Discovering the Heart of the Alps: A Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Switzerland and Austria

There’s something timeless and stirring about the Alpine landscape, with its snow-capped peaks, storybook villages, and winding mountain passes. On the Enchanting Switzerland & Austria tour, part of the Explorations by AAA Explorer Series, you can dive into this European heartland with the added comfort of a guided, well-orchestrated journey through some of the region’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations.

A journey guided with care

One of the most valuable aspects of this journey is the presence of not one, but two dedicated AAA Trip Leaders, Dianne Vavala and Anita McNelly. These experienced guides travel with the group from beginning to end, ensuring every detail is handled—from hotel check-ins to dinner reservations—while you focus on soaking in the views and the culture. With their guidance, you’ll not only feel supported, but you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of local history and customs that you simply won’t get on your own.

Cultural traditions brought to life

The Alps aren’t just gorgeous mountains; they’re a way of life. This tour immerses you in authentic Alpine culture through interactive experiences that connect you directly with centuries-old traditions.

In Interlaken, you’ll visit a local workshop to see firsthand how the legendary Swiss alphorn is crafted. This instrument is a cultural symbol, and watching a master at work brings its history to life. You'll also catch a live yodeling demonstration for an aural window into the Swiss soul. Of course, no visit would be complete without a fondue lunch, an Alpine ritual that brings people together around a pot of warm, melty comfort. And all this is just one day of your journey.

In Austria, you'll channel your inner baker in Seefeld, where a tempting apple strudel-making lesson is capped with a sweet reward. That same day ends with a lively Tyrolean folklore show, hosted by a musical family that keeps these proud regional traditions alive.

Landmarks with meaning

Historic architecture and iconic sites set a rich backdrop throughout the journey. In Bern, Switzerland’s capital, you’ll tour the Bundeshaus, home of the Swiss Parliament, and wander the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its medieval charm, Gothic cathedral, and famous Bear Pit. In Lucerne, you’ll find a lakeside gem where the preserved Old Town and nearby Mount Pilatus bring both visual beauty and cultural depth. Ascend Pilatus via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, and spend your free time at the summit exploring walking trails or sampling Swiss specialties.

In Austria, architecture takes center stage in Innsbruck. You’ll have a choice of tours: one highlighting the city’s historic sites and the other showcasing its varied architectural landmarks, including the city’s Olympic ski jump. In Salzburg, you'll wander the Mirabellgarten, famed from The Sound of Music, and see Mozart’s birthplace along the Getreidegasse. You’ll also have a chance to indulge in a memorable lunch at monk-managed St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium, Europe’s oldest documented restaurant.

Continue with a visit to Linderhof Palace, the only one of King Ludwig II’s opulent Bavarian castles he lived to see completed. Nearby, stop at Ettal Abbey for a tour of the baroque basilica, a brewery visit, and a taste of monastic life (or at least a monastic brew).

Small countries, big moments

Midway through the journey, you’ll cross into the charmingly small country of Liechtenstein, an experience Vavala personally loves. “It's truly a hidden gem that most travelers to Europe miss,” she says. “Lying entirely within the Alps, it offers a great mix of natural beauty with breathtaking mountain views and crystal-clear lakes, and it has a rich history and culture that we will learn more about. Travelers are always looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and visiting Liechtenstein offers that memorable experience.”

A chance to go deeper

What sets an Explorations trip apart is the commitment to cultural authenticity. On this tour, you’re not just seeing the Alps; you’re hearing them in the alphorn, tasting them in strudel, and feeling them in the rhythm of Tyrolean dances. And with trusted AAA Trip Leaders by your side, you’re truly getting to know the heart of the Alps, not just passing through them.

Experience the Alps with the added confidence of AAA’s expert planning and guidance, and leave the details to the pros.