Italy and Switzerland with Alsace and Fairy Tale Route End Vienna (2026)

Day 1

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.

Day 2

In the morning, we’ll take a three-hour guided tour of the Eternal City, combining a walking tour of Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride to admire one of the oldest and most influential cities in Western civilization. During the tour, we’ll see highlights such as the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant’Angelo.The tour will end at VATICAN CITY around 11:00 a.m. Afterward, our guide will offer an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.At the end of the day, we’ll include a transfer to the popular Trastevere neighborhood, known for its cozy restaurants and lively atmosphere. Return to the hotel will be around 8:30 p.m.

Day 3

Free day. If you wish, you’ll have the option to join an optional excursion. From April to October, enjoy a visit to the island of Capri; from November to March, discover Naples and Pompeii.

Day 4

Today we will leave ROME and head north, enjoying the beautiful landscapes along the way. We will arrive in FLORENCE, where we will go directly to the Michelangelo Viewpoint, which offers an impressive panoramic view of the city. Afterward, we will walk to the historic city center, where, after some free time for lunch, we will take a guided walking tour with a local guide of Tuscany’s capital—one of the most visited cities in the country, considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to some of the most influential artists and thinkers in history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael.Highlights include the Gothic cathedral (the Duomo), the ancient stone bridge Ponte Vecchio with its traditional goldsmith shops, and Piazza della Signoria—the political heart of the city, featuring the medieval town hall.The rest of the afternoon will be free.Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the visit to Florence.

Day 5

We’ll leave Florence early and head towards northern Italy, crossing the Apennines. In Venice, we’ll take a boat transfer to the city center for a walking tour of the San Marco district, where you’ll see the Basilica and the Campanile. We’ll also visit a Murano Glass Factory to admire traditional glass-working techniques. Accommodation will be in the Mestre area.

Day 6

Day 7

We’ll depart from Zurich and travel to Basel, a key city on the banks of the Rhine at the intersection of Germany and France. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the old town, with its standout Town Hall Square and the impressive Cathedral that overlooks the Rhine River. Next, we’ll continue to Alsace, a French region historically contested between France and Germany. Alsace preserves its own German dialect, Alsatian, and features architecture and traditions with strong Germanic roots. We’ll stop in Colmar, a city renowned for its unique architecture, with colorful wooden houses and charming canals. Colmar is also famous for its white wine and excellent cuisine. You’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely walk through the city. In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of Alsace’s most beautiful villages: Riquewihr, a medieval town with cobblestone streets and colorful houses that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale—and were, in fact, the inspiration for scenes in Beauty and the Beast. We’ll arrive in Strasbourg in the evening. We suggest taking a walk through the Cathedral and Petite France areas, both filled with charming spots and cozy restaurants.

Day 8

We’ll start our day in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and home to the European Parliament. The city’s historic center is a true gem, with its charming medieval streets, a stunning Gothic cathedral, and picturesque canals lined with flowers. We’ll include a boat trip through the canals of Petite France to fully appreciate this beautiful area. Afterward, we’ll cross into Germany, passing through the scenic mountain landscapes and towns of the Black Forest. In Freiburg, you’ll have time for lunch and a walk through this lively university city, known for its medieval center and impressive cathedral. We’ll then continue through the Black Forest to Triberg, one of the most picturesque towns in the region, famous for its cuckoo clocks. We’ll include admission to the Triberg Waterfalls, Germany’s highest waterfalls, which we´ll reach via a lovely walking path. Next, we’ll make a quick stop so you can take some pictures of Gengenbach, a charming town with a beautiful central square, before heading to Baden-Baden for the night. This spa town, once a favorite retreat for European nobility and the upper bourgeoisie, still exudes an air of elegance with its casinos, architecture, and parks.

Day 9

We’ll begin the day with some free time in Baden-Baden for a relaxing stroll through its lovely parks before we head to Rhineland-Palatinate. Our first stop will be Speyer, a historic city along the Rhine River. Here, you can explore the grand Romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through the old quarter, where Alte Münze stands out. We’ll then make our way to Heidelberg, where a cable car will take us up to the impressive castle, offering breathtaking views over the city (tickets included). Your ticket includes access to the castle’s gardens, wineries, and the apothecary museum. Afterward, you’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely walk through the old town, including the Marktplatz. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Frankfurt, a bustling financial center known for its modern skyscrapers, historic old town, scenic views of the Rhine River, and vibrant nightlife. In a typical beer garden located in the historic heart of the city, Römerberg Square, we’ll enjoy a tasting of a classic German specialty: beer paired with Frankfurt sausage and sauerkraut.

Day 10

Today, we’ll explore the Rhine and Moselle Valleys, two rivers full of history and dotted with charming villages. We´ll begin with a short cruise on the Rhine, between the villages of Rüdesheim and Sankt Goar, undoubtedly the most picturesque section of the river. Next, we’ll head to the Moselle River, stopping for lunch in Cochem, a picturesque village on the Rhine riverbank overlooked by its imposing castle, which dates back over a thousand years. Afterward, we’ll travel to Cologne, where you´ll have time to visit its impressive Gothic cathedral. Standing at 154 meters tall, it was the tallest building in the world until the late 19th century. You can also enjoy a walk along the Rhine River and through the lively city center before we continue to our hotel in Dortmund.Note: During fairs or congresses, accommodation may be in a nearby city.

Day 11

Today, we’ll embark on a magical journey, reminiscing about our favorite childhood stories and movies as we travel through the towns that inspired the Brothers Grimm, now known as the Fairy Tale Route. Our first stop will be Trendelburg, a picturesque walled village where we’ll visit the large medieval castle and its famous Rapunzel Tower (admission included).We’ll continue along scenic roads, crossing forests that will remind us of the tale of Hansel and Gretel. We’ll stop for lunch in Höxter, a vibrant town where we’ll visit Corvey Abbey, an ancient 9th-century monastery and World Heritage Site (admission included). We’ll then stop in Polle to visit the ruins of Cinderella’s Castle (admission included). Our journey will continue to Hamelin, renowned for the tale of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin”. After following the mouse tracks, we’ll proceed to Hanover, where there will be time to take a stroll near the old town hall.Notes: -During fairs or conferences, accommodation may be arranged in a nearby city.-Corvey Abbey is closed from November to February.

Day 12

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: Visit to the beautiful villages of Goslar and Quedlinburg.After breakfast, we continue the route to GOSLAR; We are in one of the most beautiful villages of Germany, with its wooden architecture, its walls, its squares. Time to walk. We travel to QUEDLINBURG, a city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its fascinating historic center of more than 2100 half-timbered girder houses that have managed to survive almost unscathed for centuries. It also noteworthy its town hall and castle. Time for lunch. Continuation to BERLIN. Arrival in the afternoon. Free time.

Day 13

Immerse yourself in the local culture with a guided panoramic tour of Berlin, the captivating capital of Germany. We’ll see the historic center, Museum Island, the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, the shopping streets and the city’s beautiful parks. Our visit will also include stops at the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum. For an optional excursion, you can visit Potsdam and its stunning palaces.

Day 14

We’ll travel through scenic forests to Dresden, a city renowned for its exceptional architectural and artistic heritage, making it one of Germany’s top tourist destinations. There will be time to admire its magnificent palaces and enjoy lunch at your leisure.Afterward, we’ll cross into the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague in the mid-afternoon. We’ll include a panoramic tour of this stunning city, where highlights include the Castle, the Town Hall Square, and the iconic Charles Bridge.To end the day, we’ll include an evening transfer to the city center, where you’ll find numerous traditional breweries.Note: In some cases, the Prague city tour may take place on Sunday.

Day 15

A free day to explore Prague at your own pace. Alternatively, you will have the option to explore Artistic Prague, including Mala Strana, the Infant Jesus of Prague, St. Nicholas Church, a cruise on the Vltava River, and the Jewish Quarter.

Day 16

Today we get to know a bit more about the CZECH REPUBLIC as we travel south.Beautiful landscapes in the Bohemian region. Stop in ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE, the capital of South Bohemia. Its historic center is well preserved, with a large square, cobblestone streets, and Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Free time for a walk.We continue to ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, a stunning small medieval town declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set on a canyon and surrounded by old walls. Free time to stroll and have lunch.In the early afternoon, we head towards AUSTRIA. Arrival in VIENNA, the Austrian capital, in the mid-afternoon.

Day 17

Today, we’ll go on a panoramic tour of this impressive city with a local expert. We’ll explore its majestic avenues, palaces, and vibrant city center. Next, we’ll head to Schönbrunn Palace, where visitors can stroll around and enjoy its beautiful gardens. In the evening, we’ll visit the City Hall Square where you can experience the nightlife in the nearby streets and have dinner.

Day 18

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.