20 Day Alpine Discovery by Rail and Highlights of the Danube

This morning, enjoy a guided orientation of vibrant Zürich, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and its striking medieval architecture. Then board a train to Lucerne. On arrival, set out on a guided walking tour of this charming Alpine city. Stroll along the iconic Chapel Bridge, home to the distinctive octagonal Water Tower, with the Swiss Alps as a spectacular backdrop.

Board the Luzern–Interlaken Express for a memorable journey into the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Insider Experience – Luzern–Interlaken Express

Travel along the shores of crystal-clear lakes, past romantic waterfalls and over the magnificent Brünig Pass. Through large panoramic windows, admire some of the Alps’ most spectacular scenery before arriving in Interlaken, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today, journey high into the Swiss Alps as you travel by mountain railway to Jungfraujoch, 3,454 metres above sea level — the highest railway station in Europe. Known as the ‘Top of Europe’, this remarkable ascent carries you through the heart of the Bernese Alps, revealing ever-changing views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers and alpine valleys. At the summit, admire sweeping panoramas across the surrounding mountains and explore the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observatory, completing an unforgettable visit to one of Switzerland’s most iconic alpine destinations.

Today, travel by regional train to Zermatt, set beneath the iconic Matterhorn. This picturesque alpine village is entirely car-free, making it a pleasure to explore on foot. This evening, breathe in the crisp mountain air as you wander its charming streets and wooden chalets at a relaxed pace.

After breakfast, join a morning tour of Zermatt. Discover the charming Hinterdorf (Old Village), where around 30 traditional chalet-style barns and storehouses dating from the 16th–18th centuries still stand. The afternoon and evening are yours at leisure — perhaps choose an optional scenic helicopter flight for unforgettable views across the Swiss Alps.

Enhance Your Journey – Scenic Helicopter Flight

Soar above the Swiss Alps on a breathtaking helicopter flight, taking in sweeping panoramas of snow-capped peaks and deep alpine valleys.

Today board the legendary Glacier Express for a spectacular journey to the alpine resort town of St. Moritz. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Insider Experience — Glacier Express

Enjoy a journey aboard the famed Glacier Express. From the comfort of panoramic carriages, admire ever-changing scenery — soaring peaks, deep valleys, forested slopes and flower-filled meadows — as the train winds through the heart of the Swiss Alps to glamorous St. Moritz.

After breakfast, enjoy an Insider Experience aboard the Bernina Express. Later, return to St. Moritz by regional train.

Insider Experience — Bernina Express

Board the Bernina Express for one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys, travelling from St. Moritz to the charming Italian town of Tirano. Marvel at glittering lakes, the mighty Morteratsch Glacier and the dramatic Bernina Pass before descending past turquoise alpine lagoons, sweeping valleys and the iconic Brusio Circular Viaduct. Pause at Alp Grüm, 2,091 m above sea level, for photographs overlooking the Palü Glacier and the Val Poschiavo.

This morning, journey into Austria, travelling to Innsbruck en route to Salzburg. On a guided tour, discover this alpine city where imperial history, mountain scenery and lively local culture come together. Later, continue to Salzburg.

Enjoy a guided tour of Salzburg and its charming Old Town, where melodies drift from bustling coffee houses. This afternoon, you may choose to join an optional excursion through the Bavarian Alps to the historic Eagle’s Nest. This evening, enjoy a special dinner with your fellow travellers.

Enhance Your Journey — The Eagle’s Nest

Travel through the Bavarian Alps to the Eagle’s Nest, a mountaintop retreat built as a teahouse for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday.

Today, travel from Salzburg to Munich by train. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided discovery of the Bavarian capital, regarded by many as Germany’s most beautiful city. See the famous Glockenspiel at the Town Hall and explore the historic city centre, home to the iconic Frauenkirche. The afternoon is yours to relax or continue exploring at your leisure.

Today, visit Neuschwanstein Castle for your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience — Neuschwanstein Castle

Embark on a coach journey into the Bavarian Alps. Visit the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle, perched high above the village of Hohenschwangau. Renowned for its romantic architecture, this fairy-tale castle inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes, the interior is equally captivating, adorned with colourful murals and lavish decoration.

After breakfast, travel by coach to your river ship, docked in Passau on the Danube. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers.

In the beautiful city of Passau, enjoy a guided walking tour through the cobbled lanes of the Altstadt, taking in its historic charm and architectural highlights. Then enjoy the Aldersbach Brewery Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Aldersbach Brewery

Travel by coach to nearby Aldersbach brewery founded in 1268, where you’ll be welcomed by local musicians and taken on a tour of the brewery. Afterwards, enter the festival hall to enjoy locally brewed beer with tastings of some local food, all in the spirit of Oktoberfest, with live music and singing.

Today, choose how you’d like to explore. You may wish to join an optional tour to either Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or Salzburg, or simply enjoy time at leisure in Linz.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit

Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the UNESCO-listed town of Český Krumlov, home to more than 300 historic buildings and a beautifully preserved medieval centre.

Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights

Travel through Austria’s scenic countryside to Salzburg. Stop at Mondsee, where you’ll see the famous Wedding Church from The Sound of Music, before continuing to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart’s hometown. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace before returning to the ship.

Join a local guide to see Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, then continue to Dürnstein, where you have a free afternoon to explore. Perhaps join an optional tour to taste some of the region’s wine.

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting

Visit Dürnstein Abbey, where you’ll savour a glass of the local Grüner Veltliner or riesling produced in the region, as well as delicious brandy.

Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive along the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city’s most famous buildings. On arrival in the centre, a walking tour will provide an insider’s view of sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace. Afterwards, perhaps visit the Naschmarkt and browse the stalls. This evening, you may choose to attend an optional concert.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna’s palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringstrasse.

Today, discover Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, on a walking tour through the Old Town, where you will see St Martin’s Cathedral, the Primatial Palace and the Main Square. You’ll also visit Michael’s Gate, the only surviving entrance of the city’s original fortifications. Tonight, celebrate the end of your river cruise with a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and learn about Budapest’s vibrant history as your local guide takes you to a range of impressive sights, including Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Basilica. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore at leisure, or perhaps join an optional excursion.

Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock

Visit this museum, once a World War II hospital and later a Cold War bunker, located in caves beneath Buda Castle.

After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.