There is a specific kind of magic that exists only in the high altitudes of Central Europe. It’s the sound of distant cowbells echoing across valleys and the scent of fresh alpine wildflowers. Austria and Switzerland offer a landscape that feels almost impossibly beautiful, but to truly enjoy everything the Swiss Alps has to offer, a curated journey provides depth that solo travel often misses.

At Ross Tours, we specialise in small group tours that go beyond the basic highlights. Navigating mountain passes and understanding the nuances of local flora is made effortless when handled by experts.

Here is how we explore the soul of the region, and why our Alpine Europe tour makes every moment more meaningful.

Vienna

Our journey begins in Vienna, a city that lives and breathes history. We stroll through the Volksgarten, where the scent of thousands of roses fills the air, before standing in the shadow of the Hofburg Imperial Palace.

A highlight for many is the Belvedere Palace, where we tour the Baroque-style gardens, Orangery and then head straight to the galleries to find Klimt’s The Kiss.

With a group, the city’s architectural triumphs, from the Gothic spires of St Stephen’s Cathedral to the prestigious Statsoper (Vienna Opera House) and the Musikverein, come to life through shared stories. You’ll also have the opportunity to join the group for a concert of Mozart and Johann Strauss’ most-loved opera and symphonic pieces in the Golden Hall.

Schönbrunn Palace

No visit to Austria is complete without a trip to Schönbrunn Palace, the historical summer home of the Hapsburg dynasty. There is almost too much to take in across the sprawling gardens: sculptures and water features dot vast Baroque parterres, all maintained to perfection. Of note are the Gloriette stationed atop the hill, the Neptune Fountain and the ‘Roman Ruins’. Schönbrunn Palace and its surrounding gardens were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

With a professional tour guide to lead the way, you won’t miss any of the beautiful sights both inside and outside the palace. You’ll also gain unique insight into the history of this magnificent complex, and be able to share your excitement with a group of likeminded travelers.

The Danube River: Dürnstein and Melk Abbey

Leaving the city behind, we head into the Wachau region, famed for its wine and fruit-growing. Traveling along the Danube River, we visit the medieval gem of Dürnstein, famous for its blue church tower and its history with the imprisonment of Richard the Lionheart.

The logistical ease of group travel really shines here. While independent travelers coordinate ferry schedules or parking, our private transport allows you to travel in comfort to the Benedictine Melk Abbey. Perched on a cliff overlooking the river, this baroque masterpiece is home to stunning mosaics and one of the world’s most beautiful libraries.

Looking for other tours in Europe ? Ross Tours offers tours worldwide, all with the same unbeatable quality!

Salzburg: Music, Mirabell, and Mozart

Salzburg is one of Austria’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s not hard to see why! We walk through the world-famous Mirabell Gardens, filled with parterres, statues and the Pegasus fountain used in the filming of The Sound of Music.

The Mirabell Gardens are oriented to highlight the nearby Cathedral and Salzburg Fortress which makes for grand views, no matter where you are in the grounds. We then visit the Salzburg Cathedral, a stunning example of seventeenth-century Baroque architecture. Of course, we pay homage to Mozart, as Salzburg Cathedral still contains the baptismal font in which the famed composer was baptized.

Salzkammergut

The Lake District, or Salzkammergut, is where the scenery turns truly magical, with picturesque lakes, mountains and charming villages chosen as the setting for the film The Sound of Music. From here, you can visit nearby St Gilgen, St Wolfgang and Bad Ischl with a group of like-minded travelers. Our guides know exactly where the best vistas are, saving you time when searching for the perfect photo spot.

The Arlberg Pass

As we travel from Austria to Switzerland, we cross the legendary Arlberg Pass. This is one of the most scenic routes in the world. As we pass through the Tyrol region via train, try to catch a glimpse of the Golden Roof in Innsbruck! Our rail journey is organised for you, allowing you to sit back and watch the dramatic alpine peaks glide by with no stress.

Lucerne: Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument

Crossing into Switzerland, Lucerne greets us with its medieval charm. We walk to the Old Town, crossing the fourteenth-century Chapel bridge with its detailed and historical interior paintings. A visit to the Lion Monument, described by author Mark Twain as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world” is a must during any visit to Lucerne.

A trip to Switzerland is particularly beneficial for the culinary highlights. A traditional fondue lunch in a tavern alongside Lake Lucerne is always best when enjoyed with friends. When in Lucerne, don’t forget to try the local specialty, Chugelipastete, a puff pastry case filled with veal in a cognac and mushroom sauce!

Mount Rigi and the Vitznau Cogwheel

From the shores of Lake Lucerne, we take the boat to Vitznau to board Europe’s first-ever mountain rack railway. We ascend Mount Rigi, known as the Queen of the Mountains. Here, we walk the Rigi Flower Trail. For a solo hiker, identifying the rare flora can be a challenge, but with Ross Tours, you have a botanical expert on hand to assist with identifying every one of the over 200 species of wildflowers.

Schynige Platte Alpine Garden

One of the crown jewels of our tour is the Schynige Platte Alpine Garden. Accessible only by a historic cogwheel train, this garden sits at 2,000 meters and features over 600 species of plants. This is a primary destination for any gardener. In a group setting, the collective appreciation as we overlook the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains makes the visit even more memorable.

Why Choose Ross Tours for your Alpine Europe Tour?

While the destinations above are breathtaking, the way you see them changes the entire experience. Here is why Ross Tours is a great choice for your tour to Austria and Switzerland:

• > We take care of the logistics: Switzerland and Austria have complex transport systems involving boats, cogwheels, cable cars, and trains. We handle every ticket and every connection, so you never have to worry about platform numbers or schedules.
• > Lead by experienced horticulturist: We provide a deep dive into the local ecosystems. Whether it’s the flowers on Mt Rigi or the roses in Vienna, our expert horticultural knowledge adds a dimension that standard tours miss.
• > Safety and comfort are our top priorities: Navigating high-altitude passes and foreign languages is stress-free with a dedicated local tour manager and our Ross Tours tour leader who ensures your comfort at every turn.
• > Shared moments with small groups: A unique camaraderie forms when a group travels together. Shared dinners, a fondue lunch, and collectively exploring the beauty of the Swiss Alps create lasting friendships. It’s like travelling with friends.
• > Hand-picked stays in historic hotels: We select hotels that are centrally located and rich in character, ensuring you stay in the heart of the history rather than on the outskirts of town.

The Swiss Alps are waiting to be explored; all that’s missing is you! Join Ross Tours for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Austria and Switzerland.