybe enjoy a long, relaxed breakfast before heading out to explore the historic Old Town (Altstadt), including the world-renowned Kunsthaus gallery, various trendy hotspots, or a cruise along Lake Zurich. Depending on if you visit in summer or winter, we’ll give you ideas of what to see and do. In the early evening, sit down at a streetside cafe, or choose to hop in a tuk tuk for a Swiss fondue and wine tour.

Salzburg, Austria
  • Day 5: After breakfast, bid adieu to bustling Zurich as you sit back and take in the spectacular landscape on a 5-hour train through the Alps, all the way to Salzburg, Austria. After checking in to your boutique hotel, go for a stroll and find a cozy restaurant before settling in for a good night’s sleep.
  • Day 6: Wake up to the fresh air of the Austrian Alps, before meeting a private local guide for a tour of the small city, visiting the historical center and Mirabell Garden, ending with a visit of the imposing Fortress Hohensalzburg, with views of the town below. In the afternoon, continue exploring Mozart’s hometown at your own pace, marveling at the incredible baroque architecture and historic streets.
  • Day 7: This morning, it’s time to roll up your sleeves with an Austrian cooking class where you’ll learn the secrets to the best apple strudel, as well as Salzburg’s famous soufflé, followed by a hearty lunch. Or, channel your inner Julie Andrews and opt for  a half-day Sound of Music tour, singing do-re-me-fa-so-la-ti-do to yourself at each stop. You can’t visit Salzburg (or Austria for that matter) without taking in some Mozart, so in the evening, head to the gorgeous Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace for a classical concert.

Munich, Germany
  • Day 8: Taking a high-speed train from Salzburg, you’ll arrive in Munich, Germany in just 90 minutes. Famous for its beer festival, world-class museums, beautiful old town, food markets and vibrant neighborhoods, Munich is the icon of Bavarian and German traditions. The afternoon is free to explore this wonderfully varied city. Just make sure to stop for a cold stein along the way.
  • Day 9: Spend the morning with a local guide and small group exploring the famous Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s premier food market. Taste Bavaria’s best foods, from classic to modern, with plenty of sausages, beer and baked goods to take you through lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore. Check out our destination mini guide for ideas of what to see and do.
  • Day 10: Best known as the inspiration behind the castle in the 1950 Disney classic Cinderella, Neuschwanstein Castle is easily reached by train from Munich. Either explore the castle independently before making the return journey, or opt for a guided private tour of the fairytale-like castle with a driver from Munich. After returning to the city, dive into your final Bavarian dinner before calling it a night.
  • Day 11: Wake up in the historic city center and enjoy your final European breakfast before hopping on the short train or meeting your private driver to the airport for your flight home.

Pricing & Inclusions

Boutique
  • Lucerne, 2 hotel nights: Hotel Beau Séjour, Hotel Anker, or equivalent
  • Zurich, 2 hotel nights: Hotel Helvetia, Hotel Wellenberg, or equivalent
  • Salzburg, 3 hotel nights: Hotel Auersperg, Hotel Blaue Gans, or equivalent
  • Munich, 3 hotel nights: Cortiina Hotel, Platzl Hotel, or equivalent
  • Train tickets to Lucerne
  • Lucerne city intro tour
  • Train from Lucerne to Zurich
  • Lindt Chocolate Factory tour
  • Train from Zurich to Salzburg
  • Apple strudel cooking workshop -OR- 'Sound of Music' tour
  • Private Salzburg city tour
  • Hohensalzburg entry tickets
  • Mirabell Palace concert
  • Train from Salzburg to Munich
  • Munich food & market tour
  • Train & entry tickets to Neuschwanstein Castle
  • Train to Munich airport
  • Curated destination mini-guide
  • Trip preparation & support
​
​Exclusions
  • International flights
  • Meals & activities not listed
  • Travel insurance

Boutique Pricing
  • From $2,945 per person

​*Pricing based on double occupancy and may vary depending on travel dates and total number of travelers. ​
Luxury Boutique
  • Lucerne, 2 hotel nights: Grand Hotel National Luzern, Hotel Montana, or equivalent
  • Zurich, 2 hotel nights: Ambassador Hotel, Hotel Seidenhof or equivalent
  • Salzburg, 3 hotel nights: Hotel Goldener Hirsch, Hyperion Hotel Salzburg, or equivalent
  • Munich, 3 hotel nights: Louis Hotel, Do & Co Hotel Munich, or equivalent
  • Private transfer to Lucerne
  • Lucerne city intro tour
  • Train from Lucerne to Zurich
  • Lindt Chocolate Factory tour
  • Train from Zurich to Salzburg
  • Apple strudel cooking workshop -OR- 'Sound of Music' tour
  • Private Salzburg city tour
  • Hohensalzburg entry tickets
  • Mirabell Palace concert
  • Train from Salzburg to Munich
  • Munich food & market tour
  • Train & entry tickets to Neuschwanstein Castle
  • Private airport transfer
  • Curated destination mini-guide
  • Trip preparation & support

Exclusions
  • International flights
  • Meals & activities not listed
  • Travel insurance

Boutique Luxury Pricing
  • From $3,867 per person

*Pricing based on double occupancy and may vary depending on travel dates and total number of travelers. ​
Luxury
  • Lucerne, 2 nights: Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern, or equivalent
  • Zurich, 2 nights: Storchen Zurich or equivalent
  • Salzburg, 3 nights: Hotel Schloss Monstein or equivalent
  • Munich, 3 nights: Beyond by Geisel or equivalent
  • Private transfer to Lucerne
  • Lucerne city intro tour
  • Train from Lucerne to Zurich
  • Lindt Chocolate Factory tour
  • Train from Zurich to Salzburg
  • Apple strudel cooking workshop -OR- 'Sound of Music' tour
  • Private Salzburg city tour
  • Hohensalzburg entry tickets
  • Mirabell Palace concert
  • Train from Salzburg to Munich
  • Munich food & market tour
  • Train & entry tickets to Neuschwanstein Castle
  • Private transfer to Munich Airport
  • Curated destination mini-guide
  • Trip preparation & support

​
Exclusions
  • International flights
  • Meals & activities not listed
  • Travel insurance

Luxury Pricing
  • From $5,184 per person

​*Pricing based on double occupancy and may vary depending on travel dates and total number of travelers. ​

Optional upgrades

  • Guided tour of Mt. Pilatus in Lucerne
  • Fondue & Wine tuk tuk tour, Zurich
  • Half-day trip to Hallstatt from Salzburg
  • Small group bike tour in Munich
  • Private transfer and tour of Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich

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​This Designed Trip was developed based on our personal travels, with local contacts, favorite hotels and authentic activities we've experienced first-hand.
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FAQs

WHAT IS A DESIGNED TRIP?
A Designed Trip is a pre-designed travel plan based on our personal, first-hand travel experiences in each destination. As they are pre-designed, our Designed Trips have been created as a turnkey travel option and can be booked and delivered in as little as one week. ​
CAN I MAKE ANY CHANGES TO A DESIGNED TRIP?
Absolutely! Pre-designed doesn’t mean there isn’t any flexibility. Whether you want to shorten or lengthen your trip, switch out a destination or change an activity, let us know. If, however, you want a trip built around your specific desires, a Custom Trip might be more appropriate. We can help you decide, so get in touch.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?
Once you’ve selected your Designed Trip and chosen between a Boutique, Luxury Boutique or Luxury experience, your trip can be booked and delivered in as little as one week. If you would like to make some changes to your trip, such as including an alternative activity, shortening or lengthening your trip, then this can take a bit longer.
HOW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH MY DESIGNED TRIP WILL COST?
Once you have decided on your Designed Trip, your dates, and any adjustments we will provide a personalized itinerary and pricing for your trip. We have included base pricing on each Designed Trip page to give you an idea as to what the final cost might be, but prices can fluctuate depending on time of year and any personalization. Get in touch and we can help.
If you have any other questions, feel free to check out more FAQs or send us an email.