Alpine Discovery and Highlights of the Danube

Trip Code:50621
(AUD) Twin Share from $10,620pp
Days 17
Nights 16

Journey through the alpine regions of Europe. Discover the beauty of Lucerne, journey aboard the Glacier Express train and enjoy visits to Zermatt and St Moritz before embarking on a river cruise to Budapest.

  • 26 Jul 2026 – 11 Aug 2026
    from $10,620 pp twin share / $17,270 pp solo *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Arrive Zürich:

    Arrive in Zürich, where you’ll be met on arrival. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception to begin your journey.

  • Day 2 – Zurich, Lucerne:

    Enjoy an orientation discovery of the vibrant city of Zürich. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and stunning medieval buildings. Travel to Lucerne, where you will set out on a walking tour. With its breathtaking Swiss Alps backdrop, this city is a delight to explore. On a guided tour wander along the Chapel Bridge, with its octagonal Water Tower.

  • Day 3 – Lucerne:

    This evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional traditional dinner and entertainment at a Swiss Folklore restaurant.

    Insider Experience — Ride the Cogwheel Railway

    Ascend to the peak of Mount Pilatus aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, taking in views of flower-filled pastures, rugged mountain ledges, and snow-capped peaks.

  • Day 4 – Lucerne, Zermatt:

    Embark on a scenic journey via Interlaken to Zermatt, nestled beneath the gaze of the iconic Matterhorn. This picturesque, eco-friendly resort town is entirely car-free, making it a pleasure to explore on foot. Spend a relaxed evening soaking up the alpine air, wandering charming streets or unwinding at your Swiss chalet-style hotel, complete with a tranquil spa and breathtaking mountain views.

  • Day 5 – Zermatt:

    After breakfast, set out on a guided morning tour of Zermatt. Discover the charming Hinterdorf (Old Village), home to around 30 traditional chalet-style barns and shops dating back to the 16th–18th centuries. This afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure — perhaps opt for a scenic helicopter flight and witness the unforgettable beauty of the Swiss Alps from above.

    Enhance Your Journey – Scenic Helicopter Flight

    Soar above the Swiss Alps on a breathtaking helicopter flight, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and alpine valleys.

  • Day 6 – Zermatt, Brigg, Glacier Express, St Moritz:

    Travel to Brigg and board the Glacier Express, a narrow-gauge train renowned for its iconic alpine route to the luxury resort town of St. Moritz. Through panoramic windows, take in breathtaking views of jagged peaks, lush meadows, sprawling vineyards, and forested hillsides. On arrival, check in to your hotel before dinner this evening.

    Insider Experience — Glacier Express

    Journey aboard the Glacier Express, travelling along one of the world’s most scenic rail routes to the alpine resort town of St. Moritz.

  • Day 7 – St Moritz, Innsbruck, Munich:

    This morning, set out on a journey into Austria, travelling to Innsbruck on the way to Munich. Soak in the city’s atmosphere with time at leisure before travelling on to Munich.

  • Day 8 – Munich:

    Enjoy a guided discovery of the Bavarian capital of Munich, regarded by many as Germany’s most beautiful city. See the famous Glockenspiel on the Town Hall and explore the historic city centre, home to the iconic Frauenkirche. The afternoon is yours to relax or continue exploring. This evening, you will be treated to a special dinner.

  • Day 9 – Munich:

    Today, enjoy a day at leisure in Munich. Perhaps choose to join an optional full-day tour to Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles; two of the most magnificent castles in Bavaria.

    Enhance Your Journey – Tour of Neuschwanstein Castle

    Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. Renowned for its fairy-tale architecture, this iconic castle inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, forests and lakes, the castle’s interiors are equally captivating, adorned with vibrant murals and an air of grand opulence.

  • Day 10 – Munich, Passau, Embark Ship:

    After breakfast board a coach to travel to your river ship, docked in Passau on the Danube River. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers.

  • Day 11 – Passau:

    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.

  • Day 12 – Linz:

    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.

  • Day 13 – Melk, Dürnstein:

    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.

  • Day 14 – Vienna:

    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.

  • Day 15 – Bratislava:

    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.

  • Day 16 – Budapest:

    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.

  • Day 17 – Budapest, Disembark Ship:

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

Highlights

  • Journey through the stunning alpine regions of Europe.
  • Ride the iconic Glacier Express train and explore charming mountain towns.
  • Enjoy a relaxing river cruise from Zurich to Budapest.

Journey through the alpine regions of Europe. Discover the beauty of Lucerne, journey aboard the Glacier Express train and enjoy visits to Zermatt and St Moritz before embarking on a river cruise to Budapest.

Inclusions

  • Cog-Wheel Railway.
  • Glacier Express.
  • Discover Munich.
  • Visit the Aldersbach Brewery.
  • Melk Abbey.
  • Discover Zurich’s Old Town.

FAQs

  • Crowne Plaza Zurich
  • Seven Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel river ship
  • St Moritz, Europa Hotel
  • Three Nights, Munich, Hotel München City Center
  • Two Nights, Radisson Blu Hotel Lucerne
  • Two Nights, Zermatt, Hotel Sonne or similar

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 17 days and 16 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 26 Jul 2026 and 11 Aug 2026, subject to live availability.

Can I travel solo?

Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

What style of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.

Provided by: Travel Marvel

Fine Print

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(AUD) Twin Share from $10,620pp
Days 17
Nights 16

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