A Different Swiss Experience: 4 Countries – Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France (11 Days)

Meet at the airport and board your Air Canada direct flight to the vibrant German city of Frankfurt. Enjoy fine meals and wine on board.

After landing, travel to Würzburg, one of the most beautiful Baroque cities in Germany, often called “Little Prague” and located along the famous Romantic Road. Visit the medieval Old Main Bridge, the hilltop Marienberg Fortress, and the hillside vineyards. Next, head to Rothenburg, known as the “Medieval Gem,” where its perfectly preserved streets and houses feel like stepping back in time. Check in at Rappen Hotel or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Dinkelsbühl, a well-preserved old town surrounded by intact city walls and dotted with charming towers. Each building is beautifully maintained — truly a hidden jewel in Germany. After lunch, continue to Salzburg in Austria and visit Mirabell Gardens, a famous filming location for The Sound of Music. Its floral designs and patterns make it a photographer’s delight. Stay two nights at Mercure Hotel or similar.

Enjoy breakfast, then visit Königssee, renowned as Germany’s most beautiful lake, with crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains. Take a scenic boat ride to St. Bartholomew’s Church — its red domes and lush backdrop create a picture-perfect setting. In the afternoon, continue to Hallstatt, Austria’s most enchanting lakeside village, home to fewer than a thousand residents but famous worldwide for its breathtaking scenery — a beloved honeymoon spot for couples. In the evening, you may choose an optional Mozart concert and dinner in an elegant Baroque hall. Overnight at Mercure Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, visit Linderhof Palace, celebrated for its exquisite Rococo interiors, gilded statues, and blooming gardens — a paradise for photography lovers. After lunch, continue to Neuschwanstein Castle, the Romantic Road’s highlight. Walk up to Marien Bridge for a stunning view of this fairytale castle. Stay overnight at Big Box Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, head to Vaduz, the capital of the tiny principality of Liechtenstein, nestled between Switzerland and Austria, home to just over 30,000 people. Feel free to shop for beautiful local stamps or duty-free Swiss watches, and snap photos at the striking Parliament Building and the hilltop royal castle. After lunch, follow the scenic Rhine River to Davos, Switzerland’s famed alpine town that hosts the World Economic Forum. Spend the afternoon enjoying the luxury amenities at the renowned AlpenGold Hotel (formerly Intercontinental Davos). Note: This hotel primarily hosts international conferences and may not always be available. If unavailable for your departure date, Davos will be replaced with additional sightseeing in Lucerne instead.

After breakfast, travel along beautiful alpine roads to Zermatt, Switzerland’s most famous ski resort town. This peaceful village sits at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, a symbol of Switzerland. Zermatt is a car-free, eco-friendly town — perfect for a leisurely stroll or souvenir shopping. If the weather is clear, you may witness the stunning “Golden Peak” phenomenon at sunrise or sunset, when the triangular peak glows in changing shades. Stay overnight at Simi Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, board a mountain cogwheel train up to Gornergrat, 3,089 metres above sea level. Surrounded by 29 Alpine peaks and mighty glaciers, this is the best spot to admire the majestic Matterhorn. After lunch, continue to Chillon Castle, beautifully set on the shores of Lake Léman — the lakeside scenery and distant snow peaks are truly mesmerizing. Spend the night at a lakeside hotel in Montreux. Stay at Eden Palace Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, drive to Bern, Switzerland’s UNESCO-listed capital. Explore its well-preserved medieval buildings, the famous clock tower, fountains, and the bear park. After lunch, cross into France to visit Eguisheim, one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace, decorated with pastel stone walls and blooming flower boxes — a picture-perfect fairy tale town. Later, continue to Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region and home to EU headquarters. Stay at Holiday Inn or similar.

After breakfast, visit Gutenberg Square, named for the inventor of movable type printing, and admire the magnificent Gothic Cathedral. Stroll through the quaint Petite France district with its cobbled streets — like stepping back in time. After lunch, head to Heidelberg, the romantic town by the Neckar River, known for its university and timeless charm. Wander the Old Bridge, visit the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Knight’s House. Enjoy an authentic German pork knuckle dinner. Overnight at Dorint Taunus Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your Air Canada flight back to Toronto.