This 10-day tour of southern Germany and Switzerland is perfect for travelers wanting the freedom of driving while experiencing outdoor activities along the way. Kick off the trip with a Bavarian beer tour in Munich, then set off along the Romantic Road, stopping to cycle to the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle and paddleboard on Lake Constance. More adventure awaits as you cross the border into Switzerland, where you’ll kayak on Lake Brienz and e-bike through the Valley of 72 Waterfalls.
- Highlights
- Detailed Itinerary
- Book the Package
- Savor traditional Bavarian dishes and world-famous beer in Munich
- Take a scenic cycling tour to Neuschwanstein Castle
- Ride the dizzying cable car up Mount Pilatus in Lucerne
- Indulge in Swiss delicacies with cheese and chocolate tours near Gruyères
- Explore cultural sites in Geneva, Switzerland's capital
Welcome to Munich, the capital of Germany's state of Bavaria! After arriving at your hotel, take some time to rest before heading out for a delicious walking tour that takes you to the city's famous beer halls and gardens. Your local expert will lead the way as you stop and taste delicious Bavarian delicacies and will regale you with stories and legends about the city's beer-making history and traditions like Oktoberfest. Even if you're not visiting in autumn, you can still get a taste of the city's iconic beer culture and history.Begin at the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum in downtown Munich and continue to the renowned Weißes Bräuhaus to try traditional Bavarian white sausage and bretzel (pretzel). Stop at the famous Oktoberfest grounds to gain insights into the festival's origins and importance, explore the local food market's specialties, and weather permitting, unwind in a beer garden to truly appreciate Munich's atmosphere and world-famous brews. Afterward, your driver will return you to your hotel in Munich.
Today, pick up your rental car and begin an epic full-day drive through beautiful Bavaria. From Munich, make your way to Augsburg, where you'll explore the Augsburg Town Hall, the towering Perlachturm, and the Fuggerei, the world's oldest social housing complex. Continue to Friedberg, a town known for its well-preserved medieval city walls. Wander through the town center to admire the architecture of the Marienplatz and Friedberg Castle. Drive onward to Landsberg am Lech, a town on the banks of the Lech River, where you can walk through the colorful buildings and cobblestone streets.Then, visit Landsberg Castle and stroll along the Lech River promenade before stopping to marvel at Wieskirche church's ornate interior, adorned with frescoes by renowned Bavarian painter Johann Baptist Zimmermann. Finally, arrive in the charming Alpine town of Füssen. Explore the medieval streets and colorful facades of the Old Town before visiting the Füssen High Castle, which offers panoramic views of the town. Relax in a riverside park and cap off your day with a delightful Bavarian dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel in Füssen.
Get active today on a fun 3.5-hour bicycle tour through historic towns and fairy-tale castles. From Füssen, you'll cycle through its quaint streets while your tour guide shares fascinating insights into the town's centuries-old history. Admire the mountain backdrop as you make your way to your first destination, the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, for a tour. Here, you'll enjoy its fantastical architecture and learn about the castle's intriguing history and the life of King Ludwig II, who commissioned it.Continue to Hohenschwangau Castle, another impressive symbol of Bavarian history and heritage. Explore its grounds and learn about the various rulers who called this magnificent castle home. After visiting both castles, continue cycling through the Bavarian landscape to the historic Pilgrimage Church of St. Coloman. Delve into the church's rich history and admire its well-preserved architecture as you imagine the countless pilgrims who came here over the centuries. Finally, cycle back to Füssen, taking in more awe-inspiring views of the Bavarian Alps as you go.
Drive three hours west today to Konstanz, a city on the western shore of large Lake Constance, a body of water that sits on the borders of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The lake is the second-largest in Western and Central Europe (after Lake Geneva), and there are many natural and cultural attractions and activities to keep you occupied here.
To fully experience this area, get out on the water on a two-hour paddleboarding tour of Lake Constance. Admire the views of the snowcapped Alps in one direction and the colorful old architecture of the town lined up along the lakefront in the other. If you want to challenge yourself, standup paddleboarding yoga lessons are also available. After your tour, visit one of the town's spectacular landmarks, like the RheinTorterm tower, or head to your accommodation to relax.
Today you'll make the two-hour scenic drive west to Switzerland's Lucerne, a town on the western side of Lake Lucerne. A great way to introduce yourself to the town and the lake is a trip up to the summit of Mount Pilatus, Lucerne's local mountain. Start with a boat ride to Alpnachstad, then ascend the mountain on the world's steepest cogwheel railway, enjoying views and leisure facilities at the summit.Next, descend the mountain by hopping onto the "Dragon Ride" aerial cableway to Fräkmüntegg. This thrilling ride offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape. Once at Fräkmüntegg, you'll switch to a gondola, which will take you to Kriens. From there, complete your circular journey by returning to Lucerne aboard a modern trolley bus. For a kid-friendly activity, make a stop at Fräkmüntegg's rope park, where the whole family can enjoy thrills, speed, and testing their agility at the largest rope park in central Switzerland. After your full day of adventuring, settle into your hotel in Lucerne.
Get back on the road and head an hour southeast to Interlaken, named for its position between two lakes. While here, you'll join a three-hour guided kayaking adventure on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, surrounded by a mountain panorama. There's an option to begin in the morning, early afternoon, or early evening depending on other activities you may want to include while here. As you launch your kayaks from Bönigen and paddle along the north shore, you'll be treated to views of the surrounding cliffs.Along your kayaking route, you may come across hidden and secluded beaches, perfect for taking a break, enjoying the tranquil surroundings, and even swimming. One of the highlights of the trip is the 12th-century Ringgenberg Castle. You'll be able to admire this historic castle from your kayak as it stands on the shore of Lake Brienz—use this opportunity to take photos and learn about the castle's history. After your tour, make your way back to the town of Interlaken, where you'll spend the night.
Drive 30 minutes through the Swiss countryside to reach the area around the village of Lauterbrunnen, which is famous for its many dramatic and waterfalls. Then, set off on a six-hour e-bike adventure through the forests alongside the Lütschine River and through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, leading to Lauterbrunnen, home to the Valley of 72 Waterfalls and surrounded by high peaks. Visit Trümmelbach Falls, located inside the mountain, to witness the sheer power of nature as thousands of gallons of water thunder through the narrow gorge per second, creating a dramatic spectacle.
Your guide will provide valuable insights into this natural marvel and offer recommendations for other must-see spots in Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, and the entire Jungfrau Region. Halfway through your excursion, you'll enjoy a delightful Swiss picnic featuring regional delicacies, such as sausage and cheese. This will provide a much-needed break and an opportunity to recharge your batteries before continuing your exploration. Later, head back to Interlaken to tuck into your accommodation for the night.
Day 8: Food Tour in Gruyères, Drive to Montreux
Foodies, get ready for a full-day tour of a local cheese factory in Gruyères to learn about Switzerland's rich culinary heritage. Keep an eye out for the iconic black-and-white cows that provide the milk for the world-famous Gruyère cheese on your scenic drive through the landscapes of Fribourg Canton, all the way to the medieval village of Gruyères. Upon arrival, your first stop will be a local cheese factory, where you'll enjoy a guided tour that reveals the secrets of this delicious cheese, followed by a mouthwatering tasting experience.
Next, you'll have time to explore Gruyères on your own, starting with the 13th-century Gruyères Castle, a Swiss heritage site. Take in the views of the Sarine Valley and wander through the cobblestoned streets. Afterward, you'll be whisked away to another gem of Swiss cuisine: chocolate. In the nearby town of Broc, visit the renowned Maison Cailler chocolate museum. It's an interactive, multi-sensory experience that includes a chocolate-tasting session, where you can even create your own personalized chocolate bar. From here, make the 40-minute drive south to Montreux, located on the shores of the vast Lake Geneva.
Day 9: Drive to Geneva, Cultural City Tour
Skirt Lake Geneva today as you drive 1.5 hours to Geneva, the Swiss capital. Here you'll set out on a tour that takes you through the history of the city's diplomatic ties and its ongoing commitment to promoting global peace and cooperation. Start at the iconic Flower Clock, a symbol of Geneva's green spaces and environmental conservation, then venture into the Old Town, visiting the historic square of Place du Bourg-de-Four, the 12th-century Gothic St. Peter's Cathedral, and the house-turned-museum of Maison Tavel. You'll also stop in at Les Armures, a restaurant and hotel known for its traditional Swiss cuisine.
Learn about the city's role in shaping the Protestant Reformation as you continue to the Reformer's Wall, a monument commemorating the movement's influential figures. Then, make your way to Place-de-Neuve, a bustling square surrounded by cultural institutions such as the Grand Theatre and the colonnaded Rath Museum, which is dedicated to art. Finish at Place des Nations, the epicenter of Geneva's diplomatic community, where you can marvel at the imposing United Nations building and other important international organizations that call Geneva home.
Your grand tour of Germany and Switzerland comes to an end today! Depending on your departure time, squeeze in one last stroll along the banks of Lake Geneva or some last-minute souvenir shopping. At the appropriate hour, head to the airport or train station for your onward journey. Bon voyage!
