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 SCENIC, LAKES, mountains and TRAINS OF SWITZERLAND AND ITALY

 

Sept. 22 oct. 4, 2026

 

With optional 2 Pre trip nights in Munich Germany

to savor the fun of oktoberfest

Join us on this amazing 2 week tour and visit legendary sites including:

 

·     The MAGNIFICENT, LEGENDARY Matterhorn MOUNTAIN in Zermatt Switzerland

·     Lake Como Italy

·     THE SPECTACULAR DOLOMITE MOUNTAINS OF ITALY

·     SPECTACULAR St. Moritz Switzerland

 

·     Torino Italy – Home of the 2006 Winter Olympics

 

·     BEAUTIFUL Lucerne Switzerland

 

·     Innsbruck Austria – Home of the 1976 and 1964 Winter Olympics

 

·     Cortina Italy – Home of the 1956 Winter Olympics AND THE UPCOMING 2026 WINTER OLYMPICS!!

 

Plus enjoy two stunningly beautiful train rides on

  The Glacier Express-marvel at the thundering waterfalls, impressive snow-capped peaks, forests, lush meadows, and picture-perfect villages on Europe’s most famous train ride..  

and

The Bernina Express- travel on the highest railway across the Alps, witnessing glistening glaciers, stunning mountain streams, and alpine scenery.

AND IF YOU WISH, TAKE OUR OPTIONAL OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION 2 NIGHT PRE TRIP EXTENSION TO ENJOY ATTENDING THE LEGENDARY OKTOBERFEST IN MUNICH GERMANY!

 

(legendary beer, amazing Bavarian food, thrilling carnival rides, fabulous live Bavarian music,

 authentic German costumes + so much more…)

    

The Spectacular Dolomite Mountains of Italy, just one of many magnificent mountains and lakes which we will enjoy witnessing on this tour

   
The breathtaking Alps span the borders of several European countries, and this vacation gives you the opportunity to see the best of the Alpine region. This scenic tour of the Alps includes overnights in Munich Germany, Innsbruck Austria, Cortina Italy, Bolzano Italy, St. Moritz Switzerland, Lake Como Italy , Turin Italy , Täesch Switzerland (to explore the amazing town of Zermatt – Home of the Magnificent Matterhorn Mountain), plus visits to beautiful Lucerne Switzerland, and Zurich Switzerland.
 
Every day you’ll marvel at stunning scenery: lush dairy pastures, picturesque quaint villages, imposing peaks, and enchanting forests.

 

Visit Novacella Abbey in South Tyrol and Cortina d'Ampezzo, home of the 1956 and the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in the spectacular Italian Dolomite Mountains.


Take in views of Italy’s Lake Carezza, a small, emerald-green mountain lake, and see the spectacular Austrian and Italian Tyrolean Alps.


Discover Switzerland’s Engadine National Park, considered by some to be the world’s most beautiful mountain area with deep-blue lakes and mountain peaks exceeding 12,000 feet.

Experience beautiful Lake Como, one of Europe’s deepest lakes and home to a few celebrities (George Clooney at the top of that list…)


Discover car-free Zermatt, a picturesque cluster of rustic chalets beneath the Legendary Matterhorn Mountain, and much more.

 
But it is not all about alpine scenery; you will also get to know Turin, an Italian city set at the foot of the Alps, and on the included city tour, you’ll discover the secret treasures the former Italian capital has to offer.

 
In Bavaria, you will visit charming Linderhof Castle, the smallest but maybe the most elegant of King Ludwig’s three fairy-tale castles, which were the model for Disney’s Magic Kingdom.


One of the highlights of this Alpine tour is a memorable trip aboard the Glacier Express.  From your train windows, marvel at the thundering waterfalls, impressive snow-capped peaks, forests, lush meadows, and picture-perfect villages.


Passing over hundreds of bridges and through dozens of tunnels, this is Switzerland’s most famous mountain railway along with the journey aboard the Bernina Express which we will also enjoy from St Moritz, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy, as we travel on the highest railway across the Alps, witnessing glistening glaciers, stunning mountain streams, and alpine scenery
.


You will have many opportunities to practice your photographic skills on this amazing Alpine tour designed for savvy travel lovers!  It’s a dream vacation!

 


DAILY TRIP ITINERARY

 

OPTIONAL 2 NIGHT PRE TRIP OKTOBERFEST IN MUNICH GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 20-22, 2026


Arrive two days before the official start date of the tour and enjoy 2 days & nights in Munich to savor the fun and excitement of OKTOBERFEST IN MUNICH GERMANY

Oktoberfest is the world's largest Volksfest, featuring a beer festival and a travelling carnival, and is held annually in Munich, Bavaria (Germany), from mid- or late-September to the first Sunday in October.

 

 

Welcome to the Oktoberfest

OKTOBERFEST FEATURES MANY LARGE TENTED BEER HALLS WITH LIVE GERMAN MUSIC, GERMAN FOOD AND LOTS OF GERMAN BEER!

PLUS THRILLING CARNIVAL RIDES, GERMAN HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGES, BAVARIAN COSTUMES AND MORE!

ENJOY THE FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE, THE MUSIC, THE FOOD AND OF COURSE, THE BEER


Sept. 20, 2026 – Arrive in Munich Germany and make your way to our hotel,

 

NH Muenchen Messe

Located at Eggenfeldener STR. 100 Munich Germany

 

A First-Class Hotel

 

     Set in a modern building with a striking mirrored entrance, this modest 253-room hotel is located in the Zamdorf area of the city with excellent public transport links. Contemporary style guest rooms are decorated with lime-green feature walls and smart furniture, flat screen TVs and a pillow menu are standard. A selection of European and regional cuisine is served in the restaurant and the stylish lobby bar serves wine, cocktails, beer and soft drinks with an outdoor terrace for warmer months. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and there is also a compact fitness center.

 

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this delightful Bavarian capital.

 

This evening, meet up with your Singlescruisesandtours group escort.


Sept. 21st – Morning at leisure at our hotel
.

 

·                     This afternoon we will head from our hotel to the Oktoberfest fairgrounds, only a short distance from our hotel.  The afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the fairgrounds activities including festival games, carnival rides, such as roller coasters (including the largest transportable roller coaster in the world), the chair carousel, where you fly over the Oktoberfest grounds for a unique view and even the Toboggan  (which is much more fun to watch than to attempt it yourself.)

 

Check out the amazing views from the Ferris wheel

Oktoberfest’s Ferris wheel is a feat of engineering and is one of the largest transportable giant wheels in Europe. It takes you 50m up (164 feet) over the Wiesn (Oktoberfest fairgrounds) for incredible views of Munich’s landmarks, the Oktoberfest beer tents and crowds, and the snowy Alps on the other side.

And unlike typical Ferris wheels that take you up and over on one verrry slow rotation, this one takes you around many times at a much faster rate. It’s not exactly a thrill ride, but it’s not your grandmother’s Ferris wheel either.

It’s the absolute best way to get a full view of the Oktoberfest grounds.

 

 

·         There is even the world’s largest free fall tower, plus carnival games, live musical performances (including Bavarian bands and Oompah bands at the fairgrounds)

   

·         Traditional Costumes:  See people dressed in traditional Bavarian attire like Dirndls (women's dresses) and Lederhosen (men's shorts).

  ·      
 
Plus other local German Oktoberfest attractions and ceremonies.

 

Just about every day of Oktoberfest, tourists are able to meet the breweries’ carriage-pulling horses.  You can usually find them parked outside their respective beer tents until mid-afternoon each day, for the perfect photo ops. (Just watch where you step.)

 

And Yes, there are great Oktoberfest shopping opportunities.

 

The Bavarian horses found at Oktoberfest .


Word to the wise
: rides first, beer last

This evening we will meet up again in front of one of the large beer tents where we will have reservations for the evening.

Enjoy the German music, the festive atmosphere, the German food and …of course, the German Beer. (Food and drinks are not included in the price of the trip, so you will simply order whatever you wish and then at the end of the evening, you will simply pay for the food and drinks you ordered )

 

The huge German steins (mUgs) of beer served at the Oktoberfest beer tents.

Delicious Bavarian food specialties at Oktoberfest

 

The Oktoberfest fairgrounds are open from 11am-11pm.  We will leave together at a designated time or you can stay as long as you wish until the 11pm closing time and then make your own way back to our hotel, just a short taxi ride from the fairgrounds.


Sept. 22nd, 2026
– Morning at leisure. 

 

This afternoon, if you wish, join us for an optional Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour of Munich.  No advance sign up is needed for this activity, as those wishing, will just depart together with your SCAT trip escort from the hotel and head to the pickup point of the hop on/off bus tour.  (Each participant in this activity can simply purchase their hop on/off day tour ticket from the bus tour rep when we board the bus).  The tour ticket is valid for unlimited hop on and off sightseeing that day, so you can either follow your SCAT leader in our suggested stops on and off, or do as you wish, getting on and off whenever and wherever you wish.


This evening we will meet back at our hotel for a tour orientation for tomorrow’s official start of the trip tour.


BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED AT OUR HOTEL, EACH DAY OF OUR TOUR, ALONG WITH 2 DINNERS DURING THE TOUR.

 

(The 2 included dinner nights are on Sept. 23rd in Innsbruck Austria and on the 26th in the Taesch/Zermatt Switzerland area)


SEPT. 23RD, 2026 – INNSBRUCK AUSTRIA AND LINDERHOF CASTLE

 


Beautiful Linderhof Palace which we will visit today.

   

  A fascinating itinerary today. First, see Munich’s most famous square Marienplatz, then head south to visit Linderhof Castle—the smallest of the three Bavarian fairytale palaces commissioned by King Ludwig II and inspired by Louis XIV’s Versailles. The rococo-style Linderhof is surrounded by splendid Italian Renaissance gardens. Continue into Austria through the scenic Inn Valley to Innsbruck to admire its fascinating town center and historic Golden Roof.

Overnight in Innsbruck Austria

 

SEPT. 24TH, 2026 – BRUNICO ITALY, NOVACELLO ABBEY, THEN ON TO CORTINA ITALY

·       
As you cross from the Austrian to the Italian Tyrol, witness glorious alpine landscapes as you head to visit Novacella Abbey, a Baroque masterpiece still inhabited by Augustinian monks. Also stop in Brunico, a picturesque town combining international flair with Alpine traditions. Feast on breathtaking views as you travel through the splendid Dolomites, UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the celebrated winter resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Overnight in Cortina Italy

 

SEPT. 25TH, 2026 – THE SCENIC DOLOMITE MOUNTAINS, LAKE CORTEZA AND THEN ON TO BOLZANO ITALY

 


The Spectacular Dolomite Mountains of Italy

 

This morning, travel through the spectacular Dolomites, then over Falzarego and Pordoi Passes. Stop at enchanting Lake Carezza to admire its brilliant rainbow hues. Search for the beautiful mermaid who, according to legend, hid here from the romantic pursuits of a powerful wizard. On to Bolzano Italy.  Bolzano is the site of the famous “Ice Man Ötzi” from the Bronze Age.

 

This afternoon, if you wish, join us for an optional excursion

 

Beauty Below the Alps

 

Treat yourself to a visit to the lovely town of Merano, situated in the stunning setting of the Italian Alps. Your visit Includes a visit to the Forst Braustuberl for a bite and a brew.
Duration: 4 hours from 1:30-5:30pm

Cost of this option afternoon excursion is between $25-50 per person

(Optional excursions can be signed up for, beginning 90 days prior to the June 22nd trip start date).

 

Overnight in Bolzano Italy.

 

Sept. 26th, 2026  ENGADINE NATIONAL PARK AND ST. MORITZ SWITZERLAND

 

Enjoy the visit to Glorenza, the smallest fortified city in Tyrol and ideally situated where Switzerland, Austria, and Italy meet. Via Tubre Pass, descend into Engadine National Park’s 66 square miles of unspoiled nature with deep blue lakes, airy larch forests that turn golden in the fall, 12,000-foot-high peaks, and quaint villages with characteristic Grisons-style homes. It is Switzerland’s only national park.

 

Glorenza, the smallest fortified city in Tyrol and ideally situated where Switzerland, Austria, and Italy meet.

Continue to glamorous St. Moritz, the oldest and most famous winter resort in the world.

 

After today’s site-seeing, dinner is included tonight.

 

Stunning views of St. Moritz Switzerland where we will enjoy staying tonight.

Sept. 27th, 2026 - DAY AT LEISURE TO RELAX, SHOP OR EXPLORE ST. MORITZ.


A whole day to do as you please in this stylish Swiss spa resort town. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery, hiking opportunities, and superb shopping.

 

Sept. 28th, 2026   BERNINA EXPRESS SCENIC TRAIN RIDE & LAKE COMO

 


One of the many panoramic views from the Panoramic windows on the incredible Bernina Express Train ride included in our trip today.

 

Today, we will all experience a memorable trip aboard the Bernina Express Train. Crossing the Alps to Tirano in Italy, this spectacular rail journey takes you to altitudes greater than 7,000 feet. Later, rejoin your motor coach and head to the shores of Lake Como, Italy’s third-largest lake and one of the deepest in Europe.

 

We will stay the night at a hotel in Como.

 

Enchanting Lake Como.

 

The Bernina Express is a scenic train route that runs through the Swiss Alps, offering stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and lakes. 

 

  The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes and is included in your trip price.

   

Route Highlights: The route includes the Landwasser Viaduct, the Montebello curve with views of the Bernina massif, the Morteratsch glacier, and the three lakes Lej Pitschen, Lej Nair, and Lago Bianco. 

 

 

 

Key Features:

 

Panoramic Views:

The train features large panoramic windows for unobstructed views of the scenery. It is one of the most scenic train rides in the world!

 

UNESCO World Heritage Site:

The route is part of the Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact the entire route has been declared a UNESCO world heritage attraction.

 

·        Variety of Landscapes:

The journey crosses the Swiss Engadin Alps, offering a mix of mountain peaks, valleys, and glaciers. 

 

·        Comfortable Travel:

The train is equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seats, and on-board catering. 

 

 

 

Sept. 29, 2026, Lake Como to Turin/Torino Italy. (Home of the 2026 Winter Olympics)

 

Travel through the Po Valley to Turin, birthplace of Fiat automobiles and home to the legendary Holy Shroud. Upon arrival, visit all the major sites with a Local Guide.

Sept. 30th, 2026 Turin to Aosta and on to Zermatt & the magnificent MATTERHORN

 

Views of The Aosta Valley on today’s drive

 

·       
A pleasant drive through the Aosta Valley, known as the smallest region in Italy and a popular winter sports area. Stop to visit Aosta, where an optional guided tour reveals this hidden gem of Italy complete with Roman monuments and beautiful churches with a trio of traditions in French, Italian, and Swiss cultures. Enter Switzerland via ancient Martigny and Sion, through one of the Swiss wine-making regions, then head to the charming Zermatt area, home of the magnificent Matterhorn mountain, standing tall to be witnessed by all who visit Zermatt Switzerland.

Tonight dinner is included in the Zermatt/Taesch area, where we will enjoy the night.

 


One of the many views of the mighty Matterhorn in Zermatt Switzerland

October 1st, 2026 – FREE DAY IN ZERMATT/TAESCH TO EXPLORE

  
Enjoy the entire day in this well-known mountain resort town, situated in the shadow of the legendary Matterhorn Mountain. Stroll along the narrow, car free streets (no cars or other vehicles other than luggage carts are allowed on the streets of Zermatt), lined with a variety of shops, cafés, and bars.

 

Just about anywhere you walk (or sit to eat and/or drink) you will have stunning views of the magnificent Matterhorn mountain.

 

The view of the Matterhorn from Zermatt is a classic and iconic sight, with the mountain's distinctive pyramid shape dominating the landscape. Zermatt offers numerous viewpoints for admiring the Matterhorn, including the Gornergrat Railway and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. 

Here's a more detailed look at some of the best views:

 

Gornergrat:

 

This train ride offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks, including the EigerMönch, and Jungfrau

 

 

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:

.

This area offers a 360° viewing platform with views of 38 four-thousanders and 14 glaciers in France, Italy, and Switzerland. 

 

 

Schwarzsee:

.

The view of the Matterhorn reflected in the mirror-like surface of Schwarzsee is particularly beautiful and photogenic. 

 

 

Trockener Steg:

.

At an altitude of 2939 m, a spectacular view of the Matterhorn's east face unfolds. 

 

  Rothorn:

Some locals consider this the most photogenic side of the Matterhorn. 

 

 

Blauherd:

 

This sun-drenched plateau at around 2571 metres above sea level offers a great vantage point for taking in the Alpine panorama. 

Take your day higher with a breath of fresh air on an optional open-air cog-railway ride on the Gornergrat Bahn, lifting you and your spirits up to 10,132 ft for stunning up close (and up high) views of the Matterhorn.(You can either sign up for this optional cog rail cable car ride with us anytime within 90 days of the Sept. 22md trip start date to ensure your ticket the cable car ride, or you can purchase your cable car ticket that morning at the ticket office in Zermatt.)

 

Europe's highest mountain railway cable car takes you to the Gornergrat (10,132 feet) in 40 minutes. The incomparable panoramic views embrace some of Switzerland's loftiest peaks, including the world-famous Matterhorn.

Sublime peaks, picturesque landscapes, and unforgettable adventures await you. The cogwheel train takes you to 3100 meters, where you'll witness the breathtaking sight of the Matterhorn, 28 other peaks over 4000 meters, and the Gorner Glacier. Explore untouched nature and visit the interactive exhibition "ZOOOM the Matterhorn".

At the top there are several walking trails, a museum, an observation deck and a restaurant.


The mighty Matterhorn in the background of the ride on the optional Gornergrat train ride today in Zermatt.

We will enjoy a 2nd overnight in the lively Zermatt/Taesch area.

 

 

October 2nd, 2026  - GLACIER EXPRESS SCENIC TRAIN RIDE

Today, another highlight of your tour: the world-renowned Glacier Express Train. Board Switzerland’s most famous mountain railway, which passes over hundreds of bridges and through dozens of tunnels to give unique panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and surrounding valleys, forests, alpine meadows, rushing streams, and picture-perfect villages. Rejoin your motor coach for the descent into the dramatically different landscape of the lovely Lucerne area.

 

The train ride lasts 4 hours, is included in your trip price and is followed by a coach ride from the ending point of the train to our hotel for the night in Lucerne Switzerland.

After checking in to our hotel, you can relax, explore the very walkable charming and scenic lakeside village of Lucerne, with its many shops along Lake Lucerne.

 

 And/or if you wish, take an optional excursion with us on an optional funicular ride, and aboard the world’s first double-decker, open-top aerial cable car to the summit of Stanserhorn.

Starting at the intermediate station, the aerial cableway with its open roof deck is one of the main attractions. It is a truly amazing feeling to stand up there on the roof of the double-deck panorama cabin and experience up close the passage between the supporting masts, just enjoying the headwind and the magnificent view – without any cables overhead.

The duration of the ride to the summit is only 24 minutes.

 


The Double Deck Open top Stanserhorn Cabrio Cableway.

On the summit, enjoy the option to take the circular walk, and/or meet rangers who are happy to assist with identifying flowers and mountains. Halfway around the circular walk, the marmots await – as well as the summit restaurant “Rondorama”, which revolves around its axis.

 

Take the CabriO cableway to Stanserhorn

Ride through cableway history

The fascinating rides up the Stanserhorn on the funicular railway (which dates back to 1893) and the world’s only CabriO aerial cableway (launched 2012) are like a journey through cableway history.

Once at the summit, enjoy a meal – such as our Älplermagronen served in an edelweiss pot – in the revolving restaurant and browse the well-stocked souvenir shop, talk to the Stanserhorn rangers and admire the marmots, the 100-kilometre long Alpine chain and 10 Swiss lakes, visit the nature reserve containing enchanting fauna and flora, and much more. 1900 metres above everyday life – welcome to the Stanserhorn’s cableways.

Tonight we will enjoy the night in lovely Lucerne Switzerland.

 

 

October 3rd, 2026 LUCERN-INTERLAKEN-BERN TO ZURICH SWITZERLAND

 

This morning, if you wish, enjoy an optional boat ride on Lake Lucerne.

Experience the hypnotic beauty of sparkling Lake Lucerne on this enjoyable 1-hour sightseeing cruise.  Reservations for this optional 1 hour cruise can be made starting 90 days before the Sept. 22nd start date of your tour.

 

Then, we will depart Lucerne together, Cross Brünig Pass and continue to Interlaken, Switzerland. Along the way, take photos of the Jungfrau massif with its three legendary peaks: Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. Next we will travel through some of the country’s best farmland to the Swiss capital, Bern, where sightseeing includes the bear park and the Federal Palace.

 

Then, we will continue to Zurich, where we will stay the final night of our 2 week tour of the fabulous lakes, mountains, castles, trains and towns of Italy, Switzerland and Austria.


October 4th, 2026 – Your tour ends with our final daily included breakfast this morning.

 

Make your flight arrangements to fly home from Zurich Switzerland today.

 

 

TRIP PRICE:  $3849 PER PERSON WITH 2 PEOPLE PER ROOM

 

OPTIONAL SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: ONLY $720 (THERE ARE A LIMITED NUMBER OF SINGLE OCCUPANCY ROOMS AVAILABLE, SO PLEASE BOOK EARLY IF YOU WISH THE SINGLE OCCUPANCY OPTION RATHER THAN ASKING US TO ASSIGN YOU A ROOMMATE OR TRAVELING WITH YOUR OWN FRIEND.)

 

 

A NON REFUNDABLE $250 DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED WITHIN 7 DAYS OR BOOKING

 

THE BALANCE IS DUE JUNE 15TH

 

THE BALANCE PAYMENT IS NON REFUNDABLE UNLESS YOU CAN BE REPLACED WITH ANOTHER PASSENGER.

 

The price of the optional 2 night Oktoberfest pre trip extension Sept. 20-22nd is $400 per person including accommodations at the same hotel in Munich which is used for the first night of the tour itinerary on Sept. 22nd.

 

 If you wish to add this, please indicate so at the time of making your reservation. (This does not include any food, drink, rides, or souvenirs at Oktoberfest, nor the transport from our hotel to the fairgrounds and back.  Each of these items will be paid by each passenger at the time of service in Munich/ at the Oktoberfest).

 

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