About the Journey 

Discover mountain villages and European cities, cruise on glassine lakes, and ascend snowcapped summits on this captivating 14-day Swiss and Austrian adventure. The journey begins with lovely Lucerne, its namesake lake, and a ride up Mt. Pilatus on the world’s steepest cogwheel train. Take the legendary Glacier Express to Zermatt, gateway to the Swiss Alps, and ride the Gornergratbahn to Gornergrat’s summit for spectacular views of the majestic Matterhorn. 

With three nights in lakeside Lugano, see medieval Bellinzona’s iconic Castelgrande, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and relax on a leisurely Lake Lugano cruise. Conclude in Salzburg with an intimate classical music performance in the famed Mirabell Palace and visit to the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s finest castles. This region’s history and beauty will enchant one and all. 

For those wishing to extend the adventure, savor beloved Vienna with an optional 4-day/3-night post-tour extension.

Accommodation 

Swiss-Chalet Merlischachen Lake Lucerne, Switzerland | 4 Stars 
The Swiss-Chalet Merlischachen stands just a short drive from Lucerne and directly on the shores of Lake Lucerne, offering guests a view of the water and its mountainous surroundings. The hotel’s amenities include a traditional Swiss restaurant, lakeside bar and lounge, sauna and spa with massage services (for a fee), laundry and dry-cleaning service (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Guest rooms are located in the Schloss-hotel building of the hotel, which features a rooftop terrace and park on the lake. All rooms have private bath with hair dryer, lake view, minibar, in-room safe, TV, and phone. Please note: The hotel does not offer air conditioning in guest rooms. The average high temperature in Lucerne at this time is 75 degrees while the average low is 57 degrees. 

Resort Hotel Alex Zermatt, Switzerland | 4 Stars 
Tucked into the northwest corner of the walkable mountain town of Zermatt, Resort Hotel Alex offers a comfortable stay with incredible views of the surrounding Alps. This cozy, lodge-style hotel presents a traditional façade, but offers a wide range of state-of-the-art amenities. In addition to a variety of dining and drinking options, the Alex offers a large indoor grotto-style swimming pool, full spa and sauna with a range of treatments (some at additional cost), fitness center, tennis and squash courts, outdoor terrace and lounge amid landscaped gardens, laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Each guest room has private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, TV, and phone. Please note: Due to its elevation and generally cool Alpine climate, this hotel does not offer air-conditioned guest rooms.

Luganodante Hotel Lugano, Switzerland | 4 Stars Situated on a quiet street in a pedestrian area of Lugano, the Luganodante Hotel sits just a five-minute walk from the town’s namesake lake. After a 2020 renovation, the hotel now includes a bistro and cocktail bar inspired by famed alchemist Nicolas Flamel, lobby snack corner with tea and coffee, laundry and dry-cleaning service (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Air-conditioned guest rooms include private bath with hair dryer, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibar with complimentary soft drinks, TV, and phone. 

Hotel Seelos Seefeld, Austria | 4 Stars 
A true Alpine lodge with wonderful views of the town of Seefeld and its surrounding peaks, Hotel Seelos offers modern amenities in a comfortable mountain setting. The hotel sits just a short walk from Seefeld’s main street, the Olympiastrasse, named in honor of the several Winter Olympics competitions held here. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and includes a sauna and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Guest rooms are decorated with Alpine touches and have balconies with views of the Alps, private bath with hair dryer, TV, and phone. Please note: The hotel does not offer air conditioning in guest rooms. 

Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg Salzburg, Austria | 4 Stars 
Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg was extensively renovated in 2014 after being originally opened in 1864. Located in Salzburg’s New Town, the hotel sits a short walk away from the Mirabell Palace and Garden and a 10-minute walk from the historic Old Town. Amenities include a beer cellar, a rooftop restaurant and bar, fitness center, sauna, laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet service. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities, TV, and phone. 

Reservations 

Registration is not yet open for this journey. Please request a brochure or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.