Menu
Lakeside view of the Italian town of Bellagio on Lake Como

Express Journey from Switzerland to Italy, Austria & Germany

(12 days / 11 nights)

View Photos View Map

Marvel at the majestic Alps

Discover the beauty of the Alps on this 12-day road trip. You’ll journey through 4 countries – Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany – for a full experience of this mountainous region. Expect snow-capped peaks, dazzling blue lakes and plenty of lush greenery. Plus, discover postcard-perfect towns and cities, where you’ll can shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs and indulge in mouth-watering local delicacies. It’s an adventure you’ll remember for years to come!

Want to spend some more time exploring Zurich, Milan or both? You can easily add extra nights at the start or end of your trip during the booking process.

12 days / 11 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2876 EUR

Find your price
Request info

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Seamless travel experience
  • Handpicked hotels and routes designed by local experts
  • Reliable rental cars with trusted partner
  • Comprehensive itinerary, personalised map & travel guide
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Service from local travel experts in the Alps
  • Great customer reviews
  • Carbon offsetting included

Read more

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Travel through 4 amazing countries: Switzerland, Italy, Austria & Germany
  • Wander around the lively cities of Munich, Zurich & Salzburg
  • Discover the monumental mountains of Zermatt, including the iconic Matterhorn
  • Admire breathtaking views from Bellagio, Menaggio & Varenna, the magical waterside towns of Lake Como
  • Take in Milan from the top of the Milan Cathedral before marvelling at Da Vinci’s world-famous Last Supper painting
  • Marvel at ancient churches, bustling squares and Juliet’s House in romantic Verona
  • Soak up the beauty of the Swiss Riviera with a visit to Lake Geneva, Lausanne & Montreux
  • Stroll around Lucerne and cross the historic Chapel Bridge
  • Immerse yourself in musical history in Salzburg, where the Sound of Music was set and Mozart was born
  • Enjoy a road trip with peace of mind with your personal itinerary from a local travel expert

Travel style

Self-Drive i

Interest

Active i, Alps i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i

Season

May – Oct

Departure

Daily

Interest

Active i, Alps i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i

Driving distance

1677/1040 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: Welcome to Switzerland

    After arriving in Zurich and checking in to your accommodation, head out to explore Switzerland’s largest city at your leisure.

    Stroll the city’s bustling streets and visit landmark sights such as the churches Grossmünster and Fraumünster. Or wander up Lindenhof Hill to enjoy unbeatable views from above.

    Nearby, you could also go for a walk along Lake Zurich, where the promenade is an ideal place to catch some sun. There’s also countless world-class art galleries and museums to explore, while foodies can make the most of the vibrant restaurant scene here.

    Spend the night in Zurich.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 2: The Tranquillity of Lake Geneva

    Start your road trip around Switzerland! Pick up your rental car and travel to the iconic Lake Geneva (“Lac Léman”). Your route will take you through Switzerland’s capital city, Bern.

    Make sure to explore the enchanting towns that are dotted along the lake’s magical shoreline. Lausanne in particular is well worth a visit. Its lively city centre features cobbled streets and colourful architecture.

    Wander through vine-covered walkways, indulge in local delicacies at charming cafés. Or simply relax by the sparkling lake and gaze upon the magnificent Alpine mountains that surround you.

    Spend the night in the Lake Geneva area.

    Average driving distance: 252 km / 157 mi

    Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 3: Swiss highlights & the Matterhorn

    Begin your journey to Zermatt today. First, head into the Swiss Alps to the idyllic town of Montreux. Explore the enchanting Château de Chillon, a medieval castle perched on the edge of the lake, before you begin your drive into the mountains.

    You’ll journey along the picturesque Rhone valley before stopping in the town of Sion, known for its 2 imposing hilltop castles.

    To reach Zermatt you’ll need to leave your car at Täsch and board a short shuttle train, as Zermatt itself is car-free. As you enter the town keep an eye out for the iconic Matterhorn mountain.

    Spend the night in the Zermatt area.

    Average driving distance: 171 km / 106 mi

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 4: Simplon Pass & Mediterranean Charm

    Today, you’ll drive to Lake Lugano, making a few scenic stops along the way.

    First, head to Brig, from where you’ll journey over the Simplon Pass. The pass will take you into Italy, where you can explore the enchanting city of Domodossola.

    Hop back in the car and head north across the border  to re-enter Switzerland. Upon arrival in Lugano, take some time to explore the incredible sights here. Discover pastel-coloured villas, the buzzing Piazza Riforma and the breathtaking Cattedrale di San Lorenzo.

    Spend the night in Lugano.

    Average driving distance: 162 km / 100 mi

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 5: Journey across Italy to Lake Como

    Today you could start your Italian adventure early and explore some of the charming towns dotted along the shores of the picturesque Lake Como (Lago di Como). You can easily hop between the towns by ferry.

    Stroll past the pastel-coloured buildings of Menaggio, indulge in some shopping in Bellagio, or soak up the serene ambience of Varenna. The botanical gardens at both Villa Melzi in Bellagio and Villa Monastero in Varenna are particularly noteworthy.

    And make sure you sample the local Italian delicacies before you head back to Lake Lugano! The north is known for its decadent risottos and melt-in-your-mouth osso buco.

    Spend another night in Lugano.

    Average driving distance: 56 km / 34 mi

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 6: Discover magical Milan

    Hit the road and drive towards Milan (“Milano”) today. If you fancy stretching your legs along the way, where better to do so than Como? Stroll the city’s winding cobbled streets and visit the magnificent Como Cathedral (“Duomo di Como”).

    Upon arrival in Milan, be sure to soak up the cultural and historical sights that are on your doorstep. Admire the spectacular Gothic architecture of Milan Cathedral (“Duomo di Milano”). Marvel at Da Vinci’s world-famous painting, The Last Supper, at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Or indulge in some shopping in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

    Spend the night in Milan. 

    Average driving distance: 85 km / 53 mi

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 7: Journey to Lake Garda

    After breakfast you’ll journey to the scenic Lake Garda (“Lago di Garda”). There’s plenty of incredible places to stop along the way.

    Discover Bergamo’s storied past, with its ancient city walls and bustling Piazza Vecchia. Enjoy a silky-smooth espresso with unbeatable lake views in the vibrant resort town of Desenzano del Garda. Or stop for a dose of culture at Sirmione’s Scaligero Castle and Grotte di Catullo.

    And make sure to snap plenty of photos along your route – the scenery here is truly something special.

    Spend the night in the Lake Garda area. 

    Average driving distance: 143 km / 89 mi

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 8: Day trip to beautiful Verona

    Enjoy a day wandering the endlessly romantic city of Verona. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known for its connection to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. You can visit Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta) and gaze upon her iconic balcony.

    Other worthwhile sights include the historic Verona Market Square (Piazza delle Erbe), the ancient amphitheater Verona Arena (Arena di Verona) and the Torre dei Lamberti tower. The city is also famous for its food and wine scene. Sample local pasta and risotto under the Italian sun, paired with a rich glass of red wine.

    Spend another night in the Lake Garda area. 

    Average driving distance: 39 km / 24 mi

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 9: From Italy to Austria

    Today’s drive will take you from beautiful Lake Garda across the ancient Brenner Pass and into lively Innsbruck.

    You’ll first drive through the scenic villages of Malescine and Riva del Garda. Expect charming waterfront promenades and a vibrant atmosphere in each. If you’re in need of a caffeine fix, these Italian towns are the perfect place to enjoy a classic espresso.

    Stretch your legs in Bolzano with a stroll around Piazza Walther and visit the eye-catching Bolzano Cathedral (“Duomo di Bolzano”). You could also stop at Vipiteno, an enchanting town with colourful buildings around every corner. And the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology makes for a fascinating detour.

    Upon arrival in Innsbruck, head out to explore the city’s sights. Marvel at the iconic Golden Roof (“Goldenes Dachl") or take a cable car to the peak of Nordkette for unbeatable views of the Austrian Alps.

    Spend the night in Innsbruck.

    Average driving distance: 321 km / 199 mi

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 10: Castles, Villages & Lakes

    Today you’ll journey east towards Salzburg. Before you reach it, take a detour to the charming towns of Kitzbühel or Zell am See nestled in the Austrian Alps. Expect vibrant landscapes, local boutiques and mouth-watering eateries in both towns.

    Upon arrival in Salzburg, make sure you head out to explore the city. Take a stroll through the historic Alstadt (“Old Town”) to admire medieval landmarks or delve into the city’s rich musical past at Mozart’s birthplace.

    Spend the night in Salzburg.

    Average driving distance: 247 km / 153 mi

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 11: Berchtesgaden, Chiemsee lake & Munich

    You’ll head back to Munich to complete your road trip today.

    Once you’ve crossed the German border, you’ll pass through the Bavarian town of Berchtesgaden. You could take a detour to visit Kehlsteinhouse (“the Eagle’s Nest”), a mountain base that was used by Hitler during World War II.

    You could also stop at the beautiful Lake Königssee. It’s a haven of tranquillity nestled amongst the mountainous landscape. Stop off at Chiemsee lake to visit the magnificent royal complex, Herrenchiemsee Palace.

    Upon return to Munich, make sure you head out to a local beer hall to enjoy one final stein.

    Spend the night in Munich.

    Average driving distance: 201 km / 125 mi

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 12: Departure from Munich

    Today, your adventure in the Alps comes to an end. If your flight is scheduled for later in the day, spend the morning enjoying some more of Munich. You could buy some last-minute souvenirs or relax in a traditional coffee house.

    Later, make your way to the airport in time for your departure flight.

    Attractions See Activities for this day
View full itinerary

Optional extras

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

Included

Not included

Optional Extras

12 days / 11 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2876 EUR

Find your price
Request info

Essential information

Everything you need to know about this tour before you book

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this self-drive tour in the Alps. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect.

On a self-drive tour, Nordic Visitor supplies you with a quality rental car and a detailed personal itinerary. You act as your own tour guide and driver, and you get to pick the road trip music!

All your services will be pre-booked by your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor. This includes your rental car and accommodation in the Alpine region, along with planned activities, as specified in the itinerary.

As this is a self-guided tour, you’re welcome to stop whenever and wherever you wish along the way. Except for accommodation and booked activities, other highlights we’ve listed in the itinerary are suggestions based on Nordic Visitor favourites.

And rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way. Upon your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, hand-annotated map and our very own Alps Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

During your tour of the Alps, you’ll stay in accommodation hand-picked by our local travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and personal experience.

Across the Alps region, you can choose from single, double or triple rooms. Please also note that in the countries you’ll be visiting, room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

Of course you can! Munich is a lively place to experience at this time of year.

But before you plan, you should be aware of 2 details:

Oktoberfest doesn’t happen throughout October as the name might suggest. It usually kicks off on the 20-21 September. And it runs only into the first week of October.

It's also good to note that accommodation is in really high demand during this iconic celebration. It means that during your stay in Munich, city centre accommodation cannot be guaranteed.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! Just let your travel consultant know during the booking process. We’ll arrange any cots needed at your accommodation.

If you need multiple rooms, please note that we can't guarantee family rooms or interconnecting rooms at all accommodation. You may even have rooms on different floors.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. This will incur a small extra cost.

The minimum age to hire a car in the Alps is 19. A small fee will also apply to any drivers under 25.

If you are under 25, you may also be restricted in the size of vehicle you are able to rent. Please contact your personal Travel Consultant if you are unsure about which car to choose.

Whether you need an international driving permit will depend on which country your licence is from.

You’ll need an international driving permit if your current licence doesn’t mention your vehicle of choice in Latin script. That said, to be certain, we recommend checking with official government websites before your trip.

Additionally, if you are visiting from a country outside the EU or EEA, the Austrian government requires all drivers to have an international driving permit. This includes visitors from the United States, Canada and Australia. If you have a driving licence from the UK, you do not need an international driving permit.

The roads across the Alps are usually in good condition all year long and are renowned for their road trip worthiness.

You’ll be driving on the right side of the road and the left side of the car. Most rural roads in the Alps are 2-lane, but they can be narrow and winding. This is especially true when crossing mountain passes.

Due to the altitude of some roads, and especially in winter, storms, rain, snow and ice can cause adverse conditions. We recommend checking weather forecasts daily and not taking any risks when it comes to driving.

It’s also a good idea to plan how you will navigate around the Alps ahead of time. Your travel consultant will prepare a detailed hand-annotated map of your route to help you stay on track.

We also recommend using navigation apps on your phone, such as Google Maps. Make sure to download the route ahead of time, in case you don’t have signal in the more rural areas.

During your tour of the Alps, you’ll be travelling through both lowland and high-altitude regions. The lowland in central Europe is fairly warm all year around, but the mountains are chillier.

In higher mountain villages, the average temperature in summer is between 15°C – 20°C (59°F – 68°F). In lower-altitude towns and cities, close to lakes at the foot of the mountains, temperatures in summer can reach 30°C – 35°C (86°F – 95°F).

Many regions of the Alps are famed for their many days of sunshine, especially in Switzerland’s Rhône valley. But that doesn’t guarantee there won’t be any rain on your trip! And you’ll need to be prepared for chillier weather when you’re boarding mountain gondolas.

As you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors exploring the mountains, it’s a good idea to come prepared for a combination of weather conditions.

Here is a recommended packing list for a summer trip:

  • A warm jumper or fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
  • Hiking clothes and good walking shoes or boots
  • Light scarf or thin jumper
  • An umbrella
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Lip balm and moisturiser
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and a sunhat

There are limited laundry facilities in the countryside, though you’ll find laundrettes in the larger cities and towns. Some hotels do offer dry cleaning for an additional cost.

It’s good to be aware that you may require different currencies during your Alps trip. Germany, Austria and Italy have the Euro (€) as their local currency.

That said, Switzerland and Liechtenstein both have the Swiss franc (CHF, ₣) as their currency.

On your Alps road trip, you should budget for petrol costs of around €1.50–€1.90 per litre. That’s ₣1.40–1.80.

As for meals, your breakfast is included at all your accommodation in the Alps. For the rest of your food, your spending money will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to.

Budget between €25–€30 per person for each day’s lunch, or ₣20–30. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between €30–€35, ₣25–35. Meanwhile at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay €50–€70 or more, which would be ₣45-65. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

In Germany, Switzerland and Austria tipping is not mandatory, but welcomed. It is usually based on the quality of service. Locals often add around 10% or simply round up their bill.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can easily add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades.

If you prefer, you can begin your tour in a different city in the region. Just ask your travel consultant and they can let you know the options in terms of train travel or rental car fees. We’ll be happy to try to rearrange your itinerary so it works for you. 

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline.

During your tour, there will always be a Munich-based travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

You’ll likely spend time in a few different countries on your tour of the Alps. Germany, Italy and Austria are all part of the European Union. This means that if you are visiting from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or another EU state, you won’t need a visa to enter.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not part of the European Union, but they are part of the Schengen area. This means that those visiting from the countries listed above won’t need a visa to enter.

Visiting from another country? You can find the complete lists of countries whose nationals require visas to visit the Alps on the following websites:

Good to know: Liechtenstein does not issue visas. If you enter via Switzerland, you’ll see there is no border control. The same visa requirements apply between both countries.

Your passport needs to be valid for the entirety of your stay in the Alps, and for at least 6 months after your departure date. It’s a good idea to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us. 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll send you e-copies of your travel documents.

Upon arrival, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, accommodation and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Alps Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in the Alps?

After picking up your luggage, make your way to your accommodation in the city centre. The Alpine cities in our tours are well connected to their respective airports.  Simply hop on public transport, catch a taxi or book an optional private transfer.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2–4 PM. You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel if you have to wait. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching public transport or a taxi to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Euros (EUR), the local currency in Germany, Italy and Austria.

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in good quality 3-star guesthouses or country hotels.

View

Superior

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in 4-star hotels or boutique guesthouses.

View

Rental car

Enjoy your journey with free GPS and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to reduce liability.

VW Polo (automatic)
or similar

  • x4
  • x5
  • x2
  • A
View Info

VW Polo (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 4
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Manual
Close Info View

Ford Focus (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x2
  • A
View Info

Ford Focus (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

Ford Kuga (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x4
  • A
View Info

Ford Kuga (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Standard SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

BMW X3 (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x3
  • A
View Info

BMW X3 (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Crossover SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 3
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

BMW 3 Series (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x4
  • A
View Info

BMW 3 Series (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Saloon
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • x9
  • x3
  • x5
  • A
View Info

Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Premium Passenger Van
  • Passengers: 9
  • Luggage: 5
  • Doors: 3
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

Price per person from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2876 EUR

Request info

OTHER SUGGESTED TOURS

Switzerland & Alps
Best seller
Self-drive
12 days / 11 nights
May - Oct

Classic Road Trip in Germany, Switzerland & Austria

2456EUR

Eur

Switzerland & Alps
Best seller
Self-drive
17 days / 16 nights
May - Oct

Complete Road Trip in Germany, Switzerland & Austria

3506EUR

Eur

We are here to help

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

Contact Us Live Chat
here to help