Grand Alpine Explorer

You’ll be met on arrival in Munich and transferred to your hotel. Located within view of the Alps, lively Munich is the capital of Bavaria, as well as one of Germany’s best-loved cities.

Become immersed in the illustrious sights of Munich. With a rich culture and heritage, the city has a wonderful collection of museums, galleries and architecture. Enjoy a guided walking tour to introduce you to the highlights of Munich, including sampling local food and beer. Learn about 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 Hofbrauhaus. Later, enjoy time at leisure.

Leaving Munich behind this morning, take the train into Austria. Arrive in Salzburg, a city known the world over as the birthplace of Mozart, and the setting for the classic film, ‘The Sound of Music’. On arrival, you will embark on a guided walking tour with a local guide. Discover the Old Town, the World Heritage-listed centre with its pretty collection of medieval and baroque buildings, plus gorgeous views of the mountains. Afterwards, the rest of the day is at leisure. INSIDER EXPERIENCE - Banquet with Mozart Concert This evening, enjoy dinner with a difference. Travel to the baroque banquet hall at St Peter's and sit down to 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 while you enjoy a gastronomic menu inspired by the composer.

Today is free for you to relax in Salzburg. Perhaps visit the Salzburg Fortress, also known as Hohensalzburg Castle, which is perched high above the city with great views from its peak.  Or, try a Mozartkugel, a delicious chocolate named after Mozart.

Discover the beauty of the Austrian Lake District today, heading first to Kaiservilla, the grand summer retreat of Hapsburg Emperor Franz Josef I. The expansive park surrounding it, fashioned in the English style, was finished in 1860. You'll have ample opportunity to wander through the meticulously adorned grounds before you proceed to St Gilgen, filled to the brim with baroque and rococo character. Continue to St Wolfgang and enjoy a lake cruise. Enjoy time at leisure in Wolfgansee before continuing to Mondsee for free time. Perhaps visit the town’s cloister church, used as the site of the wedding in ‘The Sound of Music’. Return to Salzburg and enjoy dinner together this evening.

This morning, leave Salzburg and travel by First Class Rail into the heart of the Austrian Alps. The scenery becomes more dramatic approaching Innsbruck, with steep imposing mountains rising on either side of the Inn Valley. On arrival in Innsbruck join a guided tour of this charming city set against a backdrop of the Austrian Alps. Innsbruck's magnificently preserved Old Town still reflects the Tyrolean capital's historic and cultural past, boasting wonderful Renaissance and Baroque buildings.

Your travels today will take you to the glorious Neuschwanstein Castle. Nestled in the Alps, it is a stunning sight, with a storied history. Enjoy time at leisure in Hohenschwangau. The final leg is by cable car which takes you over the forests to the summit, where you will have free time to enjoy the views.   

INSIDER EXPERIENCE - Zugspitze Railway 

Join an enthralling journey on the Zugspitze Railway, which ascends to the summit of Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany.  

Today it’s time for a rail journey through the Swiss Alps. Pass Liechtenstein and head into the Swiss town of Sargans. Here you change trains and travel alongside the Rhine to Chur, before continuing to the resort town of St Moritz.

Travel through stunning scenic surrounds on a famous train line, arriving in the Italian town of Tirano. Here you’ll have free time to explore before making your return journey. 

INSIDER EXPERIENCE - The Bernina Express 

Ride the Bernina Express, which passes glaciers, rushing mountain streams and flower-sprinkled alpine meadows.  

Spend today as you please, soaking up the glitz and glamour of St Moritz.

Journey from St Moritz to Brig aboard the iconic Glacier Express on a thrilling Insider Experience. Enjoy a tasty two-course lunch at your seat. The train climbs steadily and steeply up and over the Oberalp Pass, then spirals downward past little villages on the way to Brig. Here you change trains and continue to Interlaken.  INSIDER EXPERIENCE - Glacier Express Panoramic Journey Step aboard the famous Glacier Express for a journey from St. Moritz to Brig, enjoying the incredible views through the panoramic windows of your First-Class carriage.  

Today’s adventure begins as you leave Interlaken and travel through the foothills of the Alps to Lauterbrunnen. You will then join the Wengeralp Railway to Kleine Scheidegg, before journeying on the Jungfrau Railway. Your final destination is the Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station. Enjoy free time at the summit station and perhaps explore its Ice Palace.  INSIDER EXPERIENCE - Jungfrau Railway Journey on the iconic Jungfrau Railway. See spectacular views at two observation stops, hewn out of solid rock between the rail tunnel and the infamous north face of the Eiger. 

Wake to the breathtaking mountain vistas of Interlaken – this beautiful town is all yours to explore today. Spend time as you like, perhaps exploring the glacier-fed lakes, before a Farewell Dinner this evening.

Your incredible journey reaches an end this morning. After breakfast, take the train to the airport in Zurich for your onward flight.