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 and enjoy a scenic drive to Bregenz, Austria, where we check in for our six-night stay. This afternoon, we gather for a welcome drink and a brief orientation of the area.
This morning we’ll have a walking tour of the town, followed by some free time to explore, or to join an optional mountain excursion or lake cruise. This evening, we gather for our Welcome Dinner!
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 lunch included. We 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.
Crossing into Switzerland, we first visit Heiden and the Henri Dunant Museum, named after the founder of the Red Cross. Next, we enjoy a stroll through the charming village of Appenzell before continuing to Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, to see one of the world’s smallest parliamentary monarchies.
We explore the rolling hills of the Bregenz Forest, known for quaint villages, wellness spas, and fine dairy products. Weather permitting, we ride a cable car from Bezau to Sonderdach for spectacular views, and visit a local cheese maker for a demonstration and tasting.
We take a panoramic train ride across Austria, passing green pastures and snow-capped mountains, arriving in Graz. Austria's second-largest city, Graz still retains its small-town charm.
On our orientation walk of Graz, we visit Schlossberg, the tree-covered fortress in the city center. We also pass the Landhaus with its Italian Renaissance courtyard, Hauptplatz, Dom, the Habsburg Mausoleum, and the medieval Burg, famous for its double spiral staircase, taking in the highlights of this charming city.
(Wine Region). On today’s excursion of 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 in Graz to relax or join an optional tour.
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.
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.
Experience the grandeur of Vienna as we tour the opulent Ringstrasse, passing iconic landmarks including the State Opera House, Hofburg Palace, Parliament, Rathaus, and the Museum Quarter. This magnificent boulevard encircles the historic centre, revealing the city’s rich architectural heritage. Later, stroll the old town, marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and glimpse the world-famous Spanish Riding School. Our Farewell Dinner at Schönbrunn Palace features a private tour and an enchanting classical concert, celebrating the timeless masterpieces of Viennese music.
Spend a full day discovering Vienna your way! Watch the magnificent Lipizzaner horses in action, explore Belvedere Palace with Gustav Klimt’s Art Nouveau masterpieces, or indulge in a Sacher torte and Viennese coffee at the legendary Sacher Hotel. In the evening, delight in a classic Austrian dinner as we say “Auf Wiedersehen”!
Direct flight home to Toronto.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 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).
