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Town of Varenna at Lake Como

Express Road Trip in Germany, Switzerland, Italy & Austria

(12 days / 11 nights)

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The highlights of the magical Alps

Take on one of Europe’s most scenic road trip routes and tick the highlights of the Alps off your travel wish-list on this 12-day tour. You’ll spend time in bustling Munich, lively Zurich and charming Zermatt. You’ll also journey through the epic mountains towards laid-back Lugano before heading into Northern Italy. Stroll the streets of Milan, uncover romance in Verona and relax on the shores of Lake Garda. Then return north via colourful Innsbruck and vibrant Salzburg in Austria.

Would you like to join a knowledgeable guide and a small group of like-minded travellers around the region? Check out our 12-day Alps guided small group tour including some top European railway journeys and mountaintop views.

12 days / 11 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2274 EUR

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— 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
  • Gaze upon the monumental mountains of Zermatt and Grindelwald, in particular the Matterhorn, Mount Pilatus, and Jungfrau
  • Explore local markets at the world-famous Marienplatz square in lively Munich
  • Admire breathtaking views at Bellagio, Menaggio & Varenna, the magical waterside towns of Lake Como
  • Immerse yourself in musical history in Salzburg, where the Sound of Music was set and Mozart was born
  • Discover history, culture and natural beauty in Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich
  • Marvel at ancient churches, bustling squares and Juliet’s House in romantic Verona
  • Enjoy a road trip with peace of mind with your personal itinerary from a local travel expert

Travel style

Self-Drive i

Interest

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

Season

May - Oct

Departure

Daily

Interest

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

Driving distance

2054/1273 km/mi

Itinerary

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

  • Day 1: Welcome to Munich

    After arriving in Munich and checking in to your accommodation, head out to explore the bustling streets of Bavaria’s capital.

    Start by exploring Marienplatz square in the heart of Munich’s Old Town (“Altstadt”). Wander colourful streets and admire the magnificent Frauenkirche cathedral.

    Visit the Munich Residenz, a former royal palace and the largest of its kind in Germany, or the sprawling English Garden (“Englischer Garten”).

    In the evening, stop for a taste of Bavaria’s famous beverages at the hugely popular Hofbräuhaus brewery.

    Spend the night in Munich.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 2: Journey to Switzerland

    Pick up your rental car and hit the road towards Switzerland. Along the way, you’ll pass the charming Swiss town of Stein am Rhein and the thundering waters of Rhine Falls, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls.

    Then, it’s on to your day’s destination: Zurich. 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.

    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.

    Average driving distance: 350 km / 217 mi.

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  • Day 3: Charming Cities and Alpine Peaks

    Start your road trip around Switzerland! Pick up your rental car and travel to Zermatt. Your route will take you through Switzerland’s capital city, Bern.

    Stop to marvel at Bern’s 12th-century Old Town (“Altstadt”) and look out for the Zytglogge, the city’s famous clock tower.

    Later, continue your day’s journey, passing by the charming villages of Thun and Spiez on the shores of Thunersee lake.

    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: 252 km / 156 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 4: Journey from Zermatt to Grindelwald

    After breakfast, you’ll continue your travels through the Swiss Alps. You could explore the picture-perfect towns of Spiez, Thun and Sigriswil in the Lake Thun (“Thunersee”) area. Or stop at Interlaken to relax by the serene blue lake, with views of towering mountain peaks.

    As you journey deeper into the heart of the Alps, you’ll reach the chalet-style village of Grindelwald.

    Wander along its charming streets and gaze upon the immense Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. You can take your pick from the many hiking trails that weave through these mountains, or you could simply relax in the town instead.

    Spend the night in Grindelwald.

    Average driving distance: 129 km / 80 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 5: From Mountain Peaks to Lake Lugano

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

    First, head to the lakeside town of Lucerne. Stroll across the historic Chapel Bridge (“Kapellbrücke”) and admire the views of the monumental Mount Pilatus.

    Hop back in the car to complete today’s journey, travelling over the jaw-dropping Gotthard Pass, nicknamed the “King of Mountain Passes”.

    Upon arrival in the Mediterranean-influenced city of Lugano, make sure you head out 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: 251 km / 155 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 6: 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 7: Journey to Lake Garda via Como

    Today you’ll leave Lugano and cross the border into Italy as you journey to scenic Lake Garda (Lago di Garda). There’s plenty of incredible places to stop along the way.

    Stroll Como’s cobblestone streets and visit the magnificent Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como). Discover more history in Bergamo, 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.

    Spend the night in the Lake Garda area. 

    Average driving distance: 208 km / 129 mi.

    Attractions Attractions 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.

    Stretch your legs at 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 Italian 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

  • 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

  • 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 2274 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 regional 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 package 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.

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Superior

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

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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
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VW Polo (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 4
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Manual
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Ford Focus (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x2
  • A
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Ford Focus (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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BMW 3 Series (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x4
  • A
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BMW 3 Series (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Saloon
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Jeep Compass (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x3
  • A
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Jeep Compass (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Crossover SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 3
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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BMW X5 (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x5
  • A
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BMW X5 (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Luxury SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 5
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • x9
  • x3
  • x5
  • A
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Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Premium Passenger Van
  • Passengers: 9
  • Luggage: 5
  • Doors: 3
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Price per person from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2274 EUR

Request info

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