Europe - 11 nights - Munich, Salzburg, Zell am See, Innsbruck and Zurich

Bavarian Alps & Lakes Escape: Munich, Salzburg, Zell am See, Innsbruck & Zurich

Passengers: 2 adults, 0 children

Itinerary and included services

• Upper Bavaria, Germany – 2 nights
• Hotel: Hotel München City Center affiliated by Meliá
• Highlights: Historic Munich Old Town, Bavarian beer gardens, day trip options to Neuschwanstein or the Alpine foothills.
• Private arrival transfer – Munich
• Route: Franz Josef Strauss München Airport → Hotel München City Center affiliated by Meliá
• Vehicle type: CAR (comfortable private transfer for 2 adults, luggage assistance included).
• Salzburg, Austria – 2 nights
• Hotel: NH Collection Salzburg City
• Highlights: UNESCO-listed Old Town, Mozart heritage, Mirabell Gardens, optional Sound of Music tour.
• Zell am See, Austria – 3 nights
• Hotel: Grand Hotel Zell Am See (lakeside setting)
• Highlights: Lake Zell promenade, alpine hiking, panoramic viewpoints, optional glacier visit at Kitzsteinhorn (Kaprun).
• Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria – 2 nights
• Hotel: AC Hotel by Marriott Innsbruck
• Highlights: Medieval city center, Golden Roof, Nordkette cable car with sweeping Alpine views, Tyrolean cuisine.
• Zurich, Switzerland – 2 nights
• Hotel: Novotel Zurich City West
• Highlights: Zurich Old Town, lakeside walks, Bahnhofstrasse shopping, easy access to nearby mountain or lake excursions.
• Private departure transfer – Zurich
• Route: Novotel Zurich City West → Zurich city/central area
• Vehicle type: CAR (door-to-door transfer, ideal for catching an onward train or flight).
• Theme: Europe – Alpine & cultural cities
• A balanced journey combining iconic European cities with serene lakes and mountain landscapes across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Trip overview

This curated European itinerary is designed for two adults seeking a mix of culture, scenery and relaxation across the heart of the Alps. You begin in Munich, immersing yourselves in Bavarian traditions before continuing to the baroque charm of Salzburg. The journey then leads you into the mountains, with an extended stay on the shores of Lake Zell in Zell am See, followed by the Alpine elegance of Innsbruck and a stylish finale in cosmopolitan Zurich.

Throughout the trip, centrally located hotels provide easy access to each city’s main sights, while the lakes and peaks of Upper Bavaria, Tyrol and the Swiss region around Zurich offer plentiful opportunities for gentle walks, panoramic viewpoints and memorable day trips. Private transfers at the beginning and end of your journey ensure a smooth, comfortable travel experience, allowing you to focus fully on exploring, dining and enjoying the European alpine ambiance together.

Recommended guides and books to prepare your journey

• Guidebooks:
• “DK Eyewitness Travel: Munich & the Bavarian Alps” – excellent visual maps and city walks.
• “Rick Steves Best of Germany” – practical tips for Munich and nearby excursions.
• “Lonely Planet Austria” – detailed sections on Salzburg, Zell am See and Innsbruck.
• “Lonely Planet Switzerland” – clear coverage of Zurich and suggested day trips.
• Regional inspiration & planning:
• “Europe’s High Points” – an overview of Alpine regions and scenic viewpoints.
• Official tourism websites: Visit Munich, Salzburg.info, Zell am See-Kaprun, Innsbruck Tourismus, Zürich Tourism for up-to-date events, local passes and transport information.
• Culture & background reading:
• “Mozart: A Life” (Maynard Solomon) – to enrich your Salzburg visit.
• “The Alps: A Human History from Hannibal to Heidi and Beyond” (Stephen O’Shea) – for historical context on the regions you will traverse.