Compare The Ultimate Alps & Dolomites by Tauck vs The Backpacker by Interrailing Packages

Day 1 Arrive Munich

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich. A transfer is included from Munich International Airport to the city-center Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich. Please join us for a welcome reception followed by dinner this evening.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich

PORTOFCALL : Munich

Day 2 Munich & Oberammergau in Bavaria, then an Alpine night in Seefeld

Get a panoramic overview of city sights in Munich before exploring on your own. En route to Austria this afternoon, visit the quaint town of Oberammergau, famed for its once-a-decade performances of the Passion Play (the next occurs in 2020), its woodcarvings and frescoed homes. Your final destination is your mountain resort in Seefeld, Austria; tonight, a festive Tyrolean evening welcomes with traditional food, music and warmth.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Astoria Relax & Spa Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Oberammergau, Germany

Day 3 High adventure from Zugspitze to Linderhof Castle in the Bavarian Alps

Head up Germany's highest mountain, Zugspitze, this morning, traveling first by cogwheel railroad to the Zugspitzplatt (the glacier plateau), then by aerial cable car to the summit ridge. Be rewarded by spectacular views of the Alps while enjoying lunch on your own. Ride back down by cable car, descending some 6,500 feet in about 10 minutes, to picture-perfect Eibsee Lake below. From Eibsee, you're off to Linderhof Castle in the Bavarian Alps. In 1869, King Ludwig began transforming his father's royal hunting lodge into a mini-Versailles, complete with a Hall of Mirrors, an extravagant bedchamber for the king, fountains and gardens; see them on a private tour.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Astoria Relax & Spa Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Linderhof, Germany

Day 4 Imperial treasures in Innsbruck, Tratzberg & Salzburg

Green domes and red roofs welcome you to the Alpine city of Innsbruck along the Inn River - twice the host city for the Winter Olympics; it's also home to one of the most beautiful medieval city centers in Austria (Gothic Old Town), and impressive imperial architecture that dates back to its days as the capital of late 15th-century Habsburg Emperor Maximilian I. After a walking tour with a local guide, enjoy some free time and lunch on your own. Travel by rail to Schloss Tratzberg, on the slopes of the Karwendel Alps, where an entertaining private tour introduces the castle's half-century of history, and medieval merriment reigns during a private wine reception featuring wines produced from the castle's own vineyards. Your final destination today is Salzburg, where you'll begin a three-night stay at an authentic Austrian country inn - in the very heart of the city.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Hotel Goldener Hirsch

PORTOFCALL : Tratzberg, Austria

Day 5 Salzburg sightseeing, the Eagle's Nest & a private evening at Berchtesgaden Salt Mines

A guided walking tour this morning introduces Salzburg, a city of intensive cultural traditions that took off with the career of its most famous resident, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. You'll see his birthplace and other local attractions, followed by lunch on your own and free time to explore the sights as you wish. This afternoon, depart for the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest), a 6,000-ft. mountaintop tea house. A special mountain coach takes us high up the Kehlstein road; blasted out of solid rock in just 13 months, it is considered a feat of engineering. This evening brings fascinating travel into mountain depths on a memorable visit to the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines. You'll don protective overalls (and perhaps a sweater) for an optional slide* down into this centuries-old miners' world, including an illuminated lake and an interactive chamber where you'll learn about the long history of salt mining in the Alps. A private dinner with entertainment follows in the salt mine, today converted into a gasthaus - for Tauck guests only!

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Hotel Goldener Hirsch

PORTOFCALL : Salzburg, Austria

Day 6 Salzburg at leisure, then a trip to the beautiful Salzkammergut

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Salzburg, a city divided into two halves by the Salzach River. This afternoon, travel to Salzkammergut, a region of peaceful lakes and craggy peaks that you might well recognize from film locations used in Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music." Dinner is is on your own back in Salzburg this evening.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Hotel Goldener Hirsch

PORTOFCALL : Salzburg, Austria

Day 7 Through Grossglockner Pass to the Dolomites with lunch & a schnapps tasting

Leaving Salzburg, and weather and visibility permitting, find yourself on one of the most scenic roads in the world today as you travel through famed Grossglockner Pass. This is what you've come to the Alps to experience - a seemingly endless panorama of towering alpine peaks and mighty glaciers. Opened in 1935, Austria's Grossglockner-Hochalpenstrasse (High Alpine Road) paved the way to one of the most impressive and incomparable natural experiences on Earth. The road takes you up into the most spectacular Alpine scenery you could possibly imagine; from the highest point, you'll be able to see more than 30 mountains higher than 8,000 feet! Enjoy a lunch of East Tyrolean fare - along with a memorable schnapps tasting - at a 400-year-old family farm in Kuenz. Continue on to Cortina d'Ampezzo, a Dolomites resort town in northern Italy, famed in winter for skiing and in summer for mountain climbing, for a two-night stay; the town is both chic - and considered chic to be seen in.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf

PORTOFCALL : Grossglockner, Austria

Day 8 A day in the Dolomites

From Cortina d'Ampezzo, head out with experienced mountain guides to spend a full day in the Dolomites, their sheer rock walls standing like silent stone sentinels against the sky. You'll have an opportunity in-depth exploration of this starkly beautiful region, which was the scene of harsh, bitter fighting between Italian and Austrian troops during World War I; the frontline passed through the area you'll visit today. Enjoy a Q&A with a noted Italian mountain climber during lunch today; return to your hotel for an evening spent as you wish, and dinner on your own.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf

PORTOFCALL : Dolomites, Italy

Day 9 From Bolzano in the South Tyrol to Davos in the Swiss Alps

Enjoy time at leisure in the well-preserved city of Bolzano this morning amidst stunning mountain landscapes, medieval architecture and a fusion of Italian and Austrian cultural influences. Your journey across the border to Davos, Switzerland, this afternoon takes a twist you may not expect when your entire coach boards a train to go through the Flüeli Pass (conditions permitting). Tonight, join us for a quintessential Swiss dinner of fondue and wine at your hotel.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : InterContinental Davos Resort & Spa

PORTOFCALL : Bolzano, Italy

Day 10 Alpine cheese, Monstein brews & more on your Swiss Alps tour

Like the Swiss farmers who bring their cows from the valleys up to Alpine pastures each summer, you'll find yourself in the mountains surrounding Davos this morning on the Clavadeler Alp for a cheese-making demonstration. From the locals, learn why Swiss cheeses, like gruyère, raclette and emmanthaler, are enriched when cows graze on summer's high grasslands, hear the resonating tones of an alphorn, once used by lone herdsmen to gather and calm their charges. In the village of Monstein, visit the highest brewery in Europe where beers are crafted with water sourced from mountain streams; enjoy a demonstration and tasting at the brewery, and a guided visit to the village. Return to your hotel in Davos after a pretty perfect day in the Swiss Alps.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : InterContinental Davos Resort & Spa

PORTOFCALL : Davos, Switzerland

Day 11 Vaduz in little Liechtenstein & back to Germany

Make your way out of the Swiss Alps and head for little Liechtenstein this morning. Although the principality is diminutive in size, its capital, Vaduz, is known today as an international center of finance and banking. After a guided introduction to the town's historic center, you'll be treated to an exclusive visit to the modern Parliament building; a wine tasting at the Hofkellerei, the Prince's private cellars; and lunch at a local restaurant. Spend some time exploring Vaduz on your own before continuing from Liechtenstein and crossing back into Germany; arrive in the Bavarian spa town of Bad Wörishofen, where an à la carte dinner awaits at your hotel this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Steigenberger Hotel Der Sonnenhof Bad Wörishofen

PORTOFCALL : Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Day 12 The Wieskirche & Kneipp water therapy in Bavaria

Today, enjoy a visit to The Pilgrimage Church of Wies, also known as the Wieskirche. Dating back to the 18th century, the church was erected on the site of a purported miracle - the appearance of tears on a wooden figure of Jesus Christ - that drew large numbers of religious pilgrims to the area. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rococo design and cultural significance, the Wieskirche continues to house the original wooden figure of Christ from the 1700s, and remains a popular pilgrimage site for many seeking cures for various ailments. After some free time to explore and lunch at the Hotel Mueller, you'll return to your hotel for a presentation on the history and concepts behind the Kneipp approach to wellness. Tour the spa facilities and herb garden and then enjoy your very own relaxing, individual water treatment. Join us this evening for a Bavarian farewell reception and dinner... a perfect ending to your German, Austrian, Italian and Swiss Alps tour.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Steigenberger Hotel Der Sonnenhof Bad Wörishofen

PORTOFCALL : Schwangau, Germany

Day 13 Journey home

Tour ends: Munich. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Steigenberger Hotel der Sonnenhof, Bad Wörishofen to Munich International Airport (approximately 71 miles). Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

DAY 1: Arrive in Amsterdam and stay overnight in Amsterdam

Day 2 and 3: Explore Amsterdam and overnight in Amsterdam

First stop on your interrail holiday around Europe's glorious cities is Amsterdam, often referred to as 'Venice of the North'. The capital of the Netherlands is a city on everyone's bucket list, and I think it's safe to say you need to visit the Dam at least once in your life! From unconventional restaurants, local craft beers to world-class museums, it's easy to see why it's at the top of everyone's list. Don't forget that this city has more bicycles than people, therefore the only way to explore is in true Netherlands style!

Day 4: Train from Amsterdam to Berlin and stay overnight in Berlin

Days 5 and 6: Explore Berlin and stay overnight in Berlin

Our Backpacker holiday package takes you to the city in Europe often compared to New York, as it never sleeps! The locals of Berlin are known as the lotus-eaters of Germany as they love nothing more than a good time. Don't let this put you off! As this city is pulsating with museums, tasty beer, and an unimaginable history! It's safe to say that Berlin is a city loved by those on an interrail trip. Remember that history will greet you at every corner, as Berlin once staged a revolution, headquartered by Nazis, bombed to bits, divided in two and then finally reunited.

Day 7: Train from Berlin to Prague and stay overnight in Prague

Days 8 and 9: Explore Prague and stay overnight in Prague

It's no secret that Prague is one of Europe's most magical, affordable and beautiful cities, a perfect addition to any interrail route. The 'City of a Thousand Spires' is an architectural gem, the city has been an important UNESCO World Heritage Site which attracts more and more tourists every year! The narrow streets open up onto fantastic squares which host to medieval-looking homes and historical buildings for you to explore! Start in the centre of the Old Town, home to the major sights and has been the city's main marketplace for a millennium.

Day 10: Train from Prague to Krakow and stay overnight in Krakow

Day 11: Explore Krakow and stay overnight in Krakow

When you take a holiday in Europe, you will find that there are many beautiful cities, but nothing compares to the beauty of the Old Town in Krakow. You can take on this city on foot as all the main sights are within walking distance. All of the cobbled streets and squares, scenic parks and medieval castle walls are added extras! Thousands of people visit this city every year with the aim to visit the poignant Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, which is unquestionably the most important trip to do on this interrail route.

Day 12: Train from Prague to Vienna and stay overnight in Vienna

Day 13: Explore Vienna and stay overnight in Vienna

Vienna, a beautiful city in Eastern Europe that looks like it was lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale, with its clean, wide boulevards, efficient transport system, pleasant sights, and large green spaces. It's not hard to fall in love with this beautiful city. Vienna holds a considerable reputation for being the music capital of the world, with the likes of Mozart calling this place home. Coffeehouses have been an essential part of the city's cultural fabric since 1685. They make for great places to gather for a coffee, gossip and to eat Sacher Torte, of course. Finding your favourite is one of the real joys of visiting this city on any holiday in Europe!

Day 14: Train from Vienna to Budapest and stay overnight in Budapest

Day 15 and 16: Explore Budapest and stay overnight in Budapest

Visit the city in Europe nicknamed the City of Spas for a reason, as it's filled with beautiful baths all with healing properties on this Backpacker holiday. Not to mention, the architecture surrounding the baths is a sight to see on its own! Take a walk through the streets of this city and you will notice the beauty becomes apparent. You will soon understand why many tourists flock here for a city break every year. The buildings here take on many architectural styles and the city is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. Budapest's foodie scene is increasingly interesting, with plenty of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious local dishes such as goulash!

Day 17: Train from Budapest to Ljubljana and stay overnight in Ljubljana

Day 18 and 19: Explore Ljubljana and stay overnight in Ljubljana

Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital city is the hidden gem of Europe and is loved by our customers! A holiday to Europe deserves to have Ljubljana included. This is a city renowned for green space, beautiful bridges and buildings. As well as dozens of different urban design elements such as lamposts, pillars, and pyramids. While you're here you need to visit Lake Bled. This is definitely one of the most spellbinding places in Slovenia, if not Europe. This incredibly scenic lake near the Alps looks too good to be real! With the island church, clifftop castle, and mountain backdrop, you're sure to find more than enough to keep you entertained here!

Day 20: Train from Ljubljana to Venice and stay overnight in Venice

Day 21: Explore Venice and stay overnight in Venice

Welcome to the ancient town built on a lagoon, Venice! This city has a collection of domes and spires rising out of the Adriatic Sea. Filled with life and stunning architecture. Venice is filled with bars, cafes, and restaurants where locals and travelers meet up to have a good time with food and a drink or two. This city built on water is famous for the beautiful gondola rides which take you back in time and allow you to appreciate the rich beauty of this city, a holiday experience in Europe you will never forget!

Day 22: Last day of Trip