15-day Germany, Austria, Switzerland Tour
15-day tour featuring Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Munich, Tyrol, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vaduz in Liechtenstein, Lucerne, Rhine Falls, Black Forest, Heidelberg, and Rüdesheim. Travel to the land of fairy-tale villages, medieval castles, pristine lakes, and stunning alpine vistas. Multiple-night stays in six endearing towns including "Sound of Music" sites in and around Salzburg. Sip ale from a stein at Munich’s festive Oktoberfest fairgrounds (on select departures)and see the Golden Roof balcony built for royalty in imperial Innsbruck. Take a cable car ride in the Swiss Alps (optional excursion), witness Europe’s largest waterfall at Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen, and see where cuckoo clocks are hand-crafted in the Black Forest. Join us for an unforgettable journey! Highest Elevation: Tours may take the Gerlos Pass which is 4,921 feet or the Arlberg Pass at 5,883 feet. Hotels in Austria and Switzerland are located as high as 3,500 feet. Walking Expectations: “Active” - An average of 3 1/2 miles per day often encountering uneven surfaces, steps and inclines.
| 2025 Departure Dates | Price* | |
|---|---|---|
| Sep-22-2025 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $4,340 pp |
Tour Year 2025
DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Europe.
Today begins your Germany, Austria, Switzerland adventure. The Image Tours “Departure Instructions” will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport – Bavaria.
Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” for directions on where and when to meet your Tour Manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach for a ride through the Main River Valley and the Franconian Wine Region on the way to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. Get acquainted with your fellow tour participants during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Nuremberg – Rothenburg – Bavaria.
Your bus transfer into the city center introduces you to the history of Nuremberg. Hitler staged his propaganda rallies here, and after his fall, Nuremberg was chosen as the location for the War Trials. For additional insight, visit the Documentation Center at the site of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds (admission fee). If you prefer a lighter subject, enter the Toy Museum (admission fee), celebrating Nuremberg’s tradition as the “City of Toys.” Spend the afternoon in the enchanting medieval village of Rothenburg. When you see the well-preserved walls, cobblestone streets, distinctive inns, and Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Weihnachtsdorf (a whimsical Christmas shop), it feels as if you are walking into a fairy tale. Return to your hotel for an authentic German dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Munich & AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos.
Travel to the Bavarian capital of Munich for a panoramic city tour, including views of the Olympic Village, the Bohemian district of Schwabing and the Königsplatz. Walk through the pedestrian-only Marienplatz (main square) with the Rathaus (Town Hall) and its captivating Glockenspiel (clock tower). In late September, spend the majority of your free time experiencing the festivities of Oktoberfest at the fairgrounds. This afternoon, as you cross into Austria and drive through the province of Salzburg, admire the mountain-fed rivers and flower-laden meadows. Arrive in the village of Filzmoos, and enjoy Austrian hospitality during dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - AUSTRIA . . Salzburg - Filzmoos.
The entire day focuses on the province of Salzburg with special attention to the sites made famous by the “Sound of Music.” Visit Mondsee to see the church where they filmed the wedding of Maria and Captain Von Trapp. In the city of Salzburg, stop at the gazebo that was used to film Liesl singing “16 going on 17” and Mirabell Gardens where several “Do Re Mi” scenes were filmed. The walking tour includes Residenz Square where Maria sings “I Have Confidence in Me.” Spend the afternoon shopping in the charming pedestrian-only area of the Old Town, exploring the Salzburg High Fortress, or visiting Mozart’s Birthplace (admission fee). Take a stroll through Saint Peter's Abbey and Cemetery where, in the movie, the Von Trapp family hides from the Nazis. After an independent dinner, return to your hotel in Filzmoos. (Breakfast)
DAY 6 - AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos.
The day is at your leisure. Choose from an abundance of mountain paths for an exhilarating hike or bike ride with awe-inspiring panoramas. Or, simply relax in your Austrian village surrounded by the boundless splendor of the Alps. This afternoon, your tour manager will invite you for an optional Eagle’s Nest excursion (see Optional Excursions), combining history with incredible views. Rejoin your group for a traditional Austrian dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7 - AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck – Tyrolean Village.
Admire the glorious scenery during your drive to Innsbruck, capital of Tyrol. The Golden Roof, the symbol of Innsbruck, is decorated with 2,657 copper shingles. Completed in 1500, Maximillian I commissioned the building of this covered balcony to celebrate his wedding and used it as a royal box to view the entertainment in the square below. You will have time to shop for the famed Swarovski Crystal and to explore the old city center with the Maria Theresien Boulevard, Triumphal Arch and exquisite Imperial Church. Your chalet-style hotel for the next two nights is located in a Tyrolean Village a short distance from Innsbruck. Choose a local restaurant for your independent dinner or join the optional Tyrolean Show & Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions) for a light-hearted presentation of Austrian folklore, music and dancing. (Breakfast)
DAY 8 - AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village near Innsbruck.
Tucked into the valleys around Innsbruck, the peaceful Tyrolean villages are the perfect location for a relaxing day. Frescoed and flower-adorned chalets create an idyllic alpine atmosphere as you walk through town. Viewed from an outdoor café or along one of the numerous hiking paths, the Tyrolean Alps present breathtaking scenery. If you wish to return to Innsbruck, hotel staff can advise on local transportation, or you can choose the full-day optional Neuschwanstein & Linderhof excursion (see Optional Excursions). At the end of the day, return to your Tyrolean hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9 - LIECHTENSTEIN . . Vaduz & SWITZERLAND . . Swiss Alps.
Depending on the weather, depart Austria by way of the Arlberg Pass or through the engineering masterpiece of the Arlberg Tunnel. Following a stop in Vaduz, the capital city of Liechtenstein, cross the border into Switzerland. For the next two nights you will stay in a cozy village surrounded by the Swiss Alps. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10 - SWITZERLAND . . Stans – Lucerne – Swiss Alps.
Stop in the old mountain village of Stans for the optional Swiss Mountain excursion (see Optional Excursions), offering thrilling panoramic views by funicular and cable car. You will have a full afternoon to discover Lucerne’s picturesque covered bridge, famous Lion Monument and other special treasures. The soaring mountain peaks of Rigi and Pilatus standing guard over Lake Lucerne, creating one of the most imposing sights in Europe. Before returning to your hotel for dinner, consider joining your tour manager for an optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11 - SWITZERLAND . . Schaffhausen Rhine Falls & GERMANY . . Black Forest.
After a Swiss breakfast, travel north to the impressive and powerful Rhine River Falls, near the town of Schaffhausen. An extended visit allows time for an independent lunch and to see the falls by boat (admission fee) or from viewing platforms accessible on foot by paths and stairways. Return to Germany for a two-night stay in the renowned Black Forest. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12 - GERMANY . . Black Forest.
Escape modern life and behold the natural beauty of the rustic villages nestled between the thickly wooded mountains. The history of the Black Forest come to life while visiting some of the region’s treasured highlights. See the waterfall of Triberg, the Schwarzwaldmuseum (Black Forest Museum), and the clock shop of a local artisan. This is your chance to examine authentic hand-carved and hand-detailed Black Forest cuckoo clocks. During an independent dinner, become better acquainted with this lovely area. (Breakfast)
DAY 13 - GERMANY . . Heidelberg – Rüdesheim.
Winding past peaceful villages and farmhouses, depart the Black Forest on the way to historic Heidelberg, situated in the Neckar Valley. This famous university town is immortalized in the operetta “The Student Prince.” Walk through the Old Town or take the funicular (admission fee) for a close-up look at the ruins of Heidelberg’s red sandstone castle. Continue to your hotel in Rüdesheim. Located among the vineyards of the Rhine wine region, Rüdesheim is known for its festive atmosphere. An independent dinner presents the chance to try Federweisser (feather wine) with Zwiebelkuchen (onion cake) while enjoying Rüdesheim’s tradition of live music and merriment. (Breakfast)
DAY 14 - GERMANY . . Rüdesheim.
A full day in Rüdesheim provides the opportunity to walk along the attractive Rhine River promenade and the enchanting Drosselgasse, the main shopping street. You may wish to join the optional Rhine Cruise & Cable Car excursion (see Optional Excursions), offering magnificent views of the Rhine River Valley. During tonight’s “Farewell Dinner,” celebrate the highlights of your journey with your fellow passengers. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 15 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer to the Frankfurt Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Europe.
Overnight flight from the U.S.A to Europe.
DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport – Bavaria.
Arrive at Frankfurt Airport in Germany. Board your motor coach for a scenic ride (1¾ hrs) through the Main River Valley Region. Then continue (1½ hrs) to the festive state of Bavaria for a two-night stay. Welcome dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Nuremberg – Rothenburg – Bavaria.
Start the day with a panoramic tour (1½ hrs) of Nuremberg followed by independent sightseeing. Transfer (1½ hrs) to the beautifully-preserved, medieval village of Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, where you will spend the afternoon. Return (1½ hrs) to your Bavaria hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Munich & AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos.
Motor to your morning stop (1½ hrs) on the way to the elegant Bavarian Capital of Munich for a panoramic city tour (1½ hrs), followed by free time at the pedestrian-only square of the old town (Marienplatz). Make a short stop (1½ hrs) near the German/Austrian border before traveling (1½ hrs) through the scenic Alps. The charming mountain village of Filzmoos will host you for a three-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - AUSTRIA . . Salzburg - Filzmoos.
The entire day focuses on the province of Salzburg with sights made famous by the “Sound of Music.” Begin with a stop in Mondsee (1¼ hrs) and views of the Van Trapp Home (¼ hr) followed by a tour of Salzburg (1¼ hrs). This afternoon provides additional time to explore this historic city and have an independent dinner before returning to your hotel (1 hr). (Breakfast)
DAY 6 - AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos.
The day is at your leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. In the afternoon join the optional Eagle's Nest excursion (1½ hr transfer each way), to Hitler's mountain hide-away. Return to your hotel for a traditional Austrian dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7 - AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck – Tyrolean Village.
Admire the scenery as you drive from the region of Salzburg to Tyrol (2½ hrs), stopping for a short morning break. Continue (2 hrs) to the beautifully-situated imperial city of Innsbruck. Spend the afternoon in Innsbruck's Old Town. Toward dinner time, proceed (½ hr) to a Tyrolean village for a two-night stay. Have an independent dinner or join the optional Tyrolean Show & Dinner excursion (½ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast)
DAY 8 - AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village near Innsbruck.
Enjoy a free day in your peaceful Tyrolean village or join the full-day optional Neuschwanstein & Linderhof excursion which includes travel to Neuschwanstein Castle (2 hrs), Linderhof Palace (1¼ hrs), and a return to your Tyrolean hotel (1½ hrs). (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9 - LIECHTENSTEIN . . Vaduz & SWITZERLAND . . Swiss Alps.
This morning travel through breathtaking scenery (1½ hrs). After a morning stop, continue (1½ hrs) to Vaduz in the tiny principality of Liechtenstein. Cross the border into Switzerland (1½ hrs) for a stop in one of the charming towns. Proceed (½ hr) to your hotel in the beautiful Swiss Alps for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10 - SWITZERLAND . . Stans – Lucerne – Swiss Alps.
Travel (1 hr) to the mountain resort of Stans, with the opportunity to take an optional Swiss Mountain funicular ride. Continue to Lucerne (½ hr) for sightseeing and the optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion. Return (1 hr) to your hotel in the Swiss Alps. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11 - SWITZERLAND . . Schaffhausen Rhine Falls & GERMANY . . Black Forest.
After breakfast, travel north to Zurich (1½ hrs). Continue (1 hr) to Schaffhausen for a view of the imposing Rhine River Falls. Next, cross the German border, enter the enchanting Black Forest region and head to your hotel (1½ hrs) for an included group dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12 - GERMANY . . Black Forest.
The landscape and history of the Black Forest come to life while visiting some of the region's treasured highlights such as the waterfall of Triberg, the Schwarzwaldmuseum (Black Forest Museum), and a local artisan's clock shop (Travel times between stops varies from ½ hr to 1 hr). Return (½ hr) to your hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 13 - GERMANY. . Heidelberg – Rüdesheim.
Travel (1½ hrs) through the northern part of the Black Forest. Continue (2 hrs) to historic Heidelberg to visit the Old Town. Late afternoon ride (1¾ hrs) to Rüdesheim, located on the Rhine River, for a two-night stay. (Breakfast)
DAY 14 - GERMANY . . Rüdesheim.
The wine village of Rüdesheim is known for its festive appearance and laid-back lifestyle. For your last day in Europe, relax in Rüdesheim, or consider the optional Rhine Cruise & Cable Car excursion (¾ hr transfer), featuring a 2½-hour boat ride on the romantic Rhine River and a cable car ride for views of the scenic Rhine valley. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 15 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer to the Frankfurt Airport (1½ hrs) for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
- Walk on the walls surrounding the medieval town of Rothenburg
- Experience Munich's lively Oktoberfest when traveling in late September
- Relive the “Sound of Music” as you visit movie sites in Salzburg
- See the Golden Roof balcony built for royalty in imperial Innsbruck
- Take a cable car ride in the unsurpassed splendor of the Swiss Alps
- Witness Europe’s largest waterfall at Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen
- See where cuckoo clocks are hand-crafted in the Black Forest
- Get a spectacular view of Heidelberg from its hilltop castle
- Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class or First Class hotels
- 13 Breakfasts and 9 Dinners in addition to any in-flight meals
- Tour Manager for the full duration of the tour within Europe
- Land Transportation in Europe by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach
- Image Tours Touroclopedia® trip preparation tips
- Trip Documents with final details and travel guidance
Richard T.
September 19, 2019Thomas & Janice W.
September 26, 2019The Availability, Departure Dates, and Rates are for illustration and planning purposes only. Since final pricing and single availability can only be confirmed with a travel agent, steps 4 & 5 of this on-line booking module is reserved for your travel agent only. (Please Call) indicates that we still have some tour availability; however, you should have your travel agent call our office to confirm air availability.
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Upcoming Departures
Meiser Design Hotel
Dinkelsbühl, Germany- Hair Dryer
- Mini-Bar/Fridge
- Free WIFI
- In-Room Safe
- TV
- Lift Accessible
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Spa
- Fitness Area
Alpenhotel Wurzer
Filzmoos, Austria- hairdryer
- cable TV
- balcony
- in-room safe
- free WIFI
- restaurant
- terrace
Hotel-Gasthof Purner
Thaur bei Innsbruck, Austria- hairdryer
- free WIFI
- in-room safe
- elevator
- restaurant
- sauna
Hotel Eierhals Royal
Morgarten, Switzerland- hairdryer
- TV
- free WIFI
- in-room safe
- elevator
- restaurant
Hotel Crystal
Engelberg, Switzerland- Hairdryer
- TV
- mini-bar
- free WIFI
- Elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- sauna
- terrace
Central Hotel Freiburg
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- TV
- mini-bar
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- safety deposit box at reception
Hotel Felsenkeller
Rüdesheim, Germany- hairdryer
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- safety deposit box at reception
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DETAILS
$0.00Our tours are carefully planned to offer a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment and leisure time. Optional Excursions provide the flexibility to choose between leisure time or additional guided sightseeing activities. Unless otherwise noted, optional excursions must be booked with and paid to your tour manager during the tour. Prices are in U.S. Dollars. MASTERCARD®, VISA®, or DISCOVER® (no other credit cards are accepted) are recommended to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. You must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager. If you bring a DISCOVER® card, also bring a VISA® or MASTERCARD®, as DISCOVER® is not widely accepted in Europe. Cash payments during the tour must be in Euros. Personal checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted. The operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes or cancel excursions at their sole discretion.
EAGLE'S NEST
11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $85.00Visit Hitler’s former hideaway, known as the Eagle’s Nest. Upon arrival in Berchtesgaden, Germany, a mountain bus takes you on a breathtaking drive up a steep, winding road. An elevator built into the mountain brings you to the top, where you will have impressive panoramic views over both Austria and Germany. Operation of this excursion is subject to favorable weather conditions. In the case of halted bus operation, we will substitute a visit to the Obersalzburg Documentation Center.
TYROLEAN SHOW & DINNER
6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. $85.00Begin the evening with a typical Austrian dinner, including your choice of beer, wine or soft drink. After dinner, the Gundolf Family welcomes you at their theater in Innsbruck to present Tyrolean Folklore through a series of entertaining performances. The show features customary clothing, traditional songs, unique dances, amusing instruments and expert yodeling.
NEUSCHWANSTEIN & LINDERHOF
8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $80.00Visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, inspiration for the Disney castle. A 30-minute walk up hill and a 45-minute tour scaling several winding staircases with over 300 steps, is rewarded by a fascinating look at the castle's intriguing design. In the late afternoon, tour the extravagant French rococo interior of the Linderhof Palace. (maximum elevation 4,000 feet)
SWISS MOUNTAIN
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. $70.00Reach the summit of Mount Stanserhorn (elevation 6,232 feet) by both funicular train and the world’s only open-top cable car. At the highest stop, enjoy the panoramic views from the terrace, take a walk along the paths, and snap pictures of the magnificent alpine vistas. This excursion is subject to favorable weather and cable car operation, and may be rescheduled or cancelled. In some cases, another mountain may be substituted.
SWISS LAKE BOAT RIDE
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. $55.00Board a steamer for a scenic ride on Lake Lucerne. The lake borders four cantons (states) of Switzerland and, for this reason, is also known as Vierwaldstättersee ("Lake of the Four Forest Cantons"). Your cruise will provide splendid views of the surroundings, comprised of mountain cliffs rising up to 5,000 feet, picturesque villages, and gorgeous lakeside resort homes.
BLACK FOREST CAKE WORKSHOP
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. $65.00The famous regional dessert takes center stage as you work with a professional to assembe your own delicious Black Forest Cake. All the ingredients are provided and you are artfully guided through the assembly and decorating process. At the conclussion of the visit, taste your creatation and recieve a copy of the recipe to make at home.
RHINE CRUISE & CABLE CAR
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. $75.00Cruise past medieval fortresses, enchanting villages and hillside vineyards along the Rhine River. Back on land, take a guided tour of the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. End the excursion with a cable car ride up to the Niederwald Monument, affording beautiful views of the Rhine River Valley.