The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine

Vilshofen an der Donau is a handsome Bavarian river town where three streams converge with the Danube, its medieval market charter and Gothic Stadtturm bearing witness to eight centuries of river trade prosperity — though its most joyful claim to fame is the boisterous Vilshofen Volksfest, Bavaria's second-largest folk festival after Oktoberfest, held each June. The pastel-painted baroque townhouses and arcaded courtyards of the compact old town make for an idyllic Danube-side stroll, while the surrounding farmland and rolling hills of Lower Bavaria offer cycling routes of pastoral serenity. Summer brings the festival season; spring and autumn lend the Danube Valley its most golden and peaceful character.

Passau occupies one of Central Europe's most dramatic natural stages — a narrow peninsula at the confluence of three rivers, the Danube, Inn, and Ilz, where the old town's baroque spires and shuttered merchants' houses crowd the very tip of the land between the waters. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ, a 17,974-pipe instrument whose daily concerts fill the nave with a sound that seems architectural in its density. The Veste Oberhaus fortress above the city commands panoramic views across three countries on clear days. Passau is a classic Danube river cruise departure point; spring and early autumn, when the river runs high and the light turns golden, are the finest seasons.

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.

Austria's third city has accomplished one of Europe's most convincing urban transformations — reinventing itself from industrial centre to cultural powerhouse, a journey recognised in 2009 when it was named European Capital of Culture. The Ars Electronica Center, a museum of digital art and technology that glows with LED light across the Danube each evening, epitomises Linz's forward-looking identity. Yet the city's Roman roots, its baroque Hauptplatz (one of Austria's finest main squares), and its proximity to the Wachau Valley anchor it firmly in history. The Upper Austrian cuisine — particularly Linzer Torte, the world's oldest-documented cake recipe — is exceptional. Linz is most agreeable May through September.

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.

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.

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.

Bratislava, the only national capital bordering two sovereign states, sits sixty kilometres downstream from Vienna on the Danube — close enough for a day trip to the Austrian capital, yet possessed of its own entirely distinct character: a pastel-hued medieval old town of hidden courtyards, playful bronze statues, and hilltop castle views, where wine bars pour outstanding Slovak Riesling at prices that make the Viennese feel extravagant. The city's dramatic reinvention since 1989 has produced a dynamic, youthful culture that fills the old quarter's restaurants and concert halls with genuine warmth. Pair with Vienna or Budapest for the classic Danube river trilogy; all three cities are within two hours of each other.

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.

Budapest, divided by the Danube into the hilly Buda of thermal baths and medieval castle lanes on one bank and the grand Pest of coffee-house culture and Art Nouveau splendor on the other, delivers the most theatrical first impression of any European capital — whether approached by river as the neo-Gothic Parliament materializes from the water or by night from the Citadella's sweep of illuminated panorama below. The city's celebrated thermal bath culture, rooted in Ottoman-era hammams and perfected in palatial Secession-era pools like the Széchenyi, is an experience entirely unlike anything else in Europe. Visit spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures; Vienna is two and a half hours west by train.

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.