Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for Zurich, direct from Toronto.
We arrive in Zurich, enjoy the scenic drive to Bregenz, Austria, and check-in to our hotel for our 7-night stay. This afternoon, we’ll gather for a welcome drink, and get a briefing on the area and local attractions.
This morning we’ll have a walking tour of the town, followed by some free time to explore, or to join an optional excursion, such as a journey into the nearby mountains, or a relaxing lake cruise. Our Welcome dinner is tonight!
Today we travel along the shores of Lake Constance to the medieval town of Meersburg, famed for its historic castle. A boat ride takes us to the flower island of Mainau, where we’ll explore the Palm House and beautiful gardens with an included lunch. We will pass by the town of Konstanz as we’ll follow the Swiss side of the lake back to Bregenz.
Enjoy a day of leisure. Stroll along the lake, visit surrounding regions by local train, or take an optional tour.
Today we traverse three countries. Our first stop is to the town of Heiden, where we’ll visit the Henri Dunant Museum, named after the man who founded the Red Cross. Crossing into Switzerland, we’ll arrive at Appenzell, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through this charming and picturesque Swiss village. We continue to Vaduz, capital of the tiny principality of Liechtenstein. On our tour we’ll see one of the world’s smallest parliamentary monarchies.
Another leisure day in Bregenz to unwind and relax, or join an optional tour perhaps to the famous hermitage of St. Gallen Abbey. The library of the Abbey is one of the oldest monastic libraries in the world
Today we explore the rolling hills and low mountains of the Bregenz Forest, renowned for its quaint villages, wellness spas, and fine dairy products. A ride on the modern cable car from Bezau to Sonderdach (weather permitting) offers us spectacular views. We’ll also visit an authentic cheese maker for a demonstration and sample of delicious local cheeses.
(by train). We take a panoramic train ride across Austria, passing lush green pastures, and rugged snow-topped mountains, directly to Graz. Although Graz is Austria’s 2nd largest city, it retains all the charm of a small town.
On our orientation walk of Graz we’ll see Schlossberg—the tree-covered mountain fortress in the heart of the city. We also pass by the Landhaus with its elegant Italian Renaissance courtyard, the Hauptplatz (Main Square), the Dom (Cathedral), the Mausoleum of the Habsburg Dynasty, and the medieval Burg with its famous double spiral staircase.
(Wine Region). On today’s excursion of beautiful southern Styria, we’ll stroll through lush vineyards, see magnificent views across the border into Slovenia, and listen to the sound of Klapotetz (a traditional windmill used to keep the birds away from the grapes). We’ll enjoy a glass of local wine and a hearty ‘Brettljause’ (lunch of cold cuts and cheeses) in a cozy tavern, served with a generous helping of Styrian hospitality.
Our last free day to relax or join an optional tour.
The landscape of eastern Styria is shaped by ancient volcanoes, and features fortified castles like the dramatic Riegersburg, perched atop a high cliff. We will visit the castle and marvel at the view over the stunning countryside. Later, we’ll stop at the world-renowned Zotter Chocolate Factory, for a private tour of the production process, and of course a sampling.
Our full-day tour to Slovenia begins in Maribor, the country’s second-largest city, ideally situated on the scenic Drava River. We’ll enjoy a walking tour of the medieval centre, and then visit Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest city with a 2000-year-old history. We return to Graz, passing through picturesque Slovenian vineyards and rolling green hills.
We travel to Vienna, where our city tour takes us along the opulent Ringstrasse, Vienna’s grand boulevard - a tapestry of architectural marvels such as Vienna's State Opera House, Hof burg Palace; Parliament; Rathaus; Votivkirche; the Museum Quarter and more. This iconic street, encircles the historic center of Vienna, not just as a thoroughfare but it showcases the city’s most significant buildings, each with its own unique character and charm. Later we'll walk through the old city centre and see many famous sites, pass by the world-famous Spanish Riding School—home to the majestic Lipizzaner Stallions and visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral - an architectural masterpiece of the late Middle Ages. This evening is a typical Austrian Farewell Dinner, as we bid ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to Austria.
We proceed to the airport for our direct flight to Toronto.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
