Day 1 Welcome to Vienna

Welcome to Vienna! Austria’s stately capital city. Tune into the enchanting musical heritage of Vienna, your launch pad to a grand adventure through the hidden gems of Europe. Upon arrival we will transfer you to your hotel. Immerse yourself in the lively nocturnal atmosphere of Vienna at your own pace Included Activities.

Day 2 Vienna city tour.

Today, we’ll embark on a panoramic tour of this impressive city. We’ll explore its majestic avenues, beautiful palaces, large parks and vibrant city center. Highlights include the great city hall Rathaus, Vienna University, and important sacred monuments such as the Column of the Pest, the gorgeous 18th century St Peter’s Catholic Church, St Stephen’s Cathedral, which is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. You will easily explore Vienna and see the amazing Hofburg Palace where Sisi lived, Albertina Palace and the world famous State Opera, where great composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin performed. You will also pass through the fabulous Palais Schwarzenberg and wander around the Baroque-style garden of the 18th century Belvedere. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore on your own.

Optional Wachau Valley tour : You will explore the River Danube as it flows around picturesque villages and steep vineyards. The many ancient castles testify to the former importance of the river as a trade and traffic route. One of these is the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where, according to legend, Richard the Lionheart was kept imprisoned, and was eventually freed by his faithful minstrel Blondel. You will follow the legendary Danube and go to the heart of the Wachau wine-growing region. A highlight of the tour will be a visit to the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, one of Austria's most famous Baroque buildings, and winner of the award for "Best Historic Destination of the World" in 2008.

Day 3 Through Bohemia to Budapest.

Start the day with a journey through the beautiful forested countryside of Bohemia. Journey to Hungary, following the River Danube to Budapest. Head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a charming city along the Danube with an attractive historic center. Explore the Old Town with its medieval streets, colorful facades, and vibrant cafes. Visit the iconic Bratislava Castle for panoramic views of the Danube, stroll through the lively Old Town, and savor traditional pastries at a local café. Next, a picturesque drive brings you to Budapest, Hungary’s dazzling capital. Cross the Chain Bridge to explore Buda Castle and enjoy breathtaking city views from Fisherman’s Bastion. Visit the historic Matthias Church and explore the bustling Pest side, including the Hungarian Parliament Building and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Indulge in a delicious Hungarian meal at a local restaurant. In the evening, enjoy a scenic cruise, whilst looking out over beautiful city views. Budapest boasts one of the most spectacular night time vistas, earning it the nickname 'Pearl of the Danube’.

Day 4 Lake Balaton.

Lake Balaton, a sprawling lake surrounded by charming towns and rolling countryside. Cruise through your day at a leisurely pace with only your private tour leader by your side. Take a ferry cruise(normally 01hr) across the lake, walk around the historic village of Tihany (home to the 11th-century Benedictine Tihany Abbey) and enjoy the picturesque views from the Balatonfüred promenade. Later proceed to Ljubljana. Free time to explore Ljubljana on your own pace.

Day 5 Lake Bled

Nestled into the foothills of the Julian Alps in northwest Slovenia, glacial Lake Bled is a place of spectacular natural beauty. Subterranean thermal springs keep the lake’s exquisite blue-green waters relatively warm during summer, making it a hot spot for water sports. Bled Lake offers visitors a breathtaking natural setting surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Explore Bled Castle(ticket not included) perched atop a cliff, capturing stunning panoramic views. Take a traditional covered boat ride to Bled Island, climb the steps to a 15th-century church, and immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of this idyllic Slovenian gem. On to Salzburg. Upon arrival see the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, Residenzplatz, the city's imposing fortress, and the immense cathedral in the Old Town. Visit Mozart's birthplace where you will enjoy a pianoforte demonstration and examine letters, memorabilia, and musical instruments of the great composer.

Day 6 Visit Alpbach

A place of idyllic magnificence and beauty: Alpbach in the midst of the Kitzbühel Alps. Alpbach owes its title "Austria's Most Beautiful Village" to its uniform, traditional wooden architecture and its abundance of colourful flowers. A ride on the Wiedersbergerhorn mountain lift(ticket not included) is the ideal start to breathtaking hikes in the Kitzbühel Alps. At 1,850 metres above sea level, the doors open to varied tours for all fitness levels. Awake to the beautiful Alpine city of Innsbruck. Your local expert will guide you through the city to see the 14th-century houses of the Old Town, the impressive Imperial Palace and the delightful Golden Roof. Enroute visit Swarovski Crystal Showroom.

Day 7 Engelberg & Lucerne

Discover the beauty of the Alps on this day. See the shimmering waters of Lake Lucerne and have free time to explore Lucerne. Visit a monastery in Engelberg and have time to soak up the charm of this village. Take in the countryside as you pass by Lake Lucerne. Stop to visit the beautiful city of Lucerne with an hour of free time. Continue to Engelberg to check out the stunning Baroque church of the monastery which was built by Benedictine monks in 1120 and still functions to this day. Spend the next 3 hours strolling through the village and shopping for souvenirs at a local cheese shop. Alternatively, you can hike one of the well-prepared trails in the beautiful surroundings or take the funicular up to Gerschnialp to enjoy beautiful views of Engelberg.

Day 8 Zurich with Rhine-Falls

Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe, located in the heart of Schaffhausen, Switzerland. It is a magnificent sight to behold, with a width of 150 meters and a height of 23 meters, creating a stunning cascade of water. First of all, you will stop at the medieval Laufen Castle (Schloss Laufen) located on a mountaintop, which overlooks the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall. When you are already at the Rhine Falls, you will have the chance to take photos of the fantastic scenery from the viewing platforms and have the possibility of a summertime boat ride to the middle of Rhine Falls (from June to August only; payable direct). Return back to Zurich & we will visit the most famous monuments and sites of the city. We will walk from the Central Railway Station to the Bahnhofstrasse street, Zurich’s main downtown street and one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues. Then we continue to the Uranian Observatory, the Paradeplatz, the Fraumünster and St. Peterskirche, the oldest parish church in Zurich. From there we will go to Zurich’s Town Hall, The Grossmünster, the Wasserkirche or Water Church and one of the most important museums in Europe, the Kunsthaus. Tour ends at lunch break.

Day 9 Fly back home Your memorable Holiday ends.

Today it’s time to fly back home. Say goodbye to the wonderful new friends you have made on the tour. Check out with pleasant memories of your European trip which you will cherish for a lifetime. (Breakfast)