The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine

The port of Vienna is a cultural gem along the Danube River, famous for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene. Must-do experiences include sampling authentic Wiener Schnitzel and visiting the picturesque village of Dürnstein. The best season to visit is spring or early fall, when the city's gardens bloom and outdoor activities abound.

The port of Vienna is a cultural gem along the Danube River, famous for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene. Must-do experiences include sampling authentic Wiener Schnitzel and visiting the picturesque village of Dürnstein. The best season to visit is spring or early fall, when the city's gardens bloom and outdoor activities abound.

Krems an der Donau has stood at the eastern gateway of the Wachau Valley — Austria's most beautiful stretch of the Danube — since Emperor Otto III granted it market rights in 995 AD, making it one of the country's oldest documented towns. The UNESCO-listed Wachau landscape surrounding the city is a masterpiece of vineyard terraces, Baroque abbeys, and medieval castles reflected in the river; the Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines produced here are among Austria's finest. Must-dos include visiting the monumental Melk Abbey and cycling the Danube Cycle Path through the valley. Krems is most enchanting April through October, with the harvest season in September offering wine cellar tastings of exceptional depth.

Mondsee, the "Moon Lake" town in Austria’s Salzkammergut, is home to the baroque basilica made famous by The Sound of Music, UNESCO-listed prehistoric pile dwellings, and one of the region’s warmest swimming lakes. Must-dos include the Guggenbichler baroque altarpieces in St. Michael’s, swimming in the crystal-clear lake, and tasting Mondseer cheese with Salzkammergut pastries. Visit May through September for lake swimming, or December for the atmospheric Christmas market.

Salzburg is a baroque masterpiece set against the Eastern Alps, where Mozart's birthplace, the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress, and one of Europe's oldest restaurants create a cultural tapestry unlike any other Austrian city. Visitors should not miss the Salzburger Nockerl soufflé at a centuries-old dining room and an evening concert in one of the Altstadt's intimate recital halls. The city is magnificent year-round, though late spring through early autumn — particularly during the Salzburg Festival in July and August — offers the finest confluence of weather, culture, and river cruising conditions.

Salzburg is a baroque masterpiece set against the Eastern Alps, where Mozart's birthplace, the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress, and one of Europe's oldest restaurants create a cultural tapestry unlike any other Austrian city. Visitors should not miss the Salzburger Nockerl soufflé at a centuries-old dining room and an evening concert in one of the Altstadt's intimate recital halls. The city is magnificent year-round, though late spring through early autumn — particularly during the Salzburg Festival in July and August — offers the finest confluence of weather, culture, and river cruising conditions.

Innsbruck is the Habsburg Alpine capital where a medieval old town with a golden-roofed imperial palace sits beneath the dramatic Nordkette mountain range, accessible from the city center by Zaha Hadid-designed funicular in under twenty minutes. Must-do experiences include riding the Hungerburgbahn to the Seegrube viewpoint, tasting Tiroler Gröstl at a traditional Gasthaus with mountain views, and visiting the Swarovski Crystal Worlds' subterranean art chambers. Winter offers skiing and enchanting Christmas markets, while summer provides hiking and warm-weather exploration—making Innsbruck a compelling year-round destination at the crossroads of the Alps.

St. Moritz, a luxurious Swiss alpine resort, is famous for its winter sports and stunning landscapes. Must-do experiences include savoring local dishes like "Capuns" and exploring the charming markets. The best season to visit is winter, when the town transforms into a snowy wonderland, ideal for skiing and other activities.

Chur is Switzerland's oldest city and the gateway to the Glacier Express and Bernina Express scenic railways, set in the upper Rhine Valley amid the multilingual Alpine culture of Graubunden canton. Must-dos include exploring the medieval Altstadt and hilltop cathedral, tasting Bundnerfleisch and capuns, and boarding one of the world's great train journeys. May through October offers the best mountain weather and full access to rail excursions.

Tasch is the gateway village to car-free Zermatt and the iconic Matterhorn in Switzerland’s Valais canton. Must-dos include riding the Gornergrat Railway to 3,089 meters for panoramic glacier views, savoring authentic raclette in a traditional mountain restaurant, and hiking the Five Lakes Trail. Visit June through September for wildflower hiking, or December through April for world-class skiing.

Zermatt, Switzerland, is a picturesque alpine port known for its stunning views of the Matterhorn and rich mountaineering history. Must-do experiences include savoring local dishes such as Raclette and Fondue, and exploring nearby attractions like Grindelwald and Gruyeres. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant for hiking and outdoor activities.

Zermatt, Switzerland, is a picturesque alpine port known for its stunning views of the Matterhorn and rich mountaineering history. Must-do experiences include savoring local dishes such as Raclette and Fondue, and exploring nearby attractions like Grindelwald and Gruyeres. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant for hiking and outdoor activities.

The port of Bern is a historic gateway to Switzerland, renowned for its medieval architecture and as the nation's capital. Must-do experiences include savoring traditional dishes like Rösti and exploring nearby attractions, such as the picturesque villages of Gruyères and Grindelwald. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is ideal for enjoying the city's outdoor charm and surrounding landscapes.