Collette > Discover Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria

Discover Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria
10 Days starting from $1,349

Countries Visited:
Austria, Germany, Switzerland

 

Length: 10 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Europe Tour
Operator: Collette
Tour Code: 3405
   
 
About This Tour


Discover the spectacular mountain scenery, picturesque cities, and unique cultures of Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria. Upon arrival in Zurich, drive through the Swiss countryside side to the beautiful capital city of Bern. Here you will take a sightseeing tour featuring the famous Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens, the cathedral, and the Swiss Parliament. Shop for local specialties such as Swiss army knives, watches, and chocolates and enjoy traditional cuisine such as Swiss cheese fondue. A drive along the shores of Lake Geneva brings you to the legendary Chateau de Chillon, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Later, glide through stunning Alpine scenery and past charming villages aboard the GoldenPass Panoramic Train from Montreux to Gstaad, a world-famous ski resort. You'll also visit Bernese Oberland, Interlaken, Brienz, and Grindelwald, and Lucerne, known as the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake." Cross the border into Austria and travel to the Olympic city of Innsbruck, the perfect place for exploring Austria and Bavaria. Here you'll see Maria Theresienstrasse, the Hofburg, and the famous "Golden Roof." On a day trip to Germany, see Neuschwanstein, the castle said to have inspired Disney's Fantasy Castle; and visit Oberammergau, a small village known for the Passion Play that is performed there every ten years. Finally, visit the charming city of Salzburg to see the home of Mozart, the famous Mirabell Gardens, and many other sites made famous by the movie The Sound of Music. Conclude your tour with a farewell dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter's Restaurant, located in the historic city center.
 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • Additional Details
  • SPECIALS

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
8 Breakfast(s), 6 Dinner(s)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

BERNHotel Bristol.
INNSBRUCKHotel Innsbruck.
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach
Day 1
Overnight Flight
Discover spectacular Switzerland on a tour featuring a multiple night stay in Bern. The medieval city of Bern, one of Europe’s loveliest capitals, is your host city while you leisurely explore the many cultural aspects and spectacular scenery that Switzerland, Germany, and Italy offer.

Day 2
Bern, Switzerland - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled in the Swiss countryside. Though the capital of Switzerland, this charming city has a population of less than 150,000. The cobbled Old Town section is so well preserved that residents who lived here 500 years ago would still find it familiar. Explore delightful Bern on a sightseeing tour featuring the famous Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens, and the gothic cathedral, which dominates the Old Town skyline. Then join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring local delicacies.

Day 3
Bern - Chateau de Chillon - Train Ride - Gruyere - Bern
Travel the shores of Lake Geneva to the legendary, medieval Chateau de Chillon, a princely residence facing the lake but an imposing fortress from the mountains. Later, enjoy breathtaking Alpine views with a ride on the GoldenPass Panoramic Train from Montreux to Château-d''Oex. Arrive at a world-famous chocolate factory and learn about the production and history of this Swiss favorite. You will have time to purchase some of the endless varieties to take with you. Later, enjoy dinner in the quaint town of Gruyere before returning to Bern.

Day 4
Bern - Black Forest, Germany - Bern
Today you travel north though the countryside to the family-owned Hofgut Sternen in Titisee, located in the stunning Black Forest. Here you will experience an authentic cuckoo clock demonstration and see the largest cuckoo clock in the world. After lunch, don’t forget to shop for your own clock along with Hummels and wood carvings!

Day 5
Bern - Zermatt - Bern
This morning travel by motorcoach through the region’s beautiful wine country. Traveling along the lush Rhone Valley, pass the villages of Sion, with its twin hills topped with a castle and church, and Sierre, characterized by its 17th-century church, chateau and the old watchtower. Then board your train that follows the world-famous Glacier Express route that takes you into the Alpine village of Zermatt. Enjoy some free time in the center of Zermatt, featuring beautiful panoramic views of the Alps, including the famous Matterhorn.

Day 6
Bern - Lucerne - Bern
Today you travel to Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Enjoy a leisurely-paced Alstadt (Old Town) walking tour, exploring the hidden treasures of the city. In addition to its natural charm and tranquility, Lucerne has more than 800 years of history. Explore such medieval treasures as the covered Chapel Bridge (1833); the famous Water Tower which has served as a prison, watchtower and treasury; the Renaissance-style Town Hall; the baroque Jesuit Church; and the Lion Monument, carved from natural rock to commemorate the heroic Swiss Guard. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Swiss cheese fondue dinner in one of Bern’s local restaurants.

Day 7
Bern - Stresa, Italy - Bern
This morning board your train for your day trip to enchanting Italy. En route you will travel through the new 7 mile Lotschberg tunnel. Later, arrive in the breathtaking Italian Lake District and the beautiful resort town of Stresa. Here you will enjoy beautiful views of Lake Maggiore and excellent shopping opportunities. Enjoy beautiful views of the lake when you experience a boat tour of the islands. Make a stop on Isola Bella to see the amazing Borromeo Palace before arriving at Isola dei Pescatori, the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands. Enjoy a delicious meal while surrounded by beautiful scenery. Then, arrive back in town where you will enjoy a tasting of local wines. Later, board your train for your return to Switzerland.

Day 8
Bern - Brienz - Interlaken - Bern
Today, explore charming lakeside towns and Alpine villages. From the mountain peaks of Bernese Oberland to charming Interlaken, a day of scenic wonders awaits you. Stop in the lakeside town of Brienz to visit its famous woodcarving museum and learn the history of this local trade. Next arrive in Interlaken, where you will have time to enjoy some world class shopping. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 9
Bern - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Bern, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful Alpine vacation.


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
9/10/2008 - 9/19/2008
$1,449
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9/17/2008 - 9/26/2008
$1,449
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9/24/2008 - 10/3/2008
$1,449
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10/1/2008 - 10/10/2008
$1,349
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10/8/2008 - 10/17/2008
$1,349
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10/15/2008 - 10/24/2008
$1,349
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10/22/2008 - 10/31/2008
$1,349
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4/1/2009 - 4/10/2009
$1,399
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4/15/2009 - 4/24/2009
$1,399
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5/20/2009 - 5/29/2009
$1,699
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6/10/2009 - 6/19/2009
$1,649
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7/15/2009 - 7/24/2009
$1,649
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8/12/2009 - 8/21/2009
$1,649
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9/9/2009 - 9/18/2009
$1,799
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9/23/2009 - 10/2/2009
$1,799
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10/14/2009 - 10/23/2009
$1,699
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11/4/2009 - 11/13/2009
$1,699
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4/14/2010 - 4/23/2010
$1,699
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4/28/2010 - 5/7/2010
$1,699
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Due to tour scheduling, flights must arrive prior to 4:00 PM. Return flights should not be booked prior to 10:00 AM.
Itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
Collette air passengers will arrive into the Zurich, Switzerland airport and depart from the Munich, Germany airport. All Collette transfers will depart from/return to these airports.
Please note that single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Enjoy breathtaking Alpine views with a ride on the GoldenPass Panoramic Train from Montreux to Gstaad.
Walk the halls of the legendary, medieval Chateau de Chillon, located on the shores of Lake Geneva and made famous by Lord Byron in his poem "The Prisoner of Chillon."
Visit a famous woodcarving museum in Brienz and learn the history of this local trade.
Travel to Bavaria and see famous Neuschwanstein Castle and the quaint village of Oberammergau.
Spend a day exploring Salzburg’s historic past and charming old town.
Panoramic sightseeing tour of Bern featuring the Bundeshaus, the famous Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens, and the gothic cathedral.
Language Discovery: discover the origin and history of the languages you will experience on your tour.
Explore the Chapel Bridge, the famous Water Tower, the baroque Jesuit Church and the Lion Monument.
Visit the famous ski resort town of Grindelwald.
Panoramic city tour of Innsbruck.

Due to tour scheduling, flights must arrive prior to 4:00 PM. Return flights should not be booked prior to 10:00 AM.
Itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
Collette air passengers will arrive into the Zurich, Switzerland airport and depart from the Munich, Germany airport. All Collette transfers will depart from/return to these airports.
Please note that single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Save $50 USD on 9/10/08 and 9/17/08 departures!*

Call 1-800-942-3301 to check for availability. NOTE: Tour prices are lead-in land only rates based on double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.

Airfare is additional and is available.
   
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